Singapore Airlines B777-300ER Singapore to Canberra Business class flight review – October 2019

Boarding our Singapore Airlines B777-300ER aircraft at Changi airport

Boarding our Singapore Airlines B777-300ER aircraft at Changi airport

After an enjoyable breakfast at the Changi Airport’s Aerotel hotel where we had spent the night followed by a second breakfast in the lounge, we boarded our Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore to Canberra in Business Class via Sydney.

Airline and Flight #

Singapore Airlines SQ0288

Aircraft

Boeing 777-300ER Jet

Airport and Terminal

Departure: Changi Airport, Singapore |Terminal 1

Arrival: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport | Terminal 1 International

Departure: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport | Terminal 1 International

Arrival: Canberra Airport, ACT Australia | International Terminal

Changi Airport, Singapore

Changi Airport, Singapore

Departure Date and Time

Scheduled: Wednesday 23rd October 2019| 09:35 am

Actual – Wednesday 23rd October 2019| 09:36 am

Arrival Date and Time

Scheduled: Wednesday 23rd October 2019|22:25 (10:25pm)

Actual: Wednesday 23rd October 2019|22:07 (10:07pm)

Scheduled Flying Time

8 hours 40 minutes

Luggage Allowance

Carry-on: Passengers are allowed free of charge two pieces of carry on luggage up to 7 kilograms each in addition to one personal item such as a laptop, camera, overcoat, handbag etc. The sum of each piece of luggage (Length + Width +Height) should not exceed 115 centimetres (45 inches). Personal items should not exceed 40x30x10 centimetres (16x12x4 inches). Passengers must be able to stow their luggage securely in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front.

Checked baggage: Luggage allowances for checked bags are more generous if like us, you are travelling from the US via Singapore on to Australia.  Allowances when flying like this are:

  • Two pieces  up to 32 kilograms (70.5 pounds) each with no single piece exceeding 158 centimetres (62 inches).
  • Infants can have one piece up to 32 kilograms (70.5 pounds) plus a fully collapsible stroller or pram and carry-cot or car seat.
  • If the first carrier on the ticket is not Singapore Airlines, then that airline’s luggage policy will apply to the itinerary unless that airline chooses to go with Singapore Airlines’ itinerary.
  • More generous allowances are made for PPS club members and KrisFlyer Gold or Star Alliance Gold members.

Fun Facts

  • Singapore Airlines is part of the Star Alliance with its main hub in Singapore
  • Registered 9V-SWY, this aircraft was delivered on 25th November 2014 making it almost five years old.
  • The airline is currently running the longest flight in the world – Newark to Singapore taking 18 hours and 45 minutes.
  • The Singapore Airlines logo is a bird, inspired by a silver kris which comes from the Keris, a dagger from SE Asia featured in the region’s myth and folklore.
  • Singapore Airlines was the first to use the A380 being the world’s largest passenger aircraft as well as the Dreamliner B787-10 and A350-900ULR.
  • In 2019 the airline won the Skytrax award for World’s best airline cabin crew and came second and fourth respectively for best airline and cleanest airline.

Website

The Singapore Airlines website can be found here.  Prices on Skyscanner were cheaper than the website so we booked through a travel agent who was happy to price match Skyscanner.  I did have trouble getting into Manage Booking with the page unable to load and then not being able to select seats until closer to our departure date.  Maybe if you booked directly through the airline, this wouldn’t happen.  Through Manage Booking you can also choose your meals in advance from the inflight menu or Book the Cook if you are flying First class, Business class or Premium Economy.  Book the Cook has an extensive selection of amazing western and Asian dishes.

Check-in 

Check-in for Singapore Airlines flights opens 48 to one and a half hours prior to your scheduled departure. You can check-in via one of the following ways:

  1. Mobile check-in – by downloading the SingaporeAir app. You will be required to enter your booking reference number or your E-ticket number as well as your last name. It then asks you for your passport number and expiry date as well as the reason for the ESTA Visa if travelling to the US. You’re also required to put down an address where you will be staying in the US. You can then print or download your boarding pass. The app also allows you to select or change your seat as well as your meal and number of bags you are checking.
  2. Desktop check-in – by logging on to the Singapore Airlines website and clicking on Check-in. You must enter either your booking reference number or E-ticket number plus your last name as well as answer the same questions as per the mobile check-in. You can print your boarding pass or download it to your mobile.
  3. At the airport – via the self-service kiosks or at the counter.

