I first flew with Singapore Airlines when I was about six. I don’t remember much about the flight, but I vividly recall my parents raving about the airline to their friends and family after we returned home.
A few years ago I experienced the airline for the first time as an adult. Since then, I’ve been raving about Singapore Airlines as much as my parents did many years before.
It was the service that made the journey remarkable; the attention to detail and willingness of the staff to go above and beyond to make my trip comfortable. Upon discovering that I had an eight hour wait in Singapore airport, my flight attendant sent me off the plane with a bag of snacks to ensure I didn’t go hungry.
When I was recently invited to fly with Singapore Airlines to explore all that Singapore has to offer, I jumped at the chance. Of course, the opportunity to check out a destination I’ve been wanting to see for a long time was exciting, but the flight was always going to be a highlight too.
I’ve never been upgraded before, so as I received my boarding pass and spotted the words ‘Premium Economy’ printed on it, my heart skipped a couple of beats.
Flying Premium Economy With Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines Premium Economy is brand new (as in, just a few months old), which contributes to the sleek look and feel of the cabin. It’s the little things that always make a difference, and this cabin was no exception. The leather seats offer more width, better recline and wider centre consoles than their economy counterparts which, along with adjustable head rests and foot-rests makes for an exceptionally comfortable flight.
Business travellers (and bloggers) will love the power sockets, USB plugs and on-board wifi that ensure you can stay connected even when you’re cruising at 30,000 feet. I actually wrote this post mid-flight, with my laptop plugged in and Insurgent playing in the background.
Speaking of films, there’s a sizeable 13.3-inch touch screen that plays more than 1,000 on-demand films including new releases and classics, and each seat comes with noise-cancelling headphones to make the entertainment all the more enjoyable.
I was greeted with a glass of champagne and a snack, and throughout the flight the food and beverages were delicious. In celebration of Singapore’s Golden Jubilee, the menu was a little bit special, featuring Peranakan cuisine such as Nonya fish curry.
I’ve often found on flights that I get pretty hungry between meals, but I hate pressing that little attendant button. Am I the only one? Anyway, on Singapore Airlines there was a constant stream of food, bottled water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks throughout the flight. The highlight for me was the piña colada ice cream that was served as a dessert after our lunch.
Is Premium Economy Worth It?
If I’m honest, I’ve always been a bit skeptical about the value of Premium Economy seats. I wondered if it was enough of a departure (pun intended) from a regular Economy seat that it would be worth the price. Although Singapore Airlines offers one of the best Economy cabins of any airline, there was a noticeable difference between the two travel classes. From the amount of room available to the seat recline angle and even the quality of the pillowcases, the benefits of Premium Economy over Economy were obvious.
Sure, it’s a treat – but if I have the money (or points) to splash out on being more comfortable in the future, I would do it again, which is something I never thought I’d say.
And the best bit about flying Premium Economy? When I arrived in Singapore for three jam-packed days of sightseeing and eating, I was rested and refreshed, ready to hit the city and discover all that it has to offer.
Want to experience Singapore Airlines Premium Economy for yourself?
Singapore Airlines flies four times daily from London Heathrow and daily from Manchester International to Singapore. Fares start from £710 return per person in economy, or £1500pp in Premium Economy (terms and conditions apply). See singaporeair.com for the latest offers and to book.
Huge thanks to Singapore Airlines for flying me to Singapore and showing me the best time in their fabulous city (you can read about the things I discovered here and here)!
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Paul
Saturday 23rd of April 2016
Great Article, Our team at digital agency Insider Media Group fly to the UK from Oz at least twice a year to visit our clients and office in London and love flying Emirates and Etihad business but to be honest after reading this we have booked Singapore premium economy as the price is great and it looks pretty good. Will let you know how we get on
Paul Hill
Thursday 28th of July 2016
As per my message above we took our premium economy flight with SIA a few weeks ago and in the main part I was quite dissapointed. The staff were good and the seat was quite comfortable but the recline was quite noticeably not as deep as Qantas PE with a smaller actual seat area yet the leg rest was more useful than Qantas. I managed to sleep so it must have been quite comfortable. My main gripe was that the book the cook food ( albeit tasty ) was served very quickly and way in advance of other diners. The meal service was similar to if you had a special diet food, but NO drinks service at the same time so you have to wait until your meal is pretty much finished before wine etc is served. Other gripes are tiny plastic glasses apart from an even smaller water glass and the curtains remain open at all times between the cabin and economy on both sectors so you don't feel at all exclusive and can hear all the noise from economy. I would pay a small increase from economy but if given the choice it would be QF PE or stump up the extra for Biz.
Naomi in Wonderland
Friday 9th of October 2015
I'm flying with Singapore Airlines for the first time this month to Sydney from Amsterdam and I'm really excited to see whether it's truly a great airline. Even though I'd love to be upgraded, I don't think I'd pay for it right now. But I wouldn't complain haha.
Catherine
Wednesday 7th of October 2015
I absolutely love Singapore Airlines! Like you I flew with them from a young age (7), very regularly until I switched to Emirates about 7 years ago. Although I love Emirates I'm considering flying with Singapore again the next time I go back to Australia, just for old times sake ;)
C x | Lux Life
HedgeFund Girl
Wednesday 30th of September 2015
I always seem to fly British Airways long haul but I have forwarded this post to the hubby to try and convince him to try Singapore Airlines, it looks pretty good and worth a try!
http://hedgefundgirl.blogspot.co.uk/
Angie Silver (@SilverSpoonLDN)
Wednesday 30th of September 2015
I agree they're a very good airline. We only had a short flight between Singapore and Bali but I was really impressed by the choice of films. Lots of love, Angie
SilverSpoon London