I feel like I shouldn’t be struggling so much to make this decision, but here I am…
In this post:
Two very different ways to cross the Atlantic
We’re (briefly) headed to Greece soon, so need to fly into Athens. However, I’m having a hard time deciding which route to take, even though on the surface the choice seems obvious. Should we fly Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 777 first class or LOT Polish Airlines’ Boeing 787 business class?
For the Singapore Airlines option:
- We’d fly from New York to Frankfurt in Singapore’s Boeing 777 first class, which has a cabin consisting of just four seats
- I managed to snag availability for 93,000 KrisFlyer miles per person, which is incredibly rare, as that’s half the cabin right there
- We’d then spend a night in Frankfurt (maybe we’d check out the Sofitel Frankfurt, or any other hotel that’s most interesting to y’all)
- We’d then continue a day later in Aegean’s A321neo business class, which we’d book with cash, for around $300; I’m curious to see what Aegean’s updated product is like on A320neo-family aircraft
For the LOT Polish Arlines option:
- We’d fly from Chicago to Warsaw in LOT’s Boeing 787 business class
- We’d then spend a night in Warsaw and stay at the Raffles Europejski Warsaw
- We’d then continue the following day from Warsaw to Athens in Aegean’s A320neo business class
- This entire award is bookable for 70,000 Aeroplan points one-way
Why I’m on the fence about these options
I think most people would be downright confused by trying to make this decision, since Singapore Airlines’ first class is of course exponentially better than LOT Polish Airlines’ business class. Yet oddly I’m kind of leaning toward the LOT Polish Airlines option. Why?
- I haven’t reviewed both of these inflight products in many years, so from a review perspective I think they’d both be interesting
- However, ideally I’d fly Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 777 first class out of Singapore sometime in the near future, so I can review The Private Room
- Maybe it’s that I was just recently in Germany, but spending a night in Warsaw sounds kind of fun, especially given how nice the Raffles looks, and what a good deal it is (compared to luxury properties in other cities, at least)
- Ultimately the option costs 70,000 points per person, rather than 93,000 points plus $300
So I’m curious to hear where OMAAT readers stand on this. Am I losing my mind for oddly leaning toward the LOT Polish Airlines option over the Singapore Airlines option? As you can tell, this is primarily motivated by wanting to generate interesting review content all while being as efficient as possible.
The one reason I have a really hard time giving up the Singapore Airlines option is because of what a “unicorn” award this is. It’s incredibly rare to find two first class award seats on Singapore Airlines, when the cabin has just four seats. So I struggle saying no to that…
Bottom line
Deciding between LOT business class and Singapore first class doesn’t seem like it should be a tough decision, yet here we are. There’s the option to cross the Atlantic in either product, and oddly the LOT option sounds more intriguing. However, I’m also questioning this choice, so I’m coming to y’all for a sanity check here.
Should we do the LOT Polish Airlines or Singapore Airlines option across the Atlantic? Which would you rather read about?
Feel free to fly LOT -- fwiw I flew the same route in J Nov 2022 the other way and it was not memorable :D
I was just in Warsaw. Very cool city and MUCH more fun thank Frankfurt. Incremental comfort gain for additional cost + cooler city = LOT (imo)
Also, spending one night in Warsaw was great. Such a great city...only had 24 hours, but after seeing the little I saw, I'd love to come back. Forgot to mention, Aegean Airlines was also fantastic for a short haul business class flight. Amazing service.
I just flew Aegean and then LOT from Athens-Warsaw-Toronto. In comparison to Air Canada, LOT, LOT was way better. Nicer flight attendants, better food, good champagne, and BETTER service. I have not, however, been on Singaporean Airlines. The seat beside me was empty (I travelled on own), so that wasn't an issue for me. I was skeptical of LOT but found it to be very good. Warsaw lounge also great. I got a facial before...
I just flew Aegean and then LOT from Athens-Warsaw-Toronto. In comparison to Air Canada, LOT, LOT was way better. Nicer flight attendants, better food, good champagne, and BETTER service. I have not, however, been on Singaporean Airlines. The seat beside me was empty (I travelled on own), so that wasn't an issue for me. I was skeptical of LOT but found it to be very good. Warsaw lounge also great. I got a facial before my flight and amazing champagne! Good luck with your decision.
