Hello from New York, as I reach the end of my review trip to Oman. I just flew Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER business class on the eight hour flight from Frankfurt to New York. Suffice it to say that the trip ended on a high note, as Singapore Airlines was spectacular… as always.
While I’ll have a full trip report soon, in this post I wanted to share my initial impressions. It has been years since I’ve flown Singapore Airlines’ 777 business class, so I was curious to see how it’s holding up. Well, the answer is that it’s holding up very well.
Singapore Airlines is one of my favorite airlines in the world — the airline has among the best business class of any airline, and also has among the best service of any airline. This flight was no exception, with impeccable service, delicious food and drinks, endless entertainment, and free Wi-Fi.
This is easily the best way to fly in business class between Europe and the United States, and is in a completely different league than Lufthansa business class. The only catch is that the Frankfurt to New York flight isn’t well timed for connections in Frankfurt, given the 8:20AM departure (but personally I love the schedule when originating in Frankfurt!).
Anyway, let me share a few key takeaways from the flight…
In this post:
Singapore Airlines’ 777 business class seats are unique
Singapore Airlines’ 777 business class seats are fully flat and in a 1-2-1 configuration.
The airline has a product you won’t find on any other airline. While the seats are fully forward facing, you have to sleep at an angle when you recline the seat. That’s because to turn the seat into a bed, you have to flip over the back of the seat, and then the footwell is to the side of the seat in front. That means you essentially sleep at an angle to the fuselage.
I’d say Singapore Airlines’ 777 business class seat is good, but not the best in the world. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, when you consider how long this product has been around. I can’t wait to see what Singapore Airlines comes up with for its new business class product, which will debut on 777Xs.
The trick to really taking your Singapore Airlines business class experience to the next level is to assign a bulkhead seat, as these seats offer a lot more space for your feet. In a separate post I’ll talk more about Singapore Airlines’ amazing bulkhead business class seats, and how to assign them.
While Singapore Airlines’ 777 business class bed is on the firm side, I like how the airline gives you two plush pillows in business class, which not many airlines do.
Singapore Airlines’ business class service is phenomenal
The single thing that makes flying with Singapore Airlines most enjoyable is the consistently impeccable service. In my opinion, there’s not another airline in the world that delivers as consistently as Singapore Airlines when it comes to inflight crews.
Singapore Airlines flight attendants have such attention to detail, warmth, efficiency, and poise. Perhaps I appreciated that more than ever before on this flight, after coming off my Oman Air flight with lousy service.
Obviously a high service standard is much more the norm in Asia than in the United States or Europe, so it’s especially fun to fly Singapore Airlines between Germany and the United States, given the difference.
Singapore Airlines’ business class food & drinks are excellent
On this flight, lunch was served after takeoff, and then a snack was served before arrival. What was the meal like?
Well, the service began with Singapore Airlines’ signature chicken satay, which was scrumptious. I had a glass of champagne to go with that, and currently the airline is pouring Piper-Heidsieck Brut Vintage 2014 in business class, which I enjoyed very much.
Next up, I had sautéed prawns on quinoa salad, with asparagus and lemon crème fraîche. I was also offered some bread, and selected Singapore Airlines’ legendary garlic bread.
For the main course, Singapore Airlines offers the “Book the Cook” program, so you can pre-order from a much larger menu. I decided not to order from there, as I viewed the inflight menu in advance, and one option looked great to me. I ordered the gai pad king, which is Thai style stir-fried chicken, which ginger, vegetables, and steamed rice.
Last but not least, I finished off the meal with dessert, which included coconut ice cream and strawberry shortcake.
I also love how Singapore Airlines has cappuccinos in business class. While this is standard on most Asian and Gulf carriers, it’s rare to find in business class on US and European carriers (with some notable exceptions).
Singapore Airlines’ entertainment & Wi-Fi are world class
Another area where Singapore Airlines excels is with inflight entertainment. Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld entertainment system is one of the best in the world, and boasts a massive selection of movies and TV shows. I love how the airline has complete seasons of so many shows, while most other airlines just have a few episodes of each show.
No matter how picky you are with entertainment, you won’t be bored on Singapore Airlines.
Not only that, but Singapore Airlines even offers unlimited free Wi-Fi. For first and business class passengers, you can just log-in with your name and seat number, while premium economy and economy passengers need to be KrisFlyer members. This is so awesome, since you can stay connected on multiple devices throughout the flight.
