This Singapore Airlines Business Class review is part of a one way award I added on to a business trip. I was working in Brisbane, and had time for a little leisure and some blog research. Flights were booked using Singapore Krisflyer miles transferred from Citi, 58,000 miles plus AUD $98. I flew from Brisbane to Singapore on an A350, had a long layover, and then continued to Hong Kong. Apparently much of this trip was about eating, thanks to some reader suggestions, I made the most of the Book the Cook options on Singapore Airlines. Then during my layover I spent much of my time eating and planning my next meal…
Lounges in Brisbane for those in Singapore Airlines Business Class
For an outstation, there are several good lounge choices. Australia has some excellent lounges, in my case this was especially true thanks to some recent renovations. I spent most of my time at the Singapore Airlines lounge in Brisbane. It is small, and was a little crowded before the flight, but perfectly fine for a business class and Star Alliance Gold Lounge. I didn’t have much to eat, since I already had eaten breakfast, and I had booked my inflight meal already. My favorite part of the lounge is the cubicles modeled after Singapore Airlines Business Class seat. Nice to have a private place to eat/work.
I also visited the newly opened Air New Zealand lounge since I read good things before my visit. This was a much more open lounge with high ceilings and views of the terminal and to the tarmac. I preferred the food options in this lounge compared to the Singapore lounge. Neither were amazing, but sufficient for a light breakfast/snack.
The Singapore Airlines A350 has a new Business Class seat, which is an updated version of the seat on the (now old) A380 and 77W business class cabins. Singapore has another Business Class configuration now flying on select A380s. (Thanks to James for his review post of the new Singapore Airlines A380 configuration). Their new First Class suites are definitely innovative, but the business class seats look nice too.
As boarding time approached I headed downstairs to the gate for my departure to Singapore. Turning left from door 2, I found my seat. I reserved 11A. Like other Singapore Airlines Business Class seats, the bulkhead has more leg room than other, so I felt fortunate to grab this one. The plane has 42 Business Class seats, 26 in front of door 2, and then 16 more seats behind that. All seats have aisle access, in a forward facing 1-2-1 configuration. The seat is wide, and relatively private. The seats have 60 inch pitch, but due to foot cutouts are 78 inches of sleeping space. They are 28 inches wide. I think I prefer the Cirrus reverse herringbone seat for business class, but this is a solid option, especially since I had a bulkhead seat with extra leg room. Of course, any seat should have the typically excellent Singapore service.
Singapore Airlines A350 Business Class Seat
The cabin was a little over half full, but being in the first row of the plane, it seemed less than that. There was no one in the adjacent aisle set next to me, and there was very little foot traffic throughout the flight. Seat controls are in the aisle side armrest. There are lighting controls, and buttons to adjust the seat. There is a headphone jack here, but I used a port on the other side.
Above the aisle side armrest is a privacy divider. It works relatively well to prevent side glances at fellow passengers. There are also some spotlight type reading lights there that are useful depending on the seating position.
On the other side of the seat, in my case the window side there are few storage containers, plus power and USB ports. When I sat down, slippers were in the side container. There is another headphone jack on this side, which I found easier to use. The IFE controller is located here, along with more storage under the armrest, which contains more power ports. I found the seat well equipped with both power options and storage.
What about legroom?
In terms of leg room, my bulkhead seat has more space than most others. All seats have a foot cubby which is under the armrest of the seat in front. The bulkhead seats have a little more space, including the ledge that I could reach even with the seat upright. Long legs help.
Singapore Airlines Business Class Service
I’ve only flown with Singapore Airlines a few times, but have always come away impressed with the quality of service provided. Some people complain that the service is robotic, and I can see that given there are very specific standards that are present. Still, I’ve been able to break down the barriers of formal service by having a simple conversation with the flight attendants.
On this flight I asked for some dining advice on the ground in Singapore. I tried to be specific looking for certain types of food, and I told her I wanted to focus mainly on hawker centres. Just like hotel concierges, I feel like some recommendations are often for tourist-friendly places that are overpriced. While Singapore has dining options at all price ranges, my favorite meals there have been simple ones in a hot, sweaty open-air market. In any case, my flight attendant gave me some good suggestions, a hand written list, and she talked me through some of her favorites. Our less than full business class cabin probably meant she had more time to spend on this for me, but it was definitely appreciated.
Singapore Airlines Business Class Main Meal Service
Meal service began with a hot towel service. There were 4 of these during the flight, before and after each meal service. My table was set with precision, signature Singapore service:
Then a bread basket was passed. Apologies as the croissant didn’t last long enough…I took a bite before taking a photo.
Main course options
Here are the selections available on board:
I chose the Madras curry from the Book the Cook menu for my main course. It was tasty, and somewhat spicy, but probably didn’t do the dish justice compared to a decent Indian restaurant on the ground. This was served over rice, and some warm naan bread was offered as well. Some plain yogurt came as well. It wasn’t Raita which might have been better, but the yogurt did help to calm the heat from the meal.
I also had a cocktail with brunch, although I can’t remember what it was. It had pineapple juice in it, but wasn’t too sweet.
After the main course was cleared, next came ice cream. I wasn’t very hungry at this point, but a few tastes of strawberry was fine. There was also a cheese course which I passed on.
Singapore Airlines Business Class in flight
During and after the meal service I enjoyed the in flight Entertainment. The KrisWorld system is pretty expansive in terms of content. During this flight I watch much of Season 1 of the Sopranos. I enjoy that show, but apparently never saw the first season. Like many newer in flight entertainment systems, there is a small screen on the controller. Among other things, I used this to monitor flight progress during the flight.
One thing that I found missing from the Singapore Airlines A350 is any sort of exterior camera. I’ve flown the A350 on several other carriers, and at least on Qatar and Cathay Pacific, both have at least one exterior camera. I quite enjoy that on take off and arrival. A missed opportunity for Singapore here.
While I thought service was good throughout the flight, it seemed that flight attendants were missing for much of the time. Most of the time I didn’t need anything, but this was somewhat different from past flights with Singapore. I did ask for a water refill and later a drink, once by visiting the galley, and another time using the call button. They were happy to help both ways.
Mid-flight beer
Besides eating my way around the world during travels, I also enjoy trying local beers. I noticed Singapore had a new (to me at least) beer available on board. I ordered this between meal services, and it was served with mixed nuts. Wayfarer, a pale wheat ale from Queensland Australia. It was decent enough, and complex enough to hold up at altitude.
One other thing I noticed during the flight is how cool the cabin temperature was. This is a good thing. Solved by putting on a long sleeve shirt and using a blanket for much of the flight. I don’t like being cold, but I prefer a cool cabin to the alternative, and I was quite comfortable.
Singapore Airlines Business Class pre-arrival meal
About 2 hours before arrival, a snack was served. There are 2 options available, and book the cook is not an option for this service. Here are the choices for “refreshment”:
I opted for the first choice. It tasted fine, but was basically just a ham and cheese sandwich on decent bread.
Singapore Airlines A350 Business Class Final Thoughts
I enjoyed this trip in Singapore Airlines Business class long haul. The seat on the A350 is very comfortable for lounging, and I even napped in bed mode for a short time. The seat is not my favorite type, but perfectly comfortable. Singapore shines for their service. This trip was a good value for my miles. I still want to get into Singapore Suites, even in the old configuration….someday.
