Updated September 2025:
Qatar Airways has a reputation for luxury in the skies, but what really stood out to me the first time I flew their Airbus A350-900 was how quiet and comfortable the cabin felt compared to older aircraft. With 34 of these jets in the fleet, the A350-900 is now one of Qatar’s workhorses on long-haul routes.
If you’re in the points game, like me, you can even grab a seat using Virgin Velocity Rewards or transfer Amex points directly to Qatar Airways. A strategy I’ve used to book Business & First Class without paying a cent. Just be mindful of the upcoming devaluation on Amex Membership Rewards, which may affect the value you get.
Ensure you use a point redemption value calculator to better understand the value and get more bang for your buck.
Knowing the seat map before you fly makes a huge difference. Whether it’s Qatar’s A350-900 or Emirates’ flagship A380 seat map it’s always important to understand the aircraft you are flying, especially when it comes to getting value for money. So let’s look at Qatar’s two A350-900 configurations and how to choose the best seat.
Airbus A350-900 Overview
The Airbus A350-900 is a wide-body aircraft developed by Airbus, featuring advanced aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and fuel-efficient engines.
These features not only make the A350-900 environmentally friendly but also provide a quieter, more comfortable flying experience for passengers.
Qatar Airways uses this aircraft on various international routes. It offers two different seating configurations to cater to the needs of both business and economy class passengers. If you’re flying soon and need help getting organized, check out my ultimate travel packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything essential!
A350-900 Seat Map Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways similar to the Boeing 777-200LR, has two main seating configurations for its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, each offering a unique experience for passengers.
1. Business Class with Super Diamond Seats
In Configuration 1, Qatar Airways’ A350-900 aircraft features 36 flatbed seats in Business Class and 247 standard seats in Economy Class. This configuration is known for its Super Diamond seats in Business Class. In fact I found they were quite similar to Cathay Pacifics A350 1000 Business Class Seats.
Business Class (Super Diamond Seats):
- Layout: The Business Class cabin in this configuration is arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access. The seats are designed to provide a private and spacious environment, perfect for relaxation or work.
- Features: These Super Diamond seats recline into a fully flat bed, allowing for maximum comfort on long-haul flights. Each seat comes with a large entertainment screen, ample storage space, and a comfortable seat cushion and upholstery. While these are not the famous QSuites, the Super Diamond seats still offer a high level of privacy with adjustable dividers between seats.
- Best Seats: The best seats in this configuration are those located in rows 1 through to 4. These seats are positioned mid to front of the cabin and offer more privacy and quicker service since they are closer to the galley. Furthermore, for those traveling in pairs, the middle seats (E and F) provide a shared experience while still maintaining privacy due to the adjustable dividers.
Economy Class
- Layout: Economy Class is arranged in a 3-3-3 layout, which is typical for most wide-body aircraft.
- Features: Each seat in Economy Class offers a comfortable pitch, adjustable headrests, and a personal entertainment screen.
- Best Seats: The best seats in Economy Class are usually the exit row & bulkhead seats, such as those in row 30. These seats provide extra legroom, making them ideal for taller passengers or those who simply want more space to stretch out.
2. Business Class with QSuites
Business Class QSuites:
The second configuration of Qatar Airways’ A350-900 aircraft also has 36 flatbed seats in Business Class and 247 standard seats in Economy Class. However, what sets this configuration apart is the introduction of the QSuites in Business Class.
This is indeed First in Business!
- Layout: The QSuites are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, similar to the Super Diamond seats, but with a more enhanced level of privacy and customization. Each suite is designed with sliding doors, creating a private cabin feel for every passenger.
- Features: The QSuites are a revolutionary design in Business Class seating. Each suite can be transformed into a double bed for passengers traveling together, and the middle suites can be configured into a quad arrangement, which is perfect for families or business groups. This flexibility is one of the standout features of the QSuites. Furthermore the seats also include generous storage spaces, high-quality bedding, and large entertainment screens.
- Best Seats: For solo travelers, window seats (A and K) are the best option. They offer maximum privacy & are situated right next to the window unlike B & J that are window seats but on the aisle side. For those traveling with a companion, the middle seats in rows 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, can be converted into a double bed. This makes them ideal for couples. Families or groups may prefer the middle quad arrangement, which is available in select rows.
Economy Class
- Layout: The Economy Class layout in Configuration 2 is identical to that in Configuration 1, with a 3-3-3 arrangement.
- Features: Economy passengers also benefit from comfortable seating, adjustable headrests, and individual entertainment systems.
- Best Seats: As with Configuration 1, the bulkhead seats and exit row seats are the most sought-after in Economy Class due to their extra legroom.
Routes for Qatar Airways A350 900
Qatar Airways uses the Airbus A350-900 on various long-haul routes from its hub in Doha. High-demand routes to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas are typically served by this aircraft. Some popular routes for the A350-900 include flights from Doha to London, New York, Paris, Singapore, and Sydney. The advanced technology and fuel efficiency of the A350-900 make it ideal for these long-distance flights, ensuring a comfortable journey for passengers regardless of their destination.
If you’re traveling to any of these destinations, it’s wise to review the updated visa waiver rules for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and the European ETIAS. Travelers, including those with Australian and USA passports, must now apply online for entry permission to the UK and European countries. A new entry/exit system (EES) is also being implemented in 2025.
