Singapore Air Suites

When I planned our entire winter vacation around the availability of two Singapore Air suites from Sydney to Singapore this February, I never in a million years imagined that the company would introduce a brand new airplane for just that route.

 

Near the end of 2017, Singapore Air announced the unveiling of their all-new suites product for the A380 aircraft.  Their new suites class cabin offers six suites, down from twelve, and is available only to full fare flyers. They started flying in December 2017, and as of February 2018, only operate this one plane, on the roundtrip route connecting Sydney with Singapore.

Pre-Flight

At the Sydney airport, we had access to priority check-in and fast track immigration and security lines. Since we were flying in the Singapore Air suites, we had access to the first class side of the Singapore Airlines lounge in the Sydney airport. The area featured large private bathrooms, a shower, and three differently styled lounge areas for guests. There was a great spread of hot and cold food on the self-service buffet and an a la carte menu for ordering freshly made-to-order dishes like laksa, duck pancakes, and chicken skewers.

 

Welcome to the Singapore Air Suites

We were promptly welcomed onboard by three eager flight attendants and shown to our seats.  Because the plane is so new and rare, most of the flight crew had never seen the suites before, and they were excited to show us all of the special features and storage spaces.

We were offered glasses of 2006 Dom Perignon champagne and got acquainted with our amazing new digs.  We were offered pajamas and the flight attendants suggested we could change in our suites or in the large bathroom.  While we changed inside of our suites, I would not recommend it.  The doors to the suites have leaf-shaped cutouts and are not very private!  Takeoff was quite noticeably smooth and quiet.

Amenity kits by Lalique feature soap, body lotion, and lip balm as well as a small crystal fish and beautifully scented candle. I’ve enjoyed the candle so much that I looked into buying another one, and found that it is roughly $69 for a six-ounce candle; wow! I guess I’ll only be that spoiled when its given to me on another flight one day.

Meals

After takeoff, our champagne was refilled. For our second glasses, we enjoyed the Krug 2004.  It was easily the most expensive and delicious champagne I have ever tasted.  As we played around with our 32-inch televisions on an adjustable electronic swivel and automatic mood lighting scenes on our in-cabin tablets, our oversized tables were set for dinner.

Singapore Air offers plenty of in-flight meal options.  They also allow you to book your meal online with an option called Book the Cook. They’re known for dishes like Lobster Thermador, so we made sure to review all of the menus online and made our selections before our trip.

Our seven-course meal kicked off with caviar, followed by soup, then salad, and highlighted by the main course.  After the main course, I left my suite and joined my husband at his dinner table.  The flight attendant brought a special stool designed for shared dining, and we enjoyed our cheese, dessert, and fruit courses together.  With nine wines, nine cocktails, five mocktails, and a full selection of coffee and tea to sample, we were kept satisfied the entire afternoon!

Singapore Air Suites Offer Relaxation

We were excited about turndown service so we could kick back and relax in our spacious suites. Except for some minor turbulence, there was so much room to spread out it almost didn’t feel like we were on an airplane.  The best part about adjoining suites is that we were truly able to fly together.  We were able to talk through the flight, enjoy movies together, and nap comfortably.

Lavatories

For a cabin with only 6 suites, the two extra-large bathrooms were impressive.  There was never a line to use the restroom and it seemed like the flight attendants cleaned the bathroom in between every passenger.

Service in the Singapore Air Suites

The service on Singapore Airlines was top notch. The flight attendants were positive and available the entire flight.  They were enthusiastic about the new airplane and worked quickly to figure out the nuances of the new configuration.

How can you fly in the new Singapore Air suites?

One of the highlights of the flight was when the flight attendant explained to us that the new suites were designed to be a very exclusive experience.  Not even the Singapore Air pilots are allowed to fly in the suites and that there are very few mileage awards offered.  We got very lucky and ended up with 2 suites for 80,000 miles each. It was one of the most memorable experiences of our lives.

As time passes and more new A380 aircraft enter the market, it is possible that more award seats could open up.  Keep in mind that the only way to book into the suites with Singapore is to use KrisFlyer miles.  You cannot use star alliance partner miles to book suites. Save up your Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex points for this one!

Surprisingly, you can fly the suites from Sydney to Singapore for about $3,000 if the timing is right and you plan ahead. That is a much lower price than booking suites on competing luxury carriers.

Tip: Flying the suites as a couple? You’ll want to select seats 1A and 2A or 1F and 2F. Only the first two suites on either side have the ability to convert into a double suite.

A350 – Business Class

We also flew Singapore Air from Singapore to San Francisco via the two-class A350.  The business class is unique because rather than reclining into a lie-flat position, seats fold forward into a flatbed. The seats were comfortable, the entertainment system was great, and the service was solid. After riding in the suites, it just doesn’t seem fair to make a comparison!

Tip: The first row, 11, is easily the best row. Because there is no seat in front of you, the footwell is vast and unobstructed.

For more adventures at 30,000 feet, check out my other Airline Reviews.