As your long term reader from Warsaw I strongly reccomend LOT and one night in Warsaw. I don’t think you will rate LOT 4 stars, but the hotel which you choose in Warsaw is quite new (after the renovation), with great location. And it will be so cool to meet you on the street!
Take one for the team! LOT and Warsaw!
Oh gee...there is no way you can compare Singapore airlines and LOT....The polish airline was, is and will always be a third class experience, c'mon! be serious!
NYC-FRA is what, 7 hours?
93k miles for 7 hours of F is not worth it, IMO. Especially since you'll probably be asleep for probably half of it. Save the miles and book LOT Polish. It'll make for a much more needed review. Singapore F reviews are a dime a dozen nowadays.
Warsaw is a very cool city with a great food scene. If you’re looking to try something casual go to Hala Koszyki - sort of a fancy food hall.
You'll like Polish food. Does this sound attractive?
Lot was the single worst flight experience of my life. I'd be curious if they have improved. The flight attendant wanted to "strap in" a piece of luggage in the empty seat beside me. When I objected, he shrugged and stuffed it into the bin above me. I had mystery meat on stale toast for 3 in-flight "service". Nobody spoke coherent English, and the only in-flight entertainment was an aisle Polish cartoon on repeat. Oh,...
Lot was the single worst flight experience of my life. I'd be curious if they have improved. The flight attendant wanted to "strap in" a piece of luggage in the empty seat beside me. When I objected, he shrugged and stuffed it into the bin above me. I had mystery meat on stale toast for 3 in-flight "service". Nobody spoke coherent English, and the only in-flight entertainment was an aisle Polish cartoon on repeat. Oh, and the overhead compartment opened during the hard landing and luggage fell on my head. If it hadn't happened to me, I wouldn't have believed it.
Ben, you are indeed losing your mind…
SQ First without question! Well worth the extra points and $ to be well rested before you begin your Greek adventure. LOT will still have the same business class for at least another decade, so you will have plenty of time to review it another time. Don’t forget the hotels attached to the FRA terminal. I’ve stayed at both Hilton properties which save you the trip into Frankfurt which is much better for long connections…
Does singapore allow name changes on reservations? In which case, book both, decide on LOT, and then give away Singapore to a random commenter :-)
My vote is LOT Business. You've done Singapore First way too many times! :)
Nothing comes close to business class of Singapore Airlines , their services is simply unique when comfort comes , feel like you are sleeping in your home bed with great sweet dreams . I m experiencing 2 nd year with 8 trips all in business chennai Singapore Newark Singapore chennai chennai Singapore Jfk via Frankfurt chennai Singapore Auckland Singapore chennai
It's a terrific product, as long as you're not tall.
don't do LOT, I certainly will choose SQ unicorn awards.
LOT can wait til another day.
also the new Autograph in Warsaw is amazing too, awesome point value, modern room in an old palace.
@Lucky I think this is how you should go about it. If you will not have any regrets at all for passing up these ‘unicorn’ first class tickets then go for LOT business. No matter what, you can also fly LOT business with the standard awards but this Singapore Airlines option seems incredibly rare for two first class tickets on this one particular flight.
It's eastbound, just take LOT.
SQ is eastbound too?
LOT outbound, SIN return. Been there, done that.
LOT is an interesting product, the seats are a bit out dated but new biz seats are coming! The soft product in C class is great, the meals are served on a table cloth and not on a tray which is Singapore First level.
I refuse to be drawn into this debate ♂️
LOT with long haul flights is decent but nothing too exciting. However Raffles Hotel is - I stayed there several times and love everything about it - location, building, common areas, room and long bar ( don't forget to try Warsaw Sling!)
For last 2 years i flew 4 times between WAW and MIA with LOT. All the flights were on time, nice and helpfull staff, Good food. Business class in LOT i would say is especially a good choice if You Fly with another person. Lot’s of legroom, 3 x 32kg bags, really good catering on board. I would choose LOT. Btw Hotel Rafale Europejski is almost across the Street from The Presidental Palace in Warsaw. That’s the place everyone wants to go :)
No, I don't want to go there...so not everyone wants. Grow up
LOT… sounds like a more interesting review.
Go with LOT but since you’ve been in Warsaw take a page out of Matthew’s book and travel via KRK from EWR or ORD. You could spend a night in KRK, either in Saski Curio Collection by Hilton or Stradom House by Marriott and fly Aegean business class the next day.
