I just got off a long-haul flight from London to Singapore, and honestly, I couldn't wait to sit down and write this review of Singapore Airlines business class. There's so much hype surrounding this airline—people talk about it like it's the gold standard of flying—and I really wanted to see if it actually lives up to the reputation or if it's just really good marketing.
I've flown a lot of different business class products over the years, from the "meh" ones to the fancy "suites" that feel like tiny apartments. Singapore Airlines sits in a weirdly prestigious spot in most travelers' minds. Usually, you expect perfection when you pay these prices (or drop a massive amount of miles), so here is the lowdown on what it's actually like to spend 13 hours in the sky with them.
The ground experience and that famous lounge
Getting through the airport was about as smooth as you'd expect. At Heathrow, the dedicated business class check-in was empty, so I was through in about five minutes. But the real "event" starts when you hit the SilverKris Lounge.
Now, I'll be honest: some lounges feel like glorified waiting rooms with slightly better crackers. The SilverKris Lounge, especially the flagship one in Changi if you're heading the other way, is a different beast. The food selection is genuinely impressive. I'm talking about a full spread of laksa, dim sum, and a decent bar where they don't look at you funny if you ask for a gin and tonic at 9:00 AM. It's a great way to start the trip, though it can get a bit crowded during the peak evening bank of flights.
First impressions of the seat
When you walk onto an A350 or a 777-300ER, the first thing you notice about the business class cabin is how wide the seats are. It's almost comical. You could probably fit two of me in one seat if we were both feeling very friendly. The layout is 1-2-1, which is pretty much the standard for any "real" business class these days because everyone wants direct aisle access. Nobody wants to be climbing over a sleeping stranger at 3:00 AM to use the bathroom.
The seat itself is upholstered in this high-quality leather that feels more like a luxury car than a plane. There's plenty of storage for your laptop, shoes, and all those little charging cables we all carry. However, here is my first little "human" gripe: the seat is so wide that it can actually feel a bit unsupportive if you're just sitting there trying to eat. I found myself using the extra pillows to prop myself up so I wasn't sliding around.
The "Book the Cook" magic
If you're planning to fly this route, you have to use the "Book the Cook" service. You can go online up to 24 hours before your flight and pick your main course from a massive menu that isn't available on the plane.
I went with the classic Lobster Thermidor because, well, why wouldn't you? It felt incredibly bougie to be eating lobster at 35,000 feet. The food quality on Singapore Airlines is consistently a step above most other carriers. Even the appetizers, like their signature chicken and mutton satay with peanut sauce, are fantastic. They actually bring a trolley around with the satay, and the smell alone is enough to wake you up from a nap.
One thing I love is that they don't just dump a tray in front of you. It's a multi-course affair with proper table linens. It makes the whole thing feel like a "dinner" rather than just "airplane food."
The weirdness of the bed
Okay, we need to talk about the sleeping situation, because this is where people usually get divided in a review of Singapore Airlines business class. On many of their long-haul aircraft, the seat doesn't just recline into a bed. You actually have to stand up, pull a lever, and flip the back of the seat over to create the sleeping surface.
The "pro" is that the bed is perfectly flat and has a proper mattress pad, which is way more comfortable than sleeping on the bumps and seams of a reclined seat. The "con" is that you have to sleep at an angle. Because of the way the seats are designed, the footwell is tucked into the corner. So, while the bed is wide at the top, your legs have to go into a little cubby hole at a diagonal.
As a side sleeper, I didn't mind it too much, but if you're six-foot-plus and like to starfish when you sleep, you might find it a bit restrictive. It's a bit of a quirk you have to get used to.
Service that actually lives up to the name
This is where Singapore Airlines usually wins. The crew are incredibly polished. It's not that fake, robotic "yes, sir" kind of service, but it's very attentive. They seem to know your name before you even sit down, and they have this uncanny ability to show up exactly when your water glass is empty without being hovering or annoying.
I noticed a small detail on this flight: I'd left my book open on the side console when I went to the restroom, and when I came back, they'd tucked a bookmark in and placed it neatly to the side to make room for my drink. It's those little things that make you feel like you're actually being looked after.
Entertainment and staying connected
The KrisWorld entertainment system is massive. I'm talking hundreds of movies, from the latest blockbusters to obscure international films. The screen is large and crisp, and they give you decent noise-canceling headphones.
But the real game-changer lately is the Wi-Fi. It used to be that you'd get a tiny 100MB allowance that would disappear the moment you refreshed your email. Now, if you're in business class and a KrisFlyer member (which is free to join), you get unlimited free Wi-Fi. It wasn't fast enough to stream 4K video, but for texting, scrolling through Instagram, or getting some work done, it worked perfectly.
The amenity kit situation
One thing that always surprises people is that Singapore Airlines doesn't traditionally give out big, flashy amenity kits like Emirates or Qatar do. Instead, they provide high-quality items (like slippers, socks, and eyeshades) at your seat, and then the bathrooms are stocked with Penhaligon's toiletries like facial mist and moisturizer.
Recently, they've started offering kits on request or on certain routes, usually in partnership with brands like Penhaligon's. It's a bit more sustainable, I guess, since you don't end up with ten tiny polyester bags you don't need, but some people miss the "gift" aspect of it.
The final verdict: Is it worth it?
Wrapping up this review of Singapore Airlines business class, I have to ask: is it the best in the world? It's definitely in the top three. While the diagonal sleeping position is a bit of a "love it or hate it" thing, everything else is just so consistently good.
You aren't just paying for a big seat; you're paying for the fact that you know the food will be edible, the crew will be nice, and the plane will be clean. There's a level of reliability here that you don't always get with other airlines.
If you have the miles or the cash, I'd say go for it at least once. It ruins "normal" flying for you forever, which is probably the only real downside. Just remember to order that lobster ahead of time—you won't regret it.