Singapore Airlines A380-800 First Class Review NRT - LAX and back

Singapore Airlines A380-800 First Class Review NRT – LAX and back

There and Back

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some award tickets so I could check out SQ’s A380 suites. In fact, I was so eager that I tried them out twice – outbound and inbound. Singapore Airlines fly their Singapore to Los Angeles route via Tokyo and it was the Trans-Pacific leg that I booked. The A380 suites product has been around for a few years but it still feels current and competes well with other, even newer products. Having recently reviewed their Business seats, I was impressed by First, not only for the impeccable service, but also the fact that it’s basically a room – a sealed off compartment at 36,000 feet, just for you. I think only Etihad’s First Class apartments are a notch above in terms of privacy.

The Shortcut Review of SQ A380 First Class suites

What’s awesome:

Unrivaled privacy
Great storage (but don’t forget to take your stuff out of the side pockets for bed mode!)
Bed is very comfortable as it’s a dedicated bed
Service is impeccable as always on Singapore

What’s not:

Headrest is pretty far forward, adjustable up but not back
The bed, although comfortable, is a bit on the narrow side
Tray table is a little high but it does adjust forward and back nicely

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Seatlink’s Take

The First Class suites on Singapore Airlines are located at the front on the lower deck of the Big Bus. Also, you’re only going to find them on the A380 as they feature a different product in First on their smaller wide-bodies. There are a total of 12 suites in 4 rows in a 1-2-1 layout (with middle seats missing in rows 1 and 4). Each have a door that can be closed for your own private space (although the side screen inserts still do not make it 100% private).

The bed mode is very comfortable as it converts into an actual bed with a mattress. It wasn’t quite as wide as some other First Class beds (Cathay Pacific comes to mind), but I had a great sleep on it. The seats in the middle even convert into a form of double bed which is great for couples. Singapore designed those center pair of seats very well, as with a companion it becomes a double sized space but if you’re solo, the divider ensures a full length wrap around suite.

Width-wise, each seat is 35″ and lays flat to 81″ – it’s easily more than enough for a tall person. Storage is great around the seat, except I noticed that in bed mode, the side storage compartments became hidden. The moral of the story is to make sure you have what you need out of them when it’s time for bed!

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Bose noise-canceling headphones were made available as well as amenity items in the bathrooms or on request (Singapore doesn’t give out amenity kits to each passenger individually anymore).

Of course, the Dom Perignon served onboard is one of the main highlights on any SQ flight in First. It was as delectable as it sounds and looks and the food was great too.

Which seats to choose or avoid

Just keep a few things in mind when you’re choosing your suite. Row 1 is right next to the stairs. Having said that, I never saw anyone come down them. Remember, upstairs is J and they’re not allowed to come down. The only ones who would be using those stairs are your fellow First class buddies wanting to get a sneaky look, or flight attendants.

As for Row 2, these seats offer good privacy, but there are a bunch of storage compartments next to it (see pic). Just behind row 4, you will find the galley. But again, it only serves First Class so there wasn’t much noise at all.

Row 3 then is most likely your best bet, but you wouldn’t have any major problems in either row. Also, keep in mind that the middle seats (great for couples), are only found in rows 2 and 3.

For more seat reviews from other travelers on Singapore Airlines A380 First Class, check out this plane’s seat map here: Singapore Airlines A388 seat map (v1)

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The Bottom Line

Let’s face it – it’s a great product. Comfortable seat, supremely good service, nice food and a bunch of privacy. A couple of minor let downs, including the headrest, high tray table and slightly narrower seat, did not bring any great disappointments. While private and with enclosed space available, I still found it more airy and spacious than the Emirates equivalent. For all intents and purposes it’s one of the best First Class experiences you can hope for.

SQ are looking to update their suites soon and you can expect a roll out of them towards the end of the year.

What are Your Thoughts on Singapore Airlines First Class?

If you’ve flown SQ’s First Class suites, let us know in the comments below! Or better yet, write a review of your seat here: Singapore Airlines A388 seat review 😀

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