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Home » Reviews » Flight Reviews » Review: Singapore Airlines A350-900 Business Class
Flight ReviewsSingapore Airlines

Review: Singapore Airlines A350-900 Business Class

Matthew Klint Posted onDecember 24, 2021November 14, 2023 11 Comments

a jet plane at an airport

For my trip home from Thailand I flew on Singapore Airlines, giving me a chance to fly two legs on the A350-900 and try Singapore’s latest onboard business class product. This review covers my journey from Bangkok to Singapore.

Singapore Airlines A350-900 Business Class Review

I traveled on Singapore Airlines from Bangkok to Los Angeles via Singapore in business class.

Booking

I booked my ticket via KrisFlyer, the loyalty program of Singapore Airlines. Both legs cost 95,000 miles, but having taken advantage of a 20% transfer bonus from American Express, the cost was effectively 80,000 miles. That is a great idea considering Singapore Airlines no longer charges a fuel surcharge on its own flights. I paid less than $100 in government taxes.

a screenshot of a computer

For the same price, I could have booked Singapore to Bangkok on a A350-900, Bangkok to Tokyo on a 787-10, and Tokyo to Los Angeles on a 777-300ER, however that created a much longer travel time and I was keen to try out Singapore’s ultra-longhaul service.

The only downside to that choice was that I flew the same aircraft on both legs. While Singapore Airlines often runs a regionally-configured A350 on its intra-Asia legs, my flight featured the longhaul product, as did my connecting flight to Los Angeles.

Check-In

Check-in at Bangkok was a bit of a hassle because almost every airport door was closed. I finally found a way in at Door 10 at the far end of the terminal, then had to walk back to the center of the terminal to check in.

a sign with different colored signs

a gated entryway to a building

a glass building with a glass wall and a glass door

people in an airport terminal

a group of people in a large airport terminal

a group of machines in a building

people standing in a line at an airport

There was no wait (there would be only about 50 people on my flight) and after verifying my COVID-19 test for travel to the United States, I was issued a pair of boarding passes and a lounge pass for the Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge.

a pair of tickets on a table


> Read More: Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge Review


The airport was very quiet.

a person walking in a hallway

a blue sign in a building

a large airport terminal with signs and chairs

a large white and glass tunnel with people walking in it

Boarding Procedures

The gate area included a sanitation kit and bottle of water for every passenger.

a large glass window with rows of green chairs and airplanes

a person standing in a room with glass walls and a window

a table with bottles of water and a basket of food

Passengers were not allowed to proceed down the ramp to the “holding pen” until roughly the scheduled boarding time. Even after reaching our printed boarding time on the boarding pass, we were not invited to board until 30 minutes prior to takeoff.

a row of green chairs in a terminal

a row of green chairs with red and white signs

Boarding took place from back to front in order to promote social distancing onboard.

Singapore Airlines 707
Bangkok (BKK) – Singapore (SIN)
Monday, November 8
Depart: 12:15PM
Arrive: 03:45PM
Duration: 2hr, 30min
Distance: 876 miles
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900
Seat: 14A (Business Class)

A flight attendant greeted me and inspected my boarding pass as I stepped onboard, directing me to turn right down the first aisle.

Seat

It seems that opinions are quite divided on Singapore’s longhaul business class seat, a proprietary product that is very spacious at first glance, but not overly comfortable in all positions.

I did not find that to be the case. While the construction of the seat limits recline (the rear cushion flips over to create a bed rather than sliding back into a bed), I felt the seat was very comfortable and found plenty of legroom and foot room.

a row of seats in an airplane

a row of seats in an airplane

a row of seats in an airplane

an airplane with rows of seats and a television

a row of seats in an airplane

a row of seats in an airplane

a row of seats in an airplane

inside an airplane with rows of seats

the inside of an airplane

Singapore Airlines has three A350 configurations. This configuration had 40 flat bed seats in business class with 60 inches of pitch and a width of 28 inches.

a seat in a plane

a seat in an airplane

a seat in a plane

a seat in a plane

a man wearing a face mask sitting in an airplane

The seat included plenty of storage, including a small locker for important personal belongings:

an empty shelf in an airplane

Space for a laptop, books, or important travel documents:

a seat with a power outlet

Universal power outlet plus dual USB (type A) chargers:

a black outlet with a black panel and a black plug in

Additional in-seat storage in which a hygiene kit, water bottle, and headphones were stored:

a small plastic bag with a bottle in the middle of a seat

Even a mirror:

a close up of a seat

Coathook:

a close up of a switch on a seat

Push-button seat controls:

a seat with a seat and a seat with buttons

Not a great foot room, but enough for me:

a seat inside a vehicle

Lights:

a seat with a button and a hole in the middle

More underseat storage:

a grey rectangular object with a hole in the corner

Sadly, there are no individual air vents:

a white object with a speaker and a sign

Cabin Condition

The cabin was immaculate, as expected, but I was sorry to see the business class seat has not aged very well.

