Is Singapore Airlines Business Class Worth the Upgrade from Economy?

ABBEY: This is my first to fly in Business Class. With a budget and the itch to get the experience of sitting in the first few rows of a plane, we booked a pair of round-trip prized real estate in Singapore Airlines to the tune of almost SGD 3000. This is for our trip to Manila. 

Aside from the full kit amenities and free-flow champagne and wine, we also got the Book the Cook experience wherein you can choose your food from a curated menu. This needs to be done before your flight. I got the Grilled Angus beef burger and it was delicious. I paired it with red wine as I watched an episode of a TV series I liked. 

Even though slippers were not available in the Manila-bound flight, our experience is better than the one going back to Singapore. Aside from the business class is almost fully packed, I felt like the warmth from the staff service was diminished. The vibe I got is “since this is an evening flight and the day is almost done, let’s just get this over with”. 

The noodles is so salty and the fish meal they replaced it with was having soggy veggies to the point like it was melting. I think apart from the seat comfort and price there is not that much difference between the classes. I may have spoken too soon but let’s see in the First Class.

Is Singapore Airlines Business Class Worth the Upgrade from Economy?

Is Singapore Airlines Business Class Worth the Upgrade from Economy?

Is Singapore Airlines Business Class Worth the Upgrade from Economy?

Is Singapore Airlines Business Class Worth the Upgrade from Economy?

WILL: Abbey often asks, "What does it take for people like us to afford a business class flight? When will it be our turn?" On our 2024 trip to the Philippines, Abbey upgraded our tickets to Singapore Airlines’ Business Class. Here’s a detailed, and a bit giggly, review of our experience.

Singapore to Manila

Singapore Airlines provides dedicated counters for Business Class passengers, ensuring a seamless check-in process. The queue management staff greeted us immediately and directed us to the counter. With a generous 40kg baggage allowance each (compared to the 25kg allowance in economy), we felt quite pampered. Despite the early morning hour, the check-in was efficient, and from Terminal 2, we took the free skytrain to Terminal 3 for some delightful Baccha coffee.

	Terminal 3	Terminal 2
Ambiance	The seating area is spacious with an open-air concept. However, it felt dim and somewhat gloomy as we arrived before sunrise.	This lounge tends to be more crowded, with seats placed close together. There wasn’t a visible bar area.
Food and Beverage	The food offerings were comparable to those in Priority Pass lounges.	The dumplings were excellent—I went back for a third serving.
Service	The attendants were exceptionally warm and welcoming, which made us feel comfortable and well-cared for.	The service here felt more transactional and less personal compared to Terminal 3.

Boarding as Business Class passengers provided a distinct advantage, marked by priority boarding and attentive service. Abbey and I were seated in a front-back row configuration. Despite the flight being delayed, the ample space allowed me to work comfortably on my emails.

The "Book the Cook" experience was a highlight, offering personalized meal choices. However, I wished I could have shared my lobster dish with Abbey, who was seated behind me. After the meal, I enjoyed a nap, appreciating the comfortable sleeping position, fluffy pillow, and warm quilt.

Manila to Singapore

The KrisFlyer Lounge in Manila was underwhelming. The food choices were limited, the wine selection was mediocre, and the lighting was dim. This was a stark contrast to the high standards experienced at the lounges in Singapore.

The in-flight service was outstanding. When I found my pork noodles too salty, the attendants were proactive in offering an alternative dish. This level of attentiveness is a hallmark of Singapore Airlines’ Business Class.

One notable moment was during our landing in Singapore, where the runway appeared slippery, and the pilot had to brake suddenly. This sudden stop highlighted the importance of safety protocols, which were efficiently managed.

The entertainment options were more limited compared to previous flights with Singapore Airlines. While the comfort and service in Business Class were commendable, the isolated seating arrangement made it difficult to enjoy the journey with a travel companion.

Recommendable? 

Overall, Singapore Airlines’ Business Class offers a high level of comfort, exceptional service, and thoughtful amenities. However, the solitary nature of the seating may not be ideal for those who prefer a more connected travel experience with their companions. For travelers seeking luxury and personal space, it is highly recommendable. For those like me, who value constant companionship and interaction, it may feel a bit isolating.

Singapore Airlines (Singapore - Manila - Singapore)

ABBEY: We've been going back and forth Singapore and Philippines but this is the first time we'll be flying Singapore Airlines(together). Yes, it is the fare cost. But in our April trip, the SQ airline fare is lower compare to others because of their 25th anniversary promo thus we grabbed the opportunity.

Our seats are the economy super saver ones. It includes hot towel, in-flight entertainment, blanket and pillow, and a complete meal.

I enjoyed every aspect of  the flight. The meals are delicious for the 2-way trip (main course as well as dessert). In-flight entries include the latest movies but I chose to watch Space Jam and Tom and Jerry. Haha.

The attendants are warm, friendly and always smiling.

One thing can be improved though, I think the pilots can still enhance their skills in landing the "big" bird well.

WILL: I am a s@cker for deals on anything I will buy. I always plan ahead, as in ahead as 1 year but our plan to go home last April is not giving me a nice prices until January. I am pretty disappointed that time, I still wait and *babam!* Singapore Airline hollers for it seat sale! Wohhooo! It only costs us S$468.40 for two pax - two way. SIN-MNL-SIN. It includes 30kgs check-in luggage and 10kgs hand-carry. 

Abbey's first time at the Singapore's flag carrier and he immediately saw the difference of the service brought to him by one of the best airline in the world. :) 

On check-in, there is no queue! As in no queue! We are not that early but the service in check-in counter is efficient. In boarding the plane, attendants gleefully greet the passengers. They assist non-stop for the luggages. Once all are seated, the hot hand towels were distributed...whew...relaxing! 

On distributing the food, you can not pissed-off the attendants by mere ordering too much drinks. Haha! After meal, they will all smile, get the trays and you will hear from them "How was your meal?". 

When you are on shorts, they will offer their blankets. I had a restful slumber because of their pillow, blanket and the movie I am "listening" into. Haha.

This is one of Singapore's Pride! No doubt why they came to the list of the Best Airline. :) 

'Till next time SIA ;)

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Singapore Airlines

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