Editor’s be aware: Singapore Airways supplied TPG with a complimentary round-trip flight to Singapore in order that we might get an inside take a look at each the airline’s refreshed premium financial system product and the brand new route. The opinions expressed under are totally these of the writer and weren’t topic to evaluate by the airline or any exterior entity.
Fast take: One of many world’s main airways delivers a powerful step up from financial system, however there’s nonetheless some minor room for enchancment.
Execs
- Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) stays a implausible floor expertise for passengers.
- The small and intimate cabin comprises simply 24 seats with extensive seats and beneficiant legroom.
- Champagne is on the market, and hearty meals are served on lovely ceramic plates.
Cons
- Passengers don’t get predeparture drinks, and throughout the flight, drinks are provided in plastic and paper cups.
- There aren’t any devoted crew or bogs for premium financial system.
- Money costs are at the least twice the worth of financial system.
Can one of many world’s greatest airways ship a premium financial system that’s as much as snuff?
Singapore Airways is famend across the globe for its passenger expertise, from its award-winning hub at SIN to its gifted cabin crew of their iconic sarong kebaya uniforms (launched some 50 years in the past). The airline has a widespread route community, together with the world’s longest flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK) to SIN, in addition to numerous fifth-freedom routes throughout the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Rising up in Adelaide, South Australia, Singapore Airways was one of many solely worldwide airways flying to my hometown of round 1 million individuals.
I’ve flown Singapore Airways extra occasions than I can rely since I used to be a child, and to this point, I’ve by no means had a foul flight with the storied service.
The airline not too long ago upgraded its premium financial system product to incorporate enhanced eating and new amenity kits, investing in what has grow to be an more and more well-liked class of service. So, I made a decision to attempt the product on its new route from SIN to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) on its Airbus A350.
Right here’s what the expertise was like.
Spherical-trip money fares in Singapore Airways’ premium financial system product are normally at the least twice — and generally as excessive as thrice — the price of common financial system. Enterprise class is normally round twice the price of premium financial system.
Singapore Airways’ new SQ312 service to LGW operates 4 days per week. Flights depart SIN Friday to Monday at 11:55 p.m. and arrive at LGW about 13 hours later at roughly 6:25 a.m. Flights going the opposite means depart LGW Saturday to Tuesday at 10:15 a.m., touchdown at SIN at round 6:20 a.m. the next day. (All occasions are native.)
The brand new LGW service enhances the service’s present 4 day by day flights to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR).
Listed below are the ranges of airfare and award redemptions I might discover in all three cabins on this route over the following yr.
| Spherical-trip costs | Economic system | Premium financial system | Enterprise class |
| Money | $1,070 to $2,580 | $2,860 to $4,140 | $5,450 to $8,170 |
| Singapore Airways KrisFlyer miles | 84,000 miles plus $183 | 142,000 miles plus $338 | 207,000 miles plus $338 |
| Air Canada Aeroplan factors | 100,000 miles plus $250 | Unavailable | Unavailable |
Fortunately, KrisFlyer miles are straightforward to earn and redeem. Singapore Airways doesn’t supply a cobranded bank card within the U.S. Nonetheless, the airline companions with a number of main transferable rewards packages, together with American Specific Membership Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Chase Final Rewards, all at a 1:1 switch ratio.
The next playing cards all at the moment supply robust welcome bonuses that you can simply convert to KrisFlyer miles:
- American Specific® Gold Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Specific
- The Enterprise Platinum Card® from American Specific
- Capital One Enterprise Rewards Credit score Card
- Capital One Enterprise X Rewards Credit score Card
- Chase Sapphire Most well-liked® Card
- Ink Enterprise Most well-liked® Credit score Card
In the event you’re departing from SIN, don’t miss The Jewel waterfall exterior of safety in Terminal 3. It’s a spectacular, free-to-visit indoor rainforest so well-liked that different airports appear to have taken inspiration.
A premium financial system ticket on Singapore Airways (whether or not booked with money or KrisFlyer miles) contains free seat choice and — for flights to and from North America — two checked luggage weighing as much as 50 kilos every. For flights to different locations, premium financial system fares embody one checked bag that may weigh as much as 77 kilos.
As you may count on, the airline has an enormous check-in space at its residence hub in Terminal 3. There are many self-service kiosks and manned counters; premium financial system passengers have devoted check-in areas.
I anticipated the precedence check-in space to be straightforward to seek out and grand just like the one Emirates gives at Dubai Worldwide Airport (DXB). Nonetheless, all premium financial system passengers have been relegated to simply two check-in counters in row 9 — the identical quantity given to cabin crew checking baggage earlier than signing on. Whereas there was no line to verify in, I used to be shocked at how low-key this precedence check-in space was provided that the airline operates premium financial system on most long-haul routes and pitches it as an elevated expertise.
It’s straightforward to see why SIN is constantly awarded because the world’s greatest airport. It feels extra like a luxurious shopping center than an airport terminal because of its noise-reducing carpeting, quite a few shiny boutiques and plentiful actions to entertain kids and adults. It even features a butterfly backyard and a free 24-hour movie show.
