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Introduction and Booking – Singapore Business Class A350-900
For my return journey from Australia to Canada, I had the pleasure of flying with Singapore Airlines (SQ), one of my preferred airlines. I took a route from Melbourne (MEL) to Singapore (SIN) on a Singapore Business Class A350, followed by a long-haul flight from New York (JFK), renowned as the “world’s longest commercial flight.” Flying this route had been on my travel bucket list for some time, and I was excited to experience it finally.
I converted 192,000 US Amex MR points to Singapore Kris Flyer points and paid $115 in taxes and fees to book this journey. This redemption might seem steep, as I couldn’t find saver awards on SA, but the appeal of this specific route made it worthwhile. My itinerary included an 8-hour flight to Singapore, a 7-hour layover, and an 18-hour and 5-minute flight to JFK, all in an award-winning business-class cabin. Although there was an option for a first-class flight from SIN to JFK with a stopover in Frankfurt, I opted for business class because the first-class flight wasn’t on the Airbus, and I preferred the experience in business class for this journey.
Taking a tip from fellow writer Sash (22 hours aboard Singapore Suites), I aimed to secure a bulkhead row seat in SQ’s business class, which offers more space. Although Seatguru.com warns against these seats due to their proximity to the lavatories, I found the extra space appealing. These seats are released for booking 36-48 hours before departure if not taken by a paying customer, so I set a reminder and locked in seat 19A, a bulkhead seat, for my first leg from Melbourne to Singapore.
SQ 24
Airbus A350-900
Melbourne (MEL) to Singapore (SIN)
Duration: 7h 55m
Seat: 19A (Bulkhead)
SQ A350-900 (Image: Singapore Airlines)
Check-in and Boarding – Singapore Business Class A350-900
While at Melbourne Airport, my lounge-hopping experience suggested that the Singapore Airlines Business Class lounge was not the best option.
SQ Business Class lounge in MEL
Check-in at Melbourne didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped. The SQ business class check-in desk wasn’t open when I arrived. Fortunately, I only carried a small bag, so I didn’t need to check my luggage, but I was looking forward to getting a paper ticket. I eventually got the ticket at the lounge, which was a small consolation.
Seat 19A – Singapore Business Class A350-900
As mentioned, I secured seat 19A, a bulkhead aisle seat in business class. The difference between this seat and the standard business class seats behind me was immediately apparent. The bulkhead seat offered about 20-25% more space, which made a significant difference in comfort.
Seat 19A – Bulkhead Business Class
SQ Business Class – Middle Seats
The seat blended dark and light brown leather and was extremely comfortable. Slippers, socks, an eye mask, and noise-cancelling headphones were provided and neatly stored in a compartment to the left of my seat. Directly in front of me was a large screen TV, with controls conveniently located on the left side. To the right were the seat adjustment controls, allowing for easy customization of the seating position.
Side console of the seat, with IFE control
Seat Controls
Seat storage
Amenities – Slippers, Socks and Eye Mask
SQ Amenity Kit by Penhaligon’s
There was also a light above and another to the left, just above my shoulder, providing ample lighting. A compartment to the left also housed the pull-out dining tray, which was spacious enough to accommodate both a meal tray and drinks.
Seat lights
IFE Screen
A video demonstrated how the seat could be converted into a full bed. Alternatively, the business class cabin crew was more than willing to assist those who preferred help setting up the bed.
Bulkhead Seat 19A
Leg Stretch test
Meals and Service – Singapore Business Class A350-900
Shortly after taking my seat and before takeoff, the cabin crew offered a choice of blini, water, juice, champagne, and hot towel. The service on board was exceptional. The crew’s friendly demeanour and genuine smiles made me feel like a valued business-class passenger.
Singapore Sling
After takeoff, I ordered my favourite Singapore Sling cocktail and pre-ordered a prawn dish in ginger sauce through SQ’s Book The Cook program. The dish was excellent, with a generous portion of prawns, which I appreciated.
Prawns in Ginger Sauce
For breakfast, I opted for the Cheese and Chive omelette with Chicken Sausage, accompanied by a carrot cake for dessert. Both meals were served hot and were delicious.
Cheese and Chive Omelette
Carrot Cake
Takeaway
My experience flying Singapore Airlines business class from Melbourne to Singapore was thoroughly enjoyable. It was a perfect prelude to the upcoming epic journey on the world’s longest flight. Despite a few minor inconveniences at check-in, the overall service, seating comfort, and meal quality more than made up for it. The extra space in the bulkhead seat significantly enhanced the experience, and the attentive crew ensured that every aspect of the flight was pleasant. If given the chance, I would happily fly this route again, especially with the added comfort of business class.