Bottom line
Singapore Airlines is a world class airline that never ceases to impress me. The consistency with which Singapore Airlines delivers is simply on a different level than just about any airline. This flight had perfect service, delicious food and drinks, endless entertainment, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable seats.
While flying in Singapore Airlines business class is always something to look forward to, it’s even more special between Frankfurt and New York, given how much better it is than the competition.
What’s your take on Singapore Airlines’ 777 business class?
Could you do a review.of Singapore airlines, premium economy. Please
Booked business class to veitnam from auckland found out we are on a air new zealand business class that is absolute trash.
Love flying Singapore they ate the best but not if they code share with air new zealand
Reading your review whilst sitting on Biz class SQ211 SIN to SYD. The satay is brilliant, the drinks are truly free-flow (don’t tell my wife), the seat is ginormous (well I’m 5”6 but I also flew the much smaller SQ 787 Biz).
SQ is utterly brilliant and even when we fly economy we feel like we’ve flown premium.
Many people say they hate the "convertible" SQ J seats. I didn't think I'd like them, but after flying around the world (5 long hauls total) on the 777, A350 and A350ULR, I'd say the bulkhead seats are at least as good as any other business class I've flown. Plenty of space, and very comfortable in both bed and seat mode. I wasn't bothered by the fact that I coulnd't recline to a very shallow...
Many people say they hate the "convertible" SQ J seats. I didn't think I'd like them, but after flying around the world (5 long hauls total) on the 777, A350 and A350ULR, I'd say the bulkhead seats are at least as good as any other business class I've flown. Plenty of space, and very comfortable in both bed and seat mode. I wasn't bothered by the fact that I coulnd't recline to a very shallow angle in seat mode; when I wanted to sit, it was just right, and when I wanted to sleep, I had the FAs convert it to a bed and I slept very well. The non-bulkheads leave a bit to be desired due to the cramped footwell, but I'd happily fly around the world again in SQ J even if I couldn't get any bulkheads.
And of course the SQ service is legendary. It is a real, true pleasure to fly with such a professional staff. Just one example: I travel nowadays with a small personal fan, and use it when it's too warm on planes. When a FA saw it, she asked me, "Are you feeling warm, Mr. snic?" And a few minutes later, the cabin temperature dropped a few degrees. And then there was the time I forgot my laptop charger on one flight, only to have the FAs hand it over to me on my connecting flight, saying their colleague on the first flight found it and brought it to them. On what other airline in the world would that happen?
"On the firm side" is quite the understatement. I flew SQ roundtrip EWR-SIN-EWR last week and still have hip pain from the lack of padding on the bed. As noted above, you have to contort yourself into some weird positions, too. It actually makes it a tough choice for me to either do the 17 hour direct or make it 20+ by stopping over in Doha on Qatar, which has equally good service but way better seats.
AMERICAN AIRLINES INSTALLED EXPRESSO MACHINES ON THEIR WIDE BODY FLEET AND AIRBUS A321 transcontinental AIRCRAFT. YET WITH THEIR HORRIFIC LACK OF STAFFING THEY ARE NOT OFFERED TO PASSENGERS. ESPECIALLY THE 777-300 WHERE ONLY THREE CREW WORK THE AISLE & THE PURSER ASSISTS TIME PERMITTING. FOR 52 CUSTOMERS. IT IS A JOKE.
Unless this has changed recently, Internet on the SQ A380, while free, imposes data caps.
No data caps, that is indeed so yesterday for KF members.
Good point on the departure time being not ideal for connections. As amazing as the FRA-JFK option on SQ is, I can't justify paying for a hotel/spending the night at FRA. Wouldn't be too big of an issue on its own, but you also have to factor in the cost of a "positioning" flight back home from JFK if you don't live in the NYC area. All of that adds up to cost a lot more than other options (which also get you home faster).
Absolutely true. They flew the A380 last year so took this flight originating in Mainz, which is just down the river from FRA. Live in CLE which is still UA heavy. Given the prices from JFK-CLE prices on DL vs EWR-CLE on UA, it made sense to cash a Hyatt night in the Flatiron and spend a day getting across the city. Worked out great but not the best solution for everyone.
