Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

I booked my Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN back in April by first transferring Membership Rewards (Amex) points to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer program.  The 7 hour and 20 minute flight from Sydney to Singapore (with an additional Suite Class flight SIN-HKG) cost 63,750 points plus fees of about $300.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN
Singapore Airlines A380 and 777-300.

When I first booked the flight I didn’t realize that some flights on this route are serviced by the A380 with suites while others are 777 with First Class but no suites.  The day I wanted to fly only had one flight with saver award space — and it was on the 777.  I even checked a couple of days on either side; no A380 award space.

I booked the 777; I had already transferred my Amex points.  However, a few weeks before my flight space on the Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN a day earlier opened up.  It required a few changes to my plans but I decided to go for it.

Later I was also able to add the SIN-HKG flight in Suite Class.  I was able to book that leg with no additional miles, only a $100 stop over fee for three days in Singapore.  I had originally booked the SIN-HKG flight as part of a Cathay Pacific award ticket but only business was available on Cathay.  I figured the $100 fee was worth it for another flight in Suite Class and a chance to try out the Private Room lounge at SIN.

Upon arrival at the Sydney airport, I checked in at the Suites Class line and was given my boarding pass and a pass for express immigration.  It was also explained that I could use the Singapore First Class Lounge.

I asked about changing seats; if I could get the two middle seats together my suite would feel extra spacious.  As it was New Years Eve day, I was told there were only two total passengers on the flight in Suite Class; my window seat would be best and I could sleep in one of the empty suites.  Perfect!

When it came time to board I was ushered through the Suites Class door to the front of the first floor of the plane.

The Singapore Airlines A380 is set up with Suites, Premium Economy and Economy on the main deck.  Business Class takes up most of the upper deck with a small Economy Class cabin in the back (some have the entire upper deck as Business).

I had selected Suite 3A.  Row 3 has three windows while all other rows only have 2.  I was shown to my suite and offered a glass of Dom Perignon.  Who was I to refuse?

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

The Suites look much better in person I believe.  I thought they looked “too brown” in photos I had seen, but in reality the tones go well together and it feels very classy.

I would guess that the Suites are about 7 feet by 5 feet or so.  Plenty of room to stretch out.  If traveling with a companion, you could dine together.  There is plenty of space.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

The seat had a small sign like you might see in a hotel identifying who cleaned the suite.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

As it was a few days after Christmas, each suite also had some festive decorations.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

A large inflight entertainment monitor is built into the wall of the suite.  It is not adjustable, so makes for difficult viewing depending on how much light is reflecting off of it.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

The inflight entertainment is controlled by a remote.  The remote is tethered to wall.  Unlike other planes, to retract the remote you must press a button.  It is slightly counter intuitive, I repeatedly tried to pull the cord to get it to retract.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

Above the remote are lighting controls.  There are two overhead lights; one for reading and one for the retractable table.

On the arm rest are the controls for the seat.  Unlike some airline seats, the Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN seat was quite basic.  Just two adjustments.  No massage function.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

On the console/window side of the seat was the power outlet and various other connectivity ports.  Some seemed highly outdated.  There were two spots to plug in your supplied Bose headphones, either in the port hub or on the other side above the remote.  I find many airlines have these 3-prong headphone jacks for their specially designed headphones.  The downside is it makes it difficult to use your own headphones as I find I can typically only get mono sound.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SINSingapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

There were also two small storage bins in the suite as well as a dedicated garbage bin.  Outside and just behind the suite was a closet where you could hang your jacket and clothing while in pajamas.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

Already in the suite were two pillows and a sealed blanket.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

Once settled in, one of the flight attendants brought around additional amenities.  The men’s amenity kit itself was rather empty though quite high end.  It was Salvatore Ferragamao branded and included cologne, lip balm, after shave and a face wipe.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

The other necessities (tooth brush, lotion, comb) were available in the lavatory.

