Airline Review

Singapore Airlines review

World-class service and legendary cabin experience

4.8/5
Hub
Singapore (SIN)
Alliance
Star Alliance
IATA / ICAO
SQ / SIA
Fleet
~130 aircraft
Destinations
130+ destinations in 35+ countries
Founded
1947
Country
Singapore
Loyalty program
KrisFlyer

Overview

Singapore Airlines is consistently ranked among the world's best airlines. Known for its iconic Singapore Girl brand image, the airline sets the standard for in-flight service, particularly in premium cabins. The airline operates one of the youngest fleets in the industry, predominantly Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s, with A380s on flagship routes. SQ pioneered many firsts in commercial aviation, including personal entertainment screens in all classes and flat-bed seats in business class.

Cabin classes

Economy class

Economy class offers 32-inch seat pitch on most aircraft — slightly above the industry average. Seats are 18 inches wide on the A350, with adjustable headrests and personal USB charging. Every seat has a 11.1-inch seatback screen with the KrisWorld entertainment system. Complimentary meals are served on all flights over 3.5 hours, featuring Book the Cook options on select routes.

Business class

Business class is where Singapore Airlines truly shines. The 2018+ business product features a 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access for every passenger. Seats convert to a 78-inch fully flat bed. The seat shell provides excellent privacy. Dining is restaurant-quality with multi-course meals on fine china, paired with a carefully curated wine list selected by a panel of sommeliers.

First class

First class suites on the A380 are essentially private rooms with a separate bed, swivel chair, and personal wardrobe. The newer suites even feature a double bed configuration when booking adjacent suites. The experience includes Dom Pérignon champagne, Givenchy amenity kits, and personalized pre-flight meal ordering.

Baggage policy

Economy: 30 kg checked (Asia) or 2 × 23 kg (Americas). Business: 40 kg or 2 × 32 kg. First/Suites: 50 kg or 3 × 32 kg. Carry-on: 7 kg for all classes.

In-flight entertainment

KrisWorld entertainment system with 1,800+ options including latest movies, TV series, music, and games. Wi-Fi available on most long-haul aircraft (free 30 MB for all passengers, unlimited for business and first class). Noise-canceling headphones provided in premium cabins.

Food & catering

Consistently rated among the best airline catering globally. Economy meals feature main course choices with a starter and dessert. Business class offers Book the Cook with 30+ options ordered 24 hours in advance. The wine program is overseen by three world-renowned wine consultants. Special meals available upon request.

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On-time performance & safety

Singapore Airlines consistently ranks among the top 10 most punctual airlines globally, with an on-time performance rate hovering around 82-85%. The airline's hub at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) — repeatedly voted the world's best airport — contributes to smooth connections and minimal ground delays. Singapore Airlines holds a 7/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com and has one of the youngest fleets among full-service carriers, with an average aircraft age of approximately 7 years. The airline was among the first to operate the Airbus A350 and A380, and regularly refreshes cabin products ahead of competitors.

Route network & connectivity

Singapore Airlines operates a hub-and-spoke network centered on Changi Airport, connecting over 130 destinations across 37 countries. The airline is particularly strong on routes between Southeast Asia and Europe, Australasia, and North America. Flagship ultra-long-haul routes include Singapore–New York (Newark) at over 18 hours — the longest commercial flight in the world — and Singapore–Los Angeles. Through its membership in the Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance, passengers can connect seamlessly to hundreds of additional destinations on partner carriers like Lufthansa, ANA, United, and Air New Zealand. The airline also wholly owns SilkAir (now merged into the mainline brand) and budget subsidiary Scoot, covering different market segments.

Booking tips & how to save

Singapore Airlines fares are generally premium-priced, but the airline offers excellent value on competitive routes like Singapore–Bangkok, Singapore–Sydney, and Singapore–London. The cheapest fares are typically found 10 to 14 weeks before departure. Singapore Airlines runs major promotions during the Great Singapore Sale (June-August) and year-end holiday sales, with discounts of up to 25% in premium cabins. KrisFlyer miles are among the most valuable frequent flyer currencies — a one-way Singapore–London business class redemption starts from around 62,000 miles, which is competitive compared to other programs. Book directly on singaporeair.com for the most flexible fare rules and to guarantee KrisFlyer mile accrual.

Loyalty program — KrisFlyer

KrisFlyer miles can be earned and redeemed on Star Alliance flights. Elite tiers: Silver (priority check-in, extra baggage), Gold (lounge access, priority boarding, upgrade waitlist). PPS Club is an invitation-only tier for the most frequent flyers, offering lifetime Gold benefits and additional perks.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Exceptional service consistency across all classes
  • One of the youngest fleets in the industry
  • Outstanding business and first class products
  • Excellent Singapore Changi hub with free city tours during layovers
  • Strong Star Alliance network connectivity

Cons

  • Premium pricing — rarely the cheapest option
  • Economy seat pitch is good but not exceptional for the price
  • Limited short-haul route network compared to budget alternatives
  • SilverKris lounges outside Singapore can be underwhelming

Our verdict

Fly Singapore Airlines if: Long-haul travelers who value premium cabin experience, excellent food, and consistent service quality.

Consider alternatives if: Budget-focused travelers — SQ rarely competes on price with low-cost carriers on short-haul Asian routes.

Frequently asked questions

Singapore Airlines receives a 4.8/5 rating in our review. It is a premium carrier known for excellent service. based on cabins, baggage, entertainment, food, and loyalty program.

Singapore Airlines is based at Singapore (SIN). It is a member of Star Alliance.

Economy: 30 kg checked (Asia) or 2 × 23 kg (Americas). Business: 40 kg or 2 × 32 kg. First/Suites: 50 kg or 3 × 32 kg. Carry-on: 7 kg for all classes.

Use our flight comparison tool to compare Singapore Airlines prices across booking platforms including Kiwi.com. Booking 6-8 weeks in advance and flying mid-week typically yields the cheapest fares.

The Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore to New York (Newark) is the longest commercial flight in the world at approximately 18 hours and 40 minutes, covering over 15,000 km. This route is operated by the Airbus A350-900ULR, a specially configured ultra-long-range variant.

Yes. Scoot is Singapore Airlines' low-cost subsidiary, operating flights primarily within Asia-Pacific and to selected long-haul destinations. Scoot offers significantly lower base fares but charges separately for meals, baggage, and seat selection. Both airlines are based at Changi Airport.

Singapore Airlines is a founding member of the Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance. This means KrisFlyer members can earn and redeem miles on 25+ partner airlines including Lufthansa, United, ANA, Air Canada, and Thai Airways.

Insider tip

Book economy on SQ for long-haul flights to Asia — the service difference over competitors is most noticeable on 10+ hour flights. For short hops within Asia, Scoot (SQ's budget subsidiary) often makes more sense financially.

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