[Click above for the video review.]
Airline: Singapore Airlines (SQ)
Flight Number: SQ34
Route: SIN-SFO
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 (ULR)
Registration: 9V-SGA
Delivered: September 2018
Flight Duration: 14 hours 35 minutes
Distance: 8,446 Miles
Overall Impression:
When it comes to premium air travel, Singapore Airlines has long been held as one of the gold standards—and it’s not hard to see why. Flying their long-haul business class is always something we look forward to, and this 14-hour journey largely reinforced that reputation.
On paper, the A350’s 1-2-1 configuration ticks all the right boxes: direct aisle access for every passenger and a fully lie-flat bed. But beyond the specs, what really defines the experience is how everything comes together—and on this flight, it mostly did.
From the moment we boarded, the tone was set by a polished and attentive crew who delivered service that felt both professional and genuinely warm. Add to that strong catering out of Singapore—especially with the flexibility of “Book the Cook”—and the flight quickly settled into a very comfortable rhythm. It’s not a perfect product, but it’s one that consistently delivers where it matters most.
What I liked:
Changi Airport – Singapore Changi Airport isn’t just an airport—it’s part of the experience. From the moment you arrive, everything feels seamless, from efficient processing to beautifully designed spaces. The terminals are spotless, thoughtfully laid out, and filled with an almost overwhelming number of dining and shopping options. It’s one of those rare airports where you don’t mind spending extra time before your flight.
The onboard service – This is where Singapore Airlines continues to shine. The crew delivered a level of service that felt polished without being stiff—attentive, but never intrusive. Passengers were addressed by name, drinks were proactively topped up, and the pacing of the service felt natural throughout the flight. It’s the kind of consistency that elevates the entire experience.
The food – Catering was a definite highlight. Shortly after takeoff, we were served Singapore Airlines’ signature chicken satay skewers—a small but iconic touch that immediately sets the tone.
The meal progressed with a sesame crab and mayonnaise salad, followed by warm bread service. For the mains, we took full advantage of the “Book the Cook” option. My companion’s lobster thermidor was rich and indulgent, while my A4 Wagyu beef yakiniku was equally impressive—tender, flavorful, and beautifully executed.
Dessert came in the form of Viennetta vanilla ice cream and Singaporean Pulut Hitam Coconut Cake, which felt simple but satisfying. We were also offered some pralines after the meal.
Mid-flight, I requested some fresh fruit and a cup of Earl Grey tea, which the crew delivered promptly—another subtle reminder of their attentiveness.
About two hours before arrival into San Francisco, the second meal service began with a grilled chicken salad with roasted apples—refreshing and nicely presented.
For the main course, we once again took advantage of the “Book the Cook” service. I ordered the beef tenderloin fillet, which was cooked perfectly and remained tender and flavorful. Meanwhile, my companion chose the Suzuki sea bass teriyaki, which was equally well-executed and full of flavor.
To finish, we were served a mixed berries cake for dessert, which was light, not overly sweet, and a pleasant way to conclude the meal before landing.
The IFE – Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld system remains one of the more user-friendly inflight entertainment platforms. The screen is large, crisp, and responsive, and the interface is easy to navigate. Content selection is solid, if not industry-leading. A major plus is the complimentary Wi-Fi for business class passengers, which adds a layer of convenience on such a long flight.
What I didn’t like:
No air vents – One of the more noticeable drawbacks of the A350 is the lack of personal air nozzles. The cabin felt a bit warm during boarding, and without individual airflow controls, it can be difficult to fine-tune your comfort. Thankfully, once airborne, the crew adjusted the temperature and maintained a cooler, more comfortable cabin for the remainder of the flight.
It was OK…I guess:
The Lounge – The SilverKris Lounge Terminal 3 is a well-designed and comfortable space, with plenty of seating, shower facilities, and a quiet area for relaxation.
The food and beverage selection is extensive and more than adequate for a pre-flight meal.
That said, the experience can vary depending on timing. During peak hours, the lounge becomes quite crowded, which takes away from its otherwise premium feel. In our case, the wait time for a shower exceeded an hour—something to keep in mind if you’re on a tight schedule.
The Seat – The A350-900ULR business class seat is, in many ways, a tale of two experiences. On one hand, it’s incredibly wide—among the widest in business class—which makes it fantastic for lounging, working, or dining. There’s a real sense of personal space here that immediately stands out.
On the other hand, the seat’s quirks become more apparent when it’s time to sleep. Converting it into a bed requires getting up and manually flipping the seat, which feels a bit dated compared to newer designs. Once in bed mode, the surface is firm and supportive, but the overall sleeping space is somewhat restrictive. Because of the tighter footwell and limited pitch, you’ll likely find yourself sleeping diagonally to fully stretch out. It’s comfortable enough, but not quite as intuitive or effortless as some of the newer business class seats out there.
The Amenities – Considering this is one of Singapore Airlines’ longest routes, the business class amenities felt a bit underwhelming. At the seat, we were provided with noise-canceling headphones, a pillow, soft blanket bottled water, socks, eye shades, and slippers, though the Le Labo-branded amenity kit was only available upon request rather than being proactively offered.
The bed was pre-made with a duvet and additional pillows, which was a nice touch, but the absence of pajamas stood out—especially on a flight of this length. On a more positive note, the crew did an excellent job maintaining the lavatories. They were consistently clean and well stocked with essentials like toothbrushes, shaving kits, and hairbrushes, which helped elevate the overall experience.
Bottom Line:
This flight with Singapore Airlines is a strong reminder of why the airline remains at the top of the industry. The combination of excellent service, generous seat space, and standout catering—especially with “Book the Cook”—makes for a highly enjoyable long-haul experience. While the seat design has its quirks and the lack of air vents is noticeable, these are relatively minor drawbacks. Overall, this is a polished, comfortable, and consistently premium way to fly long haul.
TravelingFoody.com 