Hi Frugalistas! Just back from Paris, and so much to share with you! But I figured first things first – so I’m sharing my Singapore Airlines Business Class A380 review to start with because that’s how I started my trip. I have many friends who only ever fly Singapore Airlines. They are certainly one of the most popular options for Australians to fly to Europe. While I only made the trip as far as Bangkok (long story that I won’t go into), I was fortunate to experience the Singapore Airlines Business Class A380 offering from Sydney to Singapore. So now I know exactly what all the fuss is about……
The encyclopedic food and wine menu
Singapore Airlines Business Class Check In and Lounge
Arriving at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport my taxi driver has no trouble dropping me off conveniently near the Singapore Airlines Check in desks (Singapore Airlines is so popular with Australians he knows exactly where to drop me). Located at the very far end of the Check in area of the airport, it’s a little haven of quiet away from the hurly burly of the more central Check In area.
When I arrive at the dedicated Business Class (and the separate Singapore Airlines First Class Suites Check In) area, I’m greeted by a check in concierge who hands me my Australian Immigration departure card and directs me to the check in counter. It’s a nice touch, and I immediately feel very welcome to Singapore Airlines. Check in is quick, and I’m given an Express pass for the Customs and Immigration Counters as well as directions to the Silver Kris Lounge.
I’ll be reviewing the Silver Kris Lounge separately, but suffice to say, despite it undergoing renovations, and serving most of the Star Alliance Airlines flying out of Sydney, it is a haven of peace and good service.
Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class in flight
I’ve only ever boarded an A380 in Dubai till now, so I’m impressed with the Sydney boarding. Despite Business Class being upstairs, there’s no lift or awkward boarding that I experienced in Dubai when flying Emirates.
Boarding is incredibly efficient despite the large plane. As well as being warmly greeted on entering the plane, my coat is immediately whisked away to be hung before I even go to my seat or need to ask. Despite flying Business or First Class for over 20 years now, it’s a small, but thoughtful touch I’ve not experienced previously.
Yeah baby, this is Business Class…….some First Classes need to take note
The Singapore Airlines Business Class A380 seat is certainly a thing to behold. It really is the size of a First Class seat on most other airlines. All it needs is the doors and it would compare favorably with any First Class Suite I’ve flown in (which really makes me curious as to what the Singapore Airlines First Class Suites are like.)
Storage, USB and charger plugs, and a drinks holder all in one perfectly ergonomic package
My bag fits comfortably in the little nook under the seat in front of me, so there’s no need to worry about overhead lockers. There’s also a load of storage – in a side locker and also some little nooks and crannies built into the screen area of the seat in front of me. Perfect to charge my phone, pop my glasses away safely when I don’t need them. It makes it just so easy to keep everything I need within reach and super organised.
No need for an overhead locker – everything I need at my finger tips!
The seat is fully adjustable, and I love the feature that basically allows you to turn it into a day bed. It’s luxurious and dare I say it, quite decadent. Lie flat is a bit different – I find I need to lie diagonally to lie flat out. But the bed, the two (yes two) pillows and duvet make a very comfy bed.
Not quite as luxurious as it seems, but the lie flat bed is still a quality offering for Business Class
Now, onto the service. When I was a child there was an advertisement on the television for Singapore Airlines. The song ran
Singapore Girl, you’re a great way to fly….
and I have to say, nothing has changed. From the classically modest but sexy at the same time uniform, to the most impressive hair dos in the sky, to the quietly efficient service, I’m sold on the Singapore Airlines service and the “Singapore girls” (because they are all female attendants in my cabin). I love it. It’s military precision but with a smile. I return from the loo at one point to find my bed all made up, just in case I want a little nap…….
While I would hope no one would ever fly Business Class just for the amenities kit, the Singapore Airlines one is definitely in the basic category. Socks and eye shades are provided without any real fanfare at our seats, while toothpaste and toothbrushes are available in the loos.
Yes, the amenities kit definitely falls into the basic category
What I do notice, and that compares very favorably with the Emirates A380 Business Class is the size of the cabin and the subsequent traffic and noise. Rather than the vast, open cabin of the Emirates A380, the Singapore Airlines A380 version is small, and cosy. I don’t feel like I’m on a plane that seats 500+ people. It’s quiet, and feels exclusive and relaxed.
Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class menus
Upon boarding we are provided with an almost encyclopedic menu. From the biographies of their consulting chefs (I note esteemed Georges Blanc from France and Australia’s own Matt Moran among their faculty) and sommeliers, to the extensive wine and cocktail list, this becomes my bible for the flight. And very handy it is too.
Our pre-take off champagne is vintage Taittinger (the 2007 for the champagne aficionados), but rather than continue with champagne, I decide to try the cocktail menu for my pre-lunch drink. I’m not a great cocktail drinker, but the signature Silver Kris Sling really catches my eye. With its gin, orange liqueur, orange juice and pineapple juice, topped with champagne it exceeds my expectations. Frankly it’s delicious……
My Silver Kris Sling definitely hit the spot
The food doesn’t quite live up to the expectation set by my service and my cocktail. I go for the Matt Moran “created” Grilled Riverine Beef with Horseradish Butter (mainly because I love beef and am a big fan of Matt’s cooking). It’s OK, with the beef perfectly pink inside, but the beef tastes a bit stewed, and it’s what I always describe as “airline food”. Perfectly decent, but nothing to get excited about. My entrée of chicken rice paper rolls and dessert of kaffir lime sorbet are more successful.
My beef served with horseradish butter and celeriac gratin was respectable but nothing to get excited about
Our pre-landing snack is a choice of either a Turkish bread sandwich with chicken or braised egg noodles. I decide on the sandwich, and it’s a generous serve of tasty, hot sandwich and vegetables. But the way it is served lets it down a little – clumsy plating with mess all around the plate.
The far more successful rice paper roll entree
But the coffee…..that’s a whole other story. Singapore Airlines proudly announce they serve Illy in Business Class. And it’s good. In fact it’s so good, that I would rank my expresso as probably the best coffee I’ve ever had on a plane……
Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class Entertainment
I don’t know if I’m picky, or if I’m just flying the wrong airlines, but I think in flight entertainment isn’t what it used to be. Maybe we are all expected to down load our own content on our mobile devices. Singapore Airlines is no exception and there’s not a lot of choice – so I watch a couple of shorter shows then settle down with my book, and a note to self to download something more interesting for next time…….
What I think of Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class
With its spacious seating, generous storage and that smiling efficiency, I have to say I really enjoyed my Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class experience. I’m not prepared to condemn the food after one flight, but I’d like to be impressed more next time round. And I have to say, just like those 1970s advertisements,
Singapore girl, you really are a great way to fly……
Author’s note: I used frequent flyer points for this flight.
The seats look amazing!
Have a nice weekend 😉
This is a useful, balanced review, that makes me trust your blog more than an all-out favorable review would. That orange cocktail looks delicious! So does the roomy interior and leg space. Especially the full lie down seems worth it for a long haul flight, when getting some decent sleep is essential for a happy trip. I usually skip all food on a plane, in favor of sleep and water.
Great article, makes me want to travel in business class more often 🙂
Thanks for the thorough review.
I would consider flying business with Singapore Airlines, but since you were not that impressed by the food, and as I am a profound gourmet, I would probably opt out for something more delectable.
Have you flown with Qatar in Business?
Svet
The food was OK, but definitely not as good as I’ve had on other Business Claases. Haven’t flown with Qatar as they don’t fly to Sydney, but have with both Emirates and Etihad. I rate the food on Etihad the best of the two
Thanks Lili, much appreciated
Thank you Sarah, that’s very kind. In my experience things are rarely perfect, so I do try to add some grading of my enthusiasm and be balanced. I’m also conscious that things like food and seat comfort are deeply personal and therefore very subjective.
The seat was incredibly comfy. Thanks for dropping by!
That storage unit in the seatbacks is such a great idea. I’ve never flown Singapore Airlines, but their business class looks like it’s worth the splurge.