Regardless of being busy with a financial institution of European flights all leaving round midnight, the terminal felt spacious and peaceable — not phrases I’d normally use to explain an airport.
SIN’s Terminal 3 is exclusive as a result of passengers clear safety on the gate slightly than simply after check-in. In my case, gates A1 via A8 shared a single, giant safety checkpoint.
Whereas premium financial system passengers weren’t provided a precedence safety queue, the method was clean, calm and environment friendly.
Just a few flights have been departing from the big eight-gate house at this late hour, so a whole bunch of seats (full with charging factors) have been out there for passengers ready to board.
Employees referred to as boarding by group numbers and instructed passengers to stay seated till their group was referred to as.
Premium financial system passengers boarded via the identical lane as financial system however have been referred to as to board with Group 3 (together with KrisFlyer Gold and Star Alliance Gold members). Common financial system passengers boarded afterward in Group 4.
With a 13-hour in a single day flight forward of us, no one appeared in an enormous rush to board and begin sitting, which made for an orderly course of.
| Economic system | Premium financial system | Enterprise class | |
| Structure | 3-3-3 | 2-4-2 | 1-2-1 |
| Seat pitch | 32 inches | 38 inches | 60 inches (78 inches in mattress mode) |
| Seat recline | 6 inches | 8 inches | Totally flat |
| Seat width | 17.3 inches | 19 inches | 28 inches |
| Display measurement | 11.1 inches | 13.3 inches | 18 inches |
The premium financial system cabin was surprisingly small, with simply 24 seats unfold throughout three rows immediately behind the second luxurious business-class cabin.
The entrance row seats in row 31 have slightly further legroom as a result of bulkhead in entrance; they’re an particularly good selection if touring as a pair — though you received’t be capable to stow a private merchandise in entrance of you.
At 6 ft tall, I discovered the legroom in row 32 beneficiant, and I had a bit extra private house than in financial system.
The small measurement of the cabin had each positives and negatives.
Whereas intimate and unique, it additionally felt slightly cramped, with partitions at the back and front. For instance, there was no solution to transfer throughout from one aisle to the opposite with out going midway again via the financial system cabin behind.
The appropriate facet armrest had buttons to manually recline the seatback and come out the legrest.
Reasonably than a footrest folding out from the underside of the legrest, the footrest got here down from the seat within the entrance. The seatback in entrance was additionally outfitted with a big and durable literature pocket together with a water bottle holder; this was already stocked with a bottle of water for every premium financial system passenger.
There was a common energy outlet for every seat within the heart armrest, a USB-A port subsequent to the inflight leisure display screen and one other subsequent to the headphone jack between the seats.
Sadly, this contemporary A350 plane didn’t have USB-C ports, wi-fi charging or Bluetooth connectivity.
A tray desk that popped out of the armrest was giant and durable sufficient for a full-size MacBook.
I additionally appreciated the adjustable studying gentle subsequent to the headrest; it was useful for studying the menu with out disturbing passengers attempting to relaxation on this in a single day flight.
A pillow and a blanket wrapped in plastic have been ready on every seat when passengers boarded.
Each objects have been plush and bigger than you’ll count on to obtain in financial system.
The service additionally supplied respectable over-ear noise-canceling headphones — one other luxurious perk that made this long-haul flight extra snug.
One of many enhancements the airline has promoted in premium financial system this yr is a brand new amenity package by the model Out of the Woods. I didn’t take care of the crumpled bag it got here in (much like Virgin Atlantic’s premium financial system amenity package), and the contents — slippers, an eye fixed masks and an airline-branded lip balm — have been pretty fundamental. It was higher than nothing, although.
Extra spectacular was the big, crisp seatback touchscreen.
It was stuffed with 43 new releases, together with “Kung Fu Panda 4”, “Arthur the King” and “Dune: Half Two.” I loved watching “Ricky Stanicky” — a foolish however humorous solution to cross the time to London.
If I hadn’t needed to lean ahead to faucet the display screen, I might use the hand-held distant that popped out of the middle armrest console to regulate the display screen.
There was limitless Wi-Fi at no cost for KrisFlyer members in all cabins. Whereas this initially appeared like an opulent perk, my numerous assessments of the speeds all through the flight by no means registered greater than a poor 2 Mbps obtain or 1 Mbps add. I shortly gave up on utilizing it.
Given the small cabin — simply three rows — it wasn’t shocking that there have been no devoted bogs for premium financial system passengers. Nonetheless, it was slightly disappointing. As a substitute, 5 bogs have been shared with the financial system cabin behind, and there have been common strains to make use of them.
They have been saved clear however have been tight to maneuver round in.
I used to be shocked that I didn’t obtain a welcome drink throughout the boarding course of, as that is widespread in premium financial system on different carriers — particularly ones as effectively thought to be Singapore Airways.
I used to be provided a sizzling towel that I gladly accepted after the sticky tropical warmth of Singapore.
Shortly after takeoff, the crew distributed printed menus and started serving dinner.
