The Complete Guide to Singapore Airlines Business Class

Singapore Airlines is one of the most-awarded airlines the world, frequently earning accolades for its service, food, and its exceptional business and first class products. Its busienss class is one of the better-known in the world. Passengers are welcomed by iconic Singapore Girls in the distinctive Pierre Balmain-designed sarong kebaya uniform, and enjoy a taste of Singapore onboard, with local specialties figuring heavily alongside international cuisine. 

Singapore has long been known for setting trends with its premium cabins, particularly for the spaciousness of its premium cabin seating, which varies slightly by aircraft and route, but is available onboard all Singapore Airlines departures. 

What to know about Singapore Airlines business class

Singapore offers two different business class products. There's the long-haul and regional business class product that they have on most of their aircraft and which features spacious pod seating with lie-flat seats, and then there's the regional business class on the 737-800 which has comfortable recliner-style seats. We'll be focusing on the long-haul experience flying from the US.

Examples of deals Going has found on Singapore Airlines

• $2,261 roundtrip to Frankfurt in business class
• $2,299 roundtrip to Phuket in business class
• $1,192 roundtrip to Singapore in premium economy
• $549 roundtrip to Tokyo in economy

The Singapore Airlines business class experience at the airport 

Singapore Airlines business class lounge access

Singapore Airlines operates SilverKris lounges in Singapore, London, and a number of major markets in Asia and Australia. 

SilverKris lounges typically have a wide selection of hot meals during meal times or when a Singapore Airlines departure is imminent (some lounges remain open outside of flight times but food and beverage selections are reduced). Much of the food and beverage on offer is emblematic of Singapore, with dishes like Nasi Lemak, Singapore Street Noodles, Ramen, Hainan Chicken Rice, Curry, and the airline’s signature Singapore Sling cocktail. 

Many lounges also have shower suites, quiet rooms, entertainment rooms, children/family areas, and nursing rooms.

At airports without SilverKris lounges, passengers may be directed to partner lounges. In Los Angeles, Business Class passengers use the Star Alliance Lounge; at New York (JFK) and Newark, passengers use the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse; at San Francisco and Houston passengers use the United Polaris Lounge, and at Seattle/Tacoma passengers use a third party lounge.

Singapore Airlines business class check-in

Business Class passengers on Singapore Airlines have dedicated check-in desks at every airport. Business Class passengers at certain tiers of the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and PPS programs may be eligible to check-in at the First Class desks when traveling on Business Class.

Baggage allowance

On flights with itineraries including the United States and Canada, Business Class passengers can check 2 bags up to 70 pounds / 32 kilos each, free of charge. On flights with itineraries that do not include the United States and Canada, Business Class passengers can check a total of 88 pounds / 40 kilos of luggage.

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, PPS, or Star Alliance Gold members may have additional baggage allowance. 

Business Class passengers can carry on two bags up to 7 kilos / 15 pounds each.

The Singapore Airlines business class experience in the air

 Singapore Airlines business class seats

• A380 Longhaul Business Class: Business Class on the A380 is on the upper deck. The seats are semi-enclosed suites with lie-flat beds, and select center-section seats (generally the first row in each cabin) can be converted to a double bed when both seats are booked together. 1-2-1 configuration.

• 777 and A350 Longhaul Business Class: The 777 and A350 have the same Business Class seat in a semi-enclosed suite with lie-flat beds. The seats have a “Lazy Z” cradle setting which tilts the seat back and changes the center of gravity, and the “Sundeck” setting, which stretches the seat toward the ottoman footrest. 1-2-1 configuration.

• 787 and A350 Regional Business Class: Still a lie-flat bed in a semi-enclosed suite, these seats are less spacious than the long-haul versions of the seat, and can generally be found on flights within the Asia/Pacific region up to about six hours flying time from Singapore.1-2-1 configuration.

• 737-8: Seats are lie-flat in a staggered 2-1-2 configuration across a single aisle. Some airlines have this seat installed on widebody aircraft on longhaul business class. 

