Singapore Airlines’ first-class product has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best luxury experiences in the sky. Many in the points and miles world save up to book this bucket list experience, complete with Dom Perignon (and Krug) Champagne, caviar and some of the best inflight service out there.
Before we dive into how you can book your next first-class adventure on Singapore Airlines, let’s look at what you can expect from the different aircraft types operated by the carrier.
The first-class cabins
Currently, Singapore operates aircraft with two different first-class layouts — the Boeing 777-300 and the Airbus A380. On its 777-300s, the first-class cabin is arranged in a 1-2-1 layout at the front. Each seat has plenty of room and turns into a lie-flat bed. The seats are similar to the business-class seats on this aircraft in layout, though they have more personal space and the first-class service sets them apart.
You’ll find Singapore Airlines’ famous Suites class on the Airbus A380s. The Suites are located at the front of the upper deck, and each one has a bed separate from the seat, providing an incredible amount of personal space you will not find on most commercial aircraft.
Two Suites can be combined into a double bed, making it ideal for couples. This is about as good as first class gets.
The A380 Suites are significantly better than the 777 first-class seats, so it’s worth going out of your way to book the A380 if possible.
Regardless of aircraft, you can count on some great Champagne, a great meal — don’t forget to “Book the Cook” — and plenty of hot towels to help you stay refreshed. If you are departing from Singapore, you will also have access to Singapore Airlines’ exclusive and recently renovated Private Room lounge.
If you see a route operated by one of Singapore’s new Airbus A350s or 787s, keep in mind that it doesn’t have a first-class cabin on this aircraft, but it does have a fantastic business class.
Related: 8 reasons I’m excited about Singapore Airlines’ A380 Suites flying to the US
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How to book Singapore Airlines first class with miles
Unlike most airlines, Singapore Airlines will only let you book its first-class (and business-class) award tickets on long-haul routes through its own KrisFlyer program. So while United Airlines and Air Canada are both Star Alliance partners of Singapore Airlines, you won’t be able to use MileagePlus or Aeroplan miles to book these premium-cabin awards.
Suites-class options
Singapore Airlines is not operating A380 services to or from any destinations in the United States after switching the service from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to a 777 service in May.
Schedules and aircraft type are subject to change, but at the time of publication, over the northern summer period, Singapore will operate the A380 to the following destinations:
| Destination from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) | KrisFlyer miles required for Suites class (each way, per person at Saver level) | KrisFlyer miles required for Suites class (each way, per person at Advantage level) |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). | 58,500 miles. | 98,000 miles. |
| Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). | 45,000 miles. | 73,000 miles. |
| London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR). | 141,000 miles. | 225,500 miles. |
| Melbourne Airport (MEL). | 93,500 miles. | 155,000 miles. |
| Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM). | 58,500 miles. | 98,000 miles. |
| Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). | 58,500 miles. | 98,000 miles. |
| Sydney Airport (SYD). | 93,500 miles. | 155,000 miles. |
First-class options
While the 777 first-class product isn’t quite as impressive as the A380 product, the good news is that Singapore Airlines flies the 777 product to several U.S. destinations. At the time of publication, over the northern summer period, Singapore will operate the 777 with first class to the following destinations:
| Destination from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) | KrisFlyer miles required for first class (each way, per person at Saver level) | KrisFlyer miles required for first class (each way, per person at Advantage level) |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland Airport (AKL). | 93,500 miles. | 155,000 miles. |
| New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). | 58,500 miles. | 98,000 miles. |
| Frankfurt Airport (FRA). | 141,000 miles. | 225,500 miles. |
| Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). | 45,000 miles. | 73,000 miles. |
| Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK). | 30,500 miles. | 52,500 miles. |
| London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR). | 141,000 miles. | 225,500 miles. |
| Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) via Tokyo. | 146,500 miles. | 228,000 miles. |
| Melbourne Airport (MEL). | 93,500 miles. | 155,000 miles. |
| Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM). | 58,500 miles. | 98,000 miles. |
| New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) via Frankfurt. | 148,500 miles. | 243,000 miles. |
| Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). | 141,000 miles. | 225,500 miles. |
| Sydney Airport (SYD). | 93,500 miles. | 155,000 miles. |
| Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). | 77,000 miles. | 120,000 miles. |
| Zurich Airport (ZRH). | 141,000 miles. | 225,500 miles. |
You can also try Singapore Airlines first class on the airline’s fifth-freedom routes. Here is the one-way pricing for Saver and Advantage awards:
- Between New York and Frankfurt: 97,000 (Saver)/143,500 (Advantage) miles.
- Between Los Angeles and Tokyo: 120,000 (Saver)/187,000 (Advantage) miles.
Related: Fifth-freedom routes: Flying top international airlines without setting foot in their home countries
KrisFlyer does not impose fuel surcharges on flights on its own metal, so fees, taxes and surcharges on first-class and Suites flights are reasonable.
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Saver availability is strictly limited, but you can pay more miles for an Advantage ticket. You might also consider waitlisting for a Saver award.
And if you only want to get a taste of Singapore Airlines first class on a short flight, you can book flights between Singapore and Jakarta for 40,000 Avianca LifeMiles on some dates.
Off the beaten points first reported you can use LifeMiles to book this route. But despite searching, we haven’t seen the ability to redeem LifeMiles for other Singapore Airlines first-class or suites-class routes.
How to earn Singapore KrisFlyer miles
While Singapore Airlines doesn’t offer a cobranded credit card in the U.S., the airline partners with several major rewards programs with transferable currencies, including:
Earning rewards with one or more of these programs and transferring them to Singapore Airlines is one of the easiest ways to earn KrisFlyer miles. The following cards all currently offer strong welcome bonuses that you could easily convert to KrisFlyer miles:
- American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Terms apply.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Check to see if you’re targeted for a 125,000-point welcome offer through CardMatch (offer subject to change at any time). Terms apply.
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Citi Premier® Card: (see rates and fees) Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
In the case of transferable currencies that don’t instantly transfer to KrisFlyer, you’ll want to call and put a hold on your award ticket before initiating a transfer. That way, you won’t find yourself with stranded Singapore KrisFlyer miles because of a lack of award space.
Bottom line
At first glance, it might seem like only being able to book Singapore first-class awards with the KrisFlyer program would be a problem. However, when you consider that Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy points can all be transferred to your Singapore KrisFlyer account, it seems a lot more doable.
As with many premium-cabin awards, you’ll want to start looking for award space as soon as you know your travel dates. First-class award space on Singapore Airlines is not always easy to find, so starting your search as early as 355 days before your desired departure date is advisable. Also, consider waitlisting or searching at the last minute.
With a little planning, you’ll be able to earn the required miles and find the necessary award space to try one of the best first-class products in the world.
Additional reporting by Spencer Howard.
Source: thepointsguy.com