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Home » Reviews » Flight Reviews » Review: Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class
Flight ReviewsSingapore Airlines

Review: Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class

Matthew Klint Posted onJanuary 31, 2024February 2, 2024 15 Comments

a person walking through a hallway with lockers

At last, my long-awaited trip on Singapore Airlines onboard the A380 in Suites Class had arrived. My expectations were dangerously high. Could this flight live up to those expectations?

In This Post:

Toggle
  • Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class Review
    • Check-In + Ground Service
    • Boarding
    • Suites
    • Amenity Kit
    • Pajamas
    • Food + Drinks
    • IFE + Wi-Fi
    • Lavatory
    • Service
    • CONCLUSION

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class Review

Singapore Airlines ran its flagship Airbus A380-800 service on flights between New York (JFK) and Singapore (SIN) via Frankfurt (FRA) till mid 2023. This review recounts the first leg from JFK to FRA. This was a very deliberate booking to experience the A380 on a true longhaul flight. These days, the A380 operates on routes between Singapore and:

  • Auckland (AKL)
  • Delhi (DEL)
  • Hong Kong (HKG)
  • London Heathrow (LHR)
  • Melbourne (MEL)
  • Mumbai (BOM)
  • Sydney (SYD)
  • Tokyo Narita (NRT)

Singapore Airlines offers its flights as both “saver” and “advantage” awards. The advantage award is also capacity restricted, but often available when saver space is not.  A one-way paid ticket would have been over $11,000 but cost 243K KrisFlyer miles (a saver award would have been 148.5K miles). Singapore KrisFlyer points can be transferred in from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt, Capital One Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi Thank You…there are many ways to obtain KrisFlyer miles.

Check-In + Ground Service

Singapore Airlines operates out of Terminal 4 at JFK. I arrived about two hours before departure and found the check-in line oddly deserted.

a building with glass doors and a sign

a group of people in an airport

a sign in a building

My boarding passes (all the way to Bali) were issued and I was invited to use the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (review here) prior to the flight.

a couple of tickets on a table

One area where Singapore Airlines is weak is its ground product. While you can expect escorts and car service on Air France, Lufthansa, and SWISS, Singapore did not even provide an exert to security or from the lounge to the aircraft.

Boarding

Boarding began about 45 minutes prior to departure, with guests in Suites Class invited to board first.

a man holding a luggage bag in a airport

an airplane at an airport

Singapore 025
New York (JFK) – Frankfurt (FRA)
Saturday, March 4
Depart: 8:15 PM
Arrive: 9:50 AM+1
Duration: 7hr, 35min
Aircraft: Airbus A380
Distance: 3,856 miles
Seat: 3A (Suites Class)

Onboard, I was warmly greeted at the door by a flight attendant and escorted to my suite, 3A.

two women wearing masks in an airplane

Suites

The first class cabin, located on the upper deck, features six suites designed by Zodiac in a 1-1 configuration. Suites 1A and 2A as well as 1F and 2F have a partition between seats that can be lowered for couples traveling together, creating a double bed and plenty of space to move around.

Each suite is includes a separate full-flat bed with adjustable recline and plush leather chair, enabling guests to lounge or rest without the need to convert the bed.

a man walking in a hallway

a close up of a sign

a chair in a plane

a chair in a room

a white flower in a vase on a table in a room with a door

a man sitting in a chair in a plane

a man sitting in a chair in a plane

Seats are upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and feel like a comfortable dentist chair (much like the Emirates 777-300ER first class seat). Seats can swivel between 135º and 270º and even recline 45º.

a chair in a plane

There’s also a closet and a large handbag stowage compartment.

a large metal cabinet with a door open

A door can be closed to maximize privacy.

a glass door with a vase of flowers

Seat controls adjust the seat, window shades, and lights.

a seat in an airplane

a close up of a device

a screen on a table

a seat with a screen and buttons

There are also two power ports and two high-speed USB chargers.

a close up of a device

a white rectangular object with a black handle

The bed flips down…flight attendants prepared the bed for sleeping (mattress pad, duvet, and two pillows) after dinner. Quite candidly, I found the bed too hard and I generally prefer a firm mattress. The mattress pad was too thin. I still slept, but did not find this the most comfortable bed.

a chair and a table in a plane

a chair and a bed in a plane

Here’s what the middle suite looks like (2A). You can see the partition that flips down to create a spacious shared suite.

a tv and a chair in a plane

a row of lockers in a plane

Amenity Kit

Singapore partners with Lalique to offer an attractive leather amenity kit filled with Lalique products (body lotion, lip balm, soap, and room spray).

a white and black square box

a black leather label on a black bag

a group of cosmetics on a table

a box and a box on a table

a group of black and white tubes next to a white bag

Separately, flight attendants offered more traditional things you find in an amenity kit, like slippers, socks, and eyeshades.

a pair of slippers in plastic wrap on a table

Pajamas

Pajamas are also Lalique and quite soft, with S, M, L, and XL sizes available. I chose medium and it was a good fit. Most important for me, the trousers had pockets. However, I ended up not even changing on this flight…I don’t like changing into pajamas on flights less than 10 hours…but I’ll model them for you on the next portion of this flight review.

a black bag on a table

Food + Drinks

You won’t go hungry on this flight…but the meal service also had a couple disappointing elements.

