Qatar Airways A380 First Class, Paris to Doha

I finally returned to Qatar Airways First Class, this time on the A380 from Paris to Doha. It had been almost eight years since my last flight with them. Traveling with my friend Alex made the trip even more entertaining. He surprised me at check-in with an upgrade from business to first. What followed was seven hours of laughter, food, and quiet luxury on one of the world’s few remaining A380s.

Ground experience at Paris Charles de Gaulle

We started at Terminal 1, the newly refurbished sphere that still confuses most passengers. The Qatar Airways check-in area was calm and quick. I only realized the surprise when Alex smiled at the counter agent and handed over his credit card. We were now in first class. From there we entered the Qatar Airways Lounge, one of the airline’s few outstation lounges outside Doha.

The lounge sits before security, which is not ideal for boarding logistics, but the design made up for it. There’s an outdoor terrace and a quiet dining room with full table service. I liked that several food items were kept behind the bar for hygiene, something too many lounges overlook. The space serves both business and first passengers, yet it felt calm. Service was polished without being stiff. After a quick snack we headed toward security, weaving through Charles de Gaulle’s labyrinthine corridors.

Boarding and first impressions

Security at Terminal 1 happens close to the gates, so timing is tight. We almost missed boarding but arrived just as the final call was made. Seeing the massive A380 parked outside was still exciting. Qatar Airways invested heavily in refurbishing parts of this terminal, and it shows in the lighting and layout near the gate. Boarding was direct through a dedicated jet bridge for premium cabins.

Once on board, the cabin atmosphere changed immediately. The first class section on Qatar’s A380 has just eight seats arranged across two rows in a 1-2-1 configuration. Each seat is large, softly lit, and surrounded by glossy wood and beige leather. Designed for Qatari families, the setup works well for groups of four, with the center pairs allowing conversation. I took the window seat, and Alex sat next to me. Privacy dividers can slide up between the middle seats, but for this flight we kept them open for easier banter.

Seat and layout

The A380’s upper deck gives the cabin a spacious feel. Each seat converts into a fully flat bed. There is generous legroom, a wide console table, and enough storage for a small backpack and camera gear. Power outlets and USB ports are neatly tucked away. The seat controls are intuitive, with adjustable lighting and lumbar support. Even though these aren’t enclosed suites like the newer Qsuite in business class, they still feel private thanks to the space and low cabin density.

The finishes looked slightly dated but were kept spotless. The crew offered Arabic coffee and a warm towel right after boarding. Alex declined, but I happily accepted both. The towel carried the signature Diptyque scent that Qatar Airways now uses across its first and business cabins.

Bedding and amenities

Each seat came with a full set of pajamas, slippers, and a Diptyque amenity kit. Inside were skincare products, lip balm, and cologne. The cotton pajamas felt light, suitable for the short overnight sector. The crew later offered a mattress pad and duvet for those who wanted to sleep. I didn’t use them, preferring to stay awake and talk through most of the flight.

IFE and connectivity

The large in-seat screen was bright and responsive. Qatar’s Oryx One system still offers one of the largest libraries of films and series in the industry. Alex watched a downloaded political debate on his tablet, which tells you how seriously he takes his in-flight time. I browsed the IFE and played some music. Wi-Fi in first class is now complimentary, which was a pleasant surprise. The connection stayed stable for messaging and light browsing, though not fast enough for heavy uploads.

Dining experience

Menus arrived shortly after takeoff. They were thick, textured booklets, nearly identical to those in business class, except for the caviar service. I ordered a vegan special meal, while Alex went for chicken machboos, a Qatari spiced rice dish. We compared notes as the food arrived.

To start, I had the Arabic mezze, beautifully presented with hummus, tabbouleh, and moutabal. The same dish appears in business class, but presentation in first is elevated with better plating and serviceware. Alex’s caviar setup looked classic: mother-of-pearl spoon, blinis, and chilled vodka for those who drink. Neither of us did, but we appreciated the detail.

