AFF Review: Singapore Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX Business Class (DRW-SIN)

[AFF Editor]

Singapore Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX Business Class Review is an article written by AFF editorial staff:

Singapore Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX Business Class Review

I recently flew Singapore Airlines Business Class from Darwin to Singapore on the Boeing 737-8, which offers lie-flat bed.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

You can leave a comment or discuss this topic below.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The ‘throne’ seats present a dilemma… privacy and narrow footwells, vs less privacy but oversized footwells in row 1.

I was travelling with a friend and row 1 was good, enough privacy. But that might have felt different with a stranger next door?

Depends how you wish to use the flight… mine was eat quickly and sleep. If it was more an ‘entertainment’ or work flight and you’re intending to sit up, row 2 probably best.

 

[serfty]

Back in late July when I took this flight, the voucher at CNS was for $20. Noting that it could not be used for alcohol at the terminal.

Also, champagne was not available as a pre-departure beverage - I asked for one and my request was declined (although without further prompting a glass appeared almost immediately after the seatbelt sign went off).

 

[OZDUCK]

This looks far more comfortable than the awful A350 'Regional' J seats on SQ The shoulder room doesn't looked as cramped and you can a least sit with your feet straight out in front of you.

 

[clifford]

All good to hear.

I'm flying one of these in row 12 in August from PEN to SIN. Short flight but should be enjoyable.

Also flying one in the reverse direction in row 11, so will be interesting to compare.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Back in late July when I took this flight, the voucher at CNS was for $20. Noting that it could not be used for alcohol at the terminal.

Also, champagne was not available as a pre-departure beverage - I asked for one and my request was declined (although without further prompting a glass appeared almost immediately after the seatbelt sign went off).

How very SQ!

 

[Sprucegoose]

SQ do not refer to the 737 MAX rather the 737-8.

Interesting.

 

[AIRwin]

SQ do not refer to the 737 MAX rather the 737-8.

Looks like they do?

 

[Sprucegoose]

Well researched, I couldn't find it mentioned on their fleet page and where they briefly deal with the history and evolution of the 737-8 (MAX) and refer to 737-3

https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/flying-withus/737-8/

I was curious as to how some airlines refer to a plane with such operating and legal history. Some variants still have certifications up for review. A balanced, somewhat informed marketing approach is clearly in play with SQ. How do other airlines deal with it - I'll summons my researchers.

Airlines flying the 737-8 MAX refer to 7M8 in their operating informationals; the departure seems to be in the fleet/marketing pages; SQ takes a softer tone over, say, AC which makes consistent referrals to MAX.

OT; I am booked on AC553 (7M8) in Jan and looking forward to the experience. I have a colleague who won't fly it.

Air Canada - Our Fleet

The most recent information about Air Canada's modern fleet of Boeing aircrafts and the Boeing next-generations. Find out more.

www.aircanada.com

 

[kgreenuq]

If Business Class was rows 10, 11 and 12, what were rows 1 to 9? First?

 

[AIRwin]

If Business Class was rows 10, 11 and 12, what were rows 1 to 9? First?

Seat row numbers start at 10:

https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/pdf/OurFleet/737-8.pdf

 

[kgreenuq]

Ah, thanks! I wonder what the numbering logic is, especially with the J seats ending at 14 and the Y seats starting at 41.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Ah, thanks! I wonder what the numbering logic is, especially with the J seats ending at 14 and the Y seats starting at 41.

yeah, you need to learn to count on SQ!

 

[AIRwin]

yeah, you need to learn to count on SQ!

You can count on SQ to make you learn to count on SQ...

 

[Sprucegoose]

You can count on SQ to make you learn to count on SQ...

SQ is certainly an education.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Ah, thanks! I wonder what the numbering logic is, especially with the J seats ending at 14 and the Y seats starting at 41.

It’s to provide consistency across every aircraft type in the fleet. On all aircraft, regardless of whether it’s an a380 or 737, business class always starts at row 10, and economy at row 41. (premium economy and first similarly have consistent numbers)

It’s not uncommon on asian carriers for this type of numbering, particularly airlines that can swap aircraft to meet demand. It means if you swap from an a330 to a 777 for you HKG-SIN, or an a320 to an a321 for HKG-PVG everyone gets to keep their same seat (give or take).

 

[RooFlyer]

It’s to provide consistency across every aircraft type in the fleet. On all aircraft, regardless of whether it’s an a380 or 737, business class always starts at row 10, and economy at row 41. (premium economy and first similarly have consistent numbers)

Ah, thanks. EgyptAir do something similar too and I was wondering why.

 

[Mr H]

If Business Class was rows 10, 11 and 12, what were rows 1 to 9? First?

Yes. On SQ, seats with single digit row numbers are F, ones in the teens and twenties are J, ones over 41 are Y.

 

[AIRwin]

Yes. On SQ, seats with single digit row numbers are F, ones in the teens and twenties are J, ones over 41 are Y.

30+ = Premium Economy?

 

[Mr H]

Ah, thanks. EgyptAir do something similar too and I was wondering why.

ET is another that does this but with J in single digit rows and economy starting at 11.

30+ = Premium Economy?

I don’t know. Truth be told, I couldn’t be bothered to look at a seat map. I have only ever traveled with SQ in single digit seat rows.