Singapore First Class Suites Review LAX to NRT

This is the continuation of my trip to Australia from Vancouver, using miles and points to fly first class for less than the price of an economy class ticket. I wrote about how I booked my flights in this post.

Singapore Suites Class is basically one of the pinnacles of redeeming miles. A few years ago it used to be incredibly unattainable, but now is actually one of the aspirational products that are actually fairly easy to get, if you have KrisFlyer miles. As I mentioned earlier in my post on how this trip was booked, I used 119,000 KrisFlyer miles to fly Los Angeles – Tokyo – Singapore – Melbourne, which was a very decent deal. This included a leg on the Singapore A380 featuring Suites Class.

Flight Path

Flight Path

While Aeroplan points accrued from the American Express Aeroplan Gold Card do not have access to Singapore Suites space, the easiest way to fly this product in Canada is through a transfer to KrisFlyer, either through HSBC rewards or transferring SPG points earned through the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express, which currently offers a 10,000 points signup bonus. The American Express Gold Card as well as the Platinum Card also transfers to Starwood at a 2:1 ratio, which isn’t a fantastic deal but may be worth considering if you’re topping up an account.

The SQ ground representative picked us up from the Star Alliance Lounge LAX and walked with all the Suites passengers at the gate, where boarding was just beginning.

Boarding Gate

Boarding Gate

Singapore Airlines SQ11
Los Angeles to Tokyo Narita
15:45 to 19:15 +1 (11 hour 30 minutes)
Airbus A380-800

My very first premium class flight was business class on the Singapore Airlines A380, so stepping on the Airbus A380 again was amazing. Even though I haven’t flown Suites before, I knew coming into the flight that this is one of the best ways to travel commercially. The feeling of having gotten a great deal really hits home when you realize that you can do this flight for only ~$135 in fuel surcharges and taxes for this segment. I was warmly greeted by the cabin crew, and directed to my seat.

The Singapore Airlines Suites has 12 seats, configured in a 1-2-1 layout. The cabin configuration looks as follows (image from seatguru):

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Seatmap

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Seatmap

Most people say row 3 aisle seats are the best for people travelling alone, as it has three full windows and the most privacy. If it is available then by all means snag it, but I didn’t think it mattered that much. Any seat you get here is amazing! The flight load was 4/14, with the couple seats 3C/D taken and one of the seats on the F-aisle.

I settled into my seat, 3A.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Seat 3A

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Seat 3A

The seat that I had was recently refurbished, to align more with the cabin aesthetic that’s now in place on some of the new Singapore 777-300ER’s (77WN), designed by BMW Group.

For reference, the old seat looks like this. (Photo from One Mile at a Time)

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Old Seat Design

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Old Seat Design

I didn’t think it was a big difference, although it was nice knowing that your seat was fairly new.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Windows

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Windows

Everything else in the suite, including the IFE, tables, and décor was the same.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites IFE

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites IFE

There were lots of small pockets in the suite for storing wallet, phones, and other items, as well as the IFE controller.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites IFE control and pockets

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites IFE control and pockets

There were also 2 USB slots, a power outlet, and headphone jack, as well as Bose QuietComfort 15 headphones already in the suite.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Ports

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Ports

The leading steward came over and we made small talk about my flight from Vancouver. Menus were also handed out in a leather binder, along with a hot towel.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

I walked around the cabin taking a few more pictures. The aisles were a little crooked due to the width of the suites.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Aisles

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Aisles

I took a few more pictures of the cabin.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Reading Light

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Reading Light

Storage space.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Storage Space

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Storage Space

Overhead lighting.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Ceilings

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Ceilings

The ottoman across the seat has a seatbelt and two people can dine together.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Ottoman

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Ottoman

The seat is very comfortable, as it has armrests that can be pulled up to form an even wider seat. The only small negative about the seat was that it was so far from the windows, due to the ledge that was on the side, so it was nearly impossible to look out the windows and get a good picture. Boarding was completed fairly quickly and we pulled back, right beside a Korean Air A380 and a British Airways A380 that was taxiing.

A380's Taxiing

A380’s Taxiing

After takeoff, some water and nuts were served.

