- Introduction: The World’s Longest Flight, Via Ahmedabad
- Review: Etihad First Class 787 Washington To Abu Dhabi
- Review: Etihad VIP Room Abu Dhabi Airport
- Review: Etihad Business Class A320 Abu Dhabi To Ahmedabad
- Review: Hyatt Ahmedabad
- Review: Plaza Premium Lounge Ahmedabad Airport
- Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class A330 Ahmedabad To Singapore
- Review: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
- Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class A350-900ULR Singapore To Newark
Since I had a room at the Crowne Plaza Changi, I only arrived at the airport just under two hours before departure. I reviewed the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge earlier this year, so didn’t even visit it this time around.
Singapore Airlines departure gate to Newark
My flight was departing from gate A11, and the gate only opened at 11:30PM, 70 minutes before departure. That’s because security is at each individual gate in Terminal 3 at Changi.
Singapore Airlines departure sign for Newark
Sure enough security opened at exactly 11:30PM, and I was among the first through. Then my boarding pass was scanned and passport was checked.
Usually you’d expect the gate area to fill up for a longhaul flight, but given that the plane only has 161 seats, it wasn’t nearly as full as most longhaul gates. I also found it interesting how many people in the gate area were talking about what a special flight this is — it’s clear that word has gotten out about it!
Singapore Airlines departure gate to Newark
While boarding was scheduled for 12:10AM, in reality boarding only started at 12:20AM. I was excited to finally board the world’s longest flight, and a very uniquely configured aircraft!
Singapore Airlines 22
Singapore (SIN) – Newark (EWR)
Monday, October 29
Depart: 12:40AM
Arrive: 6:30AM
Duration: 17hr50min
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
Seat: 15A (Business Class)
The planes that Singapore Airlines uses on these ultra longhaul flights are specially configured, and don’t even have an economy cabin. So since I was the first passenger onboard, I quickly tried to snap some pictures of all the cabins.
There are a total of 67 business class seats. 23 of those are in the forward cabin, between doors one and two.
Singapore Airlines A350-900ULR business class cabin
Singapore Airlines A350-900ULR business class cabin
Then the main business class cabin is the one behind that (between doors two and three), and it consists of 44 seats. That’s a massive business class cabin.
Singapore Airlines A350-900ULR business class cabin
Singapore Airlines A350-900ULR business class cabin
Then at the very back of the plane is the premium economy cabin, which is mostly in a 2-4-2 configuration, with a total of 94 seats featuring 38″ of pitch.
Singapore Airlines A350-900ULR premium economy cabin
Singapore Airlines A350-900ULR premium economy cabin
While these looked like perfectly nice premium economy seats, I’m still not sure I’d want to sit in them for 18 hours.
Singapore Airlines premium economy seats A350-900ULR
The best premium economy seats were those in the last three rows on each side by the windows. Rather than having sets of two seats, there was only one seat in each row by the windows, and the seats had storage lockers next to them. How cool!
Singapore Airlines premium economy seat A350-900ULR
After a quick tour of the plane, I headed back to my business class seat, 15A. That’s the seat in the second to last row in the forward-most cabin.
While the plane as such is cool-looking, I’m disappointed by the seat that Singapore Airlines chose for these flights. It’s not a bad seat, by any stretch of the imagination, but I wish they would have come up with a new seat for a flight this long, since I don’t love Singapore Airlines’ business class seat.
For their A350-900ULRs, Singapore Airlines installed the same business class seats they have on their 777-300ERs, which aren’t that great — they didn’t even install their new A380 seats, which are marginally better.
Singapore Airlines business class seat A350-900ULR
Singapore Airlines business class seat A350-900ULR
There are pros and cons to this seat. On the plus side, it features tons of storage. That’s something they were really thoughtful about. To the side of the seat is a deep storage pocket where you could store a laptop, headphones, etc. Next to that is the headphone jack, power outlet, and reading light.
Singapore Airlines business class seat storage A350
Then at the front left of the seat is an enclosed storage compartment, where you could place a phone or glasses while sleeping. There’s a shelf beneath that where you can place a drink, but I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen drinks knocked off from that shelf, so…
Singapore Airlines business class seat storage A350
Then to the left and underneath the seat is another storage area, where you could place shoes or even a small bag during the flight.
Singapore Airlines business class seat storage A350
Immediately to the left of the seat is another storage compartment (where the headphones usually go), as well as an entertainment controller.