• 737-800 Regional Business Class: Seats are in a 2-2 configuration, similar to US domestic First Class, with seatback entertainment and significant recline. The 737-800 aircraft is deployed on shorter regional flights from Singapore to smaller destinations, although large markets such as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur still have widebody aircraft assigned to many flights.

Benefits of flying Singapore Airlines business class

Singapore’s KrisFlyer entertainment system is installed in all Business Class seats, and passengers receive a premium noise-cancelling headset. Amenity kits are no longer offered in Business Class, but passengers will find Penhaligon’s-branded amenities in the Business Class lavatories. Socks, slippers, earplugs, eyeshades and hairbrushes can be requested from the flight attendants. 

Wifi is available on all aircraft except the 737-800, and Business Class passengers are allocated 100MB free of charge. Passengers can purchase additional WiFi as needed.

Singapore Airlines business class meals

A feature that Singapore Airlines is famous for is its Book The Cook service, now several decades old. Passengers in Business Class can pre-order specific entrees in advance to be served onboard. The menu varies by departure city (the widest selection of entrees is naturally available on flights departing Singapore) and offers a selection of Western and Singaporean or Asian dishes. Many cities have local options, like Pacific salmon on flights departing Seattle/Tacoma, or beef barbecue on flights departing Houston.

Passengers electing not to avail themselves of Book The Cook services still have a wide selection of entrees available onboard from the regular menu, which is available on the entertainment system screen or via a QR code. Passengers can also check the menu for their flight ahead of time on the Singapore Airlines website by entering their flight number and departure date.

On most flights there’s a selection of hot snacks available at any time throughout the flight upon request to a flight attendant. 

Alcohol

Singapore Airlines offers a wide selection of cocktails, including the Singapore Sling–often considered the national cocktail of Singapore. Business Class wine lists are also carefully curated with premium but not top shelf vintages of wines and champagnes. 

Singapore Airlines business class vs first class

Singapore Airlines First Class, available on only a select number of flights (from the US only flights from Los Angeles to Singapore via Tokyo and New York to Singapore via Frankfurt have First Class) offers a more personalized experience with more space, on-demand dining, and enhanced food and beverages.

How to book Singapore Airlines business class

How much does it cost for a business class ticket on Singapore Airlines? 

Flights from the US to Singapore often start at just over $4,000 for a roundtrip. Roundtrips between New York and Frankfurt–a price-competitive market–can be had for a bit less. Going has found our members cheap flights as low as $2,200 roundtrip.

How to upgrade to business class of Singapore Airlines for free

Singapore Airlines only upgrades passengers to Business Class free of charge for operational reasons such as an overbooking. In that event, the airline will upgrade passengers booked in Premium Economy, then Economy, based on frequent flyer status. 

How much does it cost to upgrade to business class on Singapore Airlines? 

Singapore Airlines sells upgrades, subject to seat availability, within 72 hours of flight departure for already-booked passengers. There have been some reports of upgrades from Economy to Business Class running several thousand dollars. 

How many miles to upgrade to Singapore Airlines business class? 

Upgrades with Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles are allowed for passengers ticketed in Economy or Premium Economy. Redemption amounts from the United States to Singapore start at 81,500 miles one-way for passengers confirmed in Economy and 45,000 miles one-way for passengers confirmed in Premium Economy.

Singapore Airlines does not allow upgrades from Star Alliance partner programs to Business Class on most intercontinental flights.

Summary

Singapore Airlines is still renowned for their Business Class product—in particular the gracious, anticipatory onboard service provided by the Singapore Girls, which are a pillar of the carrier’s overall brand image. Singapore Airlines is also noted for the quality of its onboard catering and the spaciousness of its Business Class seats. Travelers who have an opportunity to book Business Class on Singapore Airlines are in for an experience they’re unlikely to forget.

More business class resources

• United Polaris business class
• KLM business class
• Qatar Airways business class
• Lufthansa business class