Singapore Airlines A330 Business Class Review

On the tail end of my recent Aeroplan mini around the world trip I had the awesome pleasure of flying Singapore Airlines business class not once, but twice. The reason I highlight this is because flying Singapore Airlines was a must-have when I booked my trip. In the end, having two different trips was a good plan as the experience was significantly different based on the seat configurations. This is my Singapore Airlines A330 business class review.

Seats

On top of having a home airport that is consistently ranked as the worlds best, Singapore Airlines business class always ranks top of the class. Prior to my trip, I eagerly read reviews and was excited to experiences it with my own Singapore Airlines A330 business class review except for one area, the seats. Reading reviews from other blogs such as The Points Guy confirmed that the service is amazing but the seats are cramped, especially if you are even the slightest bit tall.

Crap.

The suggestion was to ensure you book yourself a bulkhead seat to avoid the tight quarters. These seats were all taken by the time I checked in.

Double crap.

This Singapore Airlines A330 business class review was less of a concern as the flight clocked in at just over four hours. My next flight, Singapore to San Francisco, is a 14-hour flight. That’s another story…literally.

As for this Singapore Airlines A330 business class review, I can confirm the seats are not only cramped but out of date. There is plenty of storage space including two small cabinets and a slot for your laptop and books as well as an area to charge your iPod. Yes, I said iPod.

Did I mention the seats are out of date?

Now I can get past the fact that my iPhone Plus can’t fit in the iPod slot but the cramped foot cubby, not so much. I have a hard time sleeping on flights, even in business class. Pods that restrict movements such as what I have experienced in Air Canada and ANA, is that much worse. This is a whole new level.

On top of the odd foot cubby, the seats don’t actually lay flat. Now I know this sounds like a very “one per cent” problem however if you are charging that much for your product you think you would align with other airlines.

Service & Amenities

If my flight hadn’t been overnight and leading up to a long layover in Singapore I really wouldn’t give this much thought or attention. The seats are perfectly fine for a short-haul flight during the day. Even with the lack of sleep, the service and amenities make up for any discomfort.

Staff was smiling and super friendly which is always a nice when boarding a flight, almost as much as the champagne that follows. This is especially welcome as we were leaving the Maldives, an Islamic nation where drinking is restricted to the resorts. Needless to say, there were no preflight cocktails at the lounge or in that airport.

Hot towels followed while we waited for pushback. I went through the amenities bag and was disappointed there was no slippers. As if on cue, a flight attendant came by offering just that.

Food & Drink

The real highlight of my Singapore Airlines A330 business class review is the food. The menu is surprisingly extensive for such a short flight. Also, anytime you can have duck at 35,000 feet I am happy.

My main consisted of the best Kung Pow chicken I’ve had outside of Vancouver. For desert, I had a blueberry cheesecake which I had no intention of finishing but could not resist. It was that good.

Entertainment

The entertainment system, although as dated as the seats, is well-stocked with movies and TV shows. Highlights include full seasons and series which is great as I was flying Singapore Airlines for 14-hours on my next leg. This meant carrying on with where I left off.

Singapore Airlines A330 Business Class Review Conclusion

Cramped quarters aside, I really did enjoy Singapore Airline’s service. The older seats made me nervous for my 14-hour leg home but, as noted in my upcoming Singapore Airlines A350-900 business class review, the cabin was upgraded and had the best pod seats I have experienced to date. More on that soon!

What say you?
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For more luxury travel reviews from business class and beyond see HERE.