Singapore Airlines 26
Frankfurt (FRA) – New York (JFK)
Friday, November 6
Depart: 8:20AM
Arrive: 11:15AM
Duration: 8hr55min
Aircraft: Airbus A380
Seat: 3A (Suites Class)
Since boarding started so early I was among the last aboard. At the boarding door I was welcomed by the leading steward and leading stewardess, who directed me to my seat, 3A.
This flight was operated by an A380 with the “older” Suites Class cabin. I’m not really sure I get why Singapore is in the process of “refreshing” their A380 Suites Class cabins, since I can’t say I liked the fresher cabin on the way out any more than this one.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class cabin
The window seats in row three are my favorite in Suites Class. That’s because they have an extra set of windows — instead of two windows, you get three.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class, seat 3A
While it does feel a bit like a dentist’s chair, you can’t beat the privacy and size of the Singapore A380 Suites Class “compartment,” in my opinion.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class, seat 3A
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class, seat 3A
Already waiting at my seat was the menu, which was in a leather binder, as usual.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class, seat 3A
Then waiting on my ottoman was a Givenchy blanket, along with a pillow.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class, seat 3A
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class blanket
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class blanket
Also at my seat (in the left side storage compartment) were Bose headphones.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class, seat 3A storage
The seat controls were identical to those on the refreshed A380. Since the Suites Class seat “flips over” to turn into a bed, the controls are quite intuitive. You can only move the seat forwards or backwards, and the legrest up or down.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class, seat controls
Once settled in the leading stewardess brought me some Givenchy pajamas, a Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kit, eyeshades, slippers, and socks.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class amenities
I was also offered a pre-departure beverage — I selected Krug, naturally.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class champagne
There were a few empty Suites Class seats on this sector. There was a middle aged Singaporean couple coming from Singapore, a German businessman-type, and then six New Yorker Hasidic Jews (three couples) that were traveling all the way from Sydney, if I overheard them correctly.
A majority of the leading stewardess’ pre-departure time was spent dealing with their Kosher meals. They insisted they wanted to see all their meals before takeoff so they could decide what they wanted to eat first. Except they didn’t want her to remove the foil. So they just wanted to see the actual foiled tray looked like, if I was interpreting the situation correctly.
Around our departure time the captain came on the PA for his welcome aboard announcement. I love a good Singapore Airlines announcement, and this captain was on top of things, with a brilliantly crisp Singaporean accent. His announcement was so refined, precise, and professional that it was borderline erection-inducing. “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we’ll just be at the stand for a couple more minutes as we finalize our departure formalities with the German authorities. We should be pushing back on shedjewel, and have you at the Kennedy International Airport in New York for an early arrival, barring any delays by air traffic control.”
Sure enough we did push back right on schedule at 8:25AM, at which point the safety video began to play.
Taxiing Frankfurt Airport
Taxiing Frankfurt Airport
Taxiing Frankfurt Airport
Our taxi to the runway took about 15 minutes, and we were airborne by 8:40AM, for our eight hour flight to New York.
Taking off Frankfurt Airport
The views on climb out were indescribably gorgeous. Sometimes you have a beautiful sunny day and sometimes you have almost charmingly bad weather, while this was somewhere inbetween. There was a heavy layer of fog and the sun was doing everything it could to break through. Those always make for the most picturesque morning takeoffs.
View after takeoff Frankfurt Airport
View after takeoff Frankfurt Airport
On our climb out I browsed the KrisWorld entertainment selection, and decided to watch a couple of episodes of 2 Broke Girls and then The Mentalist, which is quite possibly my favorite TV show of all times (and I usually only like comedies).
Singapore Airlines KrisWorld entertainment system
Singapore Airlines KrisWorld entertainment system
Singapore Airlines KrisWorld entertainment system
About 10 minutes after takeoff the seatbelt sign was turned off and the crew sprung into action. Brunch service began almost immediately.
One of the passengers coming from Sydney proceeded to walk up and down the left side Suites Class aisle for what must have been 30 minutes. If you’re going to do that, seems to make a lot more sense to walk around the plane, rather than the same ~30 foot stretch over and over.
