What Is It Like to Fly in a Singapore Airlines A380 Suite?

Singapore Airlines Suites is often described as one of the best First Class cabins in the sky. I transferred a whopping 211,500 American Express Membership Rewards points to my KrisFlyer account at a rate of 3:2 so I could experience it without paying the $3,000 price tag.

You’ll only find Singapore’s prestigious Suites on the airline’s Airbus A380, which operates from Singapore to Auckland, Delhi, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, Sydney and Tokyo.

Photo: Singapore Airlines, Airbus A380 / Photo: Singapore Airlines

It was almost impossible to find a reward availability for the route I preferred from Singapore to London, so I had to settle for a shorter flight from Sydney to Singapore instead. This air-miles redemption would be the most luxurious I had experienced, and I was looking forward to finally enjoying Singapore’s Suites. Would it live up to expectations?

Boarding and Cabin

Boarding at Sydney was civilized and structured, with Suites passengers invited to board first. Stepping onto the Singapore Airlines A380, I was greeted by an immaculately dressed crew member who escorted me through the exclusive cabin to 1F—my home for the next seven and a half hours. I was truly wowed by the amount of space and the stunning design of my Suite.

Photo: Singapore Airlines, A380 Suites / Photo: Courtesy of Daniel Ross

Adding to the exclusivity, the cabin has just six seats, one on either side of a single aisle—another unique feature of this jet. No sooner had I settled into my seat than I was offered my first glass of Krug champagne. Water and orange juice were also provided as welcome drinks.

The Flight

Before takeoff, I was given a set of Lalique pajamas and a soft faux-leather Lalique amenity kit filled with luxury lotions and potions. The bathrooms also had basic elements of amenity kits, such as toothbrushes and earplugs, which I preferred as they helped to reduce waste. Happily, we departed on time.

Between meals, I took pictures and enjoyed every aspect of the flight. After the meal service, I asked a crew member to set up the bed—not to sleep, but to continue sipping champagne and watching a film on the giant IFE screen.

I can confirm that the bed is comfortable, and the service on this flight exceeded my expectations. Each of the three crew members I interacted with was phenomenal, treating me with a professional familiarity that made for personal, memorable and fun interactions.

Photo: Singapore Airlines, A380 Suites lavatory / Photo: Courtesy of Daniel Ross

The dedicated First Class bathrooms were out of the ordinary, located at the front of the cabin, with two bathrooms for six passengers. Each bathroom was larger than the one I have at home, with enough space for a seated vanity station. I also enjoyed Singapore’s complimentary Wi-Fi access to Suites, First Class, and Business Class passengers.

Food and Beverage

I felt underwhelmed by my meals on my flight with Singapore Airlines. The service began well, thanks to the stunning salmon starter, which was perfectly cooked. However, the main course of lobster was a letdown. It was dry and strangely chewy, which detracted from the overall dining experience.

Photo: Singapore Airlines, A380 Suites meal / Photo: Courtesy of Daniel Ross

On a positive note, the chocolate tart dessert was devilishly moreish. Unfortunately, the prelanding light bite continued to disappoint. I mistakenly chose the warm soy linseed sandwich with gammon ham and Emmental cheese over the Asian option of fish congee. Sadly, the gammon tasted cheap and the soy linseed bread was tasteless and dry, with a texture reminiscent of cardboard.

Photo: Singapore Airlines, A380 Suites / Photo: Courtesy of Daniel Ross

I did have the opportunity to experience the caviar service that Singapore Airlines is known for. I can see why caviar lovers appreciate it, and the $500-per-bottle free-flowing 2004 Krug Brut was a welcome addition.

The Suite

Each Suite is incredibly spacious, large enough to accommodate a swiveling armchair and fold-down single bed. Once the flight takes off, the Suite’s fully closing doors create a sense of privacy I’ve never experienced while flying.

Photo: Singapore Airlines, A380 Suites / Photo: Courtesy of Daniel Ross

Despite small gaps, the full-length door made me feel like I was in a hotel room. If you’re flying with a partner, the dividing wall between the seats in rows two and three can be removed, effectively doubling the size of the Suite and allowing for a comfortable double bed.

Photo: Singapore Airlines, A380 Suites / Photo: Courtesy of Daniel Ross

Two screens are available for in-flight entertainment, both offering dozens of films, shows, and other entertainment options through Singapore’s KrisWorld IFE.

Photo: Singapore Airlines, A380 Suites / Photo: Courtesy of Daniel Ross

In addition to these screens, a handheld, full-size tablet can be used to adjust light and seat settings and access the IFE. To top it off, a Bang & Olufsen noise-canceling headset provides excellent sound quality, making the in-flight entertainment experience even more enjoyable.

The Verdict

I love the Singapore Suites, which, without a doubt, are the most luxurious premium cabins in the sky. Although the food was not up to my expectations, the incredible sense of space and privacy I enjoyed and the amazing cabin crew more than made up for it.

Before boarding the flight, I was apprehensive about using 211,500 hard-earned Membership Rewards points on my ticket. However, after experiencing the Suite, I can confidently say it was worth every point. I strongly recommend planning ahead and saving enough points or cash to treat yourself to this truly unique and unforgettable experience.