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Airline: Singapore Airlines (SQ)
Flight Number: SQ913
Route: MNL-SIN
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 XWB
Registration: 9V-SHW
Delivered: January 2022
Flight Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 1,474 Miles
Overall Impression:
Singapore Airlines (SQ) is widely regarded as one of the world’s best airlines, so it’s always a pleasure to experience their product—even on shorter regional routes. On this flight from Manila to Singapore, we had the chance to try their regionally configured Airbus A350-900 business class.
The cabin features a 1-2-1 staggered layout, offering direct aisle access for every passenger—a big plus even on a relatively short 3.5-hour flight. Seat selection matters here: odd-numbered window seats are positioned closer to the window for added privacy, while even-numbered ones sit nearer the aisle. In the center, the “honeymoon seats” (even-numbered) are closer together—ideal for couples—while the odd-numbered pairs are more separated.
Despite the shorter flight time, the experience felt properly premium. The cabin crew were polished and attentive, offering pre-departure beverages and proactively topping up drinks throughout the meal service. Catering out of Manila was also impressive, especially with the ability to pre-order meals through “Book the Cook.” Overall, this was a very strong intra-Asia business class experience—exactly what you’d expect from Singapore Airlines.
What I liked:
The seats – I’ve always liked SQ’s regional A350 business class seat, and this flight reinforced that. The seats feel spacious, well-padded, and thoughtfully designed, offering a nice balance of comfort and privacy. Even on a shorter flight, having a fully lie-flat seat and direct aisle access makes a noticeable difference.
Seat selection is key here. For maximum privacy, the odd-numbered window seats are the best choice since they’re positioned closer to the window. If you prefer easier access or a bit more elbow room, the even-numbered window seats closer to the aisle may work better. For those traveling together, the center “honeymoon seats” are a great option if you want to chat during the flight.
The onboard service – Singapore Airlines’ reputation for service is well deserved. The crew were warm, professional, and attentive throughout the flight. Passengers were addressed by name, meal service was efficient without feeling rushed, and drinks were proactively refilled. It’s the kind of consistent, polished service that elevates even a short flight.
The food – Catering was excellent, especially for a regional route. Shortly after takeoff, lunch service began with a starter of grilled Cajun prawns and green mango salad, accompanied by bread and drinks.
For the mains, my companion pre-ordered the Sarciadong mahi-mahi through “Book the Cook,” while I chose the braised egg noodles with char siu from the onboard menu. Both dishes were flavorful, well-prepared, and satisfying—easily above average for a flight of this length.
For dessert, I opted for some fresh fruits and a cup of tea.
The IFE – SQ’s KrisWorld system continues to be one of the better inflight entertainment platforms. The interface is intuitive, the screen is clear and responsive, and the content library is extensive enough for most travelers. Complimentary Wi-Fi for business class passengers is another major plus, even on a short flight like this.
What I didn’t like:
No air vents – As with most A350s, the lack of personal air nozzles is noticeable. The cabin felt a bit warm during boarding, and without individual airflow control, it can be harder to stay comfortable. Thankfully, once airborne, the crew adjusted the temperature and kept it at a comfortable level for the rest of the flight.
It was OK…I guess:
The SilverKris Lounge in Manila – The SilverKris Lounge Manila Terminal 3 is serviceable but not particularly memorable. The space is relatively small and felt somewhat crowded during our visit, though we were still able to find seating without too much trouble.
The buffet offered a basic selection of food and beverages, but it doesn’t quite compare to the more impressive offerings at the SilverKris Lounge in Singapore. It gets the job done, but it’s not a standout part of the experience.
The Amenities – The business class amenities on Singapore Airlines felt fairly basic, but they covered the essentials well. At the seat, we were provided with noise-canceling headphones, a pillow, a blanket, and bottled water—everything needed for a comfortable short flight.
Additional amenities were available in the lavatories, which were clean and well stocked with items like toothbrushes, razors, and other toiletries. While nothing particularly premium stands out, the overall offering is perfectly adequate for a regional route.
Bottom Line:
Even on a short regional flight, Singapore Airlines manages to deliver a polished and genuinely premium business class experience. The spacious lie-flat seats, excellent service, and strong catering—especially with “Book the Cook”—all stand out. While minor drawbacks like the lack of air vents and a fairly average lounge in Manila exist, they don’t take away from what is ultimately a very solid intra-Asia product. If anything, this flight shows how consistent Singapore Airlines is, even on shorter routes.
TravelingFoody.com 