Pre-flight

From beginning to end, our experience with Singapore Airlines First Class Suites was incredible. Purchasing the tickets was much more straightforward than I expected, and the customer service was top-notch! Selecting our meals in advance was equally as easy to navigate. Finally, check in was a breeze. Each class has its own check-in desk, so we had personalized attention immediately upon check-in. On all legs of our journey, we had booked connecting flights with other airlines. Despite these tickets being on separate reservations from our Singapore Airlines flights, the airline was able to easily check our luggage through to our final destination, saving us time and energy (especially with tight connections)! Of note, the gate agents told us that they are able to check bags through on almost any airline, except budget carriers.

First Impressions: Tokyo to Singapore

Our first time actually flying Singapore Airlines was on the A-380 from Tokyo Narita to Singapore. After relaxing (read: snacking and taking photos) in the Singapore Lounge, we boarded the flight. The cabin crew immediately addressed us by name and gave us a tour of our Suites. Yes, you read that correctly; our individual seating areas were so large that we were each given a tour. They showed us how to operate the remote on each of our high-tech swivel chairs, hung our coats in the individual luggage closets, and brought us our complimentary pajamas, socks, and slippers. We were also treated to a leather Lalique amenity kit, which contained practical travel items (lip balm, hand cream) and unnecessary luxuries (perfume, bar soap, a full-sized candle, and a crystal fish). Oh yes, and they offered us champagne. We opted to try each of the brands on offer: Dom Perignon and Krug, and once the cabin crew learned that we both preferred the Dom, they kept the bubbly continuously flowing.

Not Your Average Airplane Bathroom

The Suites cabin has two bathrooms, which sounds “normal,” until you consider that there are only six passengers in Suites class! Each bathroom has ample room to walk around and contains a full-length mirror and sink with Lalique toiletries. One bathroom is larger, and has a vanity with a chair. I was curious and pulled out the drawer to discover individually-packaged combs and toothbrushes featuring the Singapore Airlines logo. A shower would have been a great addition for longer flights.

A 6-course Lunch

I’m used to packing snacks or paying $10 for airplane food reminiscent of cardboard, so the six-course meal service that followed was an incredible experience. Saul and I opted to try the Singapore Airlines’ “Book the Cook” menu, which allows you to order from a list of more than 60 main courses in advance of your flight. The drink menu onboard contained a full list of top-shelf liquors, plus a full selection of espresso-based beverages, a two-page list of TWG teas, and a very high-end wine list.

Shortly after takeoff, a flight attendant brought over our appetizers: chicken satay skewers for Saul and vegetable spring rolls for me. About an hour later, she came back to set up the table in each of our Suites. I’d never experienced Singapore Suites or anything remotely like this in my life, but I do know that the older configuration of the A-380 Suites converted to allow traveling companions to dine together at the same table. It was a bit disappointing that we had to sit so far away from each other (#firstworldproblems), but my attention quickly shifted to the food being placed in front of me. 

First up was a cold rice noodle and seaweed salad served with bread and butter. I enjoyed the bright tang of the fresh tomatoes, radish slices, and I think sweet potato on top. For the soup course, I tasted tomato and curry. I’m unsure what else was in it, but it was quite good. With “Book the Cook,” I only selected the main dish. It would have been nice to have a list of what I was eating for the rest of the courses. Next came a simple butter lettuce and tomato salad. I selected the wasabi vinaigrette, which was quite spicy. Next time, I’d choose the other option. The main meal was some sort of tofu, served with rice and vegetables. Finally, the dessert on offer was vanilla coconut and berry ice creams with granola and berry topping. Just after I politely declined a cheese course and when I thought I couldn’t possibly eat any more, I was presented with a tray of chocolates. I selected two decadent truffles and enjoyed them with a cup of hot chamomile tea. 

A Bed… in the Sky!

After lunch, we were ready to take a quick nap, so we changed into our pajamas and the crew made up the beds for us. Adjacent Suites 1A and 2A are great for couples, because they have the option of lowering the wall between the two and the beds become basically one big bed. When we were getting ready to turn in, the crew knocked (yup, there are doors!) and surprised us with a honeymoon cake, two mini teddy bears dressed in Singapore Airlines t-shirts, and MORE champagne. Oh, and there was “smoke” from dry ice for effect. Aaaand this was all served on a tray to eat in bed. In the sky. At 30,000 feet. Even though we had been traveling for more than 24 hours at this point, we didn’t want the flight to end! 

After a few polite bites of the cake, the bed was calling to us. There was a slight bit of turbulence, which made me feel like I was being gently rocked to sleep… and I woke up a few hours later! Saul on the other hand is a bit of an aviation nerd, so he was too excited to sleep! 

Getting through customs and immigration at the Changi Airport was a breeze, and we had a quick overnight at an airport hotel before taking another Singapore Airlines flight the next morning.

Connecting on the 787: Singapore Business Class

Because Singapore Airlines does not operate flights to Luang Prabang, Laos at this time of year, we took Singapore’s business class flight to Bangkok first thing the next morning to catch a connection to Laos. I explain how we got these flights included in the points redemption for the Singapore Suites on my post about using credit card points. The Boeing-787 cabin was comfortable and spacious. I had pre-ordered another “Book the Cook” meal: coconut milk chia pudding with fresh strawberries. The presentation was beautiful and the first bite was delicious, but I was soon surprised to find a hair in the pudding. The cabin crew was mortified and offered me 100 Singapore dollars credit toward their duty-free catalog. Although I was disappointed not to be able to eat the chia pudding, I did enjoy fresh fruit, pastries (including a delicious matcha cake!), coffee, and a mimosa while I shopped. 

Even Fancier: Singapore to Tokyo

The flights back from Bangkok to Singapore and Singapore to Tokyo were just as enjoyable. In fact, because we departed from Singapore Airlines’ home base, the return flight was even more exclusive. Singapore Air First Class has its very own entrance to Changi Airport! We pulled into the valet loop and immediately, porters helped bring our luggage over to the check-in desk. We checked in abut 8 hours early, and we were still able to check our bags all the way through to our final destination in Mexico City. We also were able to clear immigration in our own separate VIP line.

After passing through security, we visited The Private Room, a lounge within a lounge within a lounge. The Private Room is only accessible to passengers flying in Suites or First Class, and requires a special ticketed invitation to enter. It features a full-service dining room, as well as buffet, seating area, and business area. Since Saul and I had just enjoyed dinner at The Jewel, we chose to sit in plush seats while sipping drinks and eating dessert. Although the flight was delayed boarding, we didn’t mind terribly, since we were able to relax in the lounge. Saul even took a shower to freshen up!

When we boarded, we were again greeted by name and offered champagne, pajamas, and amenities. Although I had kept my size small PJs from the first flight, I prefer a looser fit for comfort, so I was glad to also nab a pair in size medium. The amenity kits were also different. Still supplied by Lalique, these kits were more specifically tailored for women and men. My kit was a white leather case filled with perfume, lip balm, hand lotion, and face hydrating spray. Saul’s was a gray case containing cologne and other similar items. At this point, we had been traveling so long that I couldn’t tell you what time or day it was anymore, so I chose to take a nap and then have breakfast before landing. Upon learning that we were on our honeymoon, this crew presented us with a sweet handmade greeting card and two more Singapore Airlines bears. Then, another nap in the air, another multi-course meal served on china at 30,000 feet… I am forever spoiled.

Want to experience Singapore Suites for yourself?

Click here to read my blog post all about how we booked this epic adventure on credit card points, and to learn more about how you can book luxury travel using credit card points, click here to subscribe to my newsletter and get my free guide!