In addition, separate slippers, socks and eye shades were handed out.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

Pajamas were delivered as well.  I found them to be quite high quality; much better than Emirates pajamas.  They came in a fabric bag with a draw string.  The pants had a similar drawstring with clasp made of wood.  The top had a quarter zip with the Singapore Airlines logo as the draw.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN
In my pajamas with my new friend.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN is stocked with two types of champagne, Dom Perignon 2006 and Krug.  Once in the air I asked to do a tasting of the two.  I wish I was more knowledgable and could tell you the difference, but I’ll leave that to an expert.  They both tasted excellent to me.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

One of the benefits of flying premium classes on Singapore Airlines is the ability to Book the Cook when departing out of certain cities.  It allows you to pre-order your meal.  Depending on your departure location, there may be from a few choices to 30+ options.

You can pre-order the main dish only; the rest of the courses are choices you make in flight.

I “booked” the Lobster Thermidor.  Below are pictures of the various other menu options as well as beverages.  You can click the image to enlarge them.

For my appetizer I went with the caviar.  Unlike Emirates or Cathay Pacific, the caviar is served directly on the plate, not in a tin.  The garlic bread is quite delicious.

Next I had the pumpkin soup which may have been my favorite course.  It was creamy and had great flavor.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

The salad was quite unique.  It had ice plant leaves in which are a succulent plant.  They indeed look like they are covered in ice.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

My main course was the lobster.  Typically I am not a huge fan of lobster but folks online had said it was one of the best Book the Cook options.  I found it to be delicious and didn’t leave any meat on the plate.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

For dessert I went with the delicious strawberry shortcake with basil ice cream.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

After the meal I was brought some fresh berries followed by some chocolates.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

While it was a day flight, I was looking forward to taking a nap.  The flight attendant set up a neighboring suite with a bed for me.  Unlike other airlines where the seat turns into a bed, on Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN the bed actually folds down out of the wall (like a murphy bed).  The bed rests on top of the seat.  If you would rather not have the full on bed, the seat also can recline into a flat position.

If you are traveling with a companion and are seated in the middle seats, the two beds can become connected almost as if a double bed.  For my bed, the divider was up for privacy.

And yes, teddy bear is provided.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

In addition to the center wall privacy divider the doors of the suite can also close.  The “windows” out of the suite can also be mostly covered, although there is a see through portion at the top and bottom.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

The combination of privacy and comfortable, spacious bed make for a great sleep.  Sure, it is still an airplane, but if any set up will allow you to forget that fact, this is it.

I woke up with about 90 minutes left in the flight.  I was offered a “snack” and went with the chicken burger.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

Throughout the flight the three staff assigned to the two passengers in the suites were fantastic.  Clearly the attention would not be the same if the suites were filled.  In fact, one of the flight attendants mentioned that when the flight is full the service is overall much more rushed.  In fact, my SIN-HKG flight was about 2/3 full and the service was not as attentive.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

Upon landing there is no express immigration for Suites Class passengers but there was no line so it didn’t matter.

Overall my Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN flight was probably the best flight I have ever taken.  Overall the service was on par with Cathay Pacific First Class.  I found the suites more comfortable and roomy than Emirates First Class but with the same level of privacy.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN is a great way to fly, especially if you can travel at a time where the cabin is nearly empty.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN

2 thoughts on “Singapore Airlines A380 Suite Class SYD-SIN”

  1. Solid review.
    The Singapore pajamas are the worst I have had, Lufthansa and Thai’s are both far superior. And the amenity kit is more of a lotion kit.
    Also, the times I have flown suites to SYD (last year and a while back), they handed out fast track tickets for immigration, but lines were short enough both times I didn’t bother with it.

    Reply
    • Thanks Kris.

      Just to clarify I was flying FROM SYD to SIN, so not sure they do fast tracks at SIN. But I appreciate the data point on traveling to SYD.

      I kind of liked the pajamas, maybe personal preference? I still think Emirates are the worse than Singapore or Cathay. I haven’t tried Thai or Lufthansa.

      Reply

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