Is it worth opting for Singapore Airlines' premium economy on the Airbus A350?

Quick overview: One of the top airlines in the world offers a notable upgrade from economy class, though there are still a few areas for enhancement.

Advantages

• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) continues to provide an exceptional experience for travelers.
• The cabin is cozy and intimate, featuring only 24 seats with ample width and legroom.
• Champagne is offered, alongside hearty meals presented on elegant ceramic dishes.

Drawbacks

• Passengers do not receive predeparture beverages, and drinks served during the flight are in plastic and paper cups.
• There are no exclusive crew members or dedicated restrooms for premium economy passengers.
• Cash fares are typically at least double those of economy class.

Can one of the top airlines in the world provide a premium economy that meets high standards?

Singapore Airlines is celebrated worldwide for its exceptional passenger experience, from its award-winning hub at SIN to its skilled cabin crew in their iconic sarong kebaya uniforms (introduced around 50 years ago). The airline offers an extensive route network, featuring the world's longest flight from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to SIN, along with various fifth-freedom routes across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Growing up in Adelaide, South Australia, Singapore Airlines was one of the few international airlines serving my hometown of about 1 million residents.

Since I was a child, I've flown with Singapore Airlines more times than I can count, and I have yet to experience a poor flight with this esteemed airline.

The airline has recently enhanced its premium economy offering to include improved dining options and new amenity kits, reflecting its investment in this growing class of service. Consequently, I decided to experience it on their new route from SIN to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) aboard the Airbus A350.

Here’s what my experience entailed.

How to secure a premium economy booking with Singapore Airlines

Typically, round-trip cash prices for Singapore Airlines' premium economy are at least double — and can reach up to three times — the fare of standard economy. Business class usually costs about twice that of premium economy.

Singapore Airlines' new SQ312 service to LGW operates five days a week, with departures from SIN occurring Thursday through Monday at 11:55 p.m. The flight arrives at LGW approximately 13 hours later, around 6:25 a.m. Conversely, flights from LGW leave Friday to Tuesday at 10:15 a.m., landing at SIN the next day around 6:20 a.m. (All times are local.)

This new service to LGW adds to the airline's existing four daily flights to London's Heathrow Airport (LHR).

Here are the fare ranges and award redemption options I found across all three cabins on this route for the coming year.

Fortunately, KrisFlyer miles are relatively easy to accumulate and redeem. While Singapore Airlines does not provide a cobranded credit card in the U.S., it collaborates with several major transferable rewards programs, including American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Chase Ultimate Rewards, all at a 1:1 transfer ratio.

The following cards currently feature attractive welcome bonuses that can be easily converted into KrisFlyer miles:

• American Express® Gold Card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Experiencing premium economy on Singapore Airlines

When departing from SIN, be sure to visit The Jewel waterfall located in Terminal 3, outside of security. This stunning indoor rainforest is free to explore and has become so popular that other airports have drawn inspiration from it.

A premium economy ticket on Singapore Airlines, whether purchased with cash or KrisFlyer miles, includes complimentary seat selection. For flights between North America and Singapore, you can check in two bags weighing up to 50 pounds each. For other routes, premium economy fares allow for one checked bag weighing up to 77 pounds.

As anticipated, the airline features a spacious check-in area at its primary hub in Terminal 3. There are numerous self-service kiosks and staffed counters, with dedicated check-in zones for premium economy travelers.

I expected the priority check-in area to be prominent and impressive, similar to the one Emirates provides at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Instead, all premium economy passengers were assigned just two check-in counters in row 9—equivalent to the number given to cabin crew checking in their baggage. While there was no queue, I was taken aback by how understated this priority check-in area was, considering the airline markets its premium economy service as a superior experience on most long-haul flights.

It's no surprise that SIN is frequently recognized as the best airport in the world. With its sound-absorbing carpets, a wide array of upscale shops, and engaging activities for both kids and adults, it resembles a high-end shopping center more than a typical airport terminal. The airport even features a butterfly garden and a complimentary movie theater that operates around the clock.

Even with a surge of European flights departing around midnight, the terminal maintained a spacious and tranquil atmosphere—descriptors I wouldn't typically associate with airports.

SIN's Terminal 3 stands out because passengers undergo security checks at the gate instead of immediately after check-in. For my experience, gates A1 through A8 utilized a single expansive security checkpoint.

Although premium economy travelers didn't have access to a priority security line, the entire process was smooth, calm, and efficient.