Singapore Airlines business class seat storage A350
Then to the left of the seat is the area where the tray table could be removed from. This is a pretty substantial tray table, and it’s a bit of a pain to raise and lower. I wish they would have designed it so that it could fold over in half, or something, which would make it a bit easier to use.
Singapore Airlines business class seat tray table
To the right of the seat were all the seat controls.
Singapore Airlines business class seat controls
Now let’s talk about the downside of the seat — the comfort. First of all, the seat itself is incredibly hard. I know some people prefer that, but I don’t. Furthermore, as you can probably tell below, the legroom is limited.
Singapore Airlines business class seat A350-900ULR
If you want to stretch out your legs (whether relaxing or sleeping), the only place you can put them is in a footwell to the left of the seat. On the plus side, the footwell is pretty large, so that’s good, but it’s just not ideal to have to sit and sleep at an angle in order to be comfortable.
Singapore Airlines business class seat footwell
In order to put the seat into bed mode you have to stand up and flip the seat over, but I’ll have more on that in a bit.
The seat didn’t have an individual air nozzle, which is something I generally find frustrating, but I was impressed that the cabin was kept at a cool/comfortable temperature the entire flight.
Singapore Airlines business class overhead console A350
While the bed itself may not be that comfortable, the bedding was exceptional. There were three full sized pillows, plus a comfortable duvet.
Singapore Airlines business class bedding
Also waiting at my seat were headphones. I find Singapore Airlines’ headphones to be pretty low quality, so I always end up using my own Bose headphones.
Singapore Airlines business class headphones
Also waiting at my seat was the menu for the flight.
Singapore Airlines business class menu
Anyway, once settled in the onboard service started. My gosh, I have nothing but great things to say about this crew. I don’t envy having to work a flight this long, but they were exceptionally professional and attentive, and just had that special Singapore Airlines touch.
I was addressed by name throughout the flight, and within a minute of settling in was offered a pre-departure drink, with the choice between water, orange juice, and champagne. A moment later I was offered a warm towel.
Singapore Airlines business class pre-departure champagne and warm towel
I was then brought a bottle of water, eyeshades, socks, and slippers. Singapore Airlines still doesn’t offer traditional amenity kits on these flights, though they do bring around some more amenities after takeoff.
Singapore Airlines business class bottled water and amenities
Singapore Airlines business class amenities
The boarding process was efficient, despite the business class cabin being completely full, and premium economy being mostly full (it’s impressive how well Singapore Airlines has done selling business class on this flight — though premium economy is a different story).
By 12:35AM the cabin doors were closed, and around that time the captain made his welcome onboard announcement. Based on the accent it seemed like the captain was Russian, which I found interesting. I remember a decade ago Singapore Airlines had tons of expat pilots, but nowadays I find that most of their pilots are Singaporeans.
The captain welcomed us aboard “our ultra long range flight of 17hr15min.” He anticipated we’d be pushing back within about 10 minutes, and should be arriving in Newark on schedule.
We pushed back at 12:50AM, at which point the safety video was screened. Then five minutes later we started our taxi, and by 1:05AM we were cleared for takeoff on runway 2L.
As we climbed our I first checked out the flight map for our journey.
Singapore Airlines business class entertainment
While I checked this throughout the flight, the small entertainment controller to the side of the seat also had the basics about our journey, which was useful to reference.
Progress to Newark
I then checked out Singapore Airlines’ entertainment selection, which is endless. After Emirates’ ICE system, I consider it to be the best inflight entertainment in the sky.
Singapore Airlines business class entertainment
Singapore Airlines business class entertainment
Singapore Airlines business class entertainment
Singapore Airlines business class entertainment
Singapore Airlines also offers Wi-Fi on the A350-900ULR. Business class passengers get 30MB of free Wi-Fi. They don’t hand out vouchers or anything, but rather you have to know to look for it. You simply enter your last name and seat number, and you’ll automatically be connected for your free session.
Singapore Airlines business class complimentary Wi-Fi
Beyond that the pricing is as follows:
- You can buy 20MB of data for $6
- You can buy 80MB of data for $16
- You can buy 200MB of data for $28
Singapore Airlines A350 Wi-Fi pricing
On the plus side, the Wi-Fi was reasonably fast. I ended up working most of the flight, so in addition to my 30MB of free data, I ended up buying four packages, meaning I spent $112 on Wi-Fi.