I flew Singapore Airlines to Capetown south Africa. I didn’t go via business class but if I knew it was like this maybe I would have checked. Nonetheless, they provided super good service even in Economy class. Love this airline
It’s great to hear that the service is also so great in Economy – unfortunately that’s not the case with some airlines……
The storage was an absolute winner Alouise – it would certainly put some First Class seats to shame. To me not having to get my bag down from the overhead locker every time I wanted something was a definite luxury
Hi Jo
It was really interesting to read your review. I thought it was spot on! I often travel on Singapore airlines for business (and use points for pleasure). Their business class seats and storage/space are great but I don’t find the seats that comfortable – and the food and service are often vaguely disappointing. Their newish Premium Economy is really not good (compared to Qantas). So, after being quite loyal to SQ in recent years, I think they’ve gone ‘off’ and I’m now changing my loyalty back to Qantas.
I’m very interested in your comments on the Premium Economy Vicki because the seats looked quite good to me. I’ve only ever flown Premium once (on Cathay) and found the whole experience very underwhelming.
Thoroughly enjoyed your review on Singapore A380. I’ve only been to Dubai’s A380 and seated in economic class… nothing to brag about but the experience I had was so amazing!
PS. I really enjoyed your writing… bookmarked and will dig up some older posts to read in upcoming weekend! 🙂
-Daniel
Thanks Daniel, that’s very kind. Also great to know that you had a really positive experience – even in Economy.
My wife and myself have flown SIA for the past 39 years. However, recently in economy and particularly in the A380 we have found the seats as hard as marble. I noticed that we weren’t the only ones walking around the economy cabin and rubbing our bums.
In a few weeks we will be flying business class from Melbourne to Singapore on a 777-300ER, then J class from Singapore to Hong Kong on the380, then J class once again from Bangkok to Singapore and thence home the 777-300ER in business.
All I’m hoping for is a comfortable seat in J as the 13 hour elapsed time from Melbourne to Hong Kong in rock hard seats is too much discomfort for me.
I’ve never been able to sleep on any airline and I doubt if I will on this forthcoming trip despite SIA J comforts. I sometimes think that the passengers who sleep soundly on planes must have popped a sleeping pill before embarkation. What do you think?
Personally, I can sleep on planes in Business Class, and if I’m tired enough.
We recently flew on Silk Air, Singapore’s regional carrier in Economy and I did notice the seats were definitely on the firm side.
I did find the Singapore Business Class seat comfortable.
I am flying Business Class on Singapore Airlines for the first time in many years in April 2016. The last time I flew SG11 LAX-SIN was when it used to be an all business class flight. While I used to fly SIA a lot back in the day, I stopped flying them because I had a miles ticket in Business for my return from India to the USA and could never use it because it was always waitlisted and good only for 6 months. As a result I lost all those miles I used to get the ticket and left me with a bad taste in my mouth about them
I’ve been flying Emirates and got to fly their First Class a couple of times from SFO-DXB and your earlier review was right that the service is not so personal. The Business Class on Emirates is better on the 777 than on the A380’s.
Anyhow I am looking forward to trying out Singapore Airlines again. Thanks for your review.
Thanks for sharing your experience and safe travels.
Hi Jo, please add my thanks for your honest review. Being in PERTH, Western Australia unfortunately at present we do not have any airline in/out of here offering Premium Economy. If we wish to book this class, say, Perth to London we must fly economy PER-SIN, then premium SIN-LHR (Heathrow). We have even inquired if we can pay for the first leg business class, then go the second Premium. No, is the response – one cannot mix classes. The only way to achieve this is to book the journey in TWO separate bookings, and stay overnight in Singapore. Clumsy, extra cost with the hotel stay, plus two single sectors are more expensive than a complete return. Business all the way….may as well be broke as half broke eh.
Re Emirates, agree, we flew business return to Europe last year and the service & individual attention is appalling. At Dubai no upper air bridge and had to lug ourselves and our gear up the internal staircase. No one assisted, and my wife suffers a spinal injury – which is why we fly business in the first place! Absolutely unacceptable for premium travelers! Sharing these thoughts with others we see they also have complained. Should have written to their chief…..but what the heck! Your review will certainly assure us in trying Singapore Airlines business next trip, and sincere thanks again.
Thanks so much Geoff. So pleased you found it valuable. When I’ve flown Emirates from Dubai we’ve just gone up the lift and used the upper air bridge, so I’m a bit shocked at your experience.