With only a handful of flights departing from the spacious eight-gate area during this late hour, there were plenty of seats—complete with charging stations—available for passengers waiting to board.

Boarding was organized by group numbers, and staff advised passengers to stay seated until their group was called.

Premium economy travelers used the same boarding lane as economy passengers, being called to board as part of Group 3, alongside KrisFlyer Gold and Star Alliance Gold members. Regular economy passengers followed in Group 4.

With a lengthy 13-hour overnight flight ahead, passengers seemed relaxed and in no hurry to board, contributing to a smooth boarding process.

How comfortable is the premium economy experience on Singapore Airlines?

The premium economy section is surprisingly intimate, featuring only 24 seats arranged in three rows, located right behind the upscale business-class area.

The seats in row 31, which are located at the front, offer slightly more legroom thanks to the bulkhead in front. They're a great choice for couples traveling together, although keep in mind that you won't have space to stow personal items in front of you.

At 6 feet tall, I found the legroom in row 32 to be quite generous, providing me with a bit more personal space compared to economy class.

The compact nature of the cabin had its advantages and disadvantages.

While it felt intimate and exclusive, it also seemed a bit cramped due to the walls at both the front and back. For instance, to cross from one aisle to another, you had to walk partway back through the economy section behind.

The right-side armrest featured buttons to manually recline the seatback and extend the legrest.

Instead of a footrest that folds out from the legrest, the footrest was designed to drop down from the seat in front. The seatback ahead was equipped with a large, sturdy literature pocket and a water bottle holder, which was pre-filled with a bottle of water for each premium economy passenger.

Each seat featured a universal power outlet located in the center armrest, a USB-A port adjacent to the inflight entertainment screen, and another USB-A port next to the headphone jack situated between the seats.

Regrettably, this state-of-the-art A350 did not come equipped with USB-C ports, wireless charging capabilities, or Bluetooth connectivity.

The tray table that slid out from the armrest was spacious and sturdy enough to accommodate a full-size MacBook.

I appreciated the adjustable reading light next to the headrest; it was useful for reading the menu without waking fellow passengers during this overnight flight.

Amenities Offered in Singapore Airlines Premium Economy

Each seat welcomed passengers with a plastic-wrapped pillow and blanket upon boarding.

Both items were luxurious and more substantial than what you might typically find in economy class.

The airline also offered good quality over-ear noise-canceling headphones—an added luxury that enhanced comfort on this long flight.

One of the recent upgrades in premium economy is a new amenity kit from Out of the Woods. I wasn't impressed by the wrinkled bag it came in (which reminded me of Virgin Atlantic's premium economy kit), and while the contents—slippers, an eye mask, and an airline-branded lip balm—were rather basic, they were certainly better than nothing.

What stood out even more was the large, high-definition touchscreen on the seatback.

It featured 43 new releases, including titles like "Kung Fu Panda 4", "Arthur the King", and "Dune: Part Two." I particularly enjoyed "Ricky Stanicky"—a lighthearted and amusing way to pass the time on the flight to London.

If I preferred not to lean forward to interact with the screen, I had the option to use the handheld remote that slid out from the center armrest console to navigate the display.

KrisFlyer members in all classes enjoyed complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi. Although it seemed like a fantastic bonus at first, my speed tests revealed disappointing results, with downloads barely reaching 2 Mbps and uploads around 1 Mbps. I soon abandoned any hope of using it effectively.

Considering the compact cabin — with only three rows — it was expected that there wouldn't be exclusive bathrooms for premium economy travelers. However, it was somewhat disappointing to find that five restrooms were shared with the economy section behind, leading to frequent lines for access.

While they were maintained in a clean condition, the bathrooms felt cramped and made movement difficult.

What was the dining experience like in Singapore Airlines' premium economy?

I was taken aback that a welcome drink wasn't offered during boarding, as this is typically standard in premium economy on many airlines, particularly those as esteemed as Singapore Airlines.

After the warm, humid climate of Singapore, I was pleased to receive a hot towel, which I eagerly accepted.

Not long after takeoff, the crew handed out printed menus and began serving dinner.

As a premium economy passenger, I had the option to use the airline's Book The Cook service, which would have allowed me to select from a wider variety of entree dishes if I had booked it online at least 24 hours prior.

Although Book The Cook is a fantastic benefit for premium economy and higher classes, I chose to stick with the standard menu to experience what most other passengers would have.

