Overview & First Impressions
Our journey began with Singapore Airlines, often lauded as one's of the world's premier carriers, on their iconic A380 in Business Class from Singapore Changi (SIN) to Frankfurt (FRA). The central question framing this experience was whether Singapore Airlines’ Business Class, with seats introduced over eight years ago, still holds its own against newer, more revolutionary offerings from competitors. We also explored the ongoing debate surrounding their amenity kits and the overall value proposition in today's competitive landscape.
Upon arrival at Singapore Changi Airport, a dedicated check-in counter for Business Class passengers ensured a swift and seamless start. Post check-in, the experience continued at the newly renovated Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge in Terminal 3. This impressive 32,000 sq ft facility, which underwent a $36.5 million renovation in 2022, is notably superior to its Terminal 2 counterpart. The lounge boasts two self-service buffet areas offering a diverse selection of Asian and Western cuisine, alongside both self-service and full-service bars. A standout feature was the made-to-order noodle bar, a personal favorite. Washrooms were well-stocked with dental kits, lotions, and creams, with shower rooms and childcare facilities also available.
Boarding at Changi follows a unique gate-side security process, designed to minimize central congestion. After clearing security and passport checks, passengers are directed to a holding area. However, the boarding process itself was surprisingly disorganized, with passengers seemingly allowed to rush in, creating a rather chaotic start to the flight. Our A380 journey placed us on the upper deck, shared with First Class passengers at the front, while Premium Economy and Economy occupied the lower deck. The Business Class cabin features 78 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, designed by UK's JPA Design and manufactured by Japan's JAMCO. While the seat (12K) showed minor cosmetic damage, the initial impression of the cabin was one of spaciousness, albeit with an older aesthetic.
The Details
The Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class seats, while aging, remain substantial. Upholstered in thick leather, each seat offers a generous 25-inch width and a 60-inch row pitch. Storage is ample, with a compartment under the window housing headphones, the menu, safety card, and a bottle of water. Overhead, a small reading light is provided. Power options include a three-prong headphone jack, a USB-A port, and a universal charge port, along with another USB-A. Curiously, a prominent NFC device, seemingly intended for wireless headphone pairing, was present but not functional, as Bluetooth capability has yet to be implemented despite the seats being in service since 2017. A small cocktail tray to the left of the IFE and a mirrored storage compartment to the right add to the seat's functionality.
The aircraft's five lavatories for Business Class passengers are well-appointed, featuring a baby changing table and amenities from the UK brand Penhaligon's, including soaps, lotions, and fragrance. An amenity drawer within the lavatory provides hairbrushes, dental kits, razors, and shaving cream, prompting a humorous ponderance on in-flight shaving habits. Unfortunately, a foot-pedal operated garbage lid in one lavatory was broken, remaining open throughout the flight.
Entertainment is delivered via an 18-inch touchscreen IFE, which can also be controlled by a remote. The system boasts an impressive selection of over 1,900 movies, TV shows (including complete seasons), and music albums. While external cameras are absent, a standard flight map is available. Connectivity is a highlight, with complimentary Wi-Fi offered to all KrisFlyer loyalty program members. The provided noise-cancelling headphones are decent, and surprisingly come with earphone covers, possibly for hygiene. When it's time to rest, the crew assists in converting the seat into a 78-inch lie-flat bed, complete with a mattress cover, a blanket (thin but adequate), and two pillows. However, the design requires sleeping at an awkward angle due to the footwell being positioned to the side. The footwell itself is quite cramped, potentially posing a challenge for passengers with larger feet than the reviewer's women's size seven.
Service & Amenities
Singapore Airlines truly shines in its soft product, particularly in its service and culinary offerings. The flight commenced with a warm welcome, including a choice of drinks (Bellini selected) and hot towels. The signature chicken satay skewers served shortly after takeoff were an absolute highlight – juicy, flavorful, and a refreshing departure from standard airline appetizers. This commitment to quality food was a consistent theme throughout the flight.
Lunch service was an elaborate, course-by-course affair. The drink menu alone spanned 12 pages, showcasing an impressive selection. Passengers are strongly advised to utilize Singapore Airlines' "Book the Cook" pre-order service, which offers over 40 main course options, many not available from the onboard menu. Our appetizer, a beautifully presented U10 scallop and prawn salad, was as delicious as it looked. For the main, the Book the Cook-ordered Yakiniku, featuring A4 Wagyu grilled to perfection, was described as melting like butter and among the best airplane meals ever. Even the garlic bread was exceptional. The dessert cart offered a creamy, not-too-sweet banana cheesecake, complemented by chocolate pralines, particularly the salted caramel variant.
A few hours later, the pre-arrival light dinner continued the culinary excellence. Again, leveraging Book the Cook, we enjoyed a refreshing prawn appetizer with lemon-scented oil and a legume salad, followed by an "unbelievable" Lobster Thermidor cooked in a rich cognac and Dijon mustard cream sauce – a true "pinch-me moment" on an airplane. The only minor disappointment was the cacao mousse dessert, which included avocado, a polarizing ingredient for dessert. Beyond the meals, a "Delectable Menu" offered snacks throughout the flight, though we were too full to partake.
The amenity kit, a point of contention for many, is provided only upon request for flights longer than six hours, reflecting Singapore Airlines' approach to waste reduction. The kit, by New York-based Le Labo, is made of waxed canvas and contains lip balm, hand cream, and face mist. The reviewer noted a missed opportunity for Le Labo's signature fragrances or an exclusive Singapore Airlines scent. Other amenities like slippers, socks, earplugs, hairbrushes, and eye masks are also available upon request. Throughout the journey, the cabin crew demonstrated world-class service, consistently described as gracious, attentive, and among the best in the industry.
