Review: Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class, Tokyo-Singapore

Summer Trip Flying EVA Air Business Class on 777 & Hello Kitty Jet, Singapore Airlines Suites & Cathay Pacific First Class

Last summer, I traveled to the Philippines for the 70th birthday celebration of my father. It was a very short visit since I needed to be back home for work. I've always wanted to try EVA Air's Hello Kitty Jet so I booked my flight from Stockholm to Fukuoka using Avianca Lifemiles. From Fukuoka, I flew on a budget carrier to Tokyo, and from Tokyo I flew on Singapore Airlines Suites to Singapore, and then first class to Manila using my Kris Flyer Miles. On my way back to Stockholm, I flew on Cathay Pacific First Class and Finnair Business Class using my AA Advantage Miles. This trip allowed me to test EVA Air Hello Kitty, Singapore Suites and Cathay Pacific First Class all for the first time and I couldn't be more satisfied.


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Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class, double bed

Last Updated: November 2016

Flight: SQ11
Departure in Tokyo: 20:50
Arrival in Singapore: 3:00 (+1)
Equipment: Airbus A380-800
Flight duration: 7h 10m
Date of flight: July 9, 2015
Seat: 3C
*This is an award travel, First Class flight #29

Introduction

Having flown first class on several airlines in the past including Emirates, Thai, Asiana, Lufthansa, Japan Airlines and most recently on Etihad's First Apartment, I thought it was about time for me to try Singapore Airlines Suites Class which the airlines calls "A Class Above First". The Suites Class is only available on their Airbus 380 while on their Boeing 777, they still call it First Class. Singapore Airlines was the first operator of the Airbus 380 and I really have to give credit to them for being the "original innovator". They may not have the shower suites and onboard lounge found on the newer superjumbos of Emirates and Etihad but there is no doubt that Singapore Airlines Suites Class is something you have to experience.

Check in

My Jetstar flight from Fukuoka arrived on time in Tokyo Narita Airport and after taking the complimentary shuttle bus from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1, I had about five hours before my Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore. Check in counters normally open 3 hours before departure but I thought I'd ask the agent anyway. I went to section H which was the check in zone for Singapore Airlines passengers and asked Eri, one of the agents near the Suites check in counters if I could already check in for my flight. Without hesitation, she led me to the counter and accommodated me. She asked for my passport and commented that I was a bit early for my flight. I told her that I had just arrived from Fukuoka and she seemed to understand it.

The check in process went smoothly and after getting my boarding passes all the way to Manila, I headed to the Gold Track, Star Alliance's version of fast track which is available for Star Alliance Gold status holders regardless of the class they are flying in, as well first and business class passengers.

Lounge

Since I had more than enough time, I thought I would pay a visit to the other ANA Suites Lounge in Satellite 5 which I have not yet visited. In the past, I have visited both the ANA Suites Lounge in Satellite 4 and the United Global First Lounge in Satellite 3.

Boarding

I wanted to make sure that I had enough time to take pictures of the aircraft so I left the lounge a bit early and headed to the departure gate which was Gate 46.

Aircraft, Airbus A380-800

Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 bound for Singapore!

Singapore Airlines installed their Suites Class on the main deck (which is much roomier) unlike for example Emirates which have theirs on the upper deck. With two separate jet bridges for Suites and economy passengers, it meant easy access and privacy for boarding Suites passengers.

First Class Cabin (Main Deck)

Singapore Airlines Suites cabin has a 1-2-1 configuration with a total of 12 suites, a third of which was occupied that night.

As I boarded, I  was welcomed by the purser and another young gentleman named Victor, and was then assisted by Brenda, who escorted me to my suite, 3C. I told her that if in case there were couples who would like to take the pair seat, I would gladly transfer to another seat. Fortunately, the only couple on the flight have chosen to seat by the windows. I then confined to her that I chose 3C because I would love to see their double bed which as far as I know, is the only real double bed in the sky. It was obvious to her that I was really excited about it and told me that they would prepare the double bed for me whenever I want it. Yippee 👍

View of 2A and 3A suites from my seat.

Suite 3C

Welcome to my suite, 3C!

This Airbus A380 has been retrofitted with the latest first class seat which has a darker color and which I actually prefer more.

Already waiting on the ottoman was a Givenchy pillow and blanket. There is also a seat belt in case another passenger wants to join you in your suite.

A few moments after settling in, Brenda came to my seat and took my pre-departure beverage order and I thought I'd settle for a glass of water while for my post departure beverage, I ordered a glass of apple juice. She also asked if I wanted to drink some wine and I told her that I don't normally drink although I would appreciate it if she could present me the bottles of Krug and Dom later for my picture taking. She also asked if I already wanted to change into pajamas. I told her I could wait later. I was also offered the male version of the amenity kit although I decided to ask for the female version instead.

