Stepping onto the deck of the A380 (my favourite plane) is always a small thrill, but nothing quite prepares you for being tapped on the shoulder while buckled into economy and told you’ve been upgraded.
One moment I’m eyeing the queue of weary boarding passengers, the next I’m gliding up the stairs into one of the most spacious business cabins in the sky.
It’s the kind of quiet, understated magic Singapore Airlines is known for, and on SQ308 to London, it didn’t disappoint.
The Seat and Space
Seat 19F sits in the centre section of the upper deck’s 1–2–1 layout.
Although it’s technically a paired seat, the pod feels wonderfully private.
The partitions are high, there’s no sense of the person beside you, and the capsule itself stretches at least a metre across.
The divider can be lowered if you’re travelling with someone, and the crew can even make the central pair into a double bed, a novelty I found both charming and mildly astonishing for a commercial flight, though I suspected the man seated next to me wouldn’t have appreciated being asked to test it out!
The lack of a window view threw me a little. I love watching take off and landing, and from 19F you’re cocooned away from that sense of movement. But the sense of calm more than made up for it; this cabin is dark, softly lit, and almost unbelievably quiet.
The seat reclines into a full-flat bed using Singapore Airlines’ signature angled sleeping position. It took a moment to get used to, but once stretched out on the mattress topper with a large pillow, duvet and even an extra cushion, I settled easily. Sleeping on my side was no trouble and curling up felt natural, although it is also easy to stretch out if you wish to.
Storage is generous, with deep pockets for smaller items, a full overhead bin just for your seat and space under the foot platform. There are USB ports within reach, a universal socket, a coat hook and even your own vanity mirror.
The footrest deserves its own mention. It extends like a small shelf an an angle to the seat, creating a surprisingly comfortable lounging position for watching the enormous screen.
Dining in the Clouds
A last minute upgrade meant I missed the pre-takeoff champagne, but I made up for it later. The crew brought a glass once we levelled out, and I couldn’t resist a Singapore Sling shortly after, it feels almost compulsory on this airline.
A light meal was served after departure before lights were dimmed. About half way through the flight, dinner began with the airline’s iconic chicken satay, smoky and tender, followed by a prawn salad. Mains ranged from Beef Short Rib to Halibut, Chicken in Black Bean Sauce and Lamb Biryani. Everything arriving from the galley smelled tempting, and it was one of those menus where the hardest part is narrowing it down.
Dessert offered cake, brownie, cheese or fruit. For snacking between meals, the “Delectables” menu is available at any time, which is always welcome on a long-haul flight.
Amenity kits are handed out on request only, a change I appreciated for its reduced waste. The usual comforts (earplugs, socks, slippers and an eye mask) were also available.
Book the Cook
Singapore Airlines’ Book the Cook service is one of its standout luxuries for premium passengers, offering the chance to pre order a main meal from a wide menu before the flight. The options are often more extensive than those offered on board and include regional favourites, lighter dishes and a few indulgent classics.
Because my upgrade was delivered at the very last moment, I didn’t get the opportunity to use Book the Cook on this trip. It was a small regret, as the service is known for its excellent variety on long haul routes like this one. For those who plan ahead, it is an easy and thoughtful way to personalise your experience and ensure the meal you want is waiting for you at altitude.
Entertainment and Connectivity
KrisWorld remains one of the most extensive in-flight entertainment systems in the sky, with more than 1,800 options on a crisp 18-inch monitor. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, and the noise-cancelling headphones created a comfortable little cocoon.
Complimentary Wi-Fi worked well for most of the flight, dropping only when passing through restricted regions. For a cabin full of passengers quietly working, streaming or catching up with messages, this made a noticeable difference.
Kris+: Extending the Experience on the Ground
One of the underrated pillars of the wider Singapore Airlines experience is Kris+, the airline’s lifestyle and rewards app that works seamlessly once you touch down. It is designed to maximise the value of your KrisFlyer miles, offering the chance to earn or spend them at thousands of partner outlets across dining, retail, attractions and wellness.
What sets Kris+ apart is its ability to deliver genuine on-the-ground usefulness. Whether that means picking up a coffee in Changi, booking a massage during a long layover or exploring partner restaurants in cities like Singapore, Sydney or London, the app extends the sense of care and polish you feel in the air. Promotions and miles-back offers change regularly, so a quick check before you pay can lead to surprisingly generous returns.
For frequent Singapore Airlines flyers, it turns everyday spending into a steady flow of miles and perks. For occasional travellers, it simply makes the hours before or after a long-haul flight feel a little more rewarding.
Overall Thoughts
Singapore Airlines’ A380 business class continues to set a very high bar. The cabin feels peaceful, the pods are spacious and indulgently private, and the service is warm without being intrusive. From the footrest to the on-demand amenities, it’s a product that feels carefully considered and beautifully executed.
For a last minute upgrade, it felt like an unexpected luxury. For anyone booking ahead, it’s a reliable and elegant way to cross continents — and a reminder that sometimes the journey can be just as memorable as the destination.
Jenny’s upgrade was courtesy of Singapore Airlines.
