Information on Singapore Airlines Flights

Singapore Airlines is consistently ranked as among the best, if not THE best, airlines in the world. And with good reason.

Is it a perfect airline? No. In fact I think its most common business class seat is not even in the top 10 of global airlines. But I do think Singapore Airlines deserves its accolades and the positive glow that surrounds the brand because it does such a consistently good job across the board.

Onboard experience

Singapore Airlines stands out as among the best airlines in the world because it treats every passenger as important and offers a high quality experience whether it’s at the very back of economy or in “Suites” First Class. In my opinion this is what really sets them apart. Attentive onboard service, extensive inflight entertainment, dignified legroom, free unlimited Wi-Fi for everyone, quality amenities and responsive customer service can all be expected.

Add in consistently good food (this is an airline based in Singapore after all) and one of the most pleasant and efficient airports in the world to transit through, and you’ve got a winning combination to be sure.

Classes of service

In economy and premium economy the Singapore Airlines long-haul fleet offers a lot of consistency – you’ll always get a quality seat.

In business class there is more variation, but the vast majority of aircraft will feature a very similar business seat so, again, you know what to expect and won’t have surprises.

The biggest difference in onboard product is that you can only find “Suites” First class (offering what are essentially private bedrooms – more on that soon) on the A380. Other aircraft have a First Class that’s a bit more run-of-the-mill (but still fantastic).

Long-haul economy class

On most long-haul flights there are two distinct economy class seat types but both are very comfortable, with generally 32 inches of legroom. You can expect in-seat power, HD screens with a huge selection of entertainment, and decent, tasty food plus the aforementioned good service.

Tip: for the most comfortable experience try to get on the A380, which offers an extra two inches or so of seat width. It’s also an exceptionally comfortable and quiet aircraft in general. The 777 offers a similarly wide seat, but it’s much louder in the back, which contributes to fatigue over a long-haul. Failing that, my next choice for economy would be the A350 (slightly narrower seats but also super quiet) and then the 787 (which has the narrowest seats of the three).

Long-haul premium economy class

Singapore’s premium economy is available on all long-haul aircraft and among competitors it’s one of the best because of thoughtful touches such as extra storage, footrests in addition to legrests, ample power (universal and USB) and upgraded food and beverage.

At the seat you can expect around 38 inches of legroom, an upgraded pillow and blanket, and large entertainment screens and noise cancelling headphones. SQ has also recently debuted a new amenity kit for premium economy, and as a nice added touch, it hands out actual menu cards.

Tip: For the meal, premium economy passengers can pre-reserve the international or Asian option in advance.

Long-haul business class

It’s a luxurious experience in business with fully private, exceptionally wide, direct aisle access seats in business class – and the service, meals and just about everything else is fantastic. Having a Singapore Sling while cruising to Asia is one of the better inflight experiences.

However the seat itself (the one you’ll find most often on long-haul) leaves a bit to be desired. For one thing, it tends to be quite firm – which for me means it’s harder to get comfortable and fall asleep. Secondly, although it’s a very wide seat there isn’t a lot of space between you and the seat in front, so the design requires you to sleep at a diagonal, often having to wedge your feet into quite a small space in the corner.

Lastly, the seat requires the back to be flipped down to go into bed mode, meaning you can’t recline halfway and lounge. Also, that means you can’t sleep at anything else than fully flat, and personally I prefer to be a few degrees upright to counteract the angle of the aircraft inflight (which is at a slight nose up attitude).

I’m not saying to avoid Singapore Airlines for this reason, as it’s still a great way to fly. But it’s good to know this going into it.

Tip: For the best experience, go for the bulkhead (front row of the cabin) seats in business, where the footwells are much wider. It can make the difference between a good night of sleep and not.

Long-haul first class/Suites

Singapore Airlines First Class is among the best ways to fly in the world. You’ll find two main varieties. First Class can be found on 777 aircraft and offers an intimate 8-seat cabin with large seats at the front of the aircraft. But the true standout is on A380 aircraft only – it’s called Suites and it features fully enclosed rooms with closing doors and a separate seat and bed. As you can imagine the food and drink is exceptional, including caviar service and on most routes, Krug champagne.

You’ll also get access to The Private Room lounge at Changi which is very nice indeed. Here you can enjoy restaurant style a la carte dining, fine champagne and nap rooms. If you do fly First, try to schedule some extra time to enjoy this.

Regional aircraft

On SQ’s regional flights (up to about 7 hours) there is more variation in onboard product, but honestly they all offer a good experience.

Singapore’s regional business class seat on the 787 and its medium-haul A350 is a different type altogether from the long-haul aircraft, with a bit less space but actually these are among the most comfortable in the entire fleet for sleeping.

Singapore also now flies single-aisle airplanes, specifically a mix of 737-8 MAX and 737-800. On the MAX you’ll get yet another type of lie-flat seats in business class. They are very comfortable and the service standards are high. In economy you’ll have personal entertainment screens too. Though it’s marginally nicer to be on a bigger plane, there’s no reason to go out of your way to avoid the 737 flights.

Except maybe if it’s a 737-800. These offer an inferior product in both business and economy. The good news is that by the end of 2025 they will have been returned to lessors, and they’re less and less common every month.

Tip: On the 737 MAX in economy you can expect wide-body standards, including 10-inch personal entertainment screens and personal USB charging ports. The only real difference is you’ll have 2 inches less legroom. But luckily these tend to stick to shorter flights, so you should be fine.

Food & drink

Food & drink remains one of the best things about Singapore Airlines and in premium cabins especially you’ll be spoiled for choice among all kinds of Asian (and western) delights. Economy and premium economy meals also promise to be tasty, just that you won’t have nearly as extensive a menu.

Don’t forget about “book the cook”, which offers an extensive menu for pre-order when flying SQ in premium cabins. I actually prefer to see what’s available, and what I’m in the mood for, on the day of flight, but for those of you who want to be sure what you’re getting, book the cook can be a very nice thing.

Baggage allowance

Singapore Airlines remains very generous when it comes to baggage allowance. Even on a “Lite” fare in economy class, passengers are allowed 25kg for free (if traveling to/from the US that becomes two items at 23kg each). On Standard economy fares non-USA flights will get 30kg. And it goes up from there – premium economy gets 35kg, business class 40kg, and First/Suites can bring 50kg.

Loyalty program

Singapore’s Krisflyer loyalty program is not a bad one all things considered. Though unfortunately they have raised redemption rates recently, doing away with some of the better value awards. Most non-Singapore based passengers will probably want to use a partner Star Alliance program like United Mileage Plus to earn on Singapore flights. However I would recommend signing up for Krisflyer in any case because you’ll need it to access the free Wifi when traveling in economy and premium economy.

Changi Airport: the best hub in the world?

An airport with calming carpeting, beautifully designed soaring ceilings, a movie theater and a swimming pool in the terminal? Oh and it also functions incredibly efficiently and is a pleasure to pass through? Yes please. Plus if you haven’t had the chance yet, try to schedule enough time to leave the secure area and go stroll around the Jewel at Changi, where the dazzling waterfall and lush greenery on multiple levels will give you a needed boost after (or before) long-haul air travel.