Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class A350-900 from Singapore to San Francisco

Singapore Airlines Business Class A350-900

When planning my return journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Ottawa, Canada, I sought a straightforward route and stumbled upon an unexpected opportunity. Singapore Airlines (SA) Business Class award space is notoriously hard to find, but a segment popped up during a casual Aeroplan search last year. It was a married segment from Ho Chi Minh City to San Francisco with an overnight stop in Singapore. I quickly locked it in for 87,500 Aeroplan points and later booked a separate one-way flight from SFO to Ottawa.

This review focuses on the 15-hour direct flight from Singapore (SIN) to San Francisco (SFO) aboard the Airbus A350-900 in Singapore Airlines’ Business Class.

SQ 34
Airbus A350-900
Singapore (SIN) to San Francisco (SFO)
Duration: 14h 40m
Seat: 10A

My experience began with a relaxing few hours at the SilverKris Business Class Lounge in Terminal 3 at Changi Airport, after which I headed to the gate. The boarding area was surprisingly busy, with passengers seated in a contained area awaiting boarding.

Singapore Airlines Business Class A350-900 – Cabin and Seats

Singapore Airlines Business Class cabin on the A350-900 follows a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access. I selected seat 10A, a bulkhead seat that offers noticeably more space than the cabin’s other Business Class seats. The extra space was immediately apparent upon boarding. While the seat spans approximately two windows in length, only one of the windows is usable, as the second is tucked behind the seat console. Still, the seat provided a comfortable and functional layout.

Business Class A350-900

Bulkhead seat 10A

Storage space in 10A was sufficient for my needs, with a small compartment under the seat to the left that fit a small bag. The seat controls were positioned below the armrest and thoughtfully placed to avoid interference with arm positioning. A pillow and menu were already placed at my seat when I boarded, adding to the seamless experience.

Live TV – Cricket World Cup

Although the In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) screen was smaller than expected, it pleasantly surprised me by offering live sports. This feature turned out to be a highlight, as I was able to watch the Cricket World Cup finals during the flight. The purser, who shared my passion for cricket, often stopped by to check the score, adding a personal and engaging touch to the journey.

Singapore Business Class A350-900 – Meals and Service onboard

Service began with the crew offering amenity kits and welcome drinks shortly after I settled in. I opted for champagne.

Amenity Kit by Penhaligon’s

After takeoff, the crew confirmed that my pre-selected noodle soup (via Book the Cook) had been loaded, and meal service began with a round of drinks. The meal service on this 15-hour flight was structured as follows:

• Dinner service shortly after departure.
• Assortment of light bites and meals available on demand throughout the flight.
• Lunch service before landing in San Francisco.

Book the Cook

Business Class Menu: SIN-SFO

Dinner Service

The dinner service began with Singapore Airlines’ iconic satay, a highlight in its own right. This was followed by Seared Tuna Loin as the appetizer. My main course, the pre-ordered noodle soup, was delicious. I was particularly impressed with the texture of the noodles, which held up remarkably well for an in-flight meal. I decided to skip the dessert course to wrap up the meal quickly, focus on the cricket game, and get some rest.

SIngapore Chicken Satay

Seared Tuna Loin

Noodle Soup

Light Bites and Pre-Landing Meal

I slept exceptionally well during the flight and skipped the pre-landing meal entirely. Instead, I requested a simple bowl of fruits with my coffee. The crew, concerned that I hadn’t eaten much, served me two bowls of fruits and insisted I try their favourite dessert with my coffee—a caramelized banana cake. The dessert paired wonderfully with the coffee and provided a satisfying end to the culinary experience. This meal was served just as we approached San Francisco, accompanied by a stunning sunrise out the window.

Approach into SFO

Takeaway

Singapore Airlines continues to uphold its reputation for exceptional service and comfort. My experience flying Singapore Airlines Business Class A350-900 from Singapore to San Francisco was overwhelmingly positive. The bulkhead seat, 10A, provided a noticeable upgrade in space compared to the non-bulkhead seats I experienced on the Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore leg. The added width and shoulder room made a significant difference, especially on a long-haul flight.

However, one drawback of the bulkhead seats is their proximity to the galley. The noise during meal service could be disruptive for light sleepers or those prioritizing rest over meals. For me, the trade-off in space was worth it, but it’s something potential travellers should consider.

Other Singapore Airlines long-haul Business Class Reviews;

Business Class A350-900 from Melbourne to Singapore

World’s longest flight – 19 hours non-stop from Singapore to New York

22-hour experience in Singapore Suites