Or you could try a twist: LOT EWR-RZE. 1x weekly, on their 787. I’m curious about this route and the RZE airport.
Review something that hasn’t been reviewed thousands of times before. Sure the fan base would appreciate something a bit different. No more Emirates First class please!!
The overall LOT experience and content sounds better. You've done Suites before and I remember a report you did on LOT J years ago that was quite favorable. Why not go for it?
Singapore Airlines, certainly
You’re obviously not getting enough sleep with the new baby.
Ben if you stay at Raffles Warsaw, please visit the beautiful rooftop gardens and views from the Warsaw university rooftop library gardens. Easy 5-10 min walk from hotel towards the Vistula. Elektrownia Powisle a cool spot across from the gardens!
I would say LOT, i feel like I rarely see reviews of LOT. Singapore is done to death by everyone.
As you say, it's a no-brainer, aside from the review value. Can't help you there.
Surprised you haven't been to Private Room yet. Was there a month ago. Very nice.
Unicorns are just too rare to pass up. Make another trip for the LOT option
Do the LOT for the reviews and all
I'd say go with the rarer opportunity. If you can do LOT any other time, do that any other time. The city and hotel will still be there next time around.... having said that, the 1st class will be a treat for yourself, J class will be a treat for the readers.
No direct asile access on LOT ... Business class from the 90s. We have a winner, Singapore Airlines handa down!
if you're into new experiences and interesting reviews - the choice is pretty clear.
(spoiler alert - Singapore Airlines Suites is a great product. Happy to read a review, but kinda know what the verdict will be).
Also - Warsaw (and even more so the rest of Poland) is a great, vibrant city with a fascinating, often dark, history and some very cool/hip Berlin-like neighborhoods. Just finished reading "Bloodlands" - a fascinating book...
if you're into new experiences and interesting reviews - the choice is pretty clear.
(spoiler alert - Singapore Airlines Suites is a great product. Happy to read a review, but kinda know what the verdict will be).
Also - Warsaw (and even more so the rest of Poland) is a great, vibrant city with a fascinating, often dark, history and some very cool/hip Berlin-like neighborhoods. Just finished reading "Bloodlands" - a fascinating book to read on the way over.
Obviously - if you need a new pair of pajamas, and focused on having better champagne, Singapore is the way to go.
Loved Warsaw although it's been years since we were there. But no fan of LOT. Had J flight award using UA miles from Munich-EWR last Nov. Delay, then plane swap so day flight became night flight. Was 3 rows of 2-2-2 config. LOT switched my husband's seat from 2nd row to 3rd- into a TOTALLY nonadjustable seat. HOW can such a seat even exist in J? Big guy now next to me. Went back and forth re: compensation but LOT only offered futur
Future flight discount. Cold day in hell before I'll fly them again.
Yes please, do LOT varied content and additional airlines is most appreciated
First world problems to have - LOT would be interesting if you a Singapore SQ flight planned over the year or so; that Raffles in Poland looks stunning from the outside
Since I'm originally from Warsaw, I vote for overnight stay in refurbished "Europejski" hotel.
I did EWR-WAW flight on May 25 this year and I truly enjoyed the flight. The FA that night was very attentive. No wait to ask for drink refill. Offered other drinks and desserts. Overall, great experience.
What I dont like though is the boarding experience. A bit chaotic and its because people dont follow instructions.
While I'd certainly enjoy SQ 1st class experience more than LOT's J class, I have no doubt that Raffles Europejski would be a better place to spend the night than any hotel in Frankfurt... You sort of know what you're getting with SQ and there will be no surprises there.
I flew WAW-SYD last week and stayed at the Raffles for one night and really enjoyed the experience. A beautiful hotel and good room...
While I'd certainly enjoy SQ 1st class experience more than LOT's J class, I have no doubt that Raffles Europejski would be a better place to spend the night than any hotel in Frankfurt... You sort of know what you're getting with SQ and there will be no surprises there.
I flew WAW-SYD last week and stayed at the Raffles for one night and really enjoyed the experience. A beautiful hotel and good room upgrade having booked via Amex. Also a good location in a dynamic country undergoing a lot of positive change.
My wife and I got denied boarding on a WAW-LAX paid J ticket on LOT in January. Total clusterf* at the gate. Got home a day late. Luggage got home 23 days late. Never again.
Yeah, denied boarding for a reason. Plus it’s not the airline but handling agents at the airport!