Singapore Airlines recommends being at the airport for international flights two and a half hours prior to departure if you have checked baggage and one and a half hours prior to departure if you don’t have checked baggage.

Note: Mobile and self printed boarding passes are not currently available for passengers who require Visa verification or are travelling between Sydney and Canberra.  As our flight was to Canberra via Sydney, we were required to collect our boarding passes at the counter inside the airport.

Self service kiosks at Singapore's Changi Airport

Self service kiosks at Singapore’s Changi Airport

Seating

Seat map of Singapore Airlines B777-300ER 4 class

Seat map of Singapore Airlines B777-300ER 4 class

Layout – The Singapore Airlines aircraft is a wide bodied jet with 264 seats.  These are made up of 4 Open First class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, 48 Business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with 12 in the first cabin before door 2 and the remaining 36 in the second cabin, 28 Premium Economy class seats in a 2-4-2 configuration and 184 Economy class seats in a 3-3-3 configuration.  The 1-2-1 configuration in Business class means direct aisle access for all passengers with the two seats in the middle better suited for couples.  However even strangers can feel at ease in these middle seats as the seats are well spaced and the pull down privacy screen provides a good amount of privacy.  We were seated in row 23 for this flight.

Seats – Developed together with James Park Associates (designers of the Eastern & Orient Express opulent interiors), the Business class seats are nearly 50 percent wider than most products in this class.  Handcrafted from Scottish leather and diamond stitched, colours alternate between grey and purple in each aisle.  Seat width is 30 inches and seat pitch 51 inches.  There are two upright positions, the Lazy Z where your weight is centred and balanced and Sundeck which is a lounging position that extends the base and foot of your seat.  On each seat was a large soft cushion, a bottle of water, a set of active noise cancelling headphones,  pillows, linen and a padded Givenchy blanket for sleeping. The seats recline to 132 degrees and can be folded into a 198 centimetre (78 inch) length bed.  Whilst in the upright position, the seats were very comfortable I found when fully reclined, the cushioned headboard was quite hard and you could not stretch your legs out straight in front of you as the foot of the bed curves around forcing you to sleep in more of a fetal position.

The grey colour scheme in Singapore Airlines' Business class

The alternating grey colour scheme in Singapore Airlines’ Business class

Enjoying the Business class seats on Singapore Airlines

Enjoying the Business class seats on Singapore Airlines

Tray tables – The main tray table is huge and sturdy.  It’s tucked in beside you and you simply push down to release it.  The tray moves back and forwards and side to side so is very adjustable. There is another small cocktail tray in front suitable for when drinks are served.

Tray tables are large, sturdy and adjustable on Singapore Airlines' Business class

Tray tables are large, sturdy and adjustable on Singapore Airlines’ Business class

The drinks tray on Singapore Airlines' Business class is handy for placing drinks

The drinks tray on Singapore Airlines’ Business class is handy for placing drinks

Storage – There is a tonne of storage in Business class on Singapore Airline’s 777-300 ER.  In addition to a couple of deep storage bins, there is a side console, designed to sit above the armrest allowing you to store and conveniently reach your laptop etc whilst the seat is in seat or bed mode.  The ottoman in front and compartments next to the screen provide additional storage options.

One of the storage compartments on Singapore Airlines where the headphones are stowed

One of the storage compartments on Singapore Airlines where the headphones are stowed

This side console provides additional storage in Business class on Singapore Airlines

This side console provides additional storage in Business class on Singapore Airlines

More storage options can be found on the ottoman or in the compartments beside the screen in front of you

More storage options can be found on the ottoman or in the compartments in front of you

Amenity Kit – Singapore Airlines does not offer amenity kits as such on board its airline. You are however issued with a pair of slippers, a pair of socks and an eye mask with further amenities  available in the restroom such as facial mist, toothbrush and toothpaste, mouth wash, perfume and hand cream. Whether this is to save money or help reduce waste, I think a better option would be to ask passengers if they would like one or provide them with a bag so they can select their own. Singapore Airlines unfortunately do not offer pyjamas in their business class.

