Singapore A380-800 Business Class Review JFK – FRA
The Mini Cabin!
Late last year, I flew on and reviewed a short sector on one of SQ’s “regional” business class. It was a great flight with a great J product, especially for a regional one. However, I was eager on flying a “proper” business class flight with these guys. I particularly wanted to try out Singapore’s Business class on one of their A380s. While it meant being at the back on the upper deck, I couldn’t pass up the chance. I chose one of their fifth freedom flights between JFK and Frankfurt, giving me great access to Europe from the US without having to be on one of the usual suspects for the Trans-Atlantic hop.
The Shortcut Review of SQ A380 J
What’s awesome:
- Service is good and very attentive
- Seat feels like it’s just as good as Singapore’s non-suites First
- Noise-canceling headphones work well (handy so far back!)
- Excellent storage at the window seats
- Amenity kit items presented according to the flight
What’s not:
- Terrible positioning of power outlets
- Feel more turbulence at the back
- IFE screen is kind of small
Seatlink’s Take
I ended up in seat 96K (not a typo), which is the last row on the upper deck. Let’s face it, it’s a huge aircraft and any J cabin on the A380 is typically ginormous. On this SQ A380, the Business cabin takes up the ENTIRE DECK. Presumably, the design lends itself well to the slightly narrower cabin up top. Therefore they can have the same 1-2-1 layout as in First downstairs, while still allowing the F cabin to be more spacious. There are 86 Business class seats in 22 rows. They’re designed very comfortably and are extra private and spacious.
The seats themselves are 30″ wide and extend down to a fully lie-flat position. My seat was part of a “mini-cabin” at the very rear, being positioned behind the bulkhead after row 95 and the rear lav and galley. Did I mention it was comfortable!?? In fact, they felt like SQ’s non suite First class seats, comprised of leather and an ottoman for the feet. Speaking of the ottoman, most of the Business seats have a very small footwell, whereas those behind the bulkheads have the footrest stretching the entire width.
Around the seat is a reasonable amount of space but not excessively so for storage. There are good storage options for the window seats and also the overhead bins are roomy. The entertainment was a bit of a let-down. Firstly, the power outlets are in a terrible position next to the IFE screen. I can tell you it wasn’t ideal! Speaking of the IFE screen, it’s also rather small for a Business class seat at only 15″ or so. When you’re lying down, the screen looks even more tiny. The noise-cancelling headphones, on the other hand, are great and you’ll need them down the back especially.
I was happy with the service, but who ever isn’t with Singapore. The Flight attendants were very attentive despite the large cabin size. Everything was handled quickly, efficiently and always with a genuine smile. Another great thing about SQ is the food options. They even have a “Book the Cook” arrangement, where you’re able to order meals beforehand, just like a restaurant.
Which seats to choose and avoid
Now, a few words on my “mini cabin” (row 96). Yes, it’s at the VERY back and yes, it’s stuck next to the rear galley and the lavs. It sounds like a nightmare, except it isn’t. I have to admit that I did hear the flush of the lav occasionally, but overall it was very peaceful and quiet, probably because there’s simply not a lot of traffic in this area. I think most people headed for the center set of lavs and left “ours” alone. Also, the fact that it was behind the bulkhead gave it a little extra room, as discussed earlier.
At the other end of the scale, I’d avoid row 17 which is at the front of the main section of the Business cabin. They are really close to another set of lavs and what appear to be the main galley (where the “cook that was booked” is..? Whatever’s going on, it’s busy and noisy in that area.
For more seat reviews from other travelers on Singapore Airlines, check out this plane’s seat map here: Singapore Airlines A388 seat map (v1)
The Bottom Line
What an excellent quality product it is. It might be slightly dated now, and also there isn’t a fancy bar up top, but the seats were extremely comfortable, both sitting and lying, and the service was excellent. The exclusive feel of this rear section really helped but I think it would have been a great seat in any part of the upper deck.
I would have liked to see a little more storage space. Also, Singapore really need to think hard about their electrical hardware options, especially for the Business crowd. The bottom line is, though, you have a 30″ wide comfortable seat with ample room and direct aisle access. Plus one of the best cabin crew going around to look after you.
What are Your Thoughts on Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class?
If you’ve flown Singapore Airlines, let us know in the comments below! Were you also in the “mini-cabin”… row 96?! Or better yet, write a review of your seat here: Singapore Airlines A388 seat map (v1) 😀
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