On one hand that’s really expensive, and I wish they’d just offer a single plan available for the entire flight. At the same time, I guess $112 isn’t that bad of a price to pay for up to 17 hours of productivity.
Do note that the Wi-Fi cuts out for around 2-3 hours during the middle of the flight (around the second meal service).
After takeoff the cabin lights were turned up in anticipation of the first service.
Singapore A350 cabin after takeoff
25 minutes after takeoff I was asked what I wanted to eat and drink, and then 30 minutes after takeoff I was presented with some amenities. Singapore Airlines doesn’t have traditional amenity kits on this flight, but rather they have a basket out of which you can pick amenities, and then a pouch you can place them in. I asked for one of everything.
Singapore business class amenities
After that the meal service began. The menu for the entire flight read as follows (you can see this post for why I think the meal service on this flight is rather illogical):
The wine list read as follows:
The rest of the drink list read as follows:
About 45 minutes after takeoff I was served my drink of choice (champagne, which was Charles Heidsieck Brut), along with packaged almonds and cashews.
Singapore Airlines business class meal service — champagne and nuts
Personally I would have thought the biggest meals on this flight would have been those served after takeoff and before landing, but that wasn’t the case. Instead the after takeoff meal was served on a single tray.
For the main I selected steamed lobster dumplings in superior sauce with Chinese greens and flower mushrooms. This was served with a side of fruit and a selection of bread. The dumplings were really good, though I was still sort of hungry (in fairness, I hadn’t eaten all day, as I was sleeping for most of it).
Singapore Airlines business class meal service — steamed lobster dumplings in superior soup
Singapore Airlines business class meal service — bread selection
After the meal I decided to stay up for a bit working, and then about 90 minutes after takeoff the cabin lights were dimmed. I decided to sleep about two hours after takeoff. I couldn’t figure out how to fold my seat over to turn it into bed mode (I know how it’s supposed to work, but my seat was really stubborn, and I didn’t want to break anything), so I asked a flight attendant, who gladly helped.
Singapore Airlines business class bed
While the sleeping surface is large, the only place you can put your feet is in the far corner, unless you bend your knees a lot.
Singapore Airlines business class bed
I was pretty tired at this point so managed to sleep, but I found the sleeping surface to be really hard. I get that different people have different preferences, but I really wish they’d offer some sort of an additional mattress pad for those who prefer that.
I fell asleep with about 15hr15min remaining to Newark, and woke up just two hours later, with 13hr15min remaining. I was wide awake. Ugh.
Progress enroute to Newark
It’s not often you take a flight where you have a meal and a nap, and you still have over 13 hours remaining. Since I realized I couldn’t go back to sleep, I decided to order a coffee and get some work done. I was also offered some cookies to go along with it.
Singapore Airlines business class coffee & cookies
As I said at the beginning, the crew was just fabulous. They were so friendly and hardworking and attentive, even in the middle of the night.
For those wondering how their breaks on this flight work, the crew splits into two shifts between meals — all crew get three hours of rest between the first and second meal (meaning everyone rests for three of six hours), and then they get two hours of rest between the second and third meal (meaning everyone rests for two of four hours).
At this point I also checked out the lavatories on the plane. Here’s something interesting. All the business class lavatories are located behind the first business class cabin and behind the second business class cabin (the ones at the front of the cabin are reserved for the crew).
This means that the forward cabin is really quiet throughout the flight, since there’s no foot traffic. The bathrooms themselves were fine — they were spotless, as the crew took great care of them, though they weren’t very large.
Singapore A350-900ULR business class lavatory
I worked for a few hours, and then we were just over 10 hours from Newark, and we were already past Japan. Ugh this is a long flight!! I think what was actually toughest was the light deprivation, since the cabin was kept dark the entire flight.
Progress enroute to Newark
Progress enroute to Newark
I worked a bit more, and then about 8hr40min into the flight, the next meal service began. While the meal is marketed as being on demand, in reality this consists of a satay service, and they do roll carts down the aisle and turn up the lights, so just about everyone eats at the same time.
Service began with juice, with the choice between cranberry, apple, tomato, or orange juice.
Singapore Airlines business class meal — orange juice
Next up a cart was rolled down the aisle with satay — yum!
Singapore Airlines business class meal — satay
Next up was the starter, which consisted of a salad of crab with witlof, frisee, and mache.
