First Business class flight

[lonewolf]

Hi Guys.

Trying to book my first business class flight on Singapore Airlines with points. Came across some strange issues as in i notice there are some extra options or flights sometimes visible if i book one way as opposed to booking return flights. But besides that strange issue. I had some questions on if there is an article that talks about which planes have which seats.

Basically I was flying to thailand via Changi from Sydney. I presume i should try to aim for a 3 hour layover or so in Changi so i can experience the business lounge there, i have heard good things about it. Also if i waitlist for a flight and book another flight in the meantime via points (am i able to then switch if my waitlist comes through? i believe i read i was able to do this for different classes but i was wondering if it works for the same class but different flights).

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Yes, the waitlist works for the same class of service. If the waitlist clears you'll have the option to accept the new flights.

The business class lounge in Singapore is ok. I wouldn't go out of my way to spend time there. SQ lounges are actually fairly consistent around the world, so the lounge you have in Australia and Thailand will be pretty much same same as Singapore. I'd probably aim for a couple hours transit in Singapore... but that's mainly that you can comfortably walk between gates, perhaps pick up some duty free, and have a smoke (if that's your thing). An hour is doable, but can be rushed.

 

[lonewolf]

Yes, the waitlist works for the same class of service. If the waitlist clears you'll have the option to accept the new flights.

The business class lounge in Singapore is ok. I wouldn't go out of my way to spend time there. SQ lounges are actually fairly consistent around the world, so the lounge you have in Australia and Thailand will be pretty much same same as Singapore. I'd probably aim for a couple hours transit in Singapore... but that's mainly that you can comfortably walk between gates, perhaps pick up some duty free, and have a smoke (if that's your thing). An hour is doable, but can be rushed.

Is the A380 business class seats same as the 777 these days? From some articles it sounds like it is, The A380 flight will give me 1hr transit and or i can fly 777 and have either 3hr or 4hr transit times.

 

[Denali]

Nothing notible about the Changi business class lounge. I actually avoid it and book a transit hotel room just to have a shower in privacy without people lining up in the toilets for you to finish.

 

[robtemt]

Is the A380 business class seats same as the 777 these days? From some articles it sounds like it is, The A380 flight will give me 1hr transit and or i can fly 777 and have either 3hr or 4hr transit times.

You can see the different types of J seats SQ has on their aircraft HERE, or a "mainly miles" has an article that is full of charts to break it down for you HERE

Some on here might have better knowledge about which aircraft have upgraded etc (new vs old a380). I've only flown J once on SQ, as I was infected by the F/R bug a few years ago and am now mentally unable to select the "business" drop down of the booking screen.

One common complaint for SQ J is the "foot cubby" which is small and causes you to sleep at an odd angle. There are several articles on which seat/rows are best on which aircraft to maximise comfort and privacy. Try searching "best singapore airlines business class seat {aircraft type}", and you will see most FF writers have the same opinion (bulkheads, and a few other select seats).

 

[Denali]

Worse leg cramp Ive ever had was on a SQ cubby hole seat, the new 359. I actually miss the giant older 34" wide seat in comparrison.

 

[robtemt]

Worse leg cramp Ive ever had was on a SQ cubby hole seat, the new 359. I actually miss the giant older 34" wide seat in comparrison.

You didn't like the 359 then?

We are on a 359 in March (unless the damn waitlist clears for F on the 777 via NRT). 11D/11F were blocked (I thought for PPS members normally), but we called, and they released them to us. Now I can kick my feet all over the place while I can't fall asleep.

So this will be the second time having to slum it in J on SQ (+1 wanted to fly the 359 "soooooooo bad", now wants the F list to clear for SQ12 "sooooooooooo bad", every day it's "have you called them this week?" or "try emailing them".