Flew Singapore Air Business between Haneda and Melbourne with connection in Singapore in one direction and stopover on return to Haneda. Had combination of Airbus A350 and 777. Liked everything about Singapore Air flights. Paid fare was about $1800 less than direct Business Class flights on Japan Air and Qantas.
Also flew Singapore Air from SEA to BKK in Business with overnight at hotel in The Jewel Mall.
Enjoyed the review.
You are being too kind to their 777 seat. Not being able to put my legs up straight in front of me made 13 hrs FRA-SIN quite uncomfortable and having to curl around the centre console in bed position made sleeping nigh on impossible. The food & service were great but I got off the flight with backache.
The 787 seat is more compact but much more comfortable.
Taking this flight on Wednesday, looking forward to it very much. Question, how early did you get to FRA? I’m already checked in on the SQ app, and I’m a few stops away by train. Not exactly thrilled to do the usual 3 hours before flight if I can avoid it. Not a morning person at all!
@ Santos -- I think arriving at the airport 90 minutes before departure would be more than enough. Lufthansa leaves from the B gates, and I find that security that early in the morning is pretty quiet.
Awesome thanks!
Sleep at an airport connected Hotel such as the Sheraton, Marriot or the Hilton family properties. Check in the night before if that is offered. I do not recommend walking up to the flight 7 minutes before boarding, I was greeted by name as I approached. They explained they only had one male outstanding pax.
They do a good job of making pretty pedestrian food look nice. And probably don't spend all that much.
A few shrimp, quinoa, and ingredients you find in a chinese take out main are pretty low cost to them. One small scoop of ice cream with a small slice of cake.
It's basically what AA probably spends on a transcon J flight but smaller portions that look nicer on better serving ware, and again probably not that different on the food budget.
It's hard to believe that they launched those seats back in 2013.
It’s all good as long as they do not get into MX troubles.
I experienced a very bad service recovery after SQ 25 JFK-FRA got cancelled in April 2023.
@ R B -- Yeah, that's definitely an issue on an airline with a once daily flight. However, Singapore Airlines has a very good completion rate and on time percentage on this route, and I think you just got very unlucky. This isn't like booking JetBlue or Spirit, where it's 50/50 as to whether you'll make it to your destination.
I was so excited to fly SQ years ago but I was really disappointed: the seat. You're either mostly upright or flat. I like to be able to recline and watch tv/sleep. Kind of a deal breaker.
@ nemme -- I hear you, it's certainly a unique seat. Personally I also find it quite comfortable to fully recline the seat and then sit up and put two pillows behind you. It's quite similar to Finnair's no-recline business class product at that point.
I found the same flying SFO-SIN on the A350 -- I believe it's the same seat. I couldn't get quite comfortable fully flat, but with the seat fully reclined and the bedding provided I was able to snooze without issue.
Hey why didn't you tell me earlier that you are arriving in New York I would have loved to say hello
Is SQ perhaps the most consistent airline in the world in terms of managing expectations with its onboard product, despite not being the flashiest or the best like Qatar Airways?
Don’t you feel that this is far above the extremes of another airline that’s all about perfection, QR: the outrageously good Qsuite on some aircraft, the outrageously bad A330 product on others? Always wanted to know, since you’ve always praised SQ and QR to the...
Is SQ perhaps the most consistent airline in the world in terms of managing expectations with its onboard product, despite not being the flashiest or the best like Qatar Airways?
Don’t you feel that this is far above the extremes of another airline that’s all about perfection, QR: the outrageously good Qsuite on some aircraft, the outrageously bad A330 product on others? Always wanted to know, since you’ve always praised SQ and QR to the skies.
And just as an aside, what’s your favourite non-SQ East Asian airline in business class? Is it ANA’s incredible THE Room, or does your new favourite, EVA, beat it to the punch? I’d love to know!
@ VT-CIE -- That's a great observation, and I think you're exactly right. Singapore Airlines is indeed probably the single most consistent airline in the world when it comes to delivering, and there's also limited variability in terms of seat quality.
In terms of EVA Air vs. ANA, that's a tough one. I'd say EVA Air for the soft product and ANA for the hard product. Which matters more on a particular day really depends, so please don't make me choose! :p
I do really like SQ, especially the food and the service most of the time. But once in a daytime flight in Y SIN-LHR, departing 12.30 at arriving 19.00 they made me close my window which I wasn’t partially happy about. Especially cause it was my first trip post Covid.