Singapore Airlines business class meal — salad of crab
The main courses mostly didn’t appeal to me, so in retrospect I should have used Singapore Airlines’ “Book the Cook” feature to order something I really wanted. I ended up ordering the Singapore chicken rice with fragrant poached chicken with pandan flavored rice, grated ginger, soya and chilli sauce. It was just alright.
Singapore Airlines business class meal — Singapore chicken rice
Then there was a choice of three desserts, including mango cheesecake with ginger cookie crumb, French apple frangipane tart with whipped ricotta cheese, and petite patisserie. I couldn’t decide which to have, so the flight attendant taking care of me insisted I try all of them. Hah.
Singapore Airlines business class meal — dessert selection
I was hoping to sleep a bit after the meal, so I ordered a cup of chamomile tea.
Singapore Airlines business class meal — tea selection
By the time the meal service was done we were just over six hours from arriving in New York, flying over Alaska.
Progress enroute to Newark
Progress enroute to Newark
Progress enroute to Newark
For whatever reason I just couldn’t sleep, so I then decided to watch a few TV shows. I finally managed to fall asleep about 3.5 hours before landing, and then woke up about two hours before landing, as the cabin lights were turned on for the pre-landing meal service (which was technically on demand).
The breakfast options on the menu are extremely limited, which I find odd, given that most people on the flight are having three meals.
For breakfast I had the parsley cheese omelet with chicken sausage, tomato, sautéed mushrooms, and gratin potatoes, the greek yogurt and granola parfait, agave lemonade, and a cappuccino. The breakfast was pretty good, though again, I was surprised by the lack of options.
Singapore Airlines business class breakfast — omelet & yogurt parfait
Once breakfast was complete, at 5:40AM New York time, the captain announced we’d soon be starting our descent, and that we should be landing at 6:40AM. We were then over Northern New York.
Progress enroute to Newark
Progress enroute to Newark
I guess we managed to get some shortcuts, because we ended up landing at 6:20AM, and were at the gate five minutes later.
Progress enroute to Newark
While the flight was perfectly pleasant, it was so nice to be off the plane upon arrival at Newark.
Singapore Airlines A350-900ULR upon arrival at Newark
I passed through immigration quickly, and then got in an Uber to JFK, as I was taking the Kenya Airways inaugural flight from New York to Nairobi the same day, which I’ll be covering in the next trip report.
Singapore A350-900ULR business class bottom line
Let me start with the point on which I have nothing but good things to say. The crew was phenomenal, and they worked so hard. When you get a good crew on Singapore Airlines, they’re the best out there.
Other than that, I can’t say I loved the flight. It’s not that any one thing was wrong, but rather just that this is a really long flight, and things aren’t necessarily perfect:
- Being in darkness without a single window open for about 18 hours is really tough, regardless of whether you want to be awake or sleep; there’s serious light deprivation
- Singapore Airlines’ business class seats aren’t great, and the beds are really hard
- While the food was pretty good, I thought the actual process with which it was served was illogical
- The Wi-Fi was fast (which is great), though also not cheap
- The plane doesn’t have any sort of amenities or areas you can stretch your legs, so you really have no choice but to sit for virtually the entire flight
Being able to fly nonstop from Singapore to Newark is of course incredibly convenient, as I explained in a previous post. However, this is a really long flight, and I think there are still some kinks that Singapore Airlines should work out.
So I’d recommend the flight for the novelty, but I’m not dying to take this flight again… at all.
I'm pretty shocked at the seat comfort review. This is such a long flight for "not great" hard, uncomfortable seats. I flew this route out of Newark Twice about 10 years ago on the A340 with 90 seats of business class only. I agree on the EWR-SIN leg that 18 hours in darkness is a lot to handle. I also did not like the fact the flight landed at 6am, meaning you have a whole...
I'm pretty shocked at the seat comfort review. This is such a long flight for "not great" hard, uncomfortable seats. I flew this route out of Newark Twice about 10 years ago on the A340 with 90 seats of business class only. I agree on the EWR-SIN leg that 18 hours in darkness is a lot to handle. I also did not like the fact the flight landed at 6am, meaning you have a whole day in front of you to feel Day 1 jetlag. However I did love these flights. The food was pretty amazing and I had a gin and tonic on a SIN-EWR which was the best I've ever tasted. I'm a huge airliner geek and these were four of my most favorite flights full stop.
