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Say hello to a whole new way of flying

Qatar Airways' new Business Class section is a traveller's dream.
Qatar Airways' new Business Class section is a traveller's dream.


The first thing that strikes you when you walk into Qatar Airways' Business Class section of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner is the cabin’s high ceiling.
 
The entire middle row of overhead baggage cabins has been removed, immediately giving the entire section a major facelift. Flying now feels less cramped and more spacious, and if you're especially tall, well, count your blessings.
 
The second thing you'll notice is the soft mood lighting used within the cabin, which makes you feel like you’re at a spacious chill-out bar instead of a flight. Say goodbye to harsh white lighting in both Business and Economy Classes -- 20 specially tailored lighting scenes in the Dreamliner help your eyes and body clock adjust to crossing different time zones.
 
After that, you begin to notice the smaller things -- the cosy lounge bar area where you can stretch your legs while reading a magazine, the shutterless remote-controlled tinted windows which dim at the touch of a button (my favourite) and the Android-powered operating system for the in-flight entertainment system.
 
Even in the toilet, it's the little details that matter -- the hand motion flush sensor, the handle-ledge on the toilet seat, the full-length mirror behind the toilet door.


When it comes to sleeping, Business Class is configured with 22 seats in a 1-2-1 layout which convert to fully horizontal beds, allowing you to fully stretch out your legs. Not as comfy as your bed at home of course, but as good as it gets when flying.
 
Then there are the frills -- the Ferragamo toiletry bag, USB ports and remote data outlets and of course the obligatory inflight meals specially designed by marquee chefs.
 
And when you walk out at the end of your flight none the worse for wear (almost), that's no coincidence too -- fresh air is introduced into the cabin during the flight which, combined with a filtration system which removes odours, irritants and contaminants, helps result in fewer complaints of dizziness, headache and eye irritation.So how much does all this cost? Not an arm and a leg as as you might expect. This writer flew the Singapore to Doha leg on Qatar Airways – a flight time of close to seven hours – which cost about S$2,300 one way but it is well worth the price.
 
After all, not for nothing it is called the Dreamliner.