An elaborate menu was waiting inside the suite (opened to the dinner page and placed on a side table next to orchids).

a desk with a book and a lamp

a book on a table

a menu of a restaurant

a menu on a table

a menu on a table

a menu in a book

an open book with text on it

a book with text on it

a book with text and images

a book open with text on it

a book with text on it

a book with text on it

a book with text on it

a page of a book

Before we took off, Champagne was offered (a choice of Krug or Tattinger). I sampled both and preferred Tattinger.

a woman wearing a mask pouring champagne into a glass

a glass of wine and a vase of flowers on a table

Service began with a choice of beverage and a selection of mixed nuts. I loved how passengers were able to select thier own nuts amongst several choices. I had macadamia nuts and cashews along with a glass of Tattinger.

a person holding a bottle of wine

a woman wearing a face mask holding a tray of food

a bowl of nuts on a counter

My table was set for dinner shortly after dinner, with a choice of bread offered (I chose garlic).

a table with a plate of food and a television on the wall

a tray of food on a table

Next, I was invited to sample the trio of appetizers offered, including:

  • Chilled Malossol Caviar
    • with blinis and condiments
  • Poached Lobster and Aerofarms Salad
    • Aerofarms, medley of baby bak choy and watercress, beet pure and dressed with grainy mustard vinaigrette
  • Double Boiled Chicken Soup
    • with abalone and morel mushroom

First, caviar. While not my favorite delicacy, I was not going to turn down this treat that I only ever get to eat in first class. The caviar was carefully arranged with blinis, eggs, onions, sour cream, lemon wedges, and a mother of pearl spoon.

a bowl of food on a plate

a spoon and a box

a plate of food with lemons and black caviar

a jar of black caviar on a plate

The lobster salad was a great…the lobster was flavorful and the mustard dressing provided a nice accent of flavor.

a plate of food on a table

a man sitting at a table with food and a television

Then chicken soup, which had an abalone in the middle of the bowl.

a table with food on it

a bowl of soup on a plate

a bowl of soup with chopsticks

I had pre-ordered a beef filet and it was horrible…one of the worst steaks I have ever had on an airplane.

a table with food on it

a plate of food on a table

a plate of food with a glass of wine

While nicely presented, the meat was not only cooked to shoe leather consistency, but the flavor and quality was poor (gristle). I pushed it aside and a flight attendant, horrified, apologized and offered to bring me something else.

I switched to the pork belly, which was delicious and also something you do not often see on an airplane.

a plate of food on a table with a television on the wall

a plate of food on a table

a plate of food on a table

Although I was stuffed at this point, the meal continued with a cheese course…

a plate of food on a table with a television in the background

a plate of food and a glass of water

…then concluded with a sumptuous pecan pistachio tart with vanilla ice cream and berries (and a decaf cappuccino).

a plate of dessert with ice cream and fruit on it

a plate of dessert with fruit and ice cream

Before going to sleep, a flight attendant asked me if I would like to be awakened for breakfast. After a dinner of that size I could have gone for days without eating…but I said yes for purposes of this review.

Ridiculously, I was awakened for breakfast before we even hit Ireland: there were still over two hours left in the flight. I understand that business class passengers have to be awakened about 90 minutes prior to landing in order to complete the assembly-line service in time, but I felt hat waking up first class passengers two hours before landing was totally unnecessary, especially when it appeared that I was the only one of six passengers who was even eating.

Oddly, there was no western breakfast option. Instead, was a choice between pork and egg congee or a smoked turkey sandwich.

Although it was 4:00 am in New York and 10:00 am in Frankfurt, the sandwich included a side salad and potato chips.

The sandwich was not bad: the cheese was nicely melted and the pesto spread was nice. I just wasn’t hungry…

a table with food on it

a plate of food on a table

a plate of food on a table

I did eat some berries and had a cappuccino…that was more than enough.

a bowl of fruit and chips

a cup of coffee with a spoon on a saucer

IFE + Wi-Fi

Each suite features a 32-inch HD monitor mounted to the wall that can swivel to optimize viewing weather you are in the bed or the chair.

a tv on a wall

Noise-cancelling headphones from Bang & Olufsen were provided.

a pair of black headphones on a table

Singapore’s KrisWorld entertainment system offers hundreds of movies and TV shows to choose from, along with games and an extensive audio library. Put simply, you won’t be bored with a selection this wide.

a screen with text on it

a screen shot of a computer

a screen shot of a television

a screenshot of a music application

a screenshot of a computer

a screenshot of a video game

I’m not sure whether to be ashamed or proud to admit that after finishing a chilling movie on euthanasia called Plan 75, I spent hours and hours (on this flight and the connecting flight to Singapore) binge-watching White Lotus.

a screenshot of a television

a screen shot of a television


> Read More: I Spent My Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Flight…Binge-Watching White Lotus


I love Christmas music no matter the time of the year…

a screen on a wall

Complimentary wi-fi was available to first class passengers without data caps.