You’re wrong about the lack of breakfast options. There were other options like egg noodles, dim sum etc.
And it seems that you’re not a big fan of Asian cuisine. Then choose the western option in the future.
Ole Alan sounds like a professional complainer. I've never had a bad experience on SQ. Only once were my bags delayed and there was a baggage claim rep waiting for me at the carousel in Bangkok. She escorted me to the claim office and helped me complete the paperwork. She and her manager apologized profusely and gave me 5,000 baht cash on the spot for my inconvenience, all without me complaining at all. The bags...
Ole Alan sounds like a professional complainer. I've never had a bad experience on SQ. Only once were my bags delayed and there was a baggage claim rep waiting for me at the carousel in Bangkok. She escorted me to the claim office and helped me complete the paperwork. She and her manager apologized profusely and gave me 5,000 baht cash on the spot for my inconvenience, all without me complaining at all. The bags were delivered to my hotel the next morning. I suspect SQ's alleged lack of response to Alan's repeated complaining signifies they are onto his scam.
Lol. Serious nitpicking but anyone who knows anything about wine understands one doesn't just run the description through Google translate. When referring to a Bordeaux, "Grand Cru Classe" remains the same whether in French or English. To print the words "Great Classed Growth" is a laughable culture fail. Well at least you know I read your article. Separately, I rode SQ21 last December with two toddlers in PE and while not business it was far...
Lol. Serious nitpicking but anyone who knows anything about wine understands one doesn't just run the description through Google translate. When referring to a Bordeaux, "Grand Cru Classe" remains the same whether in French or English. To print the words "Great Classed Growth" is a laughable culture fail. Well at least you know I read your article. Separately, I rode SQ21 last December with two toddlers in PE and while not business it was far better than economy. And flying direct shaves 2-3 hours off the JFK-FRA-SIN route.
I'm about to book this flight EWR-SIN on the A359; does anyone know which seats are the best for an engine view?
I refuse to fly Singapore Airlines for many reasons.
I have been on several flights, that even in First Class my seat was broken and it was in the upright position the entire flight to Singapore and the complaint emails did not go anywhere. I have not gotten a single dollar of compensation or 1 single Kris Flyer mile, a cheap and greedy airline and the people in charge of corporate customer care simply...
I refuse to fly Singapore Airlines for many reasons.
I have been on several flights, that even in First Class my seat was broken and it was in the upright position the entire flight to Singapore and the complaint emails did not go anywhere. I have not gotten a single dollar of compensation or 1 single Kris Flyer mile, a cheap and greedy airline and the people in charge of corporate customer care simply do not care.
SQ has lost my luggage and damaged them on some other routes. I have had luggage missing for several days and again, not a single penny or a single mile, a cheap and tacky airline customer relations. My camera was damaged on a different flight, by water pouring from their equipment and again, nothing. I have been on flights where my special meals were not boarded and again nothing. I have SQ cancel my flight out of IST and wanted me to fly on a different day based on their choice, instead of booking on a different carrier and their excuse was that I had used miles for my flight. No other airline would do this and they would protect you on a different airline and rebook you where SQ does not offer this service and they make you fly on a day based on their preference, not the day you originally book and works best for you.
The only saving grace for SQ, is their Flight Attendants as they are mostly hard working. However I have been told, since they are on contract, if they get written up for anything, they will get fired, unlike United, AA or Delta Flight Crews, where they can do whatever they want because of having Unions where literally on a recent flight United Flight Attendants sat on the metal bins in the galley of the 787 and watched their IPADS the entire flight.
If anyone knows how I can take SQ to small claims court to recoup some of the costs associated with my luggage and In-Flight Equipment issues please do not hesitate to email me. Thank you!
I recently Flew on A350 Singapore to San Francisco... as you said, sleeping is tough, the knees kept hitting the sides and surprised they didn't offer pajamas on a 15 hour flight as they used to... still a big fan of their Service
Did every passenger enter the plane through one door which is through the business class mini cabin or do they separate business and premium economy passengers entry door?
For anyone who has taken both the EWR-SIN and SIN-EWR flights, which leg is better in your opinion? Which is longer?
I was on the inaugural SIN-EWR on 11 Oct 2018 in Premium economy.
Also agreed the Chateau Rauzan-Ségla Margaux 2006 was very good, having tried during a SIN-HKG flight.