I vote lot. I’ve been on SingaporeAir 777 and wow it was a lovely flight to Frankfurt. The plane is getting old the seats actually were quite uncomfortable. I was in business class though still, I will save those miles and stay in that gorgeous hotel, and continue on the Greece.
I agree on the 777 seat. I was the only PAX on an overnight flight in F, so was given another seat to turn into a bed - it was so uncomfortable. I found it OK for sitting though as super wide.
I have a very personal reason for voting for LOT. I’ve flown SIN numerous times, including Suites Class, but I’ve never flown LOT and have tickets for LOT Business Class from Delhi to JFK via Warsaw in December. I’d be thrilled to read your review!
I booked the ORD-WAW-ATH for 2024. A 21 hour stopover and just in time to go to Taylor Swift concert! Such a nice redemption! Also Moxy (the closest chain hotel for the concert) has point saver 15.6K points! Almost 4cent/point!
Ben - one other important consideration. LOT will be using a wet-leased A330 neo on the JFK-WAW route starting from October 28 (this is the Air Belgium bird that I think is currently serving LHR-ORD for BA). So unless you're planning to fly EWR-WAW, you won't actually get to review LOT's 787 (although Air Belgium's hard product on the A330 neo is arguably better).
(Unless your trip is before 10/28, of course!)
Flown Lot business numerous times, it is very average and only would choose it because of efficiency of convenient layover, etc. I don't think that there is anything really exciting to write about.
Had a chance to fly Fra - Jfk Singapore first recently, definitely one of the best first-class experiences. The crew was so amazing, I still remember their names.
Looks like Layover City is something that is more important in this...
Flown Lot business numerous times, it is very average and only would choose it because of efficiency of convenient layover, etc. I don't think that there is anything really exciting to write about.
Had a chance to fly Fra - Jfk Singapore first recently, definitely one of the best first-class experiences. The crew was so amazing, I still remember their names.
Looks like Layover City is something that is more important in this case for you. I stayed overnight in the Marriot in the Frankfurt airport - very decent.
I’d love to read your LOT BZN Class review, but personally I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to fly Singapore First at this rate. It’s much easier to book LOT for your next trip and review it then.
Bozeman Class? Do you sit on a chairlift seat or something?
LOT business is great trip for two people. It's less enticing for single travelers though. The 2x2 seating is fine for pairs, enormous amount of space, great crews, an overall pleasant experience often at a bargain price for miles or money. I fly them to Eastern Europe regularly. Never been on SIN so hard to pass up, but sounds like good choice either way. Warsaw is a great place to visit as well.
LOT is very mediocre, but would be great to see your review.
I should also add that LOT does not participate in PreCheck, which is an inconvenience. Considering all the airlines that participate, this is a disappointment.
No experience with their longhaul operations, but within Europe I definitely rate them among top 3 airlines (LO, BT, A3, not necessarily in this order). Certainly better than the disaster we get from LH Group.
You should review Ukranian international airways Business class. They're still flying to JFK and a bunch of other important destinations.
I have not experienced the LOT product, but I actually do find the SQ 77W first cabin rather uncomfortable as both a seat and a bed. It's so firm it's bordering on bench-like. I don't particularly care for it and in many ways prefer their 77W business cabin.
For the added cost savings, I do think LOT will be a good option. If you can snag an A380 out of Singapore that's a far better way to go than spending those miles on the 77W!
I have to agree with most others - SQ F would be a lovely overnighter, whereas LO J would be more interesting from a content POV. We've all read 100 reviews of SQs 777 F cabin; many of us have even travelled in it, and more than once; but LOT is a complete mystery to me.
Why not Emirates direct flight in business class from EWR to Athens?
Because 1) he won't get a seat, let alone two, with miles (at least not sufficiently in advance), and 2) C on EK 777 isn't the greatest (and he certainly won't get 2 award seats in F).
Let's not kid ourselves - Ben is long past those times he'd fly something less than first class on a prime carrier.
LOT would be make for a more interesting review. Since you are not flying alone, LOT seat arrangement should not be a problem. JFK-FRA on Singapore is a bit short to actually enjoy it, and 777 is not nearly as special as having a double suite on their A380.
If you fly LOT, make sure you have a Żubrówka and apple juice, it's not an authentic Polish flight if you don't :)
I really loved my flight on the LOT 787. The cute flight attendant gave me a tour of the galley and all the 787 innovations he liked. he even let me peek into the crew rest bump.
