The Definitive Guide to Qatar Airways’ Direct Routes From the U.S. [Plane Types & Seat Options]

Qatar Airways is one of the world’s fastest-growing full-service carriers. With an ideally located hub in the Middle East, it serves as a key connection point for travelers flying from North America to Africa, Central Asia, and even Southeast Asia.

The airline, a member of the Oneworld alliance, offers flights to many U.S. gateways, providing travelers with 1-stop connectivity to many far-flung destinations around the world, making it one of the best options for long-haul travelers.

However, the main reason Qatar Airways has come to be known as one of the world’s top carriers is its industry-leading business class product, Qsuite, which is one of the most aspirational products you can fly.

In this guide, we’ll show you which U.S. routes are flown by Qatar Airways’ various aircraft types, as well as the best planes and seats you should be booking.

Let’s get into it!

Qatar Airways Seat Options by Aircraft Type

Qatar Airways uses a hub-and-spoke model, connecting passengers coming from “spokes” in its network through its central hub, located in Qatar’s capital city, Doha (DOH).

Currently, Qatar Airways uses 5 different types of planes on flights to the U.S.:

• Airbus A350-1000
• Airbus A350-900 (with Qsuites)
• Airbus A350-900 (without Qsuites)
• Boeing 777-300ER
• Boeing 777-200LR

And here’s a chart that walks you through the various U.S. routes available, including each route’s flight number, aircraft type, cabin classes on offer, and frequencies:

Route	Flight No.	Aircraft	Cabin Classes	Frequency
Atlanta (ATL) – Doha (DOH)	QR 756	A350-900 until March 25, 2022; then A350-900 (Qsuite)	Business, Economy	5x weekly until March 25, 2022; then 4x weekly
Boston (BOS) – Doha (DOH)	QR 744	A350-900 (Qsuite)	Business, Economy	Daily
Chicago (ORD) – Doha (DOH)	QR 724/726	QR 724: 777-200LR   QR 726: 777-300ER	Business, Economy	QR 724: 5x weekly   QR 726: Daily
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – Doha (DOH)	QR 730/732	QR 730: A350-1000   QR 732: 777-200LR	Business, Economy	QR 730: Daily   QR 732: 5x weekly until March 26, 2022; then daily
Houston (IAH) – Doha (DOH)	QR 714	A350-1000	Business, Economy	Daily
Los Angeles (LAX) – Doha (DOH)	QR 740/742	A350-1000	Business, Economy	QR 740: 3x weekly until March 12, 2022; then daily   QR 742: 3x weekly until May 31, 2022; then daily
Miami (MIA) – Doha (DOH)	QR 778	A350-1000	Business, Economy	Daily
New York (JFK) – Doha (DOH)	QR 702/704/706	A350-1000	Business, Economy	QR 702: Daily   QR 704: Daily QR 706: 4x weekly from March 29, 2022
Philadelphia (PHL) – Doha (DOH)	QR 728	A350-900 (Qsuite)	Business, Economy	Daily
San Francisco (SFO) – Doha (DOH)	QR 738	A350-1000	Business, Economy	Daily
Seattle (SEA) – Doha (DOH)	QR 720	777-200LR	Business, Economy	Daily
Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Doha (DOH)	QR 708/710	QR 708: A350-1000 until March 26, 2022; then 777-300ER   QR 710: 777-200LR	Business, Economy	QR 708: Daily   QR 710: 3x weekly until May 29, 2022; then daily from June 1, 2022

Best Points To Earn To Fly Qatar Airways

There are plenty of ways to earn Avios for flights on Qatar Airways.

At a high level, we recommend using American Airlines AAdvantage, Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and British Airways Executive Club to book Qatar Airways flights. You can also use Qatar Airways’ own frequent flyer program, Privilege Club, to book award travel.

The best loyalty program to use will depend on the type(s) of transferable points you have, the route you’re flying, and which cabin class you’re booking.

Qatar Airways First Class Options

Qatar Airways first class is only offered on its Airbus A380 aircraft, of which the carrier only has 10.

It’s generally only flown to premier markets like London-Heathrow (LHR) and Paris (CDG), and they’re not deployed on any U.S. routes.

Qatar Airways Business Class Options

Qatar Airways uses 5 different types of planes on flights to the U.S.

In this section, we’ll walk you through the different aircraft, including our top choices, and we’ll break down each type’s seat map and give you our recommendations for the best seats.

Qatar Airways A350-1000 Qsuite

Our favorite iteration of Qatar’s Qsuite is found on the high-tech Airbus A350-1000. Why? This newer aircraft is one of the most fuel-efficient planes out there and boasts superior construction.

The cabin is constructed from carbon composites and other alloys that minimize noise and maximize humidity for a more comfortable flight.

Business class on this aircraft features 46 Qsuites arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration across a larger forward cabin and a mini-cabin behind it. Each suite measures 21.5 inches wide and 80 inches long in bed mode.

Here’s Qatar Airways’ A350-1000 seat map:

The E and F seats are the famous double-bed suites — they’re also rear-facing, which is a unique novelty. We recommend these “honeymoon” seats to couples traveling together.