Water and Nuts

Water and Nuts

The amenity kit were handed out.  It featured Salvatore Ferragamo products and a 30ml bottle of eau d’toilette, as well as lip balm, hand cream, eyeshades, and socks.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Amenity Kit

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Amenity Kit

Givenchy-branded Pajamas were then handed out. I still prefer the Cathay Pacific PYE pajamas, but these were not bad at all and I still wear them at home.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Givenchy Pajamas

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Givenchy Pajamas

I was also given slippers, which was presented, unwrapped, and placed at my feet.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Slippers

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Slippers

After takeoff, I asked about the possibility of getting a double bed since the cabin was pretty empty. Then, I had a glass of orange juice. 😉

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Orange Juice

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Orange Juice

I took a look at the menu, which was quite thick as it contained the selections for the continuing Tokyo Narita – Singapore route as well.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

The LAX to NRT sector featured dinner, a light meal before arrival, and a snack list between meals.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

I had preordered the lobster thermidor for the second meal, so I’d be able to try the regular menu offerings for the first meal. Here is the menu for dinner:

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

There was also the Japanese meal, which I didn’t have a chance to try.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

 

0700

 

The table was set up with precision. I was offered another hot towel, as well the bread basket. I selected a piece of garlic bread. The Givenchy branded plates were really classy.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Table Setup

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Table Setup

The dinner service started with nicely presented caviar. It was served with all the garnishes.

Chilled Malossol Caviar with melba toast and condiments

Chilled Malossol Caviar with melba toast and condiments

Next, I had a smoked salmon starter.

Smoked Salmon with ginger and coriander

Smoked Salmon with ginger and coriander

A minestrone soup.

Beef Minestrone with basil pesto

Beef Minestrone with basil pesto

A salad.

Fresh spinach and Belgium endive salad

Fresh spinach and Belgium endive salad

Then I had the seared wagyu sirloin, which was one of the better beef dishes I’ve had on a plane.

Wok seared wagyu sirlion

Wok seared wagyu sirlion

Skipping the chesse course, the service concluded with a berry financier and iced chocolate. At this point, the cabin lights started to dim. Somehow, they managed to put whipped cream in my drink which I’ve never had onboard before and was a nice surprise.

Berry Financier

Berry Financier

Iced Chocolate

Iced Chocolate

Overall, the food was quite good for a meal served 35000 feet in the air, and while it wasn’t amazing it was tasty, simple, and delicious.

I headed to the lavatory, which was really nicely designed, with lots of lights and mirrors. There were drawers for dental kits, combs, and other items.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Lavatory

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Lavatory

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Lavatory

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Lavatory

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Lavatory

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Lavatory

The faucet was automatic which was convenient

SIngapore AIrlines A380 Suites Faucet

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Faucet

There was also a seat bench that could be lowered for changing.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Toilet

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Toilet

Then I headed over to 2C/D where my double bed was set up. It was actually really hard to photograph, but then I climbed onto one of the ledges to get a better shot.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Closed Double Bed

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Closed Double Bed

The amount of space you got in a double suite was INSANE. Definitely the roomiest “suite” I’ve been in on a plane.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Double Bed

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Double Bed

I do think that the double bed however, is more style over substance if you really are intending to use the suite as a double bed. You see, there’s a ledge between the center seats, which is lowered when it becomes a bed.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Center Ledge

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Center Ledge

When the bed is made, the ledge is still perhaps an inch higher than the mattress pads. Although it’s covered with blankets when the bed is made, it still pushes into your back when lying diagonally across the double bed. Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Double Bed

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Double Bed

I ended up mostly napping on one side of the suite. The bedding and mattress pad were very comfortable. I do think that having the bed as separate from the seat really helped with the padding.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Double Bed Pillows

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Double Bed Pillows

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Double Bed

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Double Bed

This bed is probably on par with the width and length of the Lufthansa First Class bed, although the configuration of the suite makes it seem much roomier.

The novelty of having a double suite was  was definitely there when I rolled around the bed, played with both TV monitors, and drew the divider between the two seats up and down.