I did the Singapore Private Room about a month ago. It was fine, nothing really special IMO and prolly would have preferred the normal just first lounge that had a buffet over ala carte. The sleeping rooms were neat, but everything else was not up to the normal Singapore standards. Just felt, stuffy, old and not very welcoming.
So do LOT here, and save the Singapore so I can see your review of The Private Room
Singapore any day, without hesitation! You simply cannot beat the service and the comfort.
On another note while lots of people are struggling someone is having trouble deciding between SQ F or LO C.
No wonder the 1% couldn’t careless, it’s the society we have nowadays.
Yeah yeah I know it’s the purpose of this site but just don’t need to present this doubt as an unbearable lightness of being style.
Boy I bet you're a hit at parties....
As a Polish national I’d appreciate more Lot Polish, especially because it’s been years since your last review. Although I’m not sure it the soft product has changed at all, as I don’t recall them saying anything about it. The CEO of LOT and other people managing it are there because of politics and not because of their experience in running an airline. There are going to be elections in Poland in two months and...
As a Polish national I’d appreciate more Lot Polish, especially because it’s been years since your last review. Although I’m not sure it the soft product has changed at all, as I don’t recall them saying anything about it. The CEO of LOT and other people managing it are there because of politics and not because of their experience in running an airline. There are going to be elections in Poland in two months and nobody now wants to implement any significant changes or make any binding decisions, so in my opinion it’s going to take years until something changes in LOT. They don’t have any plans of introducing new product or new long haul routes (apart from switching one rotation of WAW-ICN to WRO-ICN which is, again, political decision) or buying new airplanes as of now.
Maybe it’d be the best option for you to take the Singapore flight outwards and come back with LOT, if that’s possible?
WRO-ICN is not a political decision. Many Korean companies have production facilities in Wroclaw and initial bookings seem to be great, especially by Koreans in premium cabins.
Please do LOT! I have an Aeroplan award on LOT Biz coming up and am debating changing my plans. Curious what you think, Ben.
LOT, plenty of Singapore FC reviews, plus it sounds like you will be flying that soon anyway.
Fly SQ over, and LOT to return.
Two birds, one stone.
I vote LOT because I am selfish. A review makes interesting reading. If it were me, I would fly Singapore Airlines and stay in Frankfurt overnight but that flight has been well reviewed by others.
I also vote that Ben visit Afghanistan and make a trip report but that is dangerous.
Since you are really torn between these two choices, why don't you travel twice ?
Keep you SQ flight and travel to Greece and then have a second trip on LOT to Warsaw.
I frequently shun LOT awards that are available because I assume it to be sub-par - would love you to prove me wrong!
LOT. Flew them in March ORD to WAW. I may have had low expectations but staff was super friendly and helpful, seats typical for 2x2x2 configuration, food was average. The part that was fun: all the business class passengers disembarked the aircraft first and boarded their own bus to transport to the main terminal before economy passengers.
Aeroflot did that as well pre sanctions
Everybody set your EF alert for 2 F seats on SQ!
I've always greatly enjoyed how you ask for input on questions like this when you've pretty much made up your mind beforehand. Normally you go with the nicer choice but you studiously pushed the LOT option this time so it's a lot (no pun intended) tougher to determine what you've decided.
I'd like to hear about LOT as well. I have flown Lot business class and generally think it's a decent product except for the lounge in Warsaw which is very small and sub par by most standards. Looking forward to hearing what you think.
I would personally prefer the review on LOT. My wife and I will be flying LOT business class JFK/WAW and BUD/WAW/JFK in March/April 2024. I've flown LOT business class several years ago but on their 767 and also have flown with them in economy prior to that.
Getting a more recent review would be nice.
LOT please. I'm flying LOT Business Class Miami to Warsaw (on my way to Gaborone) in February so a recent perspective would be nice.
Don't do Lot, you will be disappointed. I flew their business class twice from Warsaw to Chicago and it was the terrible experience. After the first bad experience I tried them second time to give them a chance. Still terrible. I'm Polish and I'm flying to Poland 3-4 times a year and instead of the direct flight from Chicago to Warsaw or Krakow I rather fly with one layover. Last year I flew business on...