Singapore Airlines Suites Class offers Givenchy pillow and blanket which is probably the best an airline offers when it comes to flying in first class.

View of my seat: As you can see, the suite is one of the most spacious there is. And of course, the sliding doors give you the privacy much needed specially during night flights. I believe that the privacy doors are much higher than those found on Emirates or Asiana so if having privacy is essential to you, flying on Singapore Airlines Suites is the best choice.

View of 3C and 3D. Written on the card placed beside the glass of water was the name of the person who cleaned and dressed my suite who was T. Nakaya. Arigato, T. Nakaya for making my suite clean and spotless 👍

Then it was time to inspect my suite, starting with the small trash bin, light controls and entertainment controls located on the left side of my seat.

The seat adjustment controls as shown on the picture would allow you to make some recline but would not let you convert it into a fully flat bed with just one touch, as is the case on most airlines. To be able to enjoy the standalone bed, you would need the help of a flight attendant.

In seat AC power port, 2 USB ports, headphone jack

Singapore Airlines Suites Class mattress (on the suite wall behind the seat)

Take note of the sign "Max 2 Passengers in Compartment"

Overhead light and coat hook.

Singapore Airlines Suites Class table

Entertainment

The 23 inch flat screens of seats 3C and 3D.

Singapore Airlines Suites Class personal screen where the movie selection was more than extensive and from where I enjoyed watching the films "Avengers" and "American Sniper".

Singapore Airlines Suites Class entertainment controls and no less than BOSE headphones

Singapore Airlines Suites Class KrisWorld, Safety Instructions card, KrisShop

Amenity Kit

The first class amenity kit for women consisted of a Salvatore Ferragamo black bag, a 30ml Signorina perfume, a lip balm, hand cream and cleansing towel. As far as I know, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways are the only airlines giving full sized bottles of perfume to their first class passengers so kudos to them! And of course, this same kit has won the "Best Female Amenity Kit in First Class". The next time I fly on Singapore Air though, I would ask for the male version for my collection. Overall, the contents were surely one of the best out there although my personal favorite is still Emirates as they have the most complete and nicest I have ever received.

The Singapore Airlines Suites Class slippers were probably the most comfortable slippers I have received in first class although I still give Asiana Airlines the credit for having the nicest looking pair.

Singapore Airlines Suites Class socks and eye shades

I was offered a set of large pajamas after my very satisfying dinner but since it was too large for me, I asked if they had medium. Unfortunately, they didn't have them on the flight and Brenda was very apologetic about it. She told me that they could send the sleep wear to my address in Stockholm. Not wanting to bother them too much, I told her that I could actually pick it up at their office in Singapore Changi Airport before my flight to Manila later that day. Apparently, it doesn't work that way as they have a special procedure for that. A few weeks later, I received my medium pajamas together with a pair of eye shades. I was really impressed as to how they handled the situation since other airlines who did not have my size on the times I flew with them either just apologized but nothing more (which happened on Thai Airways) or they just simply didn't bother that I got a large size (which happened on Air China).

Dining

Singapore Airlines Suites Class menu card in a very nice leather binder

Singapore Airlines Suites Class dinner menu Kyo Kaiseki

Kyo Kaiseki Menu

Sakizuke

Pike Eel Jelly, Shaved Burdock, Vinegared Eel, Cucumber & White Sesame
Stewed Muscat, Yuzu and Sweet Vinegared Red Pepper

Mukouzuke

Seared Toro, Baby Leaf with Wasabi Dressing

Oshinogi

Somen Noodle with Seabream, Eel Oshi Zushi, Vinegared Myoga Ginger, Grilled Prawn

Futamono

Simmered Wagyu Beef, Poached Egg, Chive, Carrott, Radish, Green Beans, Leek Julienne

Yakimono

Grilled Miso Flavoured Kuro Mutso Fillet, Capsicum Leaf, Ginger Stick
Eggplant Dengaku, Myoga Stick

Gohan

Steamed Rice with Sweet Potato and Soy Beans, Pike Eel Teriyaki
Clear Soup with Starched Prawn, Water Shield (Junsai), Baby Melon and Juzu

Mizugashi

Seasonal Fruits with Wine Jelly in Orange Shell

Singapore Airlines Suites Class dinner menu Western Style

Western Style Menu

Canape

Singapore Chicken and Beef Satay

Appetizer

Chilled Mallosol Caviar
Antipasto

Soup

Cream of Green Pea
Wintermelon Soup

Singapore Airlines Suites Class dinner menu Western Style

Singapore Airlines Suites Class dinner menu Western Style

Singapore Airlines Suites Class wine connoisseurs

Singapore Airlines Suites Class champagne and wine list

Champagne

2004 Dom Perignon

Krug Grande Cuvée

Canape
Singapore Chicken and Beef Satay with onion, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce

Singapore Airlines Suites Class dinner set up using the Givenchy branded plates.

