Singapore Airlines, one of Asia’s leading airlines, added a fourth class, Premium Economy, a few years ago on its long-haul aircraft. This class is exclusively available on its A380s, which are deployed on its long-haul flights, such as those between Changi and Paris, New York, San Francisco, Sydney, and Zurich.
The goal is not to cannibalize business class or Suites class but to attract, for a reasonable additional fee, passengers from SMEs and professionals who value more personalized services.
What do Premium Economy class passengers benefit from?
– Fast and personalized check-in
In the halls of Terminals 2 or 3 at Changi Airport, there is a dedicated check-in counter for Premium Economy. As this class has only 36 seats, there is no risk of waiting. The checked baggage allowance is 35 kg, 5 kg more than in economy class. In addition, passengers benefit from priority baggage handling. Another advantage is that mileage accrual is increased to 110% of the distance traveled, or 10% more than regular economy class.
Passengers traveling in this class enjoy priority access to passport control when clearing immigration.
– Lounge access
Premium Economy class does not provide access to the Star Alliance Lounge or the SilverKris in Singapore. Access is therefore subject to a fee.
A good deal: during a sometimes long connection, at Singapore Changi Airport, no fewer than six lounges are accessible for the equivalent of around $30. These lounges offer at least a buffet, unlimited Wi-Fi and workstations with internet access, as well as television, newspapers, printers, and flight information screens.
– Priority boarding
Generally, despite the availability of several jetways, boarding is often crowded. There’s no need to rush; boarding last avoids the procession of all the Economy Class passengers moving through the Premium Economy cabin on the main deck of the A380.
– Seats that provide additional comfort to passengers
In the Premium Economy cabin, the seats are arranged 2-4-2 compared to 3-4-3 in Economy, and the rows are spaced 96.5 cm apart compared to 81 cm in Economy. As for the dimensions, the armrest width is 49.5 cm compared to 46 cm in Standard Economy.
In this cabin, seats are assigned at the time of booking, but the passenger can change their seat choice before checking in for the flight.
In addition to providing additional legroom, the gray leather seats, enhanced with orange trim, mechanically recline to 125°, with added comfort thanks to a footrest and leg rest.
Oshiboris are distributed after boarding. An amenity kit is provided to passengers during the flight. Also worth knowing, the armrests of the two central seats are adjustable, glass holders, storage for water bottles, computers, smartphones, glasses, individual LED reading lights are some of the design tips that make life easier for passengers during the trip.
– Menu and meals
Two cabin crew members are dedicated to serving meals in Premium Economy, in addition to those responsible for preparing the food and trays in the galleys. Service is therefore fast.
Lunch, served at the start of the flight to Singapore, after a single starter, offers a choice of three dishes: fish, chicken, or pan-fried shrimp.
A great tip: Singapore Airlines’ Book the Cook program allows you to choose from eight other dishes online 48 hours before the flight (Go to Manage My Booking). Häagen-Dazs ice cream remains a favorite dessert.
For those peckish during the flight, sweet and savory snacks are available.
The generous breakfast offers a choice of three dishes and fruit, in addition to the classic pastries.
– In-flight entertainment
Passengers can connect to the internet (the service is free for KrisFlyer members). Each seat is equipped with a dedicated USB port for charging smartphones and other data.
On flights aboard Singapore Airlines’ A380s, each passenger has access to a 13.3-inch screen. The remote control is located in the armrest. Krisworld, the entertainment program, shared across all classes, is one of the benchmarks in air travel, with nearly 300 movies and more than 400 TV programs…
Flight tickets: Estimated prices
Flight prices are listed on the Singapore Airlines website for one-way or round-trip flights.
For example, the average price for a one-way flight from Singapore to London is USD 2,000.
Singapore ✈ New York: USD 1,120
Singapore ✈ Paris: USD 574
Singapore ✈ Sydney: USD 600