Don't do Lot, you will be disappointed. I flew their business class twice from Warsaw to Chicago and it was the terrible experience. After the first bad experience I tried them second time to give them a chance. Still terrible. I'm Polish and I'm flying to Poland 3-4 times a year and instead of the direct flight from Chicago to Warsaw or Krakow I rather fly with one layover. Last year I flew business on Egypt, Thai, Swiss, Turkish, United, Singapore and Japan and every one of them even on few hours flight ( Egypt Air ) were better than Polish business. It is sad that big airline like a Lot has terrible product and service to offer but it starts with the management and going to the crew. It is also not fair to judge all of them but my experience was not good and a lot of my friends from Chicago are doing the same, avoiding our home airline.
LOT, something different! The Raffles Warsaw is one of my favorite hotels: gym is weak though (3 stays).
i would for sure fly LOT. i flew SQ first class from London to Singapore last week and my seat was broken so it could not be made totally flat. SQ response was pretty much “too bad, here is 400 SGD krishop voucher”. So for me is clear, an airline that respects its customer would be surely more caring about its first class passengers and properly compensate them for a broken seat…
I'd concur with Raffles being a great choice. Very generous with the room upgrade if booked via Amex. The bar is fantastic but skip the restaurant for dinner. The breakfast is also a bit of a let down compared to the rest of the hotel.
Forgot to mention that a lot of supercars, Rolls Royce etc with Ukrainian plates frequent the place. So an interesting crowd of wives/children of Ukrainian high society.
100% LOT
I vote LOT (have done this route a few times in the past). Departures from NY are later than SQ (good for jet lag), the flight is longer (always nice to have a bit more sleep on a red-eye). The Raffles in Warsaw is a great hotel, and Warsaw is a fun city (and Frankfurt is such a boring city). Btw LO used to fly a 787 WAW-ATH on weekends last year, not sure if that is still the case.
I'd love both LOT and A3 reviews. And Warsaw is vastly more exciting city to visit than Frankfurt!
Having to step over a sleeping passenger or be stepped over to use the toilet? No thanks. SQ for sure.
LOT all the way. Do we need another first class review of an airline you've flown numerous times? No. LOT would be much more interesting and most of their reviews are old. Plus it's a whole new city and country for you to review. You have plenty of Frankfurt hotel reviews.
LOT!
But I'm a bit biased, as I have an upcoming JFK-WAW trip and I'd love to see your review.
Voting for LOT, there are a million of SIN F reviews out there already, and LOT is often an attractive option, price wise, to cross the atlantic so it would be an incredibly useful review for readers.
I had mentioned this before on this blog that LOT is notorious for changing you reserved seats, often at the moment you check in, for no reason. When you ask them why, they say the reserved seat is broken. Then on the plane it is assigned to someone else. It happened to us 3 times.
If you choose LOT, you will like the dessert/cheese trolley at the end of the dinner.
Customer service is very attentive, reminded me of Aeroflots' service (sans white gloves).
Singapore First of course
I recently did two red eyes in LOT biz. Not particularly memorable in any way or fashion, but not terrible either.
The LOT biz lounge in WAW was decent enough.
I found connecting through WAW a bit of a hassle, but it is far from the zoo that FRA is.
While you won't be impressed by LOT, I'd still vote for it over going through FRA.
Do a mix. SQ JFK-FRA, connect to Warsaw, night at the Raffles there, and then LO shorthaul to Athens.
Flew LOT in June in Business Class - On JFK-WAW - Nothing has changes. Service was not polish - food was the same in the last 3-5 month
Roasted Chicken or Grill Fish or Vegie Pasta
Service seem rush and had to remind the FA to top off Drinks.
LOT review please. But of course as a normal person, you'd be insane to do it. But you're a reviewer and a nerd like us.
I say LOT. You haven't had a review of that in a while plus SQ F is an overnight short flight from the East Coast. Save that for a daytime flight when you can enjoy it more.
JFK-FRA is such a short route, relatively speaking. 7 hours in the air. Not sure it's really worth it in my mind unless the miles would expire otherwise.
I vote LOT. While I get your reasoning for not wanting to let go of the SQ awards, I miss when you would review the "less popular" stuff. LOT would be interesting and far more accessible to us redeeming points. (I almost pulled the trigger on it until I found FRA-ARN-ORD on SK in business)
keep you SQ F, you can do the LOT at anytime with Aeroplan.
Just flew SQ F JFK-FRA-SIN and it’s fantastic. currently on SQ 221 to SYD, also fantastic. As someone else said, go with SQ, you have the award! Review LOT later.
