Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 Things to Love About Singapore Airlines
In the world of premium aviation, few names carry the same weight and prestige as Singapore Airlines. Consistently ranked among the best airlines on the planet, it has built a reputation not just on punctuality or safety, but on an uncompromising commitment to luxury, comfort, and service excellence. From the moment you step into the airport to the instant you disembark, every detail feels meticulously considered.
What truly sets Singapore Airlines apart is its ability to elevate flying into an experience rather than a necessity. Whether you are indulging in one of the world’s finest First Class Suites, enjoying industry-leading Business Class comfort, or discovering how surprisingly spacious Economy can feel, the airline delivers refinement at every level. Add to this an exceptional onboard dining program, cutting-edge entertainment, seamless connectivity, and a global network anchored by one of the world’s most efficient hubs, and the appeal becomes undeniable.
This article explores the top 10 things I love the most about Singapore Airlines—from its iconic A380 aircraft and legendary cabin crew to the strategic brilliance of Singapore as a transit destination. If luxury travel is about enjoying the journey as much as the destination, Singapore Airlines continues to set the gold standard. FYI, I previously published the following trip reports about my flights on Singapore Airlines’ different aircraft types:
- Review: read my review of Singapore Airlines’ Business Class in an Airbus A350 here.
- Review: read my review of Singapore Airlines’ Business Class in an Airbus A380 here.
- Review: read my review of Singapore Airlines’ Business Class in an Airbus A330 here.
- Review: read my review of Singapore Airlines’ Business Class in a Boeing 787 here.
- Review: read my review of Singapore Airlines’ Business Class in a Boeing 777 here.
- Review: read my review of Singapore Airlines’ First Class in an Airbus A380 here.
10. A Route Network Designed for Long Haul Travel
Serving over 120 destinations across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania, Singapore Airlines connects the world with a single loyalty program and seamless transfer options. Its Star Alliance partnerships further expand possibilities, offering smooth connections and coordinated services around the globe. What truly elevates the network, however, is Singapore Airlines’ leadership in ultra-long-haul travel. The carrier operates some of the world’s longest non-stop commercial flights, including non-stop services between Singapore and New York (JFK and Newark), covering nearly half the globe in a single journey. These marathon flights are made not only possible but genuinely comfortable thanks to advanced aircraft like the Airbus A350-900ULR, paired with thoughtfully designed cabins, wellness-focused service, and carefully curated onboard routines. For travelers, this combination means fewer layovers, less travel fatigue, and greater control over complex itineraries—without compromising on comfort or service quality.
9. Excellent Onboard Entertainment
Entertainment at altitude takes center stage with Singapore Airlines’ acclaimed KrisWorld system, which transforms both long-haul and short-haul flights into a refined inflight experience. Passengers enjoy access to an extensive, carefully curated library of movies, television series, documentaries, music albums, podcasts, and games, available in multiple languages and across genres. Recent Hollywood releases sit alongside international cinema, timeless classics, and family-friendly content, all displayed on high-definition seatback screens that rank among the largest and sharpest in the sky. Intuitive menus make browsing effortless, while premium noise-cancelling headphones enhance immersion. That said, even Singapore Airlines isn’t flawless: despite having external aircraft cameras installed on its A350 and A380 fleets for pilot use, the airline does not stream live camera feeds to the cabin—a feature increasingly appreciated by aviation enthusiasts and offered by a handful of competitors. It’s a small but missed opportunity in an otherwise superb entertainment system.
8. Free Onboard Wi-Fi
Equally important in today’s connected world is the ability to stay online, and Singapore Airlines approaches connectivity with a distinctly premium focus. Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi is offered to First Class and Business Class passengers, as well as KrisFlyer members, allowing them to send messages, check emails, and browse the web while crossing continents. However, this free Wi-Fi excludes streaming services and high-bandwidth activities, ensuring stable performance for essential connectivity. Passengers in other cabins can still purchase paid Wi-Fi plans, making internet access available across the aircraft. Combined with USB ports and power outlets throughout the cabin, devices remain charged and functional from departure to arrival. It may not be unlimited, but in practice, onboard Wi-Fi works exactly as you need it to—reliable, easy to use, and focused on the essentials.
7. Singapore as a Transit Hub — Ideal for a Day or Two
Singapore itself amplifies the appeal of flying Singapore Airlines. Whether you have a few hours between flights or decide to stay a couple of days, this vibrant city-state is the ideal transitional stop. World-class cuisine—from hawker delights to Michelin-starred restaurants—meets futuristic architecture, serene gardens, and cultural enclaves that reward exploration. Singapore Changi Airport offers complimentary, guided Free Singapore Tours for eligible transit passengers with layovers of several hours up to nearly a full day, providing an easy way to experience the city without complex planning. These well-paced excursions typically last around two and a half hours and introduce visitors to key highlights, from striking modern landmarks and waterfront views to culturally rich districts. Travelers who prefer to remain closer to the airport can instead spend their time exploring Jewel Changi Airport, home to lush indoor gardens, acclaimed dining, and the iconic Rain Vortex.
