Comfort class
Singapore Airlines makes travelling both easy and comfy as Mike Yardley writes.
UP UNTIL MID-SEPTEMBER, 950 days had passed since I had last embarked on a long-haul flight. That previous encounter with long-haul air travel ominously involved me dashing home from the United States as the opening shots of the Covid-19 pandemic fast unfolded.
As a travel fanatic, I was suffering withdrawal symptoms from my long estrangement with Europe. It was such a pleasure to reacquaint myself with Europe’s treasures after jetting my way from New Zealand, in the trusty aviation hands of Singapore Airlines. (SIA)
All of my flights ran to time, all checked bags were faithfully waiting for me on the carousel and the in-flight experience was faultless. The award-winning full-service carrier has not only cultivated a worldbeating reputation for its exceptional customer service and in-flight product, but also its innovation. Constantly refreshing their repertoire, if you’re yet to sample Premium Economy on Singapore Airlines, you’re in for a treat.
I experienced the cabin on their A350-900 aircraft, which are currently deployed on the Auckland and Christchurch routes to Singapore, as it is across SIA’s fleet of long-haul aircraft. Premium Economy is an increasingly alluring option for Kiwis flying long-haul and hankering for affordable space and extracomfort.
I enjoyed priority handling and boarding, before kicking back in my comfy cabin, where the seating is arranged in a 2-4-2 seating arrangement — ideal if you’re travelling as a couple. The enhanced sense of spaciousness is readily apparent with greater seat width of 49.5cm including a calf-rest and footrest, 96cm seat pitch and 20cm of sweet sleep-inducing recline. It’s remarkable how just a little bit more space and recline can make such a difference. Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve champagne freely flowed throughout the cabin, while the full beverage service also includes the iconic Singapore Sling. Don’t mind if I do.
If you’re looking to indulge deeper, Business Class on the A350-900 is a radiant affair. You have two seating positions — the Lazy Z, a cradling position that ensures your weight is centered and balanced when you’re sitting down, plus the Sundeck, a lounging position that extends the base and foot of your seat so you can stretch right out and rest your legs on the ottoman. I’m a fan — all that was missing was the splash pool.
Between Singapore and Frankfurt I experienced Business Class on the A380. Each seat is 63.5cm wide and has a generous seat pitch of 1.27m. Designed to provide more personal space and privacy, the Business Class seats are arranged in a forward-facing, four abreast (1-2-1) configuration.
Singapore Airlines’ legendary in-flight dining service is underpinned by signature dishes crafted by the airline’s International Culinary Panel.
All premium class guests can pre-select their main course up to 24 hours before their flight from the ‘Book the Cook’ menu, which features a wide selection of exquisite dishes.
Transiting en-route to Europe at Changi Airport, I savoured the opportunity to experience SIA’s flagship SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold Lounges in Terminal 3. Following a $50 million makeover, the newlook lounges have elevated the on-ground guest experience, with 30 per cent more seats and space. The SilverKris Lounge’s First Class section boasts a range of cosy seating and resting options. The popular bar is decked with Lalique crystal flowers inspired by Aquatic Ginger, a flower in SIA’s signature batik motif. The highly impressive Business Class section of the SilverKris Lounge has four distinct seating sections.
These include a quiet rest area to catch some shut-eye, a main dining hall with an extensive self-service buffet, a living room area with sofa seats and productivity pods, as well as an open concept courtyard-style area that offers light bites and a full-service bar. Meanwhile, the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge has an expansive runway view to thrill plane-spotters like me. There’s a lavish array of meal and drink options including crowdfavourites like the laksa, chwee kueh, and freshly steamed dim sum.
Singapore Airlines has proudly connected New Zealand to the world for more than 45 years via its award-winning hub, Changi Airport. SIA operates services from Auckland and Christchurch with a current total of 21 flights a week to Singapore, including Auckland services operated by alliance partner Air New Zealand. There are 98 destinations in 37 countries across the combined SIA and Scoot global network, including 14 European destinations.