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Airline: Singapore Airlines (SQ)
Flight Number: SQ910
Route: SIN-MNL
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 XWB
Registration: 9V-SHV
Delivered: November 2018
Flight Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes
Distance: 1,474 Miles
Overall Impression:
Singapore Airlines (SQ) is widely considered to be one of the world’s best airlines, and we recently had the opportunity to experience their Airbus A350-900 business class service from Singapore to Manila. The business class seats on SQ’s regionally configured Airbus A350s are arranged in a 1-2-1 staggered configuration, with the odd-numbered window seats positioned closer to the window and the even-numbered window seats located closer to the aisle. Additionally, the even-numbered center seats are known as “honeymoon seats” and are positioned closer together, while the odd-numbered center seats are situated near the aisle and are spaced farther apart. All business class seats provide a fully flat bed and direct aisle access, ensuring unparalleled comfort throughout the flight.
During the 3-hour flight, we were impressed with the excellent in-flight service provided by the flight attendants working in our aisle. They were attentive and polished, offering pre-departure beverages and proactively offering beverage refills throughout the flight. The in-flight catering out of Singapore was exceptional, with our ordered dishes of beef hor fun and lobster thermidor being deliciously cooked and served perfectly. Overall, our experience flying with Singapore Airlines Business Class on this 3 hour flight was truly remarkable.
What I liked:
Changi Airport – Singapore’s Changi Airport has been awarded the title of the best airport in the world for a variety of reasons. Its convenient location with easy access to the city center, coupled with its impeccably maintained and aesthetically pleasing terminals, both airside and landside, set it apart. Additionally, the airport boasts a multitude of dining and shopping options, making it a unique and enjoyable airport experience for travelers.
The airplane – Our first experience flying on SQ’s regionally configured Airbus A350-900 was exceptional. The aircraft boasts large windows that provide stunning views outside, a spacious cabin that offers ample legroom, and a unique feature of a more humid and lower altitude cabin, which helps passengers cope better with air travel.
The seats – I was eager to experience SQ’s regional business class product on their Airbus A350, but concerned that the seats may feel cramped. I’m pleased to share that my worries were unfounded, as the seats are roomy, cozy and offer a high level of privacy. Personally, I found these seats more appealing than the ones in SQ’s business class on the Airbus A350-900ULR, as they don’t require standing up to convert into a bed. However, for larger individuals, I recommend selecting a seat that’s closer to the aisle for additional space.
The onboard service – Singapore Airlines is renowned for its exceptional onboard service, and our experience flying business class on their Airbus A350-900 was no exception. The flight attendants were attentive and professional, addressing passengers by name and delivering meals efficiently. Throughout the flight, they were proactive in offering drink refills and checking on passengers’ needs. We appreciated their warm and polished service, which made our journey all the more comfortable and enjoyable.
The food – Onboard catering was excellent, as expected. For starters, we were served some fresh fruits along with beverage and bread service. For the main entrée, my companion pre-ordered the Lobster Thermidor using SQ’s “Book the Cook” service, and it did not disappoint. Meanwhile, I decided to go with the in-flight menu and ordered the beef hor fun, which turned out to be a delightful surprise. Both dishes were expertly prepared and bursting with flavor, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience at 40,000 feet.
The IFE – SQ’s Krisworld entertainment system on this plane featured a vast selection of media content. The user interface was also intuitive and easy to navigate. Most importantly, in-flight WiFi is available and free for business class passengers.
What I didn’t like:
No air vents – It got a little too warm during boarding and the lack of personal air nozzles did not help. Thankfully, once in-flight, the attentive crew quickly remedied the situation and kept the cabin temperature cool throughout the duration of the flight.
It was OK…I guess:
The Lounge – Changi Airport’s Terminal 3 boasts a newly renovated Silverkris Lounge that provides ample seating, shower facilities, and a quiet room for guests to relax. The lounge is also well-equipped with an extensive range of food and beverage options. However, during peak hours, the lounge can become rather crowded, which may be a slight drawback for some travelers.
Bottom Line:
Overall, our experience flying Singapore Airlines’ regional business class on their Airbus A350-900 was fantastic. The roomy and comfortable seats, delectable in-flight meals, and top-notch entertainment made for an enjoyable flight. We also appreciated the impeccable service of the crew who went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable throughout the journey. While the lack of overhead air vents during boarding was a bit of a downside, the flight attendants rectified the situation once we were in-flight. For this flight, Singapore Airlines truly lived up to its reputation as one of the best air carriers in the world.
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