6. The A380 in Its Fleet
Singapore Airlines holds a unique place in aviation history as the launch customer of the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. It was Singapore Airlines that introduced the superjumbo to commercial service, setting the tone for how the aircraft could be used not merely for capacity, but for true long-haul luxury. Today, the airline continues to operate a dedicated fleet of 12 Airbus A380s, making the aircraft a cornerstone of its premium long-distance offering. Flying on the A380 is an experience in itself: exceptionally quiet, remarkably smooth, and noticeably spacious, thanks to the aircraft’s sheer size and advanced engineering. That scale enables features no other aircraft can match, including expansive premium cabins and the iconic upper deck, home to Singapore Airlines’ First Class Suites and generously proportioned Business Class seating. Even in Economy Class, the A380 offers a greater sense of openness and comfort than most wide-body jets. For travelers who appreciate aviation as part of the journey, Singapore Airlines’ A380 delivers not just transportation, but a sense of occasion that remains unmatched in modern commercial flying.
5. Changi Airport as a Hub — Perfect for Transfers
Singapore Airlines’ home base – Singapore Changi Airport – is one of the most consistently awarded airports in the world. Efficient transit connections, intuitive wayfinding, and swift security procedures make transferring seamless, even when schedules are tight. Beyond functionality, Changi impresses with lush butterfly gardens, immersive indoor attractions, rotating art installations, and some of the finest airport shopping anywhere. Its showpiece, the multi-level Jewel complex, seamlessly blends nature, retail, dining, and tranquil relaxation areas, turning layovers into genuinely pleasurable pauses. Elevating the experience further are Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris and KrisFlyer lounges, which provide a refined retreat for premium passengers and loyal members, offering elegant interiors, high-quality dining, shower suites, and quiet zones for rest or work. Together, Changi Airport and Singapore Airlines’ lounge network strike a rare balance between efficiency and indulgence, forming an extension of the airline’s premium service philosophy.
4. One of the Widest Business Class Seats
Singapore Airlines’ Business Class stands out not only for service but for sheer space and thoughtful design. The seats are among the widest in the industry, offering generous personal real estate that allows for effortless transitions from dining to working to resting. Fully flat beds, substantial bedding, and ample storage create an environment where long overnight flights feel markedly more comfortable, while intuitive seat controls make fine adjustments easy. That said, the product is not without its critics: some passengers find the seat cushioning on the firmer side, and the slightly angled sleeping position—particularly on certain aircraft—can take getting used to for side sleepers. Aware of this feedback, Singapore Airlines is already looking ahead. The airline has confirmed that a new-generation Business Class seat will debut next year, originally planned for the Boeing 777X but now set to be introduced first on the Airbus A350. This upcoming design is expected to address comfort concerns while building on the airline’s strengths, reinforcing Singapore Airlines’ commitment to evolving its premium cabins rather than resting on past accolades.
3. Delicious onboard food and “Book the Cook” Dining
Singapore Airline understands that exceptional food has the power to transform air travel from a necessity into a genuine pleasure. Beyond standard inflight dining, its celebrated “Book the Cook” service allows premium passengers to pre-select gourmet dishes before departure, ensuring meals are tailored to personal tastes rather than limited by onboard availability. The menu spans refined international classics and signature regional dishes, from chili crab laksa to perfectly executed roasted meats, and indulgent favourites such as lobster thermidor, a long-standing icon of luxury inflight dining. What truly sets the experience apart, however, is the airline’s close collaboration with its International Culinary Panel, a group of world-renowned chefs who help shape and refine onboard menus. The panel includes France’s three-Michelin-starred legend Georges Blanc, Australian chef Matthew Moran, Indian culinary icon Sanjeev Kapoor, Japanese kaiseki master Yoshihiro Murata, and acclaimed Chinese chef Zhu Jun. Even outside Book the Cook, meals impress with quality ingredients, thoughtful presentation, and well-chosen beverages, making dining an integral—and memorable—part of the Singapore Airlines journey.
2. Best First Class Suites in the Sky
For discerning travelers who measure luxury by exclusivity and comfort, Singapore Airlines’ First Class Suites set a global benchmark. Available exclusively on the airline’s Airbus A380 aircraft, these Suites deliver an experience that feels closer to private aviation than commercial flying, with fully enclosed spaces, refined materials, and an atmosphere of quiet, understated indulgence. They are not simply oversized seats but true personal sanctuaries, featuring a dedicated armchair separate from a fully flat bed, along with thoughtful design details that prioritize space, privacy, and rest. Plush amenity kits, premium noise-cancelling headphones, and an expansive inflight entertainment system further enhance the sense of occasion, transforming even the longest journeys into something to savor. It’s worth noting that while Singapore Airlines also offers First Class on its Boeing 777 aircraft, those cabins feature traditional open First Class seats rather than enclosed Suites. This distinction only reinforces the exclusivity of the A380 Suites, which remain the airline’s most prestigious offering and a defining symbol of its commitment to first-class excellence.
1. Amazing Crew and World-Class Service
One hallmark repeatedly praised by travelers — and the single aspect I personally value most about flying with Singapore Airlines – is its exceptional cabin crew. Renowned for their warmth, professionalism, and intuitive attentiveness, the flight attendants strike a rare and difficult balance: present exactly when you need them, yet gracefully discreet when you don’t. From the first genuine smile at boarding to the effortless way special preferences are remembered and anticipated mid-flight, the service elevates every cabin class. Central to this identity is the iconic “Singapore Girl”, instantly recognizable in her elegant sarong kebaya uniform, which has become one of aviation’s most enduring symbols of hospitality and grace. Far from being a marketing construct, she represents a deeply embedded service philosophy—calm, refined, and genuinely caring. This human touch is what sets Singapore Airlines apart for me and has earned the airline some of the highest global rankings for cabin service. Whether on a long overnight journey or a short regional flight, the crew’s poised presence turns even the most routine moments into something quietly memorable.
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