I managed to nap for around three hours, and when I woke up, I had a snack of Hagen-Dazs chocolate ice cream and a Hershey’s chocolate bar.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Snack

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Snack

The in-flight snack menu wasn’t too comprehensive but satisfactory for any in-flight hunger pangs between meals.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

I also got a few more shots of the seat. You can see in the following image that the mattress is the rectangular shape on the suite wall behind the seat, which comes down to form the bed.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Seat

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Seat

The shades can also be lowered or raised manually. These made the suites quite private, although there were small gaps under the shade which allowed people to peer through if they really wanted to know what you were doing inside.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Shades

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Shades

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Shades

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Shades

This is the maximum amount that the seat can recline to, before converting into a bed.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Seat

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Seat

I also took a walk around the plane, although most of the plane was darkened, which made it hard for good photos. There are two staircases, one at the front of the A380.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Stairs

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Stairs

There’s also a spiral stair at the back of the plane.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Stair

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Stair

This Airbus A380 was configured to have the entire upper deck with business class, although it was a bit emptier near the end of the upper deck.

I passed the time by watching a few movies in my double suite, and chatted a bit with the cabin crew in the galley. Apparently the crews that I talked with were all Japanese, and only flew on SQ flights to/from Tokyo/Osaka/Fukuoka/Nagoya, as well as the SQ11 and 12 route. That’s why it almost felt like NH service!

Soon we were around an hour or two from landing into Tokyo Narita airport, and a light meal service began.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Menu

Another hot towel was served.

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Hot Towel

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Hot Towel

First up was a crabmeat appetizer, which was okay.

Crabmeat with corn and apple slaw

Crabmeat with corn and apple slaw

Then I had the lobster thermidor from book the cook. It was lukewarm and wasn’t very good, in my opinion. Quite underwhelming, and perhaps it was just a one-off situation.

Lobster Themidor

Lobster Themidor

For desert there was a lime tart with passion fruit.

Lime Tart

Lime Tart

We landed on schedule into Narita airport just as the sun was setting.

View of the A380 from Tokyo Narita

View of the A380 from Tokyo Narita

This route has a short stop to unload and pick up passengers, and to refuel. Instead of continuing to Singapore, I decided to have a quick overnight in Narita, and to take the morning flight 638 to Singapore.

Tokyo Narita Airport was pretty deserted, and clean and nice as always.

Tokyo Narita Airport

Tokyo Narita Airport

Coming off this flight was pretty surreal, having taken my first flight on one of the best in-flight experiences in the world. Singapore Suites really is an incredible way to fly!

Any questions? Let me know in the comments.

Previous Segment: Los Angeles TBIT Star Alliance First Class Lounge

Next Segment: ANA Suites Lounge Tokyo Narita

Let’s connect: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Canadian Kilomters contains Terms of Use which maybe be applicable to your activity on this site. You agree to be legally bound to these terms when using the website, which shall take effect immediately on your first use of the website.

Pingbacks

Comments

  1. Really don’t need the first two paragraphs at the top of your article. Just seems like you’re talking down to us, even if it’s not intentional. Most of us know how this works. Also, 3rd paragraph…”basically, incredibly, actually”…don’t need the fluff words.

    On the whole though, good report. Just be a little more succinct.

  2. Ignore @Graham. He has no idea what he is talking about. Good report. Your dedication to get good photos is admired. Thanks for clarifying on the double suite. It always looked a bit uncomfortable to me so not sure if I’d bother. Looking forward to the rest of the trip report.

  3. I assume you are based in Canada hence ‘Canadian’ kms. How were you able to amass all that Krisflyer points? To the best of my knowledge, you were only able to transfer to KrisFlyer using a US Amex. 100k spg points sounds like a lot too, is that how you converted?

  4. Were you able to get that many Krisflyer miles because you are able to sign up for both US and Canada cards? Seems like for Canadians it is almost impossible to get that many miles unless you are willing to do very unfavourable redemptions with SPG…

  5. Great post! So if a married couple shares a double bed, mile high club is cool, right? And is it technically mile high club if you didn’t sneak to do it?

  6. That is not a photo of seat 3A. If it were, the windows would havve been on the left side of the person as he is sitting (in this case, the windows are on the right… which means it’s probably seat 3F.)

  7. One more advice: if you’re going to order the lobster thermidor, it’s better to eat it immediately during the first part of the meal service. I did that a few years ago when flying SQ in First class and thought it was delicious!

  8. Hi there. May I know the plane registration of this one you took? Would like to know if I am lucky enough to be sampling the new Suites rather than the old. Thanks.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *