After several months of planning it was finally time to board our Singapore Airlines New Suites flight from Hong Kong to Singapore. My girlfriend and I booked this flight several months prior using Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer points transferred from the American Express Membership Rewards program.
The flights from Hong Kong to Sydney via Singapore in Singapore Airlines Suites cost us both 150,000 Membership Rewards points. Typically you can find First Class saver award space for about half the cost, but as we were flying in New Suites we were required to pay the Advantage award price of 150,000 miles.
At the time of booking we were looking for creative ways to get to Sydney and this seemed the most interesting. I flew on Singapore Airlines old suites in early 2017 (linked here) and had been looking for a chance to fly the new Suites ever since the airline introduced them in late 2017. Thankfully, with our itinerary we actually ended up flying the new Suites to Singapore and the old Suites to Sydney which resulted in the perfect side-by-side comparison.
Although this trip cost a ton of Amex points we would gladly do it again. Singapore Airlines’ new Suites class sets a new standard of first class that remains unmatched by any other airline today. Our only hope is that next time we have a chance to fly Singapore Airlines’ Suites that we will be able to book at the Saver Award level for about half of price (75,0000 points).
Singapore Airlines New Suites Pre-Boarding
Our flight on Singapore Airlines departed from Gate 15 which is located just across the terminal hall from the SilverKris First Class lounge. We left for the gate just over 45 minutes prior to our scheduled departure time as we I wanted to be the first to board.
If I didn’t want to have extra time on the ground to check out the new cabin I would have gladly waited to board. That’s because when flying in first class you know you’re getting a great seat with plenty of storage. Since you don’t have to worry about overhead bin space there is really no need to wait in line to begin the boarding process. Instead, if I were a frequent first class traveler, I’d maximize my time in the lounge on the ground and board last. Anyway, I digress.
As we arrived at the gate we quickly found signage indicating the boarding lane for Suites passengers. Since we left the lounge early we were easily the first passengers in line.
After a short wait the gate agents opened the jet-bridge door and began the boarding process. The boarding process began, as usual, with the gate agents calling forward any passengers who needed more time. Shortly thereafter agents invited Suites class passengers to board.
After passing through the gate door we proceeded down the large hall toward the jet-bridge.
Either gate door directed passengers into this hallway which converged toward the entrance to the actual jet-bridge. From there, passengers were again divided into their respective cabins.
Singapore Airlines New Suites Boarding
As we approached the jet-bridge we caught a glimpse of the newly retrofitted A380 that would take us to Singapore.
Toward the end of the boarding door hallway was a barrage of signage directing passengers to their correct jet-bridge. For this particular flight there were three jet-bridges connected to the aircraft. One connected to the upper deck and two connected to the lower level.
As we turned right we again found two more doors, one for premium cabin passengers which led to the upper deck and one for economy passengers which led to the lower deck.
After passing through the second door we ascended the glass jet-bridge toward the upper deck boarding door.
Just prior to boarding the aircraft we paused to check out the four windows which comprised our suites; 1A and 2A.
After an unusually long walk to the aircraft we finally reached the boarding door. When we arrived there was a team of flight attendants awaiting our arrival.
Just prior the boarding the aircraft we handed the flight attendant our golden boarding cards and were quickly introduced to a few members of the crew. After a few quick introductions we were guided toward our individual suites.
Singapore Airlines New Suites Cabin
As we entered the new Suites cabin the first thing we noticed was the beautiful single-aisle design. The entire cabin features just 6 suites yet takes up space typically occupied by 18 business class seats on other Singapore Airlines A380s.
At about 50 square feet each the new Singapore Airlines’ suites are by far the largest airplane “seat” I’ve ever seen. Each suite is divided by walls that are nearly 6 foot tall and come complete with a sliding door. Although the high walls could make the cabin feel cramped, the lack of any overhead bins helped make the suites feel even more spacious.
The sliding doors close off the suite completely, but do feature small floral inspired holes which allow the cabin crew to see in throughout the flight.
