Singapore Airlines is well-known for its outstanding Business Class and recently I had the opportunity to fly the London Heathrow-Singapore route on their double-decker A380. The Business Class cabin is located on the upper deck of the aircraft and is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration with forward-facing seats, meaning all seats have direct aisle access. I was seated in 26K next to the window on the right hand side of the aircraft.
The Seat
The Singapore Airlines A380 has one of the widest Business Class seats in the sky- so wide it’s actually big enough to seat two people side by side. At one point during my flight I actually joined one of my travel companions for a quick chat and a cocktail.
When the tray table is folded out at meal times, there’s still plenty of room to get out of your seat and go to the bathroom. If you’ve been working on your laptop, you can simply place it on the seat to the side of you.
The entertainment console itself is very discreet and unobtrusive- with intelligently designed spaces to store all your belongings. To the left of the TV screen there’s a vanity mirror, fold out tray for drinks and storage space; to the right there are plug sockets and USB ports, as well as a compartment for gloves and a coat hook.
One feature I really liked was the hook to the right of the headrest for hanging up your headphones- a nice little touch that keeps all those wires out of the way. When seated you can rest your feet diagonally on the footrest and adjust the leg rest and back of your seat to a more comfortable position. Menus and magazines were stored to the right of my legs- the same side as my tray table. The remote for the inflight entertainment system was on the left, concealed inside the armrest.
Unlike ordinary Business Class seats that convert into a fully flat-bed using the seat controls, the back of the seat folds forward to create an entirely separate sleeping surface covered with a breathable fabric. Bedding and cushions are stored behind the back of the seat and cabin crew will make your bed up for you. The seat joins up with the footrest so you sleep diagonally on the flat sleeping surface.
Amenities
Unlike some other airlines- Singapore Airlines doesn’t offer out amenity kits in Business Class- only in First Class. In Business Class you are given a small pouch with a pair of sleep socks and an eye mask. All the toiletries are in the bathroom in little drawers, including toothbrushes and toothpaste, shaving kits and combs. Next to the sink you’ll also find mouthwash and L’Occitane products.
Food & Drink Service
I used the ‘Book the Cook’ service, which allows you to pre-order meals up to 24 hours before the flight. I ordered the classic Singaporean chicken rice as my main meal and wasn’t disappointed. I have to say though I saw the seafood thermidor and was a tad envious!
Prior to take-off I was offered a glass of champagne (Bollinger) then once we were in the air I went for a Singapore Sling cocktail. The meal service began with Singapore Airlines’ famous chicken & beef satay skewers, followed by a buffalo mozzarella and prosciutto salad. For dessert I had the option of summer fruit pudding or tiramisu, followed by cheese and biscuits. If you’re feeling peckish mid-flight there are a variety of snacks, including British afternoon tea, specific to the London-Singapore route.
Drinks-wise there’s a huge selection of teas as well as illy coffee. Of course there’s also a selection of wines and cocktails should you wish to have a tipple in flight.
For breakfast I was served a fruit platter and since I like savoury options for breakfast, I chose the noodles with prawns and scallops.
Thoughts
Singapore Airlines really is in a league of its own and their Business Class is the equivalent of First Class on many other airlines. I wouldn’t have any trouble flying in any cabin class on this airline but their Business Class is outstanding. From the well-groomed Singapore Girls who refer to you by name instead of your seat number, to the incredibly spacious seats and the Givenchy tableware- the airline has thought of every detail and the service is impeccable. The meal service is more akin to dining in a high-class restaurant than an aircraft cabin. My one complaint is that the flight time just wasn’t long enough!
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