The locker was broken (it would not latch shut):

a close up of a metal door

A panel on the seat also had become loose and seemed to be dripping something:

a close up of a metal object

Meal + Drink

While Singapore Airlines does not currently offer its “Book The Chef” option on shorter regional flights, I was able to pre-reserve my meal choice prior to the flight on the SIA website.

Choices included:

  • Braised beef with mashed potatoes
  • Chicken Dum Biryani (from Bismillah Biryani Restaurant)
  • Kung Pao prawns with friend rice

a screenshot of a menu

I ordered the biryani and was so glad I did…it was easily one of the most delicious airline meals I have had all year, especially with the lovely yogurt sauce.

Meal service has been modified somewhat due to the pandemic, with no printed menus or hot towels and meal items served covered in plastic. Utensils are also delivered in a plastic bag. My tray arrived no more than 25 minutes after takeoff with the entire meal on it.

a tray of food on a table

I was elated to see a bread basket and enjoyed some delicious garlic bread.

a person putting food on a tray

But again, the biryani was truly delicious, with the perfect mix of spices and flavors that made for a very tasty lunch. I skipped the fish and cake, assuming (falsely) I would have plenty to eat in the Singapore Airlines Lounge during my five-hour layover.

a spoons and forks in a plastic bag

a bowl of food on a table

a plate of rice with meat and vegetables

a bowl of soup and rice

a slice of garlic bread on a plate

a brown square with a white square in a white bowl

a tray of food on a tray

Flight attendants refilled drinks for the remainder of the quick flight to Singapore.

In-Flight Entertainment + Wi-Fi

The entire KrisWorld media library was available on the flight, including a massive selection of movies, TV shows, music, audio books, and games.

a screen on a car

a screen with a screen on it

a screen on a television

a screen on a vehicle

a screen on a television

a screen of a car

a screen shot of a device

a screen on a device

Rather than just display the in-flight menu on the screen, Singapore directs passengers to check the Singapore Airlines website for the day’s menu. I don’t understand why it is so hard to have menu info available in the IFE system, which would be easy to use and save paper waste.

a screen with a picture of food on it

a device with a screen on it

Noise-cancelling headphones were available in each business class seat.

a plastic bag with a label inside

a close up of a bag

a pair of headphones on a table

Wi-Fi internet was available for purchase, though business class passengers received 100MB free, which is more than enough when I placed my iPhone into low data mode.

a screenshot of a contact form

Speeds were very slow, but serviceable:

a screen shot of a speedometer

Service

The crew was lovely: quite friendly and attentive. Drinks were frequently refreshed and one flight attendant noted my connection and chatted with me about my time in Bangkok and life in Los Angeles.

a glass of water on a tray

Closer to landing, additional bottles of water were provided, which came in handy during my layover:

a water bottle on a table

COVID-19 Precautions

Masks were required at all times onboard, except while eating or drinking. Passengers were not admonished to put their masks back on between bites and sips.

Each passenger received a COVID-19 hygiene kit with mask, hand sanitizer, and wipe

a face mask and hand sanitizer on a seat

Lavatory

I used the lavatory prior to landing and it was sparklingly clean. I was happy to see cloth towels as well mouthwash. Hand lotion and perfume from Penhaligons were also available.

a sink and toilet in a bathroom

a sink with a soap dispenser

a white ceiling with a sign on it

a shelf with bottles and towels on it

Planespotting + Other Views From The Window

As we taxied out of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, it was sad to see so many parked Thai Airways aircraft. I cannot imagine the humidity as been good for those airframes over the last two years.

a group of airplanes on a runway

a group of airplanes on a runway

airplanes on a runway

It was nice to see the Lufthansa A340 back in service:

a large white airplane on a runway

More parked planes, including the A380, as we took off:

a group of airplanes on a runway

a group of airplanes on a runway

a group of airplanes on a runway

an aerial view of airplanes on a runway

an aerial view of a city

It was a beautiful day for flying:

an airplane wing and blue sky

aerial view of the ocean from an airplane

As we reached Singapore harbor, I noticed a fleet of cargo vessels lined up outside the port:

a group of boats in the ocean

aerial view of a city and water

a group of ships in the water

a group of ships in the water

a city next to a body of water

As always, construction continues in Singapore:

a large city with many buildings

It was great to taxi by a magnificent Airbus A380 has we landed:

an airplane on the runway

an airplane on the runway

an airplane on the runway

an airplane on the runway

an airport with a runway and a tower

Connection in SIN

Upon landing, passengers remaining in Singapore were invited to disembark first, followed by connecting passengers. I was given a green bracelet and brought to holding pen where I would spend my entire layover…no lounge for me.

I detail that layover here.


> Read More: My Singapore Transit Was Not What I Expected


CONCLUSION

I was very pleased with this flight, including the kindness oft the crew, a delicious lunch, great IFE, and a comfortable seat.

Next up: my 16-hour flight to Los Angeles on the same aircraft.

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About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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11 Comments

  1. JoeMart Reply
    December 24, 2021 at 9:10 am

    I’ve never seen rice that remains white after being cooked in the Biryani spice blend. I can’t believe you passed on the fish cake,oh the humanity!