That same floral inspired design is also found throughout the cabin.
I especially appreciated how Singapore Airlines cleverly designed the overhead cabin lighting to mimic the design found on the cabin walls.
After admiring the cabin for a few moments I finally reached my suite. As I peered inside I was amazed by how large and beautiful the suite looked in person.
Singapore Airlines New Suite
For the flight to Singapore we selected seats 1A and 2A. Rows 1 and 2 are conjoining suites which feature a movable dividing wall that can be lowered upon request. As we boarded the aircraft the cabin crew immediately noticed hat we were traveling together (booked separately) and preemptively lowered the center wall before I arrived at my suite.
Just prior to entering my suite the crew showed me the suite’s storage locker which is found in the suites aisle wall.
This closet was large enough to store a backpack, but larger carryons were handled by the crew and stored separately. I’d imagine most Suites passengers don’t travel with a roll-aboard. This closet featured two coat hangers, a throw blanket, a large vanity mirror, and a pair of Lalique branded slippers.
As I entered the suite I found the swivel Poltrona Frau leather chair in the takeoff position. As I mentioned, each suite takes up approximately 50 square feet and features a large swivel chair, a desk area which doubles as a vanity, a bed, and a separate console table.
Suite 1A is a bit larger than all of the other suites thanks to the indented forward facing wall.
Since the dividing wall was lowered as we arrived I was able to view Suite 1A from my girlfriends Suite next door. Likewise I got a great view of her suite as seen below.
After a quick look around I took my seat as I was a bit overwhelmed by how much each suite had to offer.
Singapore Airlines Pre-Departure Service
To help calm my nerves I decided I was in desperate need of a pre-departure beverage. As we took our seats several crew members stopped by our suites to make sure we were comfortable. At that time one of the crew members asked if we’d like a pre-departure beverage. Singapore Airlines famously serves both Krug and Dom Perignon Champagne in first class so for my pre-departure beverage I opted for a glass of Krug.
One thing that surprised me about this flight is that we were not given either amenity kits or pajamas. I completely understand not getting pajamas on the 4 hour flight, but I was a bit surprised we were not given amenity kits. No matter, after a few glasses of Champagne I hardly noticed the lack of amenity kits.
Thanks to the crews incredible attention to detail, anytime my Lalique glass became remotely close to empty a flight attendant arrived with the bottle of Krug to top it off.
Singapore Airlines New Suites Menu
As the cabin crew prepared the cabin for takeoff a flight attendant dropped off the in-flight menu. The menu arrived in a thick leather booklet which added to the premium feel of the cabin. A simple paper menu would have felt a bit out of place in the first class suite.
As I opened the leather-folio I found a beautifully designed Singapore Suites branded menu.
As you flip through the pages you’ll first notice a note from the chefs at Singapore Airlines. On the second page you’ll even find a suggested in-flight meal from one of the chefs. Many of these items differed from the other items included in the menu.
On the next page was the complete listing of options available throughout the flight. The menu was surprisingly robust given the short 4-hour flight time.
After browsing the menu for a few minutes I placed the booklet in the small stand on top of the side-table.
I’m still not sure if this was the intended use for this stand, but I found it held the menu nicely.
Singapore Airlines New Suites Departure
After a quick review of the menu we were nearing our departure runway. As the cabin crew prepared the cabin for takeoff they collected any pre-departure service items before taking their seats. At this point they also put each suite chair in the “takeoff position.” For me in suite 1A this meant pointing my chair at the wall in front of me. Essentially this was my view for takeoff.
Sitting in front of me is a small entertainment screen found only in row 1 suites. I’m not sure what was supposed to be on this display as it was inoperable throughout the flight. Thankfully, there was a small selection of reading material available as well for takeoff and landing.
As the windows were behind me during takeoff and landing I had to contort myself to get a view out of the aircraft.
The struggle of looking out of the window during takeoff was well worth it thanks to fairly clear skies as we departed.
As with all A380 flights, the climb out of Hong Kong was smooth and gradual.
This lead to fantastic views of Hong Kong’s main terminal…
… and even better view of Hong Kong as we climbed above the clouds.
Thankfully, just after takeoff I could position my chair to face the center of the suite so that I could once again see my girlfriend across from me. One thing that surprised me about the seat suites was just how far away from each other we were.
Singapore Airlines New Suites Departure Service
As the flight was fairly short, the meal service began very shortly after takeoff. Prior to beginning the meal service the flight attendants took a quick drink order. As expected, the flight attendant asked if I wanted another glass of Krug opposed to simply asking what I would like to drink. As I had consumed a bit too much Champagne prior to takeoff I instead requested a signature Singapore Sling which arrived with a plate of warm mixed nuts.
A few minutes later the flight attendant returned to my suite to setup my seat for dinner. This involved holding the “dining” button on the swivel chair and pulling the oversized tray table out of the console table.
The new suite’s tray table is stored in the side table and pulls out to sit in front of the swivel chair. Once opened the tray table can only move forward and backward slightly, but once opened, it is fairly difficult to get out of the seat.
An Amazing Dining Experience In The Sky
To begin the meal service I requested the cold appetizer offered from the chef’s recommended meal. I’ll be honest, at this point I also requested a glass of Dom Penignon…
Following the cold appetizer I ordered the tomato soup offered on the standard menu.
Finally, for my entrée I requested the grilled beef filet.
I requested the fillet be cooked medium-rare which isn’t easy to do on an airplane, but the crew did a wonderful job. As I cut into the steak I found a warm pink center just as you’d expect to see from any restaurant found on the ground.
When I first read about Singapore Airlines’ new Suites, one of the first issues I remember reading about was the view. This is because when the seat is in dining mode it faces the door directly. Since the suites are across from one another this arrangement could lead to some awkward eye contact while dining.
Thankfully I found that the crew only opened one suite door at a time. So, if someone was in my suite my door was open and the door across closed. I’m not sure if this was intentional or not, but I didn’t run into any issues with the arrangement as were noted on earlier reviews of the seat.
After a delicious in-flight meal the cabin crew collected the in-flight meal service items and stowed the tray table. At this point in the flight I finally had a few moments to fully explore the entire Suites.
Singapore Airlines New Suites Swivel Chair
One of the thing first things you’ll notice about the new Suites is the standalone chair placed awkwardly in the center of the suite.
While the chair isn’t the most comfortable in the sky, it is the most technologically advanced chair I’ve ever seen.
Under the chair’s armrest are the seat and some of the suites IFE controls. The IFE remote is in addition to the much larger IFE table I’ll discuss in a moment. As far as the seat controls go, the touch pad controls seen below adjust the seats orientation.
The upper-half of the seat controls adjusts the seats position while the lower controls adjust the seats orientation.
As you push the picture of the airplane the seat faces forward for takeoff, if you push the TV button the seat faces the oversized TV, and if you push the bed or window… you get the idea. Along the front of the chair is a headphone jack which is quite welcomed as it means you’re never going to wrap yourself up in the headphone cord as you swivel aimlessly around your suite.
Likewise, there is a power outlet located on the nearby console table which is best used when in the dining or TV position.
Even in this position the chair wouldn’t be a great place to spend several hours as it’s simply not that comfortable.
Thankfully, in Singapore Airlines new Suites, the chair doesn’t have to be all that comfortable. More on that in a minute.
Singapore Airlines New Suites Desk
After swiveling around in the chair for a few minutes I next explored the desk area located along the outer wall. The desk area is home to several padded leather lined storage compartments, one of which doubles as a lighted vanity mirror.
These compartments aren’t very big, but are plenty large enough to store personal items.
For larger items, there is additional storage found below the desk in a compartment secured by a leather strap.
Located toward the center edge of the desk is what I’ll refer to as the suite’s control center. This area is home to any and all buttons you may need to use to control the suite.
