I flew long-haul in business, premium economy, and economy on 3 different flights and was blown away by the differences

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Taylor RainsMay 31, 2023, 16:03 IST
I flew long-haul in business, premium economy, and economy on 3 different flights and was blown away by the differences

Flying in Singapore's A350 business class from Singapore to New York-JFK — the world's longest flight by distance.Taylor Rains/Insider

  • Singapore Airlines is considered one of the world's best carriers, sporting premium cabins and onboard perks.
  • I recently tried out three different fare classes, including business, premium, economy, and regular coach.

Singapore Airlines is considered one of the best carriers in the world thanks to its luxurious premium cabins and generous economy perks.

In 2022, the airline won awards from both airline ranking website Skytrax and the Airline Passenger Experience Association, the latter naming it one of just eight "World Class" carriers.

Considering its reputation, Insider decided to test out its products on flights between New York and Singapore, assessing three classes across its Airbus A380 and Airbus A350 planes. These include business, premium economy, and regular coach — first class on the A380 was unfortunately already booked up.

After the long-haul journeys, there are a few nit-picky things that Singapore could improve. But, overall, it is clear the carrier is committed to its customer experience — regardless of cabin.

Here's how the inflight perks compare.

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In January, I flew from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Singapore via Frankfurt on its mammoth Airbus A380.

In January, I flew from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Singapore via Frankfurt on its mammoth Airbus A380.
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380.Urbanandsport/NurPhoto/Getty Images

I flew on Singapore's Airbus A380 for 12 hours in economy from Germany to Singapore. The seat was surprisingly amenity-heavy and made the long trek easy.

On the first leg, I flew in premium economy for about 8 hours, while the second leg was about 12 hours in regular coach.

On the first leg, I flew in premium economy for about 8 hours, while the second leg was about 12 hours in regular coach.
Singapore premium economy (L) and regular economy (R).Taylor Rains/Insider

I flew on Singapore's mammoth A380 in premium economy to Germany and the service was great, but the seat had one major flaw I couldn't overlook

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I flew in business class on the return flight.

I flew in business class on the return flight.
Flying in Singapore's A350 business class from Singapore to New York-JFK — the world's longest flight by distance.Taylor Rains/Insider

I flew on the world's longest flight in business class and thought the 18-hour trip from Singapore to New York was nearly flawless

But, on the way home, I ditched the A380 for the twin-engine Airbus A350 and flew 18 hours nonstop from Singapore to New York, which is the world's longest flight.

But, on the way home, I ditched the A380 for the twin-engine Airbus A350 and flew 18 hours nonstop from Singapore to New York, which is the world's longest flight.
Singapore Airlines A350 business class.Sorbis/Shutterstock
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As most would expect, the experiences were vastly different, especially between economy and business.

As most would expect, the experiences were vastly different, especially between economy and business.
Singapore Airlines' A380 economy cabin.Taylor Rains/Insider

When I first got to Singapore's Changi Airport to check-in for my business class flight, I immediately noticed the extra perks available, including a separate ticket counter with a short queue.

When I first got to Singapore's Changi Airport to check-in for my business class flight, I immediately noticed the extra perks available, including a separate ticket counter with a short queue.
The business class check in area for Singapore at Changi airport.Taylor Rains/Insider
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I had my boarding pass within five minutes of arriving at the airport.

I had my boarding pass within five minutes of arriving at the airport.
Taylor Rains/Insider

This is a stark difference from check-in process in New York, which had snaking lines of economy passengers waiting to check their bags.

This is a stark difference from check-in process in New York, which had snaking lines of economy passengers waiting to check their bags.
Taylor Rains/Insider
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Fortunately, my premium economy ticket did come with a separate queue as well, though wasn't as fast as business. But, it definitely beat the coach line, which could see up to 343 people per flight.

Fortunately, my premium economy ticket did come with a separate queue as well, though wasn't as fast as business. But, it definitely beat the coach line, which could see up to 343 people per flight.
Taylor Rains/Insider

But, I didn't get much special treatment otherwise. When I flew business, I could access Singapore's giant Changi lounge that offers free food, alcoholic drinks, and plenty of space to comfortably work or relax.

