Hello there I live in IAD/DCA and going to BKK in January using my Avios for a one way business class award. I have flown CX before and have definitely enjoyed the CX experience/lounges and all that but want to satisfy my curiosity to try QR for the first time next year. Now QR has about $100 more in taxes $160 vs. $260. Should I go for it or should I stick with CX via JFK?

QR....

QR J is more luxurious

Definitely QR

As much I as love CX, I would give QR a try. Even though QR's J is 2-3-2 compared to CX's 1-2-1, I would love to give QR a try. No need for you to come up to JFK when you have QR right there at IAD.

Like the OP, I have not flown QR yet but am curious about it (especially with its joining One World). But I'm very surprised by your and others' replies favoring it. How is its 2-3-2 so much better than CX's 1-2-1 (and keeping in mind that CX is a fine airline) that you'd recommend QR over CX?

I still would choose CX over QR no doubt and I would not recommend a 2-3-2 seating over a 1-2-1, but in the OP's case, the OP would have to spend more just to fly to JFK and take a CX flight. I'm trying to save the OP some money here. If it was JFK, then CX because of the frequency of flights.

Just by looking at QR's website, it seems QR seems to have a slightly better airport experience for First and Business class passangers with a Premium Terminal offering and its amenities.

As QR is not yet in OneWorld what BA will charge you in Avios & cash surcharges is unknown. Taxes for the same route - class should be the same. Surcharges are dependent on your FFP (BA)

QR is NOT 2-3-2, it is 2-2-2 in J (except on the 787 which is 1-2-1).

Also as mentioned, QR cannot be booked with avios yet.

Can I have some more reasons on why QR? I also like that if I did CX to HKG I would then have to fly Dragonair which is a regional plane. Also both of the QR flights are full service so that is good. So I guess technically the QR flight would cost me less in miles and hopefully the fuel surcharges aren't that bad.

QR have not joined OW yet and so you have no way of knowing if there will be award seats available and at what price. If there are CX flights available now I would book them.

You better keep up with your Oneworld news. KA doesn't fly to BKK.

just flew QR SIN-DOH-PAR and LHR-DOH-SIN in J. As a CX DM here are my quick thoughts.
QR 777 is great. 340 less so although still ok. However I still prefer new J on CX - especially if single pax 1-2-1. On QR 777 its fine 2-2-2 but found the seat a tad hard to sleep on. we didn't receive a mattress although I believe for ultra long haul like IAD-DOH you will which will make it far more comfortable. We did receive pyjamas even in J.
The Premium terminal at DOH is very good. Better than CX first lounge in terms of catering quality IMO. It was busy though at midnight for both transits.
Overall the food on QR was much much better than CX and a better choice of wines and champagnes.
The QR lounge at LHR was simply outstanding! Again much better than anything CX can offer in terms of food and drink and just ambience.
Cabin Crew on QR were professional and good. About the same as a good CX crew although I tend to receive more "love" on CX as a DM.
Overall QR was USD1500 cheaper which made it a clear winner for me on this trip from Asia to Europe.
CX is still great but QR is also a good choice.

Very useful post. Thanks.

QR/CX are basically at the top- it is really hard too choose between the two unless the price difference is significant!!!

It is great the OW airlines in general are good quality carriers