Odd-numbered A and K seats are the best for solo travelers thanks to the extra privacy you’ll get from the aisle compared to B and J seats.

Families traveling together can reserve quad Qsuites at 1E/1F/2D/2G, 3E/3F/4D/4G, and so on.

At the moment, Qatar Airways flies to the following U.S. cities with the A350-1000:

• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – Doha (DOH) on QR 730
• Houston (IAH) – Doha (DOH)
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Doha (DOH)
• Miami (MIA) – Doha (DOH)
• New York (JFK) – Doha (DOH)
• San Francisco (SFO) – Doha (DOH)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Doha (DOH) on QR 708 until March 26, 2022

Qatar Airways A350-900 Qsuite

Qatar Airways’ A350-900 Qsuites are almost identical to those on the A350-1000. The main difference is that the -900 has a slightly shorter range and a smaller passenger capacity.

The Qsuite itself has the same specs: 21.5 inches wide and 80 inches long in bed mode. However, on the -900 there are 36 suites in total — 12 in the rear cabin and 24 in the forward cabin.

The double beds are found at the E and F seat pairs — we recommend these for couples traveling together. If you’re flying solo, you’ll be in great shape if you reserve an A or K window seat.

You’ll find the Qsuite-equipped A350-900 aircraft on the following routes to/from the U.S.:

• Atlanta (ATL) – Doha (DOH) after March 25, 2022
• Boston (BOS) – Doha (DOH)
• Philadelphia (PHL) – Doha (DOH)

Qatar Airways 777-300ER Qsuite

Our next choice is the Boeing 777-300ER. It offers a high seating capacity, but may be less comfortable than the A350-1000 and A350-900 as it doesn’t have some of the high-tech features these newer aircraft have.

Each Qsuite is slightly smaller on the 777-300ER, at 21 inches wide instead of 21.5 inches. The seat pitch and bed length are the same, though, at 80 inches each.

The configuration is the same, too, with a 1-2-1 layout with alternating forward- and rear-facing seats. The 42 Qsuites are spread across 2 cabins, with 18 suites in the rear cabin and 24 in the front.

For those traveling by themselves, we recommend the A and K seats. We think the very best seats are 10A and 10K due to their location in the mini-cabin away from the lavatories.

From a privacy perspective, 11E and 11F are the best double-bed Qsuites for those traveling with a companion.

Qatar Airways’ 777-300ER is found on the following U.S. routes:

• Chicago (ORD) – Doha (DOH) on QR 726
• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Doha (DOH) on QR 708 after March 26, 2022

Qatar Airways 777-200LR Qsuite

The last Qsuite product we’ll discuss is found on the Boeing 777-200LR, which is simply the long-range variant of the 777-200.

The Qsuites are the same as those found on the 777-300ER, coming in at 21 inches wide and 80 inches long in bed mode.

There are 42 Qsuites in total, with 18 in the rear mini-cabin and 24 in the forward cabin:

We always recommend picking mini-cabin seats if possible, and this is no exception. If possible, solo travelers should reserve 10A or 10K window seats, while couples should book 11E/F or 9E/F.

The long-range 777-200LR is found on the following routes:

• Chicago (ORD) – Doha (DOH) on QR 724
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – Doha (DOH) on QR 732
• Seattle (SEA) – Doha (DOH) 
• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Doha (DOH) on QR 710

Qatar Airways A350-900 Business Class

The last aircraft we’ll discuss in the business class section is the non-Qsuite-equipped Airbus A350-900.

As the only aircraft flown to the U.S. without Qsuites installed, this is our least-preferred option.

This business class cabin consists of reverse-herringbone seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access and fully lie-flat seats.

Each of these 36 seats measures 22 inches wide and 80 inches long in bed mode. There are 24 seats in the forward cabin and 12 in the rear mini-cabin.

Here’s what the seat map looks like:

The biggest difference between Qsuites and these reverse herringbone seats is that Qsuites have much more privacy and versatility. This more traditional reverse-herringbone product doesn’t have a tall seat shell, a sliding door, or the ability to create double beds or quad suites.

Since these seats are all more or less the same, our recommendation is to simply avoid seats near the lavatories and galleys, if possible.

This non-Qsuite aircraft is found on the following U.S. route:

• Atlanta (ATL) – Doha (DOH) until March 25, 2022

Bottom Line: For the best experience, avoid Qatar Airways’ non-Qsuite A350-900 aircraft. Beyond that, the differences among the various Qsuite-equipped aircraft are minor. 

Qatar Airways Premium Economy Options

Currently, Qatar Airways doesn’t offer any flights with premium economy to or from the U.S.

Qatar Airways Economy Class Options

Now it’s time to talk about coach class.

As you’ll find out, we have strong preferences — and aversions — for certain seats and planes.

Qatar Airways A350-900 Economy Class

Of all the possible options, our favorite economy cabin on Qatar Airways is on the Airbus A350-900 (non-Qsuite).