 

[TiredOldFlyer]

Enjoy Lonewolf.
All business class flights in SIA are a great experience without
worrying too much about the seats. Your preference should be
a window seat and if possible a bulkhead.
I am well over 6 feet and have no problem with the seats with
the "cubby" for your feet.
Singapore Airport is its own experience and 3 hours or so gives you the opportunity to have a wander and explore. Check out the new "Jewell Terminal".
I am not sure that a quick trip into the City is worthwhile mainly
due to the climate - hot and humid - arriving back to the terminal you will need to shower !.
Also we find the business lounge to be very good, although it
can somtimes be very busy but seems to cope !
Regarding your choice of aircraft remember that this is subject
to change so that a great effort is selecting an aircraft type can
be wasted. We prefer to book flights by convenient times.
They are all good - some marginally better - but it seems to be more of a personal preference.
(Great charts robtemt -thanks)

 

[blacksultan]

If you want a direct flight you may be able to book on Thai using krisflyer. also don`t forget to book the cook.

 

[blacksultan]

You might also want to consider booking/wl a first/suites class fare - in saver this might be cheaper than an advantage fare in biz! as mentioned SQ in premium classes is consitently god.

 

[Stealthflyer]

Basically I was flying to thailand via Changi from Sydney. I presume i should try to aim for a 3 hour layover or so in Changi so i can experience the business lounge there, i have heard good things about it.

If you are new to lounges, the SilverKris lounge in Changi is a fantastic experience. I prefer the new lounge in Bangkok though. They make a mean coughtail!

 

[Inlander]

The A350 Regional seat and the refurbished A380 seat. SIN- SYD is a priority route for allocation of the refurbs until the whole fleet is done

 

[robtemt]

If you are new to lounges, the SilverKris lounge in Changi is a fantastic experience. I prefer the new lounge in Bangkok though. They make a mean coughtail!

Thats a very good point stealthflyer. Some (me included) make assumptions that members are already used to the lounge experience. SilverKris is a good intro to lounges, and not a bad way to kill some time, have a drink or two (or four or five) and relax.

 

[stm1sydney]

The other issue to keep in mind on transit times in SIN is your return flight to Australia. It is well worth buying your duty free in SIN, as it is usually cheaper that Heinemann in SYD, plus you can use your "Changi Dollars" (SGD20 per pax, to which transit pax are entitled).

BUT: for flights to AUS, there is a 90 minute cutoff time (prior to departure time) for purchase of duty free, so it can be securely delivered to the gate where you pick it up just prior to boarding (because of AUS's stricter liquids security measures). So you need to leave enough transit time to do this. (And enjoy the lounge.)

 

[stig_aus]

You didn't like the 359 then?

We are on a 359 in March (unless the damn waitlist clears for F on the 777 via NRT). 11D/11F were blocked (I thought for PPS members normally), but we called, and they released them to us. Now I can kick my feet all over the place while I can't fall asleep.

My wife and I had 11D/11F on the 359 BNE - SIN last year, you will definitely have room to kick your feet!

Back on topic - if this is your first flight in business you will enjoy it no matter which SQ aircraft or seat you get.

 

[lonewolf]

hmm I just reached a conundrum, So I had booked flights to depart at 3:40pm from BKK to changi and then had a 5.5 hour transit before my flight from Changi to Syd. I had also waitlisted flights that left at 6:10pm from BKK to changi and hence a 3hr transit time at changi. I just got the email saying my waitlisted flight is available.

I was trying to confirm it online but it sounds like i need to call them to move my confirmed flight over to the waitlisted flight. BUT Thanks to @robtemt the links he provided shows me that my current booked flight (5.5 hr transit time) is a 1-2-1 2006J 777-200 seat as opposed to the new waitlisted flight which is a 2-2-2 2009J A330 seat. I didnt realise Singapore still had 2-2-2 seats. Apparently these seats are nowhere near as private or spacious.

BUT it does mean i get 2.5 hours more in thailand and hence a later check out / walking the street if i cant get a late checkout plus possibly more time to spend in BKK lounge, as well as only a 3 hr transit in singapore. Its a 2.5 hour flight but being my first time flying J I was thinking i should be picking the best seats / flights i can currently get considering i did book late.

Post automatically merged: Feb 4, 2020

The other issue to keep in mind on transit times in SIN is your return flight to Australia. It is well worth buying your duty free in SIN, as it is usually cheaper that Heinemann in SYD, plus you can use your "Changi Dollars" (SGD20 per pax, to which transit pax are entitled).

