There has been a 3x increase in business class bookings on international flights. On long-haul USA-India routes, many travelers now choose premium cabins like Premium Economy and Business Class. The leading operator on the route, Air India, is also planning to add more premium seats as part of its broader expansion plans.
Air India nonstop flights remain a popular choice for convenience, though recent airspace restrictions have added to travel time. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways continues to attract those seeking luxury through its Qsuites. This article explores Qatar Airways Qsuites vs Air India business class on the Airbus A350, helping you decide what’s best for your trip.
Qatar Airways QSuites vs Air India Business Class in A350
A350 Fleet
When adding widebody aircraft to their fleets, most airlines are now opting for Airbus A350 for operational flexibility, superior fuel efficiency and of course passenger comfort. Qatar Airways was the launch customer and largest operator of A350, having 58 A350 jets in service and 18 on order. Meanwhile, Air India fleet only has 6 Airbus A350s in service and 44 are on order.
Award-Winning Business Class Airline
Qatar Airways has been winning the title of “World’s Best Business Class” for nine consecutive years now at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards. From lounges to inflight services, Qatar Airways offers the best business class product. Air India, on the other hand, is trying to enhance its business class offering after the takeover by Tatas.
While Air India Boeing 777 is often criticized for its older aircraft, broken seats, sub-par inflight entertainment system and 2-3-2 seating configuration. The new Air India A350 business class offers spacious business class seats and cleaner cabins. Although many believe the Qatar Airways QSuites are still better.
Best Business Class Seat
When traveling, comfortable and spacious seats are what passengers need. Qatar Airways takes a lead here as the airline’s QSuite has been awarded “World’s Best Business Class seat” by Skytrax. According to a passenger who flew from Dallas to Delhi via Doha, Qatar Airways A350 Qsuite has 46 seats. 38 in the front cabin and 8 more behind the business class entry. The 1-2-1 layout ensures each passenger gets direct aisle access. The footwell is generous, the spacious Qatar Airways business class seat transforms into a fully flat bed with 180° recline and doors ensure complete privacy.
While Air India business class seats on Boeing 777 were significantly older and criticized, the seats on the new Airbus A350 aircraft are well-received by passengers. The business class cabins in Air India A350s have 28 seats, all of which fit between the front and second doors. When compared to Qatar Airways, Air India has a smaller business class cabin but follows the same 1-2-1 layout. Air India passengers in business class also get a 79” full flat bed with privacy doors, making it a perfect private suite.
Award-Winning Airport Lounge
Qatar Airways’ Al Mourjan Lounge- The Garden at Hamad International Airport has been named the World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge at the Skytrax Awards 2025. The lounge offers exceptional services for passengers traveling from the USA to India via Doha. Open 24/7, it features a spa, quiet rooms, fitness center and fine dining options. What sets it apart is access to the world’s first Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno, reserved for Qatar Airways business class and first class travelers. Qatar Airways has also partnered with many airport lounges in USA and India to offer business class travelers a comfortable airport experience.
Air India lounges are available both in India and USA. The Air India Maharaja Lounge at JFK Airport is located at Terminal 4 and is open for business class passengers from 10:30 AM to 8 PM. It offers standard lounge facilities, including comfortable seating, complimentary food, internet access and accessibility support. Air India has also partnered with other premium lounges like Swissport Lounge at Chicago O’Hare and SAS Lounge at Newark Liberty to offer passengers lounge experience. As the Maharaja Lounge at Delhi’s T3 is under renovations, the airline has partnered with Encalm Privé lounge.
Nonstop Flights from USA to India
Qatar Airways does not operate nonstop flights between the USA and India. Instead, it offers one-stop connections via Doha from major U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Houston, New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Miami. Travel time depends on the layover in Doha. For example, flight 702 / 578 from New York JFK to Delhi takes around 18 hours 25 minutes, while flight 704 / 578 on the same route can take up to 29 hours 5 minutes.
Air India takes the lead as the primary operator of nonstop flights between India and the USA. The airline currently flies nonstop to New York JFK, Newark, San Francisco, and Chicago. However, flights between Washington and India will be suspended starting September 1. Air India has also reduced frequencies on some USA-India routes, while recent airspace restrictions have extended travel times on others. A JFK-Delhi nonstop still takes about 15 hours 30 minutes, but one-stop options can stretch the journey to nearly 20 hours 15 minutes.
*Qatar Airways and Air India operate A350s on select routes, but aircraft type is subject to change as per airline policy.
Best Airfare Between USA and India
Air India is often the more affordable choice for business class travelers. For example, a one-way Air India business class ticket from JFK to DEL on October 8 costs about $3,772 on IndianEagle.com. On the same date, a Qatar Airways business class ticket for the same route is around $6,134. Air India also has the advantage of a nonstop flight, while Qatar Airways offers a one-stop connection via Doha.
If you want a budget-friendly nonstop flight, Air India is the right choice. But if luxury lounges and world-class cabins matter more, Qatar Airways is hard to beat. Qatar Airways Qsuites vs Air India Business Class, which one would you choose for your next USA-India trip? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Contact the Indian Eagle customer service to find out the best available business class deals on USA-India routes. You can choose the deals that fit your budget and preference.
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