Considering the long duration of the flight, I anticipated a slightly extended first service; I expected a round of drinks or at least a beverage with some mixed nuts before dinner. Instead, the main meal was served shortly after takeoff. I suppose due to the late departure time, this approach allowed everyone to dine quickly and then rest.

I was eager to explore the recently upgraded dining selections, which featured some notable highlights and a few disappointments. I was pleasantly surprised to find Charles de Cazanove Brunt NV Champagne, priced around $38 per bottle on land. Enjoying real Champagne in premium economy, rather than mere sparkling wine, was delightful; however, I would have preferred it served in glassware instead of a plastic tumbler.

For dinner, passengers were served a smoked salmon salad as an appetizer, along with just two main course choices:

• Pork fricassee accompanied by lentils, lyonnaise potatoes, blanched broccolini, and roasted carrots
• Kuay teow neua (braised Thai beef noodles with beef meatballs and tender braised beef)

The meal included sides of cheese, crackers, and garlic bread, with dessert being a chocolate orange cake paired with raspberry compote.

Served on a single tray, the meal was presented reasonably well. However, it would have been better if the plastic and foil coverings had been removed before the trays were given to passengers.

I anticipated a third main course option—perhaps a vegetarian dish or something that didn't include pork or red meat, which some passengers might prefer to avoid.

I opted for the beef noodles, and they were fantastic. The beef was tender, and the noodles were cooked perfectly without clumping together.

The elegant ceramic dishes were a noticeable upgrade from economy class, and it was nice to have metal cutlery.

The dinner service was impressively quick, with everything cleared away within 90 minutes of takeoff, allowing passengers plenty of time to relax on the flight to London.

A selection of snacks—including sandwiches, fresh fruit, muffins, nuts, and chips—was available from the rear galley between meal services. I slept for the majority of the flight, so I didn't sample these offerings.

Following a recent turbulence incident, Singapore Airlines is adopting a more cautious approach to meal service. Meals are not served in areas where pilots anticipate turbulence, resulting in breakfast being served much earlier than usual—three hours before our arrival in London, especially with some bumpy weather expected closer to landing.

Breakfast featured strawberry yogurt with fresh fruit, a croissant, and a choice of tea, coffee, or juice, along with two entree options:

• Vegetarian omelet with grilled mushrooms, baked tomato, garlic, and wilted greens
• Chai tow kueh (savory fried carrot cake with prawns and preserved turnips)

Once more, I was surprised not to find a third option on the menu. The entire meal was served on a single tray.

Following the flight attendant's suggestion, I opted for the Singaporean carrot cake entree. I was unsure what to expect, but it turned out to be delightful. The dish was seafood-centric and accompanied by a flavorful spicy sauce that kept me satisfied for the last three hours of the flight.

I would have preferred the juice and hot drinks to be served in proper glassware or ceramic mugs instead of plastic and paper cups. This small change could elevate the premium economy experience significantly.

As with every Singapore Airlines flight I've experienced, the crew on my premium economy journey to London was polished, professional, and friendly. Their extensive training was clear, and no request was too great; everything was provided with graciousness and a warm smile.

The hospitality here is more formal; crew members are unlikely to share many jokes or engage in light-hearted banter. However, it's still rare to encounter a less-than-stellar crew member on your next Singapore Airlines flight.

Is Singapore Airlines premium economy worth the extra cost?

This service class offers a significant upgrade from Singapore Airlines' economy class, which is already recognized as a top-tier coach experience.

The seats are more spacious, and you'll enjoy additional legroom. They recline further than those in economy, and the legrest adds to overall comfort. Plus, being served Champagne in premium economy is a delightful bonus, along with the use of metal cutlery.

However, there are areas where Singapore's premium economy could improve. The absence of dedicated crew members and lavatories gives it more of an "economy plus" feel rather than a true "business lite" experience. Additionally, the lack of proper glassware and pre-departure drinks was disappointing. The airline could also consider adding a third entree option for both dinner and breakfast, although I intend to make use of the excellent Book The Cook service next time.

While Emirates and KLM still stand out as the most impressive premium economy experiences I've had, Singapore Airlines likely just makes it into the top five.

Considering that it usually costs at least double the price of a solid economy product, I would likely opt for economy class on my next journey to Singapore. Yet, if you can find a slightly cheaper upgrade over economy — whether in cash or miles — you can be confident it's a comfortable way to fly with one of the world's top airlines.