What makes the Qsuites in business class unique compared to other airlines?
Qatar Airways’ Qsuites are considered one of the most innovative and luxurious business class products available. But not all routes have this treat in the skies. In fact a good number of the A350 900 are configured with the diamond seats. You will only be able to tell at the time of booking – and still they may change aircraft at the last minute!
Here’s a comprehensive guide on the Qatar Airways QSuite Routes which could come in handy if you want to fly the QSuites. It shows the different QSuite configurations between the Boeing 777 and the A350’s. You will even get to see which QSuites are windowless!
Once information is made available I will also update it to include the new 777-900 with the Next Gen QSuites which will come to our skies as early as 2025. This cabin is grounbreaking and include an incredible companion suite on the window side of the cabin.
For now, here are some key features that make Qsuites unique compared to other airlines’ business class offerings:
#1. Privacy Doors
Each Qsuite has sliding privacy doors that can be closed to create a fully enclosed private space.
#2. Flexible Configurations
- Double bed option: Middle seats can be converted into a double bed for couples traveling together.
- Quad arrangement: Sliding panels allow four middle seats to be transformed into an open “quad” space for families or groups traveling together.
#3. Spaciousness
The suites are extremely spacious and could pass for first class on many other airlines. Especially if you combine the two suites or the four suites to make the Quad arrangement. Claustrophobia is a thing of the past! So to is travel anxiety. Believe it or not these are real things that passengers consider when given a choice between airlines and their features.
#4. Attention to Detail
High-quality finishes and thoughtful design elements enhance the premium feel.
#5. Dine on Demand Service
Rather than being restricted to set meal times, anything from the extensive menu can be ordered by passengers at any time during the flight.
Passengers can create their own meal experience. For example, you could have a light snack a few hours into the flight and save heartier mains for later. Alternatively you could graze on several smaller dishes throughout the journey.
Despite the flexibility, there is still a structured four-course meal option available, typically served about an hour after takeoff.
#6. Advanced Entertainment Systems
Large personal screens (17-22 inches in Business Class) with extensive content options.
While other airlines, like Turkish Airlines with their “Turkoflot” A350-900, have introduced suites in business class, the combination of privacy, flexibility, and high-end amenities makes QSuites stand out as a particularly innovative and luxurious product in the business class market.
Starlink Wi-Fi
There’s a real wow factor when you get online in the air and it feels just like home. With Starlink on board, Qatar’s in-flight Wi-Fi feels like the fastest many passengers have ever used, and in many speed tests and reviews, it’s leading the pack.
- Coverage: Starlink is already on all of Qatar’s Boeing 777s and is being added to the Airbus A350s, with more planes coming soon. *Whilst the aircraft may have Starlink installed, you also need to check if it’s available on your specific route.
- Speed: It feels like home broadband which is fast enough to stream Netflix, watch live sports, or join a video call without freezing.
- Free and Unlimited: No codes, no logins, no limits. Just connect and go, whether you’re in business class or economy.
- User Experience: You can FaceTime your family, scroll TikTok, or work online the whole flight. Just hope the person next to you doesn’t start a loud video call!
Qatar Airways A350-900 FAQs (2025 Update)
Here are some of the most common questions about Qatar Airways’ Airbus A350-900 seat maps and cabins, updated for 2025.
Does Qatar Airways A350-900 have QSuites?
Yes, some of Qatar Airways’ Airbus A350-900 aircraft feature the award-winning QSuites in Business Class, while others use Super Diamond flatbed seats. You can usually tell at booking, but last-minute aircraft swaps are possible.
Which are the best seats on Qatar Airways A350-900 Business Class?
In QSuite equipped aircraft, the best seats are the window suites (A and K) for solo travelers and the middle pairs in rows 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 for couples. In the Super Diamond layout, rows 1–4 offer extra privacy and quicker service.
What’s the difference between QSuites and Super Diamond seats?
QSuites have sliding doors, double bed options, and quad-family layouts, making them more private and flexible. Super Diamond seats still recline into flatbeds with direct aisle access but lack doors and suite-style privacy.
Which routes does the Qatar Airways A350-900 fly in 2025?
Qatar Airways deploys the A350-900 on major long-haul routes from Doha, including flights to London, New York, Paris, Singapore, and Sydney. Both QSuite and Super Diamond versions operate on these routes.
Summing Up
The Qatar Airways A350-900 is one of those aircraft that actually makes me look forward to flying. It’s quiet, efficient, and the cabins feel more thoughtfully designed than many others I’ve flown. Its downside is not knowing which configuration you will land with!
And at the end of the day, the real trick is knowing your seat map. Picking the right row in Economy or securing a true window QSuite can turn a good flight into a great one. After years of flying, I’ve learned that seat choices often matter just as much as the airline itself. That’s why I always check the configuration before booking. It’s a small step that pays off big in comfort.
Regardless of the configuration, travelers can expect top-notch service, comfort, and amenities on board Qatar Airways’ A350-900 aircraft. With Emirates unveiling their new A350-900 I would certainly be looking at booking on Qatars QSuite Variant.
Happy Travels!
