I’ve flown with nearly every major airline, from the Gulf giants to boutique European carriers, and each offers a unique take on comfort, service, and efficiency. But whenever someone asks me, “Is Singapore Airlines really that good?”, I answer with a confident yes , and not just because of the hype.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has built a reputation that’s difficult to challenge. Their attention to detail isn’t just marketing gloss , it shows up where it matters most: cabin design, customer service, punctuality, and overall in-flight experience. In this review, I’ll walk through every major element of their service, including how they measure up in real passenger experience, operational consistency, and value for money.
What Defines Singapore Airlines’ Reputation in Global Aviation?
Singapore Airlines ranks consistently among the top five airlines globally in Skytrax World Airline Awards. In 2023, it was named World’s Best Airline by Skytrax for the fifth time. That’s not a minor feat. The airline is known for:
- Exceptional cabin crew training through its Singapore Airlines Training Centre
- High fleet renewal rate: Average fleet age was 6.4 years as of 2024, with continued investment in Airbus A350s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners
- Punctuality and safety: OAG’s 2023 OTP report ranked SIA among the top 10 most punctual global airlines, with over 85% on-time performance
These numbers show that Singapore Airlines doesn’t rely on legacy status , it earns its place through operational excellence and investment in consistent quality.
How Comfortable Are Singapore Airlines’ Cabins Across Classes?
Comfort is where Singapore Airlines truly leads. I’ve flown Economy, Premium Economy, and Business multiple times, and each cabin offers a noticeably premium experience relative to competitors.
First Class
Singapore’s new First Class Suites, available on the Airbus A380, are arguably the best in commercial aviation.
- Seat Pitch: 81 inches
- Seat Width: 35 inches
- Configuration: 1-1 on upper deck
- Key Features: Full-sized bed, separate swivel chair, 32-inch HD screen, Lalique amenity kits
With privacy doors and space that feels like a hotel suite, this is a First Class product that genuinely redefines luxury.
Business Class
Their long-haul Business Class is equally impressive.
- Seat Pitch: 78 inches (fully flat bed)
- Seat Width: 28 inches
- Configuration: 1-2-1
- Key Features: Direct aisle access, high-quality leather, touchscreen controls, noise-cancelling headphones
On my flights from Amsterdam to Singapore and Singapore to Sydney, sleep quality was excellent thanks to the high-grade bedding and adjustable firmness.
Premium Economy
Premium Economy is where SIA beats competitors like Lufthansa or British Airways hands down.
- Seat Pitch: 38 inches
- Seat Width: 19.5 inches
- Recline: 8 inches
- Key Features: Leg rest, priority check-in, larger touchscreen, noise-reducing headphones
Economy Class
Even in Economy, SIA prioritizes passenger comfort.
- Seat Pitch: 32 inches
- Seat Width: 18 inches
- Recline: 6 inches
- Key Features: Ergonomic seats, USB power, 11-inch touchscreen with over 1,800 entertainment options
Every seat has excellent lumbar support and superior cushioning compared to most competitors.
How Is the In-Flight Service Rated by Passengers?
Cabin crew on Singapore Airlines aren’t just courteous , they’re professionally trained to anticipate needs. Cabin crew undergo 15 weeks of intensive training, covering everything from safety and grooming to etiquette and conflict management.
Service consistency is one of SIA’s biggest advantages. Whether I’ve flown short-haul to Jakarta or long-haul to Frankfurt, the crew was equally attentive. Passengers routinely cite:
- Fast response time to call buttons
- Remembering passenger names in premium cabins
- Proactive drink and snack offerings without having to ask
In Skytrax reviews, over 92% of passengers rated SIA’s cabin crew as excellent or very good in 2023.
What In-Flight Entertainment and Amenities Does Singapore Airlines Offer?
SIA’s KrisWorld system is one of the most feature-rich entertainment systems I’ve experienced.
- Content Library: Over 1,800 options (movies, TV shows, music, games)
- Screen Quality: 11–32 inches depending on cabin class
- User Interface: Touchscreen, intuitive navigation, multilingual support
Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available fleet-wide with competitive pricing:
- Chat Only: Free (text apps only in all classes)
- Surf (100MB–200MB): $6–$10 (moderate browsing)
- Unlimited: $15–$22 (ideal for streaming and work)
First Class and Business Class passengers receive free Wi-Fi, with additional data packages for PPS Club members.