You're losing your mind indeed :(
I just flew LOT business last week to Mia. Service, food and seat very underwhelming. Dont plan to fly them again.
I agree. LOT kind of sucks.
LOT & Warsaw are far more interesting. Everyone has read many reviews of SQ First. If anything, try SQ in Business. I thought my last 2 flights were a bit underwhelming (particularly leaving JFK with awful lounges), although most people seem to be caught up in the SQ hype.
Definitely LOT. Not many LOT Business reviews out there.
Absolutely SQ
Sofitel Frankfurt is very good and it is worthy of a potential review from you. We used FHR in July and had a nice experience.
The LOT review will be a lot more entertaining than the SQ. So from a viewer perspective I want to read your LOT review but if I was in your shoes I would definitely take SQ lol.
Singapore miles have a very short shelf life, I think the answer may be in how old these points are and when do they expire..?
I suspect Ben doesn't have any trouble using his Kris points and replenishing them several times over in any 36 month period.
Hold a contest when you release the SQ awards in case they go back into inventory and one of us can grab them! ;)
Yes! I would love to snag that unicorn award!
Ben, if you end up choosing LOT, can you please email me (the same one I am posting this comment with) with the date of the SQ award seats just before you cancel the award, so I can grab them up :)
For your readers, I would say LOT + Raffles is more intriguing content thant (another) SQ first review.
But in terms of comfort, SQ beats the competition.
For review purposes: LOT. For your own comfort: Singapore.
I suggest LOT, if Singapore Airlines is in your plans anyway.
SQ. Next time you can fly the A380 out of SIN to review TPR.
why not return in LOT? they're usually wide open for redemption aren't they?
Personally, I'd do Singapore Airlines because, duh. But, in your case for the blog LOT makes more sense. If flying LOT, maybe check our Warsaw for an extra day or two? Seems sad to make it an overnight in a city that you could otherwise explore!
As much as I'd love to say SQ via FRA (mainly to read about the rather under-reviewed Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof --> imo better than the Sofitel), I feel like LOT is the way to go here. Better to reserve that SQ F review ex-SIN so you can review the renovated F lounge.
Also, unless I missed it, I don't recall seeing a review of SQ J onboard the 737s they got from Silk Air, so...
As much as I'd love to say SQ via FRA (mainly to read about the rather under-reviewed Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof --> imo better than the Sofitel), I feel like LOT is the way to go here. Better to reserve that SQ F review ex-SIN so you can review the renovated F lounge.
Also, unless I missed it, I don't recall seeing a review of SQ J onboard the 737s they got from Silk Air, so that could be a nice way to get to SIN and pair with the above if you haven't reviewed it yet :)
It's a no brainer. LOT and Warsaw. Singapore F has been done to death on all blogs including yours, and Frankfurt hotels don't need a review!
Honestly NYC-FRA is so short, it isn't really ideal for the Singapore first review. Surely better to do on a longer flight. And I am curious how LOT is these days.
The LOT option sounds fine to me too. It’s all about where you want to go and be for the trip at the end of the day. I have tons of miles but often end up flying AA in business class when I can because I can nonrev. It’s not the most glamorous way to travel but if it gets me where I want to go, I can’t complain. Tho I am tempted to take a detour to the Middle East just to fly Etihad A380 before it disappears forever.
Go with the Singapore option! Rare to find award First there. Shouldn’t be to hard to have LOT some other time.
Songapore hands down... Dont bother with LOT. They have very old n filthy biz class. Ugh
Singapore Airlines. Next Question?
I would go with LOT. Overnight flight in first vs business is a pretty mid value proposition for the difference in miles and dollars.
In terms of reviews, it seems like LOT would be the better option. However, it would be quite a shame to miss out on Singapore First, even on an overnight flight, so I would go for that option if I were in your position. You can find LOT J space much easier than than SQ F after all…
Sorry, didn’t mean to post this as a reply to your comment
I stayed at the Raffles in Warsaw a few weeks ago, and it was an incredible value for the money, especially with the $200 Amex credit and the $100 credit you get with that. I would be interested as to what you think of it, especially as it's probably the most affordable luxury hotel in Europe (I saw more than one person clearly blowing their amex credit there)
I agree. I've stayed in the Raffles twice and it's a wonderful hotel with exceptional service.