Singapore Airlines A380 economy class

SYDNEY–SINGAPORE

C H E C K- I N

I arrived at Sydney Airport Terminal 1 at 1010, two hours ahead of my scheduled 1215 departure. The SIA check-in queues in aisle K were lengthy and it took 30 minutes to reach a counter. Otherwise immigration was fast: travellers on nonAustralian passports can use automated booths, which speeds up the process.

BOARDING

Gates 60, 61 and 63 share just 40 seats between them, which is clearly not enough. Scheduled boarding time was 1115, but boarding for economy class didn’t start until 11.30am.

T H E S E AT

SIA’s new economy seats have been on a weight-loss programme, and are much thinner than their predecessors. That said, seat pitch remains the same, which was fairly comfortable even for my tall frame. Width is also reasonable for a ten-across layout, and the armrests are small enough that they don’t squeeze you in place.

Notable alterations include the headrest, which is adjustable six ways. This is helpful for travellers whose proportions (such as mine) don’t fit the average. The seat also has more compartments and hidden features, including a phone-sized pouch below the screen next to the USB port – helpful for phone charging; a mirror on the underside of the table with a sliding cover, and an NFC reader that has yet to be assigned a specific use, but will likely enable electronic payments for in-flight purchases in future.

One downside is the shared power sockets, located between the seats in front, so claim quickly if you want to use your laptop.

W H I C H S E AT T O C H O O S E ?

There are a few good spots for greater legroom, provided you don’t mind being too close to the galley (I found noise from the galley to be minimal). Longer legroom seats include: 41B-J, 42A, 42K, 59A-K, 60D-G, 69D-G, 70B, 70C, 70H, 70J, 71A and 71K.

THE FLIGHT

Cabin crew handed out hot towels and earphones before we took off at 1235 (20 minutes late), after which toiletry bags, nuts and drinks were dispensed. The blue nylon amenity kits held a toothbrush, toothpaste and socks. Two tempting lunch options included braised free-range chicken in oyster sauce or beef stroganoff. I chose the latter, which was full of flavour. Dinner options were chicken penne pasta or pork with noodles. I tried the pork... but perhaps made the wrong choice.

A R R I VA L

We landed at Changi’s Terminal 3 at 1653, about 20 minutes later than scheduled. My next flight was conveniently located just a few gates away.

VERDICT

A very comfortable economy seat product. While the pitch hasn’t changed, the seats feel more spacious and the addition of new features makes it easy to maximise the space you have.

The new economy seat has a six-way adjustable headrest and more compartments