Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines has spent decades building a reputation for consistent excellence, and the numbers back it up -- regularly voted the world's best airline by Skytrax, with a fleet averaging just 7 years old and a service culture that's genuinely difficult to replicate. The airline operates from Changi Airport (consistently rated the world's best airport), connecting Southeast Asia to the world. The route network covers 130+ destinations, and the crown jewel is SQ21/SQ22 -- the world's longest flight, Singapore to New York JFK, at roughly 18 hours 40 minutes on a purpose-built A350-900ULR (Ultra Long Range).

What separates Singapore Airlines from competitors is the refusal to coast. They were first with flat-bed business class, first with Suites Class on the A380, and the A350-900ULR was essentially built to their specifications for ultra-long-haul. The Book the Cook programme lets you pre-order from an extensive menu created by a panel of international chefs -- this isn't just "chicken or fish" at altitude. KrisFlyer miles are reasonably valued and the Star Alliance membership means transfers and status matches with United, Lufthansa, ANA, and others.

The A350-900 is the fleet workhorse, with 60+ in service and more on order. The standard A350-900 seats 253-303 passengers depending on configuration, with business class in a 1-2-1 staggered layout. The ULR variant (seven aircraft dedicated to the JFK and Newark routes) is configured with just 67 business class seats and 94 premium economy seats -- no regular economy at all. This is deliberate: you can't profitably fill 18+ hours of economy at standard yields, so Singapore Airlines optimised for premium cabins on these routes.

The A380 fleet (currently 12 aircraft, down from a peak of 19) operates the highest-demand routes to London, Sydney, Mumbai, and Hong Kong. The upper deck features the famous Suites Class -- six fully enclosed private rooms with a separate bed and chair, a 32-inch screen, and enough space to stand up and walk around. The 777-300ER (about 27 aircraft) handles secondary long-haul routes with a regional business class that's still lie-flat 1-2-1. The 737-8 MAX (about 15 aircraft) operates shorter regional routes to destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Phuket in a two-class configuration. Fleet renewal is constant -- Singapore Airlines doesn't keep aircraft past 10-12 years, which is why the hard product always feels current.

Suites Class on the A380 is the pinnacle. Each of the six suites (in a 1-1 layout on the upper deck forward) is a fully enclosed room with a sliding door, a leather armchair, and a separate full-length bed. The bed is made up by crew with Lalique bedding -- proper sheets, duvet, and pillow. You can dine at any time (no fixed meal service), and the menu is extensive with dishes from the International Culinary Panel. A couple travelling together in centre suites can lower the dividing wall to create a double suite with a double bed. The shower isn't available (that's Emirates' thing), but the suite itself is more spacious than any other first class product flying.

Business class on the A350 and 777 is a 1-2-1 configuration where every seat has direct aisle access. The seat converts to a 78-inch flat bed and the width is 28 inches in the A350 variant. Book the Cook lets you pre-select your main course from an expanded menu 24 hours before departure -- options typically include dishes you'd find at a good restaurant, not airline food. The wine list is curated by three wine consultants and rotates quarterly. Premium Economy on the A350 gets 38 inches of pitch, a 13.3-inch screen, and enhanced meal service. Economy is 32 inches of pitch -- an inch more than most competitors -- with complimentary meals, drinks, and entertainment on seatback screens.

On the A380 Suites Class, suites 1A and 1F are the forward window suites with the most privacy. Centre suites (2C/2D and 3C/3D) can be combined for couples. On the A350 business class, the staggered 1-2-1 layout means some seats are closer to the aisle (more accessible but less private) and some are tucked against the window (more private but you're climbing past the console to reach the aisle). Window-side "throne seats" in rows 11, 15, and 19 are the most sought-after -- surrounded by storage space on both sides with maximum privacy.

On the A350-900ULR (JFK/Newark routes), business class rows 11-19 are the main cabin. Rows 11-12 are closest to the forward galley. Rows 17-19 have the advantage of being in the smaller rear business section, which is quieter. Premium Economy on the ULR is rows 31-40 in a 2-4-2 layout; avoid the centre block if you're solo and go for window pairs (A-B or J-K). The 737-8 MAX regional flights have business class in rows 1-3 (12 seats in a 2-2 layout) -- these are recliner seats, not lie-flat, so manage expectations on the 2-4 hour flights where they operate.