Slippers, socks and eye mask in Singapore Airlines' Business class

Slippers, socks and eye mask in Singapore Airlines’ Business class

Cabin comfort

  • The extra large and beautiful seats made the flight very comfortable
  • The huge amount of storage meant you never felt cramped as there were many compartments to put things.
  • With no overhead bins, the cabin feels very spacious
  • Plenty of lighting options create the perfect mood
  • A Do Not Disturb button next to your seat along with a pull up screen divider between the two seats made for optimum privacy.
  • In front of your seat is a mirror with a light when you lift the cover up
  •  I felt the seat was too hard when in the lie flat position and I wasn’t able to stretch my legs out straight in front of me.  As a result, I didn’t sleep as well as I might have.  My husband however did not find the sleeping arrangement to be a problem so it might just depend on how you’re used to sleeping.
More lighting options to increase your comfort in Singapore Airlines' Business class

More lighting options to increase your comfort in Singapore Airlines’ Business class

No central overhead luggage storage provides a more spacious and open cabin in Singapore Airlines' Business Class

No central overhead luggage storage provides a more spacious and open cabin in Singapore Airlines’ Business Class

In-flight Entertainment

Electronic devices

  • Electronic devices can be used whilst boarding using the aerobridge but not if you’re using the tarmac to board.
  • Once doors on the plane have closed you need to then switch your device to flight mode.  Devices cannot be charged upon taxiing, takeoff or landing.

Communication

  • A personal in-seat telephone lets you make calls via a global satellite network.  Calls are US$.0.59 per six second block with a minimum charge of $5.90 for the first minute. Seat to seat calls are available for free.
  • To use inflight texting or data roaming, your mobile service provider must have a roaming agreement with Singapore Airlines’ connectivity provider OnAir or AeroMobile.  Roaming charges are determined by your mobile server provider and will appear in your phone bill.  Turn off auto roaming so extra charges aren’t incurred.

Power

  • On the 777-300 ER, Business class passengers have their own power ports concealed within their seat under the light and beside the little storage nook.  There is a 110 universal AC power outlet with a HDMI port and USB port for charging devices.
Individual power ports for Business class passengers on Singapore Airlines

Individual power ports for Business class passengers on Singapore Airlines

In the Seat Pocket

  • There is side compartment holding the following Singapore Airlines material:
  1. KrisShop magazine for duty free shopping
  2. SilverKris KrisWorld magazine
  3. Card on inflight Wi-Fi
  4. Aircraft safety card

In addition to this, cabin crew offer up a range of other reading material including magazines and newspapers.

WiFi

  • Singapore Airlines offers its Business class passengers 100 MB of complimentary WiFi on this flight, up from just 30 MB previously.  For more than this, charges apply with the amount varying depending on if you are with Panasonic or T-Mobile or OnAir.
Instructions on using the WiFi on Singapore Airlines

Instructions on using the WiFi on Singapore Airlines

Entertainment System

  • In Business class Singapore Airlines offers Panasonic personal inflight entertainment systems on a high definition 18 inch screen.  The KrisFlyer system offers 1800 entertainment options.  The screens aren’t touch screens and I found the remote a little cumbersome to use at times with it failing altogether at one stage.  Options are:
  1. Movies
  2. TV
  3. Music (over 800 albums)
  4. Games & Apps (flight path, connecting gate etc)
  5. Inflight connectivity
  6. MyKrisWorld (if you sign in as a KrisFlyer member, you’ll be able to save settings and preferences)
  7. SilkAir Studio (provides access to additional content)
  8. Silkwinds (monthly inflight magazine)
Singapore Airlines' KrisWorld Entertainment screen

Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld Entertainment screen

Some of the many entertainment options in Singapore Airlines' Business class

Some of the many entertainment options in Singapore Airlines’ Business class

Displaying flight information on the screen of Singapore Airlines

Displaying flight information on the screen of Singapore Airlines

Safety Demonstration

Updated in 2019, Singapore Airlines’ safety video goes for nearly six minutes.  The video is typically Singaporian in that it is no nonsense, proper and aesthetically pleasing.  The video demonstrates the safety aspects not from inside the plane but in some of Singapore’s own indoor and outdoor attractions.  I thought it was quite good and never tire of seeing those beautiful Singapore women in their attractive costumes, matching shoes and perfect hair do’s.