I notice they continue to serve those terrible poultry sausages with breakfast. We need a campaign for airlines to serve a decent pork sausage instead. The religious zealots may make unsound objections (based on something they have been told to believe rather than reality) but they are not forced to eat them.
Also, they were biscuits, not cookies, served with the coffee.
Those Laundress wash bars are amazing. Cleans clothes really well.
I just took off from Auckland to Doha on QR, 17h40m of WiFi for $10!
@ Brian
Correct, that flight landed in EWR in the morning. Did it several times. Once as crazy as in 'arriving, shower, do meeting, back to the airport and take the return flight'.
Ben, how do you eat all these frequent in-flight meals (most of which are heavy on carbs and/or fat) without getting overweight? I've always wondered that. I have noticed you review hotel gyms but you don't seem to actually use them, unless I'm mistaken.
Your comments on being in darkness for 18 hours take me back 40 years to a colleague’s comments after his first SIA flight out of Auckland, and to wonder if this is SIA normal policy.
This was in the days of roof mounted, three-beam projectors, bulkhead screens and barked orders to pull down blinds ready for the screening. Only problem was it was uber bright outside and crystal clear at 36,000 feet, giving the pax...
Your comments on being in darkness for 18 hours take me back 40 years to a colleague’s comments after his first SIA flight out of Auckland, and to wonder if this is SIA normal policy.
This was in the days of roof mounted, three-beam projectors, bulkhead screens and barked orders to pull down blinds ready for the screening. Only problem was it was uber bright outside and crystal clear at 36,000 feet, giving the pax a stunning view of ‘red centre’ Australia which many wanted to see instead of a so-so movie.
Eventually, the Singapore girls prevailed, somehow quelling a near riot. My friend described them as “operating like identical robots”.
I’ve never forgotten that - or, as it happens, flown SIA.
Brian,
I agree 100% - the A340 flight seemed to make much more sense, in terms of the cabin layout, timing of the flight, and meal service. It was an outstanding flight.
I know I've said this on every other SQ review, but you keep harping on the seat, so I'm going to keep writing this: there is literally no difference between your body when sleeping on CX and SQ. Look at how the seatbelt is positioned in flat mode: you are not meant to lie down parallel to the aircraft (if you did so, it would be truly odd to stick your legs off at an...
I know I've said this on every other SQ review, but you keep harping on the seat, so I'm going to keep writing this: there is literally no difference between your body when sleeping on CX and SQ. Look at how the seatbelt is positioned in flat mode: you are not meant to lie down parallel to the aircraft (if you did so, it would be truly odd to stick your legs off at an angle). A complaint might be the limited ability to "lounge." In return, you benefit from a flat mode that doesn't have the odd curves from the lumbar support.
When I took this flight several yers ago it left Changi at 10 in the morning and landed at Newark at 6 PM. The timing was much better and window shades were opened for a lot of the flight. I found it pleasant and not much different than a flight from Tokyo to New York.
Virtually nobody would sleep perpendicularly to their bed throughout the night and I simply can't understand why the fuss is about of having to sleep at an angle. The only thing that can let you sleep not at an angle throughout is the coffin.
I don't entirely agree with the "a long flight will always be a long flight". I changed my 1st class Emirates flight back from Auckland (NZ) to a direct flight to Dubai when it became available, instead of stopping in Melbourne as originally scheduled. Cutting that stop saved me several hours on the way back to Europe. 2 years ago it also was the longest flight available, which added to the thrill, some 17,5 hours....
I don't entirely agree with the "a long flight will always be a long flight". I changed my 1st class Emirates flight back from Auckland (NZ) to a direct flight to Dubai when it became available, instead of stopping in Melbourne as originally scheduled. Cutting that stop saved me several hours on the way back to Europe. 2 years ago it also was the longest flight available, which added to the thrill, some 17,5 hours. I admit, I would not have made this change if I was flying economy. But since I was lucky to travel in 1st, I was never bored, and I left the airplane in Dubai genuinly feeling "that went by fast". After this review, I would not opt for the ultra-long SQ flight: no room to walk around, not enough bathrooms, no real dine on demand.
Every criticism of the seat can be answered with 5 important words: you don't need to stop.
Personally, I have no problem with the seats (although I'm of two minds about the mattress, which I find comfortable but also requires you to make a conscious decision to sleep and prevents you from simply closing your eyes and falling to sleep -- but that's a trade off) but even if I did, the fact that...