BUT: for flights to AUS, there is a 90 minute cutoff time (prior to departure time) for purchase of duty free, so it can be securely delivered to the gate where you pick it up just prior to boarding (because of AUS's stricter liquids security measures). So you need to leave enough transit time to do this. (And enjoy the lounge.)

I wasnt sure I still got the Changi dollars if i was flying J on points redemption? So do i get the dollars on both legs or only on the return leg? I guess then having more transit time may be useful.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

hmm I just reached a conundrum, So I had booked flights to depart at 3:40pm from BKK to changi and then had a 5.5 hour transit before my flight from Changi to Syd. I had also waitlisted flights that left at 6:10pm from BKK to changi and hence a 3hr transit time at changi. I just got the email saying my waitlisted flight is available.

I was trying to confirm it online but it sounds like i need to call them to move my confirmed flight over to the waitlisted flight. BUT Thanks to @robtemt the links he provided shows me that my current booked flight (5.5 hr transit time) is a 1-2-1 2006J 777-200 seat as opposed to the new waitlisted flight which is a 2-2-2 2009J A330 seat. I didnt realise Singapore still had 2-2-2 seats. Apparently these seats are nowhere near as private or spacious.

BUT it does mean i get 2.5 hours more in thailand and hence a later check out / walking the street if i cant get a late checkout plus possibly more time to spend in BKK lounge, as well as only a 3 hr transit in singapore. Its a 2.5 hour flight but being my first time flying J I was thinking i should be picking the best seats / flights i can currently get considering i did book late.

Post automatically merged: Feb 4, 2020

I wasnt sure I still got the Changi dollars if i was flying J on points redemption? So do i get the dollars on both legs or only on the return leg? I guess then having more transit time may be useful.

Hmmm. Meal service on the BKK-SIN flights is usually pretty quick. I eat and still have time for an hour's nap, and the 787-10s, which are the predominant aircraft type for the route these days, are good for that.

If you are looking to stay awake and drink + watch tv then the A330 will be just fine. You prolly want one of the seats in the middle so no one has to climb out over yuo (or you them).

Either plane is fine, really. Just pick the one that suits your schedule. I wouldn't be planning on hanging out in BKK lounges, and many of them are a fair distance away from each other (but I'd go for the new TG lounge, SQ lounge and Turkish lounges). I'd probably opt to spend the longer transit in Singapore, explore, go to the lounges, do duty free shopping.

 

[lonewolf]

You might also want to consider booking/wl a first/suites class fare - in saver this might be cheaper than an advantage fare in biz! as mentioned SQ in premium classes is consitently god.

I did / do want to book First suites, but you have to book several months in advance generally it seems sadly. and my manager is a bit of a .... when it comes to approving leave in advance. Definitely plan on trying it out, although people tell me its good to do once or twice but generally might as well stick with J as although F is very nice, at the end of the day once you have a flat bed sleeping area, thats the biggest difference in flight.

Post automatically merged: Feb 4, 2020

If you are new to lounges, the SilverKris lounge in Changi is a fantastic experience. I prefer the new lounge in Bangkok though. They make a mean coughtail!

Is that a new singapore lounge in BKK? Where is the singapore lounge in Sydney? I have never seen it. I presume i get to go to the lounge upon check in in Sydney as well as Transit in changi, but not after i arrive in bkk and vice versa.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

It's not a new lounge in BKK. The Turkish lounge is fairly new (next to the SQ lounge) and Thai has just opened a new lounge, which is, by all accounts, very nice and a 100% improvement on its previous offerings.

Just ask at check-in for the SYD SQ lounge, or look for the signs.

Lounge access is on departure for the airports you have mentioned. There aren't many arrivals lounges on the star network.

 

[robtemt]

I wasnt sure I still got the Changi dollars if i was flying J on points redemption? So do i get the dollars on both legs or only on the return leg? I guess then having more transit time may be useful.

Only once, but I like your way of thinking. Its also one per pax, not per family.

Vouchers can only be claimed once, on either leg of the passenger's itinerary​

Full rules HERE