Playing the new safety video on individual screens of Singapore Airlines

Playing the new safety video on individual screens of Singapore Airlines

Catering

Menus

  • Singapore Airlines has collaborated with COMO Shambhala to create specially curated wellness cuisine.  The carefully selected dishes are designed to aid digestion, improve blood sugar control and prolong fullness and satisfaction between meals.  In addition to the inflight menu is the Book the Cook option prior to flying which has an even more extensive range of meals.  The inflight menu consists of:

Page 1 – Information on the COMO Shambhala cuisine

Page 2 – Photographs of the international culinary panel who created the menu

Page 3-5 – Lunch and refreshment menu from Singapore to Sydney

Page 6  – Refreshment menu from Sydney to Canberra

Page 7 – Sleeper service from Canberra to Singapore

Page 8 – Singapore Airlines’ wine connoisseurs

Page 9-11 – Champagnes and wines

Page 12 – Cocktails and aperitifs

Page 13 – Spirits and beers

Page 14-15 – Non-alcoholic beverages

Page 16-17 – Coffee selection

Page 18-19 – Tea selection

Singapore Airlines' Business class menu

Singapore Airlines’ Business class menu

Singapore Airlines' Business Class Lunch menu

Singapore Airlines’ Business Class Lunch menu

Refreshment menu in Singapore Airlines' Business Class

Refreshment menu in Singapore Airlines’ Business Class

Singapore Airlines' Business class champagne and wine menu

Singapore Airlines’ Business class champagne and wine menu

Cocktail and Aperitif & Spirit and Beer menu on Singapore Airlines' Business class

Cocktail and Aperitif & Spirit and Beer menu on Singapore Airlines’ Business class

Food/Drinks

Singapore Airlines has chosen not to serve its food on trays in Business class.  Instead they lay the plates, cutlery, crockery and glasses onto the pristine white tablecloth covering your tray table just as if you were dining at a fancy restaurant.  Having everything more spread out makes the dining experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

  • 09:25 am : Welcome drinks of champagne and orange juice were handed out as well as hot towels.  I asked for a sparkling water which they happily fetched for me.
Sparkling mineral water with a slice of lemon on Singapore Airlines

Sparkling mineral water with a slice of lemon on Singapore Airlines

Hot hand towels are issued before meals on Singapore Airlines

Hot hand towels are issued before meals on Singapore Airlines

  • 10:15am: Once the seat-belt lights were turned off, drinks were again served.  This time I had a Singapore Sling realising that after this flight it would probably be a while until I got the opportunity to have another.  It tasted so good! This was followed by a bowl of warm nuts in between the turbulence we were experiencing.
Enjoying my delicious Singapore Sling in Singapore Airlines' Business class

Enjoying my delicious Singapore Sling in Singapore Airlines’ Business class

  • 11:00am: The appetiser was served.  This was Poached prawns on Green Mango and Herb Salad with Chilli Lime Dressing.  It was light and delicious.  The dish came served with a choice of different breads, butter in the shape of a flower and a glass of still and sparkling water.
Entree of poached prawns in Business class on Singapore Airlines

Entree of poached prawns on green mango in Business class on Singapore Airlines

  • 11:25:  For lunch I chose Lobster Thermidor from the Book the Cook menu prior to flying.  It tasted delicious and went well with the rice, tomato and asparagus.
Lobster Thermidor for lunch in Singapore Airline's Business class

Lobster Thermidor for lunch in Singapore Airline’s Business class

11:50am: Dessert was a choice of Chendol with coconut icecream or Flourless Honey and Semolina Cake with Poached Pears.  Both sounded nice but we decided to go with the colourful Chendol and it tasted surprisingly good.  Cheese plates and fresh fruit were also on offer.

Chendol with Coconut Icecream for dessert in Singapore Airlines' Business Class

Chendol with Coconut Icecream for dessert in Singapore Airlines’ Business Class

12:10pm: Following dessert, I couldn’t help notice the Fine Pralines on the menu so I asked for some along with a hot drink.  I chose a specialty Mocha which consisted of a layer of hot chocolate, espresso dusted with cocoa and topped with hot frothed milk.  It was a perfect accompaniment as I settled in to watch a very interesting documentary on Chernobyl.