Every criticism of the seat can be answered with 5 important words: you don't need to stop.
Personally, I have no problem with the seats (although I'm of two minds about the mattress, which I find comfortable but also requires you to make a conscious decision to sleep and prevents you from simply closing your eyes and falling to sleep -- but that's a trade off) but even if I did, the fact that I don't need to stop and waste time, trumps all. That is no small thing for most people taking this flight, who don't have the luxury of lots of free time.
Lucky
You have pointed out what you perceived as odd feeding schedule by Singapore airline. However, I think something that is amiss by you and many aviation bloggers is whether singapore airlines meal design and lighting schedule helps with jet lag as they claimed for normal travelers who actually stay at their destination for some time. You and many aviation bloggers often time would just take another flight out within 24 hours or less...
Lucky
You have pointed out what you perceived as odd feeding schedule by Singapore airline. However, I think something that is amiss by you and many aviation bloggers is whether singapore airlines meal design and lighting schedule helps with jet lag as they claimed for normal travelers who actually stay at their destination for some time. You and many aviation bloggers often time would just take another flight out within 24 hours or less and so there isn't any basis of comparison. Do you think this is a fair observation?
@Gio thanks for the heads-up! I’ll hold on to what I have
Not sure you know, but the Chateau Rauzan-Ségla Margaux 2006 they served on that flight is a great wine from a very good vintage. Hope you got to enjoy some!
After 15 economy R/T transpacific flights to Thailand over the last 20 years, I was lucky enough to snag a Hong Kong Airlines error fare in business, which I’ll take in March. Having read your review of that flight LAX to Shanghai, it looks like it is comparable but much shorter and one less meal, which I’ll get on the Shanghai to BKK flight. Hopefully, the seats on Hong Kong Airlines will be more comfortable...
After 15 economy R/T transpacific flights to Thailand over the last 20 years, I was lucky enough to snag a Hong Kong Airlines error fare in business, which I’ll take in March. Having read your review of that flight LAX to Shanghai, it looks like it is comparable but much shorter and one less meal, which I’ll get on the Shanghai to BKK flight. Hopefully, the seats on Hong Kong Airlines will be more comfortable than those on Singapore Airlines. Other than that, I don’t want to get too used to business class service, as price is still my number one concern in buying a ticket to Asia.
Agree as well that the BC seats are not comfy. They look fancy but are unpractical and tights.
Give me GA, TK, KL, ET, AY etc any time.
BC toilets was already and issue on the old A340 flight. Too tight and not enough. As BC traveller I do not want to stand in line while someone is sitting in there taking a dump. On a plane for this kind of flights they should...
Agree as well that the BC seats are not comfy. They look fancy but are unpractical and tights.
Give me GA, TK, KL, ET, AY etc any time.
BC toilets was already and issue on the old A340 flight. Too tight and not enough. As BC traveller I do not want to stand in line while someone is sitting in there taking a dump. On a plane for this kind of flights they should have added 2 more BC toilets and have them 15-20 cm wider as well.
I have been PPS Solitaire for about 20 years but now down to Gold as my preference has changed away from SQ because of the seats.
Should I stick to the KF program or is there a better *A program. I only fly BC. About 8-10 longhauls and maybe 20-25 shorthauls in a year.
And no CC transfers, I get 95% of my points through ass in seat.
@willem don’t switch to a row of four. The armrests are fixed, and you won’t be able to take advantage of vacant seats next to you. I think the best premium y seats are probably the emergency exit row window seats. You get to lean against the window and still have full access to aisle. The solo seat with the additional storage was nice, but it was hard for me to sleep without leaning against something
The review seems to be just a repeat/reprint of your october trip - is there a reason for this or am I mistaken?
@ Nifel -- I had shared my initial thoughts about the flight shortly after taking it, but this is the full review.
The plane needs a lounge! Too long not to have one. They should shed some premium economy seats for it. Also, dining on demand should be de rigueur. Anyway, I will take it just because......
I think the SQ seat/bed comfort really depends on how you sleep. As a side sleeper I actually much preferred them to say Etihad because I can sleep on my side and bend my knees with plenty of space. I found of Etihad and even a little on Emirates that I was constrained to sleeping like I was in a coffin.
Going through Staten Island and Belt to JFK in under a hour you better bring some extra money to grease the cops or be a hot seductress.
