I recently flew with Qatar Airways from Dublin to Sydney via Doha as I was moving home to Sydney after 6 years living abroad! This was my first long-haul journey with Qatar in many years. With two legs—QR20 from Dublin to Doha, and QR908 from Doha to Sydney—this trip gave me the full Qatar Airways experience on both the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and the Airbus A380. Here’s a full breakdown of the flights, from booking to landing, and what you can expect on this long-haul route.
Flight Details – Qatar Airways DUB to SYD
Airline: Qatar Airways
Route: Dublin (DUB) – Doha (DOH) – Sydney (SYD)
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 (QR20) + Airbus A380-800 (QR908)
Flight Numbers: QR20 + QR908
Baggage: 30kg checked baggage per adult, plus one carry-on and one personal item
Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025 (arrival into Sydney August 15, 2025)
Departure Time (DUB): 8:15 AM
Flight Duration (DUB–DOH): 7h 5m
Connection Time in Doha: 2h 50m
Departure Time (DOH): 8:10 PM
Flight Duration (DOH–SYD): 14h 0m
Arrival Time (SYD): 5:10 PM (August 15, 2025)
Cabin: Economy (L Class)
Onboard Wi-Fi: Available on both flights
In-flight Entertainment: Oryx One seatback screens + streaming
Meal Service: Complimentary meals and beverages
Cost: €2,349.34 for two passengers (CAD $3,888.53)
Booking Experience
I booked directly through the Qatar Airways website approx 2 months beforehand, which was straightforward and provided all the essential details: booking reference, e-ticket numbers, baggage allowance, and seat selection options. The total came to €2,349.34 for two adult passengers (approximately CAD $3,888), which was very competitive for a short notice ticket from Dublin to Sydney. The platform also allowed us to manage seats, add services like lounge access or extra baggage, and track booking status with ease. Confirmation was immediate, and I received a detailed itinerary by email.
Booking Experience Rating: 5/5
Baggage Policy
For this long-haul journey, Qatar Airways offers:
One carry-on bag per passenger (7kg)
One personal item (laptop bag, handbag, or briefcase)
30kg checked baggage allowance per adult
The 30kg checked bag policy is super generous compared to many other airlines on similar routes, and it was more than enough for our trip.
Baggage Policy Rating: 5/5
Check-in Process
Online check-in opened 24 hours before departure. The process was smooth, and boarding passes were easily accessible via mobile and printable options. At Dublin Airport, bag drop and check-in counters were well-staffed and efficient and made for a great start to our trip! The staff at Dublin International Airport were beyond friendly and helpful, making check-in stress-free. Security was straightforward, and boarding passes worked seamlessly through the airport gates.
Check-in Experience Rating: 5/5
Looking for activities in Dublin? Check out some fun experiences below!
Pre-Flight & Boarding
Our first leg departed from Dublin Terminal 1 on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Since it was an early morning flight, we went straight to our gate after picking up a few snacks from one of the many airport shops. Boarding was organized by zones and ran right on schedule. From the very start, the cabin crew were warm, welcoming, and attentive, setting a great tone for the journey ahead.
Our layover in Doha (Hamad International Airport) lasted just under three hours, which gave us enough time to stretch, explore, and prepare for the long 14-hour flight to Sydney. We had pre-booked access to the Al Maha Lounge through Qatar Airways’ website for approximately €54 per person, and it turned out to be a game changer. The lounge offered a relaxing space with refreshing showers and an impressive selection of food, including flavorful Middle Eastern dishes and classic Western options. The highlight for me was enjoying a perfectly mixed Bloody Mary while unwinding before our next flight.
I highly recommend adding lounge access directly through your Qatar booking if you have a longer layover. The hot shower is reason enough to add it on! Doha Airport itself is modern, spacious, and efficient, with clear signage and smooth transfer procedures. Boarding our next aircraft, the Airbus A380, was quick and well coordinated, which was impressive considering the size of the plane.
Pre-Flight & Boarding Rating: 5/5
Seat Selection & Comfort
On flight QR20 (Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner), I selected seat 33B, while my partner sat in 33A on the left side of the plane by the window. For QR908 (Airbus A380-800), we were seated in 56A and 56B on the right side of the aircraft, again by the window.
The economy seats were surprisingly comfortable, with generous recline and an adjustable headrest. The A380 offered noticeably more space, and despite being in economy, the cabin felt open and airy. Both aircraft featured either a 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 configuration, depending on the section. After dinner on the A380, the cabin lights were dimmed and most passengers reclined their seats. I did the same and was impressed by how far the seat reclined and how the lower cushion extended under my legs which made a huge difference and allowed me to get a solid eight hours of sleep.