The olive oil caught our attention. Qatar serves Monte Vibiano from Umbria, Italy, the same brand found on a few top-tier airlines. Its peppery flavor was so strong that Alex called it “worth a full minute of the video.” He wasn’t exaggerating. We both coughed a little from the spice but kept dipping bread in it anyway. My soup course came next, smooth and lightly seasoned. For the main, I had a plant-based dish I’d enjoyed before on Qatar—comforting, flavorful, and still one of their best vegan options. Alex’s machboos looked massive, a mountain of rice and chicken with saffron and fried onions.

Dessert was my only disappointment. Qatar still doesn’t offer plant-based sweets in first class, so I chose the berry plate. It came with a drizzle of vanilla syrup, simple but fresh. To make up for it, I’d brought a lemon tart from a Paris bakery, which paired perfectly with mint tea served by the crew.

The A380 bar and social area

One of the reasons I love the A380 is the onboard bar. Qatar’s version sits between first and business on the upper deck. It’s elegantly curved, with leather sofas and soft lighting. Compared with Emirates’ bar, which is livelier, Qatar’s feels more private. Alex and I walked back midflight to stretch and chat. Even without alcohol, the bartenders prepared excellent mocktails. Our favorite was the pineapple margarita with salted rim, which has become something of our podcast drink.

Cabin environment and lavatories

The cabin stayed quiet throughout. Temperature control was perfect—not too cold, which can often happen in first class. The lavatories were spotless, decorated with fresh orchids and stocked with Diptyque products. They were large enough to change clothes comfortably. I spent a few minutes there simply to escape Alex’s teasing and enjoy the silence.

Service

The purser and crew were exceptional. Warm, quick, and observant. They addressed us by name, refilled drinks proactively, and handled my special meal seamlessly. Small touches stood out, like offering extra Arabic coffee unprompted and ensuring the plates were cleared in sync so we could film together without disruption. Service rhythm matched the tone of the flight—unhurried but precise.

IFE chat and midflight moments

We spent part of the cruise recording a segment for our podcast, “On Air.” It felt fitting to discuss Riyadh Air’s cabin crew fashion launch while flying Qatar Airways, one of the airlines that inspired the new Saudi carrier. The conversation turned into a comparison of brand philosophies. We both noted how Riyadh Air seems to aim for a global, modern identity, less tied to Saudi imagery than expected. Qatar, by contrast, still feels proudly regional yet cosmopolitan in execution.

Operations and performance

Departure from Paris was slightly delayed due to the late boarding, but we arrived in Doha on time. The flight lasted a little over six hours. Takeoff from CDG’s Runway 26R was smooth, and the climb showcased the A380’s quiet power. Cruising altitude was calm, with minimal turbulence. Descent into Doha at dawn was scenic, the city lights flickering below. Bags arrived promptly, tagged with first class priority labels.

Value and context

The ticket was originally booked in business class, making the complimentary upgrade to first especially sweet. Qatar’s first class network is limited, offered only on the A380 and certain short-haul 777 routes. Compared to business class, the difference lies in the space, caviar service, and overall exclusivity rather than radically different hardware. Still, sharing the cabin with only a handful of passengers makes the experience memorable.

Traveler fit

This product works best for couples or friends who appreciate open seating. Families traveling together will love the layout. Solo travelers may prefer a window seat for privacy. The A380’s design ensures a quiet environment ideal for rest or conversation. Business travelers can work easily thanks to the wide tables and stable Wi-Fi. It’s a rare chance to enjoy large-aircraft comfort in a market increasingly dominated by twinjets.

Highlights from the flight

• Free Wi-Fi in First Class with good reliability for messaging and browsing.
• Spacious A380 cabin with only eight seats and wide aisles.
• Diptyque amenities and scented towels, adding a boutique touch.
• Exceptional crew warmth and genuine enthusiasm.
• Pineapple margarita mocktail at the bar, surprisingly addictive.

Ratings

Overall score: 8.8/10 - a refined, comfortable, and human experience that shows why Qatar’s A380 remains beloved despite its age.

Flying the A380 while we still can

Stepping off in Doha reminded me how rare these A380 flights have become. The aircraft type is fading, yet Qatar Airways maintains it with pride. First class felt calm, generous, and sincere. It wasn’t about extravagance—it was about comfort and good company. Sharing the cabin with a friend, tasting olive oil midair, and watching sunrise over the Gulf made this flight stand out. If you ever see the Qatar A380 operating your route, take it. You’ll miss it when it’s gone.