After an incredible experience flying Qsuites on the A350-1000 with Qatar Airways from Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Doha (DOH) — arguably one of the best Business Class flights I have ever had — I am now continuing my journey to the Maldives on yet another Qatar Airways flight, this time aboard the Boeing 777-300ER. The Airbus A350-1000 set a high bar, with its ultra-modern design and exceptional service, so I am curious to see how this flight stacks up. While I already know Qatar Airways is renowned for its consistent quality across its fleet, I wonder how this older aircraft will compare to the sleek A350-1000 (or my personal favorite the double-decker Airbus A380-800).

This flight from Doha (DOH) to Malé (MLE) is another overnight leg, and even though it is shorter, I am still eager to see what the Boeing 777-300ER has to offer in terms of comfort, service, and experience. Spoiler alert: Qatar Airways continues to impress, and I can not wait to share the details.

Award Flight Booking (8/10)

I book this flight as soon as the American Airlines AAdvantage award window opens (331 days out), using 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles per person, along with a small amount of taxes and fees.

Here are the exact flight details:

• QR 708: Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Doha, Qatar (DOH), departing 8:05 P.M., arriving 4:40 P.M. (+1 day | Full Flight Review)
• QR 676: Doha, Qatar (DOH) to Malé, Maldives (MLE), departing 1:20 A.M., arriving 8:05 A.M.

Note: This specific review only covers the second flight.

I do consider other options for booking with points, like using Avios through British Airways or Qatar Airways, but since Avios prices flights per segment, it would cost significantly more points for this journey. Here are some example award booking rates for this route: 

• British Airways: 85,000 miles (higher taxes & fees)
• Qatar Airways: 85,000 miles (higher taxes & fees)
• JetBlue: 123,000 miles (higher miles)

In this specific instance, using American Airlines AAdvantage miles works out best for both availability and value.

Related: The Best Ways To Earn American Airlines AAdvantage Miles

Airport Check-In (10/10)

Since I am connecting from my Washington, D.C. flight (IAD – DOH), my eight-hour layover gives me the perfect opportunity to stretch my legs and explore Doha through the Doha Transit Tour option.

After the tour, I head back to the airport, where the check-in process for my onward flight to Malé is seamless. Despite my earlier long-haul flight, I still have to go through check-in and security again because I left the airport for the tour. Thankfully, Qatar Airways makes this a breeze.

The Business Class check-in area has over ten desks, all with zero lines. Security is similarly efficient, taking less than five minutes. Unlike some other international airports, there are no formal immigration facilities to go through when exiting Qatar after a layover. It is an incredibly smooth experience.

Doha Airport really makes flying Business Class feel like a luxury experience!

Airport Lounge (9/10)

With the hub for Qatar Airways being in Doha, I have access to a range of lounges. I decide to check out their newest offering, The Orchard Lounge, located a bit further into the airport past the famous bear. As soon as my wife and I enter, we are greeted with two distinct areas. On the right is a more formal dining setup, while the left offers a light buffet, sitting areas, luggage storage, showers, and relaxation rooms.

I head left first, storing my luggage and taking a much-needed shower in one of the immaculate shower suites. This is a great way to refresh after the long-haul flight from Washington, D.C., especially before embarking on the overnight flight to Malé. Feeling recharged, I grab a few waters and head out for the Doha Transit Tour.

Upon my return, it is time to board the next flight, but not before we have a sit-down meal. I order a steak with a glass of champagne, and it is delicious. The quality is on par with a normal sit-down restaurant in Washington, D.C.

Boarding for the flight to Malé begins about an hour before departure. I check the board and proceed to the gate. However, it appears there are two flights to Male, which depart around the same time. We are at the wrong gate! Thankfully, the “right” gate is only a 5-10 minute walk. 

My wife and I arrive at the gate, enter the priority line, and hand our tickets to the gate agent. However, Qatar Airways uses a mobile bus gate for this flight, which means Economy Class passengers board first, followed by those of us in Business and First Class. We are ushered onto a premium cabin bus that takes us to the aircraft, giving us a great view of the plane as we approach. We walk up the stairs and take our seats.

Aircraft Cabin And Layout (9/10)

The Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER is a wide-body aircraft designed for long-haul flights, and this one does not disappoint. Business Class features 53 seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring that every seat has direct aisle access. I immediately notice that this 777-300ER has a slightly different layout from other Qatar Airways aircraft with the flagship Qsuites.

Note: Only a few Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER aircraft have this specific seating arrangement (which includes a First Class cabin), as these planes are a “dry lease” from Cathay Pacific. 

In the middle section, the seats face toward the center, but everyone still enjoys easy aisle access. Meanwhile, the side seats face the windows, which I always recommend for added privacy. The luggage bins are generous, with overhead storage available above both the middle and window seats, giving my wife and I plenty of room for our bags.