Seat pitch was excellent for a long-haul flight, and each seat included USB ports, power outlets, and personal entertainment screens. I genuinely enjoyed both legs of the journey, especially as someone who usually flies budget airlines – the comfort level was far beyond my expectations.
Seat Selection & Comfort Rating: 4.5/5
Amenities
Qatar Airways provided pillows, blankets, and basic headphones at every seat. On the A380, we also received an amenity kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, socks, and earplugs. All of the provided items were good quality and very useful for the long journey, especially if you hadn’t packed those essentials yourself. Before takeoff, the cabin crew also distributed sanitizing wipes, which was a nice touch and added to the overall sense of cleanliness and care.
Amenities Rating: 4.5/5
In-Flight Entertainment
Qatar’s Oryx One entertainment system is state of the art, offering a wide range of films, TV series, documentaries, games, and music. The user interface was smooth, and the screens were sharp and responsive. I really enjoyed being able to queue up movies to watch during the flight, as there were endless options available in multiple languages. I particularly liked the real-time flight map and the onboard announcements, which kept passengers informed about service schedules and estimated arrival times.
Another feature I loved on the Dreamliner was the half tray with a built-in grip, which was perfect for holding your phone if you preferred to watch your own shows. It was a small but thoughtful touch that made the flight even more comfortable. Both aircraft also offered Bluetooth pairing, which allowed us to connect our own noise-cancelling headphones. This made a huge difference, as I often find the provided headphones hard to hear. Being able to use our own headphones helped block out cabin noise and made the overall experience much more enjoyable.
In-Flight Entertainment Rating: 5/5
Connectivity
Both aircraft offered onboard Wi-Fi. Messaging services were available for free, and full internet packages could be purchased. The connection was stable enough for browsing and emails but struggled with heavier tasks like streaming. Power outlets and USB ports at every seat were convenient, making it easy to keep devices charged throughout the long journey.
Connectivity Rating: 4.5/5
Meal Service
Both legs of the journey included full meal services along with snacks. On QR20 (Dublin to Doha), breakfast and light snacks were served, while on QR908 (Doha to Sydney), passengers were offered two hot meals and a mid-flight snack.
Before departure, we could view the menu, which I always enjoy checking out. The food throughout both flights was genuinely delicious. On the Dublin to Doha leg, breakfast was served first. I chose the cream cheese and chive frittata with grilled chicken sausage, creamy spinach, a potato hash brown, and cherry tomato. A light vegetarian pastry was later served as a snack. There was also a wide selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including cocktails such as Bloody Marys, gin and tonics (with Bombay Sapphire), mimosas, and screwdrivers.
On the Doha to Sydney leg, we were served lunch, dinner, and several snacks throughout the flight. For dinner, I chose the Massaman chicken curry with steamed jasmine rice, vegetables, bread, and a white chocolate cheesecake for dessert. Movie treats like crisps, chocolate, and popcorn were also offered mid-flight, followed by a light spinach and cheese pastry snack. Before landing, breakfast was served again, and I chose the spinach and feta frittata with grilled chicken sausage, paprika potatoes, baked beans, caramelized onion, bread, fruit, and chia pudding.
The beverage selection was just as extensive on this leg. I enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate heading home. The food was plentiful, beautifully presented, and consistently tasty throughout the journey.
Meal Service Rating: 5/5
Final Thoughts on Qatar Airways QR20 + QR908 (Dublin to Sydney)
This two-leg journey was long but extremely comfortable. The cabin crew stood out for their attentiveness, politeness, and friendliness throughout both flights. From Doha’s modern airport facilities to Qatar’s generous baggage policy and the spacious, comfortable seats on the A380, every aspect of the trip contributed to an enjoyable experience.
Even in economy, both flights felt premium compared to other carriers I have flown on similar long-haul routes. Qatar Airways delivered a world-class experience from start to finish. Booking was straightforward, baggage allowances were generous, the seating was comfortable, the meal service was excellent, and the in-flight entertainment was top-notch. The transfer at Hamad International Airport was smooth and efficient, enhanced by the option to relax in the Al Maha Lounge.
For anyone flying from Europe to Australia, Qatar Airways is an outstanding choice. The combination of service quality, comfort, and competitive pricing makes it a strong option for long-haul travel. This journey has left me confident that Qatar Airways sets a high standard for economy travel.
Overall Rating: 5/5