Amenity Kits & Bedding
- First & Business: Lalique amenity kits, Givenchy sleepwear, plush pillows
- Premium Economy: Socks, eye mask, toothbrush on request
- Economy: Essential kit available upon request; no auto-distribution
How Does the Onboard Dining Compare to Other Flag Carriers?
One area where Singapore Airlines clearly excels is its food.
Book the Cook
In Business and First Class, “Book the Cook” allows pre-selecting gourmet meals up to 24 hours before departure. Options include:
- Lobster Thermidor
- Japanese kaiseki
- Indian vegetarian thali
- Vegan meals curated by chefs from COMO Shambhala
On my last flight from Singapore to LAX, I chose the Beef Rendang with saffron rice , flavorful, authentic, and better than many business-class meals I’ve had at top hotels.
Regular Menu
Even in Economy, the attention to ingredients is clear. Meals include:
- Full hot meals with fresh bread
- Häagen-Dazs or Magnum ice cream
- Wine, beer, and spirits at no extra charge
Menu changes every quarter and varies by route, with a strong focus on regional dishes.
Is the Ground Experience at Changi Airport World-Class?
Yes, and it starts long before you reach the lounge. Changi Airport itself is a world-class hub , voted World’s Best Airport multiple times.
Check-In and Baggage
- Automated check-in kiosks with staff support
- Wait times under 10 minutes even during peak hours
- Priority baggage for premium class consistently arrives within the first 10 bags
Lounges
- The Private Room (Suites, First Class): À la carte dining, private rooms, day beds
- SilverKris Lounge (Business Class): Buffet, showers, work pods, Wi-Fi
- KrisFlyer Gold (Star Alliance Gold): Basic buffet, newspapers, beverages
The Private Room remains my favorite lounge globally for its quiet ambiance and refined menu.
How Competitive Is the Pricing vs. Service Quality?
Singapore Airlines doesn’t try to compete on price with budget carriers , but for the quality delivered, fares are fair.
Sample Route Pricing (As of May 2025)
- NYC – Singapore: Economy $980 | Premium Economy $1,450 | Business $4,000 | First $8,200
- London – Sydney: Economy $1,100 | Premium Economy $1,620 | Business $4,500 | First $9,000
- Frankfurt – Tokyo: Economy $890 | Premium Economy $1,300 | Business $3,600 | First $7,500
When compared with Emirates or Qatar Airways, pricing is often within 5% variance, but Singapore’s soft product often feels superior.
What Are Frequent Flyers Saying in Independent Reviews?
I’ve scoured Reddit, Skytrax, FlyerTalk, and Trustpilot , and one theme is constant: consistency.
- FlyerTalk reviews often praise seamless transit at Changi and minimal service variance across regional vs. long-haul
- Trustpilot average rating for Singapore Airlines: 4.6/5 (with over 8,500 reviews)
- Reddit user “aviationnerd23” said: “It’s the only airline I trust to get me to Australia without a neck cramp or missed connection.”
The KrisFlyer loyalty program is also widely praised, particularly for:
- Low mileage redemption thresholds
- Free stopovers on award tickets
- Elite Gold benefits across all Star Alliance partners
How Reliable Is Singapore Airlines for On-Time Departures and Arrivals?
Singapore Airlines recorded an 87.5% OTP (on-time performance) in 2023 according to OAG , higher than Lufthansa (82.1%) and Emirates (84.3%).
Delays by Region (2024 Data)
- Singapore–London: Avg. Delay 12 min (Heathrow ATC congestion)
- Singapore–Tokyo: Avg. Delay 8 min (Weather-related)
- Singapore–Newark: Avg. Delay 16 min (JFK traffic and weather)
SIA proactively notifies passengers of changes and offers hotel stays for long delays above 5 hours.
Should You Fly with Singapore Airlines for Comfort and Value?
Yes , especially if you value consistency, comfort, and world-class service. Singapore Airlines continues to lead through:
- Industry-leading cabins across all classes
- Food and entertainment that rival luxury hotels
- Reliable punctuality and outstanding customer service
For business travellers, it’s a safe and high-comfort choice. For long-haul economy travellers, it’s one of the few airlines where Economy still feels like an enjoyable experience.
If comfort, quality, and reliability matter more than the cheapest fare, Singapore Airlines remains in a class of its own.