There’s a misconception going around that premium economy is exactly the same as Economy with an extra couple of inches for your legs. At least, there was for me. This may be true in some airlines (I cannot confirm), but it is certainly not true for Singapore Airlines. I was recently hosted by Singapore Airlines to check out their Premium Economy cabin between Sydney and Singapore and here is everything I loved about it.
The extra space
Firstly, yes, there is a good 6 inches or so of additional leg space. As a very large person, I appreciated this instantly and probably more than most. Not only is this great for someone tall like myself, but it’s less awkward in the window seat when I have to climb over my new buddy to go for a walk.
The seats are also wider, which is handy if you had one too many pastries in the SilverKris lounge before boarding. This means ample elbow room for either working on a laptop or don’t sitting next to a stranger. It also makes the formation 2-4-2 instead of 3-4-3.
A Larger Recline
In line with the extra room, the seat reclines back much further than in economy. If you’re on an overnight flight, this can make a huge difference. The leg rest also extends to add that little extra comfort. It’s great for relaxing with a movie as well and given the extra space I mentioned above, there is no need to worry if you are encroaching on your neighbour’s airspace behind you, there’s plenty to go around.
Entertainment System
Speaking of watching movies, the seat-back screen is noticeably larger than in economy class. There are over 1800 options on most aircraft between movies, TV shows, music titles and games so there will almost certainly be something you’ll like.
The movies are kept very current too. New movies are added every month and there are some movies that were at the cinema only a few months ago, so if you happened to miss a blockbuster, you can catch up here (I chose Captain Marvel).
There’s No wing in your photos
Speaking of airspace, you know how when you take a photo out of the window there’s always that pesky wing in the way? Well, being at the front of the plane you’re far enough forward that your photos just look like you’re really high above the earth. Sure, the wing proves to people that you’ve been on a plane, but I really like the full view of the land (or ocean). It’s the little things, ya know?
Noise Cancelling Headphones
One of my favourite features is the upgraded headphones. For me, the regular earbud type headphones never quite get loud enough to hear over the engine. Sure, they get the job done, but it’s only okay. The noise cancelling headphones are next level. They fit fully over my ears, are comfortable, and as soon as you plug them in the hum of the engine is instantly gone. I couldn’t hear anything but my stories.
Book the Cook
Alright, this is a big one. The food in all of Singapore Airlines’ cabins is genuinely good. But in Premium Economy class (and above) you can actually pre-book a world-class, chef-created meal using the Premium Economy Book the Cook service. It’s a great way to be sure you’ll like what’s on offer. Choose from meals such as Beef Carbonade, Lime sauce pan-fried fish pasta, lamb shank korma, and seafood Thermidor. I don’t even know what Thermidor is but I want to try it.
Now don’t be put off, the presentation looks very much like in regular economy, but it tastes every bit as good as if you were in a fine dining restaurant.
The service
Ok, the service on all Singapore Airlines flights are always very good, but it’s worth mentioning here as well. I love being welcomed with a warm towel, and being asked what drink I’d like before taking off is a nice touch too. Being handed a menu with today’s options — including a long list of cocktails and wines — lets you forget you’re in a plane for a fleeting moment.
However, the biggest thing that I’ve never seen before is how they take care of the amenities. The toilets are always clean, but when you come through the galley looking for the restroom, they’ll always poke their head in, check the facility, and wipe down anything that needs wiping down in just a few short seconds. It’s this simple act that represents everything Singapore Airlines stands for.
Reading material
I’ll be honest, this won’t appeal to everyone, but after you sit down the cabin crew will walk through the cabin with a handful of newspapers and magazines for you the take and read. The specific titles might depend on where you are coming from but I always enjoyed taking a copy of Time, The Economist, or The Financial Times, as that’s where my interests outside of travel lay.
Charging Ports
In today’s day and age our devices are an extension of ourselves and battery levels can often be front of mind whenever you travel. Alcoholics might constantly wonder where their next drink will come from, while the rest of us wonder when our next charge will come from. Well, my seat in Premium Economy had 2 USB ports and a power outlet so I was able to land in Singapore at 100%.
Business Class can feel out of reach for most travellers, but Premium Economy, at a much smaller premium might actually be worth the upgrade.
As part of #squadsq, my time in Singapore was hosted by Singapore Airlines but the opinions in this post are mine.