@Lucky, your bottomline summarizes the main issue with this flight and other available and contemplated (LHR-SYD) ultra long haul flights: a long flight is a long flight. All the food, IFE and seats in the world can only distract you for so long before you ask "are we there yet?". Economics is one factor in limiting these flights, though I believe their "bearability" is just as important. A breakthrough is badly needed in aviation to...
@Lucky, your bottomline summarizes the main issue with this flight and other available and contemplated (LHR-SYD) ultra long haul flights: a long flight is a long flight. All the food, IFE and seats in the world can only distract you for so long before you ask "are we there yet?". Economics is one factor in limiting these flights, though I believe their "bearability" is just as important. A breakthrough is badly needed in aviation to shorten time/increase speeds for these flights to get closer to that bearable 11-13 hour mark.
I flew this on the A340 when it was all J. A nice quiet flight overall (there were maybe 25 people on the flight). Helps that I don't mind the seat, and the timing was different (I believe we landed early evening in EWR vs early morning) so the food made more sense.
SQ SQ SQ they live in the past. I find EK 380 so much better. Love the bar in the rear. SQ had a chance to make this special. They did not.
I will say the words that all bloggers seem afraid to utter aloud, SQ biz class seats are pure, uncomfortable trash.
What does your doctor think about your life choices of doing back to back longhauls (is your insurance cost higher :) )
Oh and another problem during our flight was that flight tacker/status/airshow functions did not work the whole flight...one of my favourite features in any flight
Excited nonetheless to fly this route in Premium Economy thanks to the Black Friday sale! Snagged one of the solo seats in the back and would switch to a row of 4 if the whole row ends up empty
"" I also found it interesting how many people in the gate area were talking about what a special flight this is... ""
What's clear TO ME is they're falling for SQ advertising and airline blogger hype.
EWR to JFK via Staten Island and Brooklyn Belt Expressway should be under an hour. Or, you could go through Manhattan in under three hours (more or less).
Flying 17 hours from Singapore to New York, then immediately back on a plane to Nairobi? Wow
You repeatedly criticize the bed comfort (which seems like a common thread through multiple reviews)... what do you view as the most comfortable beds in transpacific J class?
My only transpacific experience is the Apex seats on both Korean and JAL which I liked. Is the real Polaris seat the winner here?
Having taken this flight, I agree that the menu is inadequate and the seat very uncomfortable. The crew was attentive and did try their best, but it was their first time on that route, so not everything went right: toilets were not spotless mid flight (as well not enough business class toilets for the amount of passenges) food items ran out (even though ordered at start of flight); and there was too much noise from...
Having taken this flight, I agree that the menu is inadequate and the seat very uncomfortable. The crew was attentive and did try their best, but it was their first time on that route, so not everything went right: toilets were not spotless mid flight (as well not enough business class toilets for the amount of passenges) food items ran out (even though ordered at start of flight); and there was too much noise from galley and cart service, hardly got any sleep.
The worst thing for us was that one of our seats did not work. It only worked fully upright or as in full bed mode, which was tough to bear for so many hours. Contacted Singapore about it and they said “sorry... out engineers have now fixed it”. Is this good enough for such airline specially when you have paid a full fare for the ticket?
Is it just me or did this review seem short for a 17+ hour flight? I thought Singapore would do more for the flight.
Good review and I'm heartened to find that I'm not the only one who thinks that in spite of the hype, Singapore Airlines have one of the worst business class seats in use. FWIW, the newest one is even harder than the one on the A350 and the leg rest raises to the same useless 45 degrees so no use at all and if you want to put your feet up you are forced to sit at an angle resulting in back pain. SQ have well and truly lost the plot IMHO!
The question is not what the cost of the urbr from EWR to JFK is. The question is how long did it take and how long where you stuck in traffic jams. :) could do a whole trip report just on that adventurous trip.
wow. idk if I could take 17 hours without light. I've never really enjoyed flying through the pitch black night and not being able to see anything so to not even have the option would trip me out.
1. How long did it take for your eyes to adjust?
2. Was your next flight a night time flight as well?
Great review, thanks! For someone who values hard product above all, it seems like transpacific CX J trumps SQ J, even considering the need to transfer in HKG. Do you agree?
So how much was an Uber from EWR to JFK?
Back to back longhauls. You are a glutton for punishment