Appetizer

Chilled Malossol Caviar with Melba toast and condiments

Singapore Airlines is the only airline (as far as I know) serving both the Krug and Dom Perignon to their first class passengers so kudos to you guys 👍

Soup

Cream of Green Pea with creme fraiche and brown butter sage crouton

The other choice was Wintermelon Soup with Chicken, mushroom and Carrot.

Salad

Fruit Tomato Salad ans Mesclun with choice of Sesame and Soya Dressing or Orange Yoghurt Dressing

As for my main course, I ordered the "Lobster Thermidor" from their "Book the Cook" option which according to Brenda was the most popular item. This service is free for those flying in business class and first class. The choices from the menu were as follows:

Main Course

Grilled Fillet of Wagyu Beef in Black Peppercorn Sauce with Buttered Vegetable and gratinated Potato

Singapore Bak Kut Teh: Hokkien Spiced Pork spareribs broth served with Steamed Rice & Chinese Crueller

Gindara Saikyo Yaki: Grilled Gindara Fillet in Saikyo Miso Sauce served with Japanede Vegetables and Seasonal Rice

Dessert

Combination of Mango Ice Cream and Crepes with Raspberry Coulis

Cheese

Brie, Pepper Jack, Bleu de Neiges and Mimolette Cheeces served with grapes, crackers and nuts

Singapore Airlines Suites Class green tea

Singapore Airlines Suites Class pralines

Time to sleep

Need I say that this was actually the most awaited part of the flight? I have seen a lot of pictures of this on the internet but to see it for real (and later enjoy it) was so cool! I know it is not an easy task preparing the double bed and I really have to thank Brenda and the other flight attendant who helped her for granting my request. It was also a very nice gesture that I was given both the male and female bears. Thank you guys 😍

To complete the turn down service, I was given a bottle of Evian water. And for some souvenirs, I got two playing cards and some post cards.

Singapore Airlines air show (Tokyo-Singapore)

There they are, my two lovely bears from Singapore Airlines 😍

Lavatory

On the Airbus 380, Singapore Airlines have two lavatories located on the rear of the cabin.

Singapore Airlines Suites Class lavatory amenities including Salvatore Ferragamo Tuscan Soul perfume for men and women, cream and Fresh mouthwash

Singapore Airlines Suites Class restroom with Hollywood style mirrors. Isn't it gorgeous?

Singapore Airlines Suites Class lavatory amenity including dental kits, comb, razor and shaving cream

Singapore Airlines Suites lavatory amenities

Singapore Airlines Suites Class toilet

Singapore Airlines Suites Class lavatory seat bench

About 2:10 am, the captain came into the PA and informed us that we would be landing soon and our arrival time at Changi Airport would be at 2:35 am which was 25 minutes ahead of schedule. Shortly after, we were handed the Arrival forms and offered some Fox candies. Landing went smoothly and as expected, we were at Changi Airport about 30 minutes ahead of schedule.

CONCLUSION

There it was, my first ever flight on Singapore Airlines Suites Class! To be honest, I never thought I'd be able to fly in Suites Class and now that I have experienced it, I only have positive things to say about it. First, I think Singapore Airlines have all the right in the world to call this Suites Class and not First Class because the product you get is not just any ordinary first class seat. The modern design, the comfortable leather seat, the sliding doors for your privacy and other amenities all make this suite one of the best in the world. Sleeping on the "only double bed in the sky" was so cool and I really hope that next time, Mike and I will be able to test it together. Although not very important for me as I am not a drinker, the fact that Singapore Airlines is the only airline serving both Dom and Krug to their first class passengers is really impressive. The Givenchy branded plates, pajamas, pillow and blankets is something you can experience only on Singapore Airlines. The food served on this flight was simply phenomenal and the "Book the Cook" option definitely gives premium passengers an extensive choice. And of course, the impeccable service that the Singapore Airlines crew is known for was there from the moment I boarded the aircraft, and I appreciate it very much. Even though many airlines have recently come up with new products by exploring all the possibilities when it comes to giving the best comfort to their first class passengers, I truly believe that Singapore Airlines Suites Class, old as it may seem, is still one of the best first class there is. To Brenda and to all the crew on this flight, thank you so much for making my first ever flight in Suites Class a memorable one 😉


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Singapore Airlines First Class, Singapore-Manila