Lavatory

With first class located upstairs, Singapore offers two massive lavatories in the first class cabin to the left and right of the staircase. One even includes a sit-down vanity counter.

a staircase leading up to a building

a bathroom with a sink and toilet

a bathroom with a sink and mirror

a toilet with a light purple light

a man taking a selfie in a bathroom

a sink with a soap dispenser

a shelf with bottles of liquid and a bottle of liquid

The smaller lavatory:

a bathroom with a sink and a mirror

a sink and mirror in a bathroom

a toilet seat and seat cover

Service

In my experience, service on Singapore Airlines can be hit or miss…I’ve had a couple questionable flights over the years, so my expectations were somewhat guarded. However, the cabin crew were absolutely delightful on this sector. Not only were they attentive, but they were charming and professional.

I do think starting the breakfast two hours before arrival is ridiculous and I strongly recommend you skip breakfast on this flight…but other than that service flow issue, the service was top-notch.

One aspect that really distinguishes a top-tier first class product is whether glasses are kept full. Here, the Champagne flowed freely and flight attendants carefully monitored to ensure that drink glasses never remained empty for more than a few moments.

CONCLUSION

We landed in Frankfurt on-time. All passengers had to exit, even those connecting to Singapore on the same aircraft, so that the plane could be cleaned and for the crew change.

a window with a view of clouds and a bed

an airplane at an airport

This flight was far too short, which made me very happy to be continuing to Singapore on a 12-hour flight…but while not perfect (horrible beef, hard bed, early wake-up), it was such a pleasure to fly. I would not rank this as my favorite first class product, but I was so happy to finally fly this product.

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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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15 Comments

  1. JoeMart Reply
    January 31, 2024 at 2:36 pm

    Happy to read you were excited to experience this cabin. Bed that felt like laying on a massage table,hammered steak and limited recline chair do not add to over $10 grand in fare. Specially when AF offers a competitive schedule.

  2. Mick Reply
    January 31, 2024 at 3:00 pm

    Im trying this in March. 58.5k Singapore miles from Delhi to Singapore. 5.5 hours should be fine at that price.

    How would you compare it to the apartments?

  3. Maryland Reply
    January 31, 2024 at 3:43 pm

    Just a guess, but as the breakfast was actually billed as a refreshment, you probably could receive it at a later time. From remembering my mother saying you cannot expect (cringe) ” the help” to read your mind.

  4. PM Reply
    January 31, 2024 at 4:16 pm

    Was the $11k price for the entire journey, or just the transatlantic bit? If the latter, it’s completely ridiculous.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      January 31, 2024 at 4:20 pm

      Entire journey.

      • PM Reply
        January 31, 2024 at 5:21 pm

        Still a fair amount of money, but it is a long journey and I am sure plenty of people can afford it without feeling ripped off.

  5. Michael S. Reply
    January 31, 2024 at 4:16 pm

    Honestly, while it looks great, you didn’t sell it very well. From the worst steak you’ve had to an uncomfortable bed, it sure seemed like the experience was very inconsistent and on a product like this, that should never happen. I have a friend who just booked Business on the JFK-FRA flight segment in April and is very excited, I have wanted to do likewise for years, but could never make it work, and wonder if I should show him your column. And, again, he’s only in lowly business.

    • Aaron Reply
      February 1, 2024 at 7:10 am

      Well this is why you should reviews from more than one person…

  6. Michael Reply
    January 31, 2024 at 5:28 pm

    The hard bed killed it for me. The only reason to book this seat is to be able to lie down comfortably and enjoy a nice meal. $11k for a long table with a pillow on top and over cooked beef sounds like a nightmare.

  7. dee Reply
    January 31, 2024 at 6:12 pm

    Years ago we ordered the chef’s table.. but not up to par at all with other major airlines.. DId you pay $11K for the seat????????????????

  8. John Reply
    January 31, 2024 at 7:49 pm

    So many amazing choices of wines and cocktails, coffees and teas!

    Beers: Tiger or Heineken. Seriously?

  9. VegasVince Reply
    January 31, 2024 at 8:21 pm

    Nice review. Similar complaint about SIN-JFK. No Western breakfast option; not even via Book The Cook on a 18 hour flight. I don’t understand why SQ ignores this option.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      January 31, 2024 at 9:57 pm

      Especially when it has multiple Western breakfast options on SIN-LAX/SFO flights.

      • Aaron Reply
        February 1, 2024 at 7:15 am

        Unless the BTC website is out of date, there are Western breakfast options listed for both First/Suites and for business class when flying out of Singapore.

  10. Adrian Reply
    February 1, 2024 at 1:57 am

    Thanks for the review and I really agree with your comments!

    Singapore Airlines really has great crews but sometimes they can be very “follow the book” in terms of meal times. That’s why SQ never figures out a way to do “on demand” dining in its premium cabin, considering that they have some long flights. I presume that you can ask the crews to serve the “breakfast” a bit later given the small first class. cabin and I am sure that they will have no issues. But it is pretty crazy that they will do this service in business class two hours prior to landing. I also don’t know why SQ switches from “continental breakfast” to this odd “refreshment” menu.

    Thanks again for sharing!
    Adrian

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