Business Class Seat (8/10)

I am seated in 22K, while my wife sits in 21K. We specifically choose window seats for the spectacular views as we approach Malé, Maldives (MLE). The seat is comfortable, though not as wide as the Qsuites I experienced on my previous flight. The tray table is conveniently located under a shelf to my right and folds out easily when I need it. The entertainment screen is large, popping out from the pod in front of me. While it is not the clearest screen I have seen, it works perfectly well for this short overnight flight. The screen can be controlled by touch or a remote located on my right. 

The footwell beneath the TV is spacious, easily accommodating my large feet (size 13 US). To my right, there is a handy shelf with the remote, a power outlet, a reading light, and seat controls. There is even a throwback to the past — ports for older video game consoles like my middle school N64, though I do not have the chance to test it out this time. Maybe next time. The seat also has a small cabinet that holds a mirror, a water bottle, and the provided headphones. It takes me a minute to find the headphone port, but it is located inside the cabinet.

Above the seat are more reading lights, but no individual air nozzles. However, the cabin is at a great temperature. Even though I do not use it, there is a coat hook to the left.

Business Class Bed (8/10)

As soon as we reach cruising altitude, I decide to skip dinner (having enjoyed a filling meal at the lounge) and go straight to sleep. The seat converts into a fully flat bed, though it is a bit narrower than I would prefer. Despite that, it is still long enough for me to stretch out and get some rest. There is no mattress pad or pajamas provided on this flight, which is not surprising given that it is a short overnight leg.

I find a pillow and blanket at my seat when I board, which work well enough. While turn-down service is not offered, I quickly fall asleep after reclining the seat into the lie-flat position.

On-Board Entertainment (8/10)

The “Oryx One” entertainment system on Qatar Airways flights is well-stocked with movies, TV shows, music, and games. I only manage to watch one episode of The Office before dozing off for the majority of the flight. Upon waking, I switch to the moving map to track our progress and take in the view from my window. The noise-canceling headphones provided are effective, making it easy to enjoy the entertainment.

Wi-Fi is available for $10, but since my goal is to catch up on sleep, I decide to skip it.

Lavatory (10/10)

The 777-300ER has five lavatories dedicated to first and business class passengers, which are spacious and well-maintained throughout the flight. I appreciate the cleanliness and ample room in the lavatories, which makes a difference on long flights like this.

Amenity Kit (3/10)

Since this is a shorter overnight flight, no amenity kits are provided, but all the essentials are available in the lavatories. I grab a single-use toothbrush to freshen up before landing in Malé.

Food And Beverage (7/10)

Upon boarding, I am offered a pre-departure drink, and as always, I go for the signature mint lime drink of Qatar Airways and a sparkling water. The flight attendant brings both quickly, along with a refreshing towel.

Qatar Airways offers a tasting menu for passengers to choose from a variety of light options, though I decide not to partake this time around.

Pre-Arrival Breakfast

About an hour and a half before landing, I wake up and press the call button. A flight attendant appears almost immediately, and I order breakfast. I start with a cup of saffron karak chai, one of my favorite drinks on Qatar Airways. As I sip my chai, the flight attendant lays out a tablecloth and presents my breakfast: a croissant with butter and jam, a fresh fruit plate, orange juice, sparkling water, and a cappuccino.

The cappuccino is freshly made, and I notice the Qatar Airways logo on the bottom of the cup — a charming detail that tempts me to take it home as a keepsake! Once I finish, I am given another refreshing towel and a mint, a nice final touch before we land.

Staff And Service (10/10)

As with all my experiences flying Qatar Airways, the service is outstanding. What stands out most on this flight is how the purser personally thanks me for being a Oneworld elite member — a small but memorable gesture of elite recognition. The flight attendants are quick, efficient, and incredibly professional. Every time I press the call button, they arrive in under 30 seconds, and they consistently address me by name. Whether it is placing my silverware with precision or ensuring my comfort, the crew truly excels at delivering a world-class experience.

Note: One thing the Qatar Airways staff did that I have never experienced before, is spraying something in the cabin right before we land. I later learn this is quite common when landing in Asian countries. Airlines spray the cabin of their aircraft with insecticides to prevent the spread of insects that may carry diseases. It is harmless to humans, so do not be alarmed!

Final Thoughts

This overnight flight from Doha (DOH) to the Maldives (MLE) aboard Qatar Airways 777-300ER is the perfect continuation of my journey, and a fantastic use of 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles. While the Qatar Airways 777-300ER Business Class does not quite match the luxury of the A350-1000 Qsuites, it still offers an exceptional experience with top-notch service, comfort, and style. Qatar Airways once again proves why they are a leader in the skies, and I am already looking forward to flying with them again on my next adventure.

Now, time to enjoy the Park Hyatt Maldives!