Since I used to be flying in premium financial system, I might have used the airline’s E-book The Prepare dinner service. This may have allowed me to select from a a lot bigger number of entree dishes, supplied I had chosen it on-line greater than 24 hours upfront.
Whereas E-book the Prepare dinner is an superior perk out there to passengers in premium financial system and above, I made a decision to stay with the common menu to attempt what most different passengers can be consuming.
Given how lengthy the flight was, I had anticipated the primary service to be extended a bit; I imagined I’d obtain a spherical of drinks or maybe a drink with some blended nuts earlier than dinner. Nonetheless, the employees served the principle meal shortly after takeoff. I assume due to the late departure hour, this technique allowed company to eat shortly after which get some relaxation.
I used to be excited to attempt the not too long ago enhanced eating choices, and there have been some hits and misses. I used to be pleasantly shocked to see Charles de Cazanove Brunt NV Champagne, which retails for round $38 per bottle on the bottom. Correct Champagne in premium financial system, versus glowing wine, was an actual deal with; nevertheless, I want they’d served it in glassware slightly than a plastic tumbler.
For dinner, there was a smoked salmon salad appetizer together with simply two entree course choices:
- Pork fricassee with lentils, lyonnaise potatoes, blanched broccolini and roast carrots
- Kuay teow neua (Thai braised beef noodles with beef meatballs and braised beef)
Dinner got here with cheese, crackers and garlic bread on the facet, and dessert was a chocolate orange cake with raspberry compote.
The meal was served on a single tray, and every part regarded moderately effectively introduced. Nonetheless, I want they eliminated the plastic and foil covers earlier than handing the trays to the passengers.
I used to be anticipating a 3rd major entree possibility — maybe vegetarian or one thing with out pork or pink meat (which some prospects keep away from).
I selected the meat noodles, they usually have been glorious. The meat was juicy, and the noodles have been correctly cooked with out sticking collectively.
The attractive ceramic crockery was an actual step above financial system class, and steel cutlery is at all times welcome.
All the dinner service was quick: It was absolutely cleared inside 90 minutes of departure. This gave passengers loads of time to relaxation on the way in which to London.
Snacks — together with sandwiches, recent fruit, muffins, nuts and chips — have been out there from the rear galley between meal providers. I slept for many of the flight, so I didn’t do this out.
As a consequence of a current turbulence incident, Singapore Airways is taking an additional cautious method to meal service. Meals should not served anyplace alongside the flight path the place pilots see a possible for turbulence, so breakfast occurred loads before regular. It was served three hours earlier than arriving in London, with some bumpier climate anticipated a bit nearer to touchdown.
Breakfast included strawberry yogurt with recent fruit, a croissant and a selection of tea, espresso or juice with two entree choices:
- Vegetarian omelet with grilled mushroom, baked tomato, garlic and wilted greens
- Chai tow kueh (a savory fried carrot cake with prawns and preserved turnips)
Once more, I used to be shocked to not see a 3rd possibility on the menu. The meal was all served on one tray.
Primarily based on the flight attendant’s advice, I selected the Singaporean carrot cake entree. I wasn’t fairly certain what to anticipate, however it was scrumptious. It was a hearty seafood-forward dish with a scrumptious spicy sauce that stuffed me up for the remaining three hours of the flight.
I do want the juice and sizzling drink had been served in correct glassware or ceramic mugs slightly than plastic and paper cups. That is a simple solution to make a premium financial system expertise really feel extra elegant.
Identical to on each different Singapore Airways flight I’ve taken, the crew on my premium financial system flight to London was polished, skilled and welcoming. Their rigorous coaching was evident. No request was an excessive amount of hassle, and every part was delivered graciously with a heat smile.
The hospitality is extra formal; the crew members most likely received’t crack many jokes or have interaction in a lot frivolous small speak. However that stated, it’s unlikely you’ll discover a dangerous crew member in your subsequent Singapore Airways flight.
This class of service is a noticeable step up from Singapore Airways financial system class, which is already a world-class coach product.
The seats are wider, and there’s extra legroom. Seats recline greater than in financial system, and the legrest makes the flight extra snug. Plus, receiving Champagne in premium financial system was an actual deal with, as was the steel cutlery.
Nonetheless, Singapore’s premium financial system has some room for enchancment. The dearth of devoted crew and bathrooms makes this extra of an “financial system plus” expertise slightly than “enterprise lite.” The dearth of correct glassware and predeparture drinks was disappointing. The airline might add a 3rd choice to the entrees for dinner and breakfast, although subsequent time, I’d use the implausible E-book The Prepare dinner service.
Emirates and KLM stay probably the most spectacular premium financial system merchandise I’ve flown, however Singapore Airways would most likely simply scrape its means into the highest 5.
Because it tends to be at the least twice the worth of an already glorious financial system product, I’d most likely be completely happy to stay with financial system class on my subsequent flight to Singapore. Nonetheless, if you will discover a barely inexpensive upcharge over financial system — both with money or miles — then you definitely might be assured it’s a cushty solution to journey on one of many world’s greatest airways.