Why? It’s simple: the seats are the widest, and there are a handful of preferential seats with extra legroom.

Each seat is 18 inches wide, which isn’t industry-leading, but it is the widest you’ll find on Qatar. Each of the 247 seats has 31 to 32 inches of legroom, and they’re arranged (mostly) in a 3-3-3 configuration.

Here’s what the seat map looks like:

The best seats are 17D, 17E, 17F, and row 30 seats. All of these seats have extra legroom, though row 30 seats may be slightly worse due to their proximity to the lavatories and galleys.

You should avoid seats in rows 16, 43, and 44 if at all possible. Row 16 seats have restricted legroom, while rows 43 and 44 are all the way at the back of the plane with limited recline and right next to the galleys and lavatories.

This aircraft is only flown on 1 U.S. route:

• Atlanta (ATL) – Doha (DOH) until March 25, 2022

Qatar Airways A350-900 (With Qsuites) Economy Class

Next up is Qatar Airways’ A350-900 (with Qsuites) economy.

Again, there are 247 seats, but they are slightly narrower at around 17.5 inches wide. The seat pitch is the same, though, at 31 to 32 inches each, and the 3-3-3 configuration is the same, as shown below:

The best seats are at row 30, thanks to the exit row affording extra legroom. Row 16 seats could be good for extra legroom, but the bulkhead might restrict the “stretchability” of extra-tall flyers.

Avoid rows 28, 29, 43, and 44 due to the close proximity to the lavatories and restricted recline.

Currently, you’ll find the A350-900 with Qsuites on the following routes:

• Atlanta (ATL) – Doha (DOH) after March 25, 2022
• Boston (BOS) – Doha (DOH)
• Philadelphia (PHL) – Doha (DOH)

Qatar Airways 777-200LR Economy Class

The Boeing 777-200LR can fit 230 travelers in economy with a hybrid 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 configuration. The seats are narrower — 16.9 to 17.4 inches wide — though pitch is unchanged at 31 to 32 inches.

Here’s what the seat map looks like:

Seats 17D/E/F, 19D, 27A/B/C/H/J/K, and 29D are the best picks thanks to the extra legroom you’ll find at each.

We recommend avoiding any seats near the lavatories, including the red-colored ones illustrated above.

The 777-200LR can be found on the following routes to the U.S.:

• Chicago (ORD) – Doha (DOH) on QR 724
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – Doha (DOH) on QR 732
• Seattle (SEA) – Doha (DOH) 
• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Doha (DOH) on QR 710

Qatar Airways 777-300ER Economy Class

Qatar Airways’ 777-300ER economy cabin has a 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 seating arrangement with each seat being 17 inches wide and offering 31 to 32 inches of pitch.

The enormous plane has a whopping 312 economy seats. However, there are quite a few preferential seats, as outlined in the seat map below:

Rows 16 and 35 have excellent legroom, as well as row 23 (excluding A and K seats due to the exit door protrusion).

Seats in rows 34 and 45 will have limited recline, which is a big “no-no” for long-haul travel. They’re also close to the galleys and lavatories — yet another reason to avoid them.

You’ll find the 777-300ER on the following routes:

• Chicago (ORD) – Doha (DOH) on QR 726
• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Doha (DOH) on QR 708 after March 26, 2022

Qatar Airways A350-1000 Economy Class

The last product we’ll discuss is the A350-1000 economy cabin, which has 281 seats in a 3-3-3 layout.

Each of the seats is 16.9 to 17.4 inches wide and offers 31 to 32 inches of pitch.

The best seats for solo travelers are 31A or 31K, which don’t have seats in front of them.

Couples traveling together may wish to choose 30A/C, 30H/K, 16A/B, or 16H/K, as these have extra legroom and occupy their own little area. We recommend avoiding rows 29, 47, and 48. The impetus for this is that rows 29, 47, and 48 all have restricted recline space and are positioned right next to the galleys and lavatories.

Here are Qatar Airways’ A350-1000 routes to/from the U.S.:

• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – Doha (DOH) on QR 730
• Houston (IAH) – Doha (DOH)
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Doha (DOH)
• Miami (MIA) – Doha (DOH)
• New York (JFK) – Doha (DOH)
• San Francisco (SFO) – Doha (DOH)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Doha (DOH) on QR 708 until March 26, 2022

Final Thoughts

Qatar Airways flies nonstop to plenty of U.S. airports, including all of the international gateways you’d expect, like Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK), and secondary hubs like Philadelphia (PHL) and Seattle (SEA).

If you’re booking any Qsuite ticket, you’re in great shape. If we had to pick one, however, it’d be the Airbus A350-1000. The cabin construction helps regulate the onboard climate, which can go a long way in terms of comfort and fighting jet lag.

Unfortunately, there are some Airbus A350-900 aircraft that don’t have Qsuites and instead have reverse-herringbone seats. There’s actually nothing wrong with these seats, but Qsuites are far superior.

If you’re flying in coach, our favorite seats are found on the A350-900s without Qsuites, thanks to their greater width compared to the other aircraft in Qatar’s fleet.