Pralines to have with my Mocha coffee in Singapore Airlines' Business Class

Pralines to have with my Mocha coffee in Singapore Airlines’ Business Class

  • 2:30pm: Hot towels were again handed out followed by a refreshment from the menu 15 minutes later.  I had the Kway Teow Phad Neau which was Thai fried rice noodles with beef and leafy greens whilst hubby had the Grilled Chicken with Onion Jam and Harissa on Rye.  My dish was definitely the pick of them and tasted much better than it looked.
Refreshment of Kway Teow Phad Neau in Singapore Airlines' Business Class

Refreshment of Kway Teow Phad Neau in Singapore Airlines’ Business Class

Refreshment of Grilled Chicken on Rye in Singapore Airlines' Business Class

Refreshment of Grilled Chicken on Rye in Singapore Airlines’ Business Class

  • 9:25pm Sydney time: After we landed in Sydney, we got off the plane so it could be refuelled and cleaned for it’s flight back to Singapore via Canberra.  As we were flying to Canberra we were back on this plane and offered a welcome drink.  I had an orange juice.
A glass of Orange juice on Singapore Airlines

A glass of Orange juice on this short Singapore Airlines flight from Sydney to Canberra

  • 9:42pm: Cabin crew came around asking passengers if they would like a Chicken Pesto and Roma Tomato white Sandwich.  I would have preferred the bread to be wholemeal or multigrain but I took one anyway.
Chicken Pesto and Tomato Sandwich on our short Singapore Airlines flight from Sydney to Canberra

Chicken Pesto and Tomato Sandwich on our short Singapore Airlines flight from Sydney to Canberra

Restroom

There are four Business class restrooms located between the two Business class cabins with one of them being suitable for disabled passengers.  Each are attractively decorated with a fresh orchid inside.  The well-stocked restrooms contain amenities by Penhaligon’s including eau de toilette, hand lotion and facial mist.  The restroom contains an adjustable magnifying makeup mirror for applying makeup.   A bottle of mouth wash is also available whilst inside the drawer you will find extra items including toothbrushes and toothpaste and hairbrush and comb sets.  There are face washers to dry your hands or wash your face and the metal bin beside the sink opens to dispose of used ones when you press the pedal on the ground with your foot.  Sensor taps add to a more hygienic experience.

Sink inside the Business class restroom on SIngapore Airlines

Sink inside the Business class restroom on SIngapore Airlines

Penhaligon's bathroom amenities in the Singapore Airlines Business class restroom

Penhaligon’s bathroom amenities in the Singapore Airlines Business class restroom

Toilet in Business Class on Singapore Airlines

Toilet in Business Class on Singapore Airlines

Face towels to dry your hands or wash your face on Singapore Airlines

Face towels to dry your hands or wash your face on Singapore Airlines

Amenities for use in Singapore Airlines' Business Class

Amenities for use in Singapore Airlines’ Business Class

Service

The service on this flight was exceptional.  Staff were efficient, friendly and nothing felt like it was too much trouble.  Meals were served and cleared away quickly and plenty of drinks were offered prior to the cabin lights being turned out.  The service definitely sets them apart from many other carriers.  Cabin crew also did a great job with keeping the restrooms clean throughout the flight which is not always an easy task.

Pros

  • Beautiful seats that are extremely spacious with lots of storage
  • Extensive selection of food from Book the Cook and the inflight menu
  • Exceptional service from friendly cabin crew
  • Restrooms were kept very clean throughout the flight

Cons

  • I found the bed to be a bit hard and there isn’t enough room to stretch your legs out in front of you.
  • No amenity kits or pyjamas although some supplies are available from the drawer in the restroom.
  • No touch screen with the remote being a little cumbersome to use at times
  • Ran out of pralines

Conclusion

I would definitely recommend flying Business class with Singapore Airlines, especially in one of their new or retrofitted aircraft.  When you never want the flight to end, you know you’re on a winner.  The service, food, seats and cleanliness of the aircraft all stood out for me.  I just wish they would issue pyjamas in Business class.  I look forward to flying with SA again.

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