Singapore Airlines Business Class Review

SINGAPORE AIRLINES BUSINESS CLASS REVIEW

SQ285 Seat: 20D Aircraft: 777-300ER

Singapore Airlines, a true 5-star airline that has always set the benchmark when it comes to long haul Business Class travel. I had the enviable task of road testing their Business product to Singapore and to experience the legendary service for which they are so renowned.

The Business Class section on this flight consisted of 42 seats, split into 2 cabins located directly behind First Class in the front of the aircraft. The seat configuration of 1 - 2 - 1 allows for direct isle access which is becoming a must have now in Business. With a glass of the house Taittinger champagne in-hand, I scanned the menu and looked forward to the flight ahead.

For me, one of the key reasons for paying the extra to fly Business, especially long haul, is the significant additional pitch between seats and the ability to have a fully flat, 180 degree seat. The quality of seat and so ability to sleep can vary markedly between the different carriers and this is where Singapore Airlines have long been the pioneers of having the most luxurious, innovative product. The seat must also be comfortable in the daytime and in both cases, they have succeeded. Upholstered in high grade leather and at 30 inches wide, it is more akin to a First Class seat and around 50% wider than many Business Class alternatives.

The extra width and super comfy cushioning is hard to beat for a long haul duration. The seats also offer a superb level of privacy, nicely cocooned, especially if you are travelling solo and choose a window option. Very clever design with multiple storage spaces, an oversized tray table for dining or work with an all-in-one business panel which includes an in-seat power supply and USB ports. With a pitch of 51 inches, there’s plenty of space to stretch out, work or simply sit back and watch a movie or two. Kris World, Singapore Airlines entertainment system spoils you for choice including an impressive selection of new release blockbusters, TV, audio and games - all viewed on a 15.4 inch wide LCD screen.

The ability to get a good sleep is perhaps the most important test for a Business Class seat and I found it to be one of the most comfortable I’ve reviewed. The seat folds back onto itself into a spacious fully flat seat rather than the seat just reclining to a 180 degree position. This is preferable, as instead of having the indentations of the seat cushions, you have one flat surface.

Quite often, when it comes to airline food, the menu reads a lot better than it tastes. This is an area that Singapore Airlines have always excelled and the cuisine on offer has been created by an International Culinary Panel of celebrated chefs from around the globe. For my 3-course lunch I settled on some exceptional Singapore style chicken and beef satays with onion, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce followed by a Matt Moran styled seared beef fillet in a mushroom- Madeira sauce with roasted shallots, green beans, garlic confit and boiled potatoes. Dessert seemed excessive but I felt compelled to order an irresistible looking opera cake with zebra chocolate cigar. The beverage selection and quality was impressive and to accompany lunch I settled on a very nice 2011 Chateau Tour Haut-Caussan Cru Bourgeois from Medoc, Bordeaux.

More than having a great product, to truly excel you need a service level to match and Singapore Airlines is recognised as one of the very best, having won multiple awards for in-flight excellence. I found all the attendants to be discrete yet attentive and the service was always delivered with grace and style. So overall, how does Singapore Airlines Business Class measure up? Undoubtedly, still one of the finest in the sky and coupled with their vast destination network it also allows for a seamless way to access Asia, Europe and beyond. Singapore Airlines, still a great way to fly.