    • Ehch Reply
      December 24, 2021 at 12:56 pm

      This type of South Asian biryani – not briyani – is not cooked with any spice blend. Instead, the rice and meat are cooked separately and layered as a final step. The yellow rice you see comes from some colouring (sometimes saffron) applied at the end.

  2. Stefan Krasowski (@rapidtravelchai) Reply
    December 25, 2021 at 1:02 am

    Flew this plane SFO-SIN in November on a VTL flight. First time after a long-haul lie-flat business class flight that I was in such pain after the flight. Contorting myself to a sleep position to fit that seat. It bears noting that seat selection is key, what side are you more likely to be able to sleep on. If your left shoulder the A and F seats should be better and your right shoulder the D and K seats. Plus, the hassle of folding the seat down to lay down.

    The bulkhead seats have proper legroom that goes straight out, though I hear is typically reserved for their high elites.

    The sparse catering and weak mid-flight snacks (cookies and instant noodles) was a rare flight I was hungry on arrival.

    Booked this plane for two upcoming flights that if not for SFO VTL going, and nonstop to my base in SEA, I would not booked this plane again.

    Other than hating the seat, the experience was above average though nothing distinctive for my first mainline Singapore Airlines flight.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 25, 2021 at 4:26 am

      I’m shocked. I truly slept like a baby. Later in the week I’ll review SIN-LAX, which featured three full meals onboard. Mid-flight snack was a full breakfast.

    • Ehch Reply
      December 25, 2021 at 8:50 am

      Agree on the practically impossible sleeping positions, mostly due to the poorly positioned and very small foot cubby. Lots of tossing around on my last two flights – worst business class sleep I’ve had in a long time.

      • Matthew Klint Reply
        December 25, 2021 at 8:58 am

        I guess it helps that I sleep in the fetal position.

    • PPam Reply
      January 13, 2022 at 8:24 am

      Had a similar experience when I flew from SIN to LAX (via NRT). Though I’m 5″6, I also found the seat uncomfortable for sleeping. I used to fly SQ twice a month (pre-covid) cause I base in Singapore. Food and service is just average and a bit underwhelming given the expensive ticket prices, I sure had expected something a bit more (like choices of snacks – healthier options).

    • Adrian Tallpoppy Reply
      April 30, 2022 at 4:35 am

      I had the same experience, hated the seat, so poorly designed. Every time I moved I turned the light on, all night long. Shoulder pressed up on the privacy screen, no arm rest on the isle side, insufficient padding, etc.

  3. MeanMeosh Reply
    December 26, 2021 at 12:01 am

    Biryani looks legit, though I’m surprised SQ pulled it off successfully in flight. Dum biryani is one of those dishes that just isn’t nearly as good reheated.

  4. Ivan Reply
    December 26, 2021 at 10:51 am

    I flew LAX – SIN – KUL on the 19th of December, and had a 4 hour layover in SIN. Lucky for me, when I disembarked and entered T3 in Changi, we were allowed to roam freely and I got to enjoy the Silverkris lounge.

    I’ll be flying again towards the end of January (route TBD) and from what I can tell I might have to endure a 5-7hr layover. Hopefully their rules do not change and I’ll get to spend that time in the lounge again!

  5. Adrian Tallpoppy Reply
    April 30, 2022 at 4:37 am

    Just travelled Business Class on Singapore Airlines (Bne –Sing- Bkk return, out early March, back late April), sorry NOT good. The hype about Singapore Airlines Business class is a lie. The worst business class service I have ever experience. SQ 246 / 235 & SQ 709 / 706 on A350-900 aircraft. On 3 of the fights I had the nasty small business class seats and only 1 flight the bigger long haul seat, which is what all business class seat should be like. All the seats are poorly designed. So frustrating as small changes could make a huge difference. On the small nasty seats you cannot stretch your legs out straight (must be angled) and on all flights everything (controls and the like) are behind you, very difficult to reach. I am big guy (fat) which is why I pay 4 times the cost of economy, to get more room (and bitter service). None of the tray tables had adjustment, so I could not use them or had to force it into my stomach for my premium economy quality meal service. They used a drink cart like in economy ! No hot / cold towel or drink prefight. I was not greeted by name. No lay flat seat, no night turn down service. All very ordinary. Out bound (Bne-Sing-Bkk) 3/10 rating. Now 7 weeks later I had many of the same issues, but was lucky enough to get seats near the galley i.e. no seat Infront of me so the arrangement was different. The long haul plane (Bkk-Sing 2.5 hours) had a much wider seat that was nice but the same stupid issue with the tray table that folds out from the armrest and no slide adjustment, I ended up putting the meal on the foot rest/shelf in front and holding the dishes as I ate. At least in this seat I did not need a belt extension. On the next flight (Sing- Bne, 6.5 hours) back to the nasty small seats and the tray table pulled out from the cabinet in front and not out from the arm rest as the other 3 flights were configured and although I could not extend it into its locked position I could at least eat from it. However, to give Sing Air due credit, the service and food was much improved. Home bound (Bkk-Sing) 3/10 rating, (Sing-Bne) 6/10.

    I have previously flown international business class on: Qantas, Qatar (the best), Malaysia, Thai and now Singapore.

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