The brunch menu read as follows:
And the wine list read as follows:
Usually a breakfast service as the “main” meal on a flight is the least ideal situation, but Singapore Airlines does a hell of a job with their brunch service, given that they have “lunchy” entrees as well as dessert.
I started with another glass of Krug (I was the only one drinking any, sadly… or happily?).
Singapore Airlines Suites Class champagne
My table was then quickly set for the breakfast service, which began with a fruit plate and a selection from the bread basket.
Singapore Airlines Suites Class brunch — fresh fruit plate
The fruit plate was nicely presented and tasted fresh.
Singapore Airlines Suites Class brunch starter — fresh fruit plate
That was followed by an excellent muesli dish.
Singapore Airlines Suites Class brunch starter — bircher muesli
Then for the main course I had snapper with an unbelievably tasty lime-caper sauce. It was accompanied by a small side of potatoes and veggies.
Singapore Airlines Suites Class brunch main course — snapper fillet
Then for dessert I was served a berry tart and cinnamon ice cream. ‘Twas delicious…
Singapore Airlines Suites Class brunch dessert — berry walnut crumble with cinnamon ice cream
To finish off the meal I had a cappuccino.
Singapore Airlines Suites Class cappuccino
Service throughout the meal was excellent — by the book for Singapore, as far as I was concerned. I was constantly addressed by name, the service was at a good pace, and the crew was very attentive.
After brunch I requested to have my bed made. I got about 46 minutes of sleep during my time in Frankfurt, so was long overdue for a nap.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class
While my bed was being made I headed to the upper deck for a quick tour. I do love Singapore A380 business class, which is a great product as well. It was fairly full on today’s flight, with maybe only a dozen empty seats.
Singapore Airlines A380 business class
Singapore Airlines A380 business class
Singapore Airlines A380 business class
After a quick trip around the plane I returned to my seat to find the bed nicely made.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class bed
As I’ve said before, Singapore has great pillows, though they could use a better mattress pad, in my opinion.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class bed
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class bed
I did manage to get a good amount of rest. I woke up with about three hours to go, and within moments of waking up the leading stewardess appeared to offer me a drink and snack. I ordered a cappuccino, and also took her up on the offer for a granola bar.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class snack upon waking up
I got a bit of work done on my laptop, and then about 90 minutes out of New York I was offered my pre-arrival meal.
The lunch menu read as follows:
As I said earlier, having an early morning departure seems non-ideal in terms of the meal service, but Singapore does a great job on this route between an awesome brunch and then a (more than) filling pre-arrival meal.
To start I had a lobster crepe, which was flaky and flavorful.
Singapore Airlines Suites Class lunch starter — lobster crepe
Then for the main course I had the beef fillet, which was quite good, especially for something catered out of Frankfurt.
Singapore Airlines Suites Class lunch main course — beef fillet
Then for dessert I had tiramisu. While it wasn’t as much of an artistic masterpiece as some desserts I’ve had on Singapore, it tasted great.
Singapore Airlines Suites Class lunch dessert — tiramisu
My meal finished up about 45 minutes before arrival, at which point I changed out of my pajamas and stowed all my carry-ons. The first officer came on the PA around this time to give us updated arrival information, anticipating we’d arrive about 20 minutes early.
Our descent was smooth, with the exception of our final approach, where we hit quite a bit of chop.
Approach into New York
Despite that, we had a perfect landing, and a roughly 15 minute taxi to our gate.
Touchdown New York JFK
I’m always been amused by the fact that EL AL and Emirates seem to park next to one another at JFK. Someone must have a good sense of humor…
Touchdown New York JFK
EL AL 747 New York JFK
Emirates A380 New York JFK
Singapore Airlines Suites Class bottom line
This is simply an unbeatable way to fly transatlantic. The crew, service, food, and seat are all top notch. Fifth freedom routes don’t get much more fun than that!
My only complaint — if there were such a thing — is the lounge situation in Frankfurt. I do wish that Suites Class passengers had access to an actual first class lounge.
How to redeem miles for Singapore Airlines Suites Class
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