This includes the suite lighting controls, window shade controls, flight attendant call button, do not disturb button, and the TV swivel function. Again, more on that last one in a bit…
Beneath the control center is another headphone jack which is best utilized when the suite is transformed into a bedroom. This area is also home to additional seat power outlets which hide behind a retractable cover.
Beneath the cover is a power outlet, a contactless card reader (for in-flight shopping), a USB outlet, and HDMI inputs to connect a personal device to the suite’s TV.
As you can see, the suite is equally smart as it is beautiful.
Singapore Airlines New Suites’ Impressive Tablet
Speaking of smart, there is just one other item that needs to be addressed and that it the suite’s tablet. This tablet effectively controls the entire suite and is easily the coolest technology I’ve ever seen on an airplane.
On the ground the tablet doesn’t seem that impressive, but once airborne you can remove the tablet from the dock and use it within the suite. On the tablet you’ll find all of the IFE options available on the flight.
On top of browsing the IFE system you could also control nearly every aspect of the suite from the pint-sized tablet.
In total the table could be used to control the individual light controls, window shades, FA call button, etc.
The tablet also housed the instructions on how to connect to the in-flight WiFi which I found quite helpful when trying to connect.
All in all, it’s hard to believe just how powerful that little tablet is.
I found it hard to believe just how much technology Singapore Airlines packed into the rather unassuming looking tablet.
The only frustrating aspect of the tablet is that it had to be locked into position during takeoff and landing.
I suspect that’s so no one accidentally walks away with one upon landing? More likely it’s because Singapore Airlines doesn’t want one breaking during takeoff or landing if it were to slide off a table.
In-Flight Entertainment
As you can see above, all Singapore Airlines Suites passengers also received a pair of Bang and Olufsen headphones to use throughout the flight. These connected to either one of the two headphones jacks mentioned previously. Additionally, suites passengers can browse all of the IFE content by either using the remote found in the chair’s armrest (best for takeoff or landing) or by using the tablet.
On the tablet passengers can browse the entire IFE library even while content plays on the oversized TV.
I was actually a bit surprised by how many Hollywood movies were available as Singapore Airlines isn’t known for their robust IFE library.
There was also a selection of books, magazines, newspapers, and podcasts to choose from.
The tablet also offered a wide variety of music available to listen to throughout the flight.
Of course there were also a few game available.
The biggest question you may be asking is, where is all this content displayed? For that, Singapore Airlines included a massive 32-inch TV in within the suite.
The suite’s IFE screen is absolutely massive and swivels to face either the bed or the chair depending on where you wish to watch.
From the chair the view of the giant IFE screen was fine as is.
However, I much preferred to watch the TV from the suite’s parting piece, the separate (double) bed.
Oh, did I not mention the Suite’s separate bed?
Double Beds In The Sky
One of the main reasons we wanted to fly Singapore Airlines New Suites was because of the refreshed double beds. Each suite features a standalone bed which is stored against one of the walls of the suite.
When you are ready for bed you just have to ask the flight attendants to make up the bed which takes just a few minutes.
When the bed is pulled out of the center storage area it rests on the shelf located next to the desk which explains why the area can’t be used for additional storage.
Once completed, the bed is unlike any I’ve ever seen on an aircraft.
Additionally, if you and your traveling companion occupy suites 1 and 2 you can convert the suite into a “double bed” thanks to the lowered center partition.
The double beds are an amazing amenity to have on an airplane and perfect for a couple traveling together.
However, the double beds have a solid beam down the middle so it’s not as comfortable as sleeping in a true bed, but it’s as close as you’re going to get on a commercial aircraft.
Either way, these double beds alone helped justify the steep 150,000 mile price tag.
Singapore Airlines New Suites Lavatory(s)
One of the other incredible features of the Singapore Airlines A380 with New Suites are the two forward lavatories. The lavatories are located on either side of the aircraft’s grand staircase.
I’ll start with the smaller of the two lavatories located on the left side of the grand staircase.
The smaller lavatory features a large padded-leather bench and a padded-leather toilet seat. The entire lavatory features purple mood lighting throughout.
The smaller lavatory also features a generously sized sink and counter.
The sink is a beautiful vessel sink with a waterfall faucet.
Under the sink in an amenity drawer are several complimentary amenities such as dental kits, combs, razors, and sanitary napkins.
Finally, located along the counter is a separate storage area which houses a few additional amenities.
This area housed a few lotions, sprays, and creams that you wouldn’t typically find an an airline lavatory.
While the smaller lavatory is impressive, it’s the larger lavatory that steals the show on this aircraft.
Master Lavatory
Located to the right of the grand staircase is the master lavatory which is substantially larger than the smaller lavatory. When you walk in the master lavatory you’ll first notice the standalone vanity located in the center.
Just beyond the vanity is the toilet which also offers a small bench for storage. Across from the toilet is a narrow console table with a nice flower arrangement.
The entire wall of the lavatory features various mirrors which help make the space feel even larger.
There is also a fixed clothes hanger and a changing table area located in the center portion of the lavatory.
Also, located next to the door of the lavatory is a floor length mirror.
Finally, along the rear wall of the lavatory is the sink and counter which mimics the one found in the smaller lavatory.
This sink is again a vessel sink with a waterfall faucet.
Unlike the smaller lavatory, all of the master lavatories amenities are found in the center vanity. In the drawer of the vanity you’ll once again find various amenities such as combs and dental kits.
Likewise, along the wall next to the vanity is the small storage area with Lalique creams and scents.
Although both lavatories are beautiful, I personally wish Singapore Airlines would have included onboard showers as found on Emirates and Etihad to better use the space.
New Suites Experience
As expected from Singapore Airlines the service on this flight was excellent. Throughout the flight the cabin crew will address you by name. If you mistakenly get up to use the lavatory while both are occupied, the crew will notice, advise you to wait, and stop by your suite when the lavatory is available and presentable. Likewise, while you use the lavatory a flight attendant will stop in your suite to tidy up so that the suite remains immaculate throughout the flight. Additionally, your glass will never be empty in flight. The crew is constantly circulating the cabin to ensure all beverages are topped off and you are comfortable.
In addition to the fantastic crew the Suites themselves are stunning. Not only are the suites beautiful, but they are exceptionally functional. I appreciate the level of detail in adding in two headphones jacks each of which is perfectly placed. The tablet is also one of the most well thought out pieces of aviation tech I’ve ever experienced.
The only downside to the suite actually comes if you are traveling with someone. Because the chairs are awkwardly fixed in the center of each suite, you actually sit very far away from your travel companion during takeoff, landing, and while dining. While dining you both have to sit in your chairs and semi-face one another at a distance of about 10 feet. This makes it hard to char or enjoy the meal together. However, if traveling alone this suite is absolutely perfect.
Final Thoughts
We loved our trip on Singapore Airlines New Suites. While Hong Kong was a bit out-of-the-way to get from the US to Australia, we both found the detour worth the experience. With the new suites Singapore Airlines really established a new benchmark for first class “seating.”
Additionally, as airlines move away from the costly Airbus A380 in favor of smaller and more fuel-efficient aircraft I’m not sure how much longer seats like this will exist. I just can’t imagine an airline putting a 50 square foot seat on a 777, 787, or A350. Ultimately, for us, this was the first and most likely last time that we will ever fly this suite. For that reason the trip to Hong Kong was absolutely worth it.
All in all, the new Suites on Singapore Airlines’ A380 are incredible. If you have enough points or miles to splurge on a ticket I’d highly recommend it. Sure the 150,000 point price tag is hefty, especially when compared to a Saver Level award seat on the 777, but I can honestly say flying in the new Suites is worth the premium. That being said, I’m not sure if I would do it a second time, but it was worth doing at least once.