But, I didn't get much special treatment otherwise. When I flew business, I could access Singapore's giant Changi lounge that offers free food, alcoholic drinks, and plenty of space to comfortably work or relax.
I had a light bite to eat at the lounge.Taylor Rains/Insider
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In New York, on the other hand, I sat at one of airport bars before my flight as it was more comfortable than gate seats.

In New York, on the other hand, I sat at one of airport bars before my flight as it was more comfortable than gate seats.
My premium economy boarding pass.Taylor Rains/Insider

Priority Pass was also an option — and something I use frequently to get airport lounge access — but I ran into the pesky wait list and decided to skip it this trip.

Priority Pass was also an option — and something I use frequently to get airport lounge access — but I ran into the pesky wait list and decided to skip it this trip.
My priority pass card that gets me into airport lounges across the world.Taylor Rains/Insider
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During boarding, I was reminded of the perks of business. In Singapore, I was one of the first people on the plane and was welcomed with a mimosa. The flight attendant also took my lunch order before takeoff.

During boarding, I was reminded of the perks of business. In Singapore, I was one of the first people on the plane and was welcomed with a mimosa. The flight attendant also took my lunch order before takeoff.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Boarding in New York, however, was more cattle-like as everyone started crowding the door in preparation after the premium passengers enplaned.

Boarding in New York, however, was more cattle-like as everyone started crowding the door in preparation after the premium passengers enplaned.
Taylor Rains/Insider
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But, I was lucky to escape some of the chaos because I was flying in premium economy, which has an earlier boarding group.

But, I was lucky to escape some of the chaos because I was flying in premium economy, which has an earlier boarding group.
The flight attendants served drinks and nuts right after takeoff, not before like in business.Taylor Rains/Insider

The same can't be said for regular coach though — in Frankfurt, I was one of the last to board, as expected with the lowest tier ticket.

The same can't be said for regular coach though — in Frankfurt, I was one of the last to board, as expected with the lowest tier ticket.
Singapore Airlines' premium economy and economy signs in Frankfurt airport.Taylor Rains/Insider
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Granted, I don't really stress too much about the airport experience itself as long as the flight is on time and I have a place to charge electronics.

Granted, I don't really stress too much about the airport experience itself as long as the flight is on time and I have a place to charge electronics.
Two jetbridges upon landing in Frankfurt as both are needed to enplane and deplane the giant A380.Taylor Rains/Insider

So, I put more stock into the cabin products themselves and find Singapore is simply in a different league compared to many Western airlines.

So, I put more stock into the cabin products themselves and find Singapore is simply in a different league compared to many Western airlines.
Singapore Airlines A350-900.KITTIKUN YOKSAP/Shutterstock
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For business class on the A350, I was blown away.

For business class on the A350, I was blown away.
Taylor Rains/Insider

The seat itself is huge with wings around the headrest for extra privacy, as well as a giant TV screen and plenty of storage space.

The seat itself is huge with wings around the headrest for extra privacy, as well as a giant TV screen and plenty of storage space.
The cubby next to the seat had noise-cancelling headphones and a water bottle in it.Taylor Rains/Insider
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I managed to snag a window seat, meaning I didn't have a neighbor and I could sprawl out as I pleased — and the lounger was so wide I could even sit criss-cross.

I managed to snag a window seat, meaning I didn't have a neighbor and I could sprawl out as I pleased — and the lounger was so wide I could even sit criss-cross.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, the business class food is top-notch, offering steak, cheese, fish, and other delicious meals on nice glassware and served with actual silverware.

Moreover, the business class food is top-notch, offering steak, cheese, fish, and other delicious meals on nice glassware and served with actual silverware.
Several of the meals served onboard, including a "floating island" dessert with fruit, salmon, steak, potatoes, and halibut.Taylor Rains/Insider
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I also appreciated the bottomless drinks that were regularly distributed throughout the cabin, as well as the personalized treatment from the flight attendants, who addressed me as "Ms. Rains" during every interaction.

I also appreciated the bottomless drinks that were regularly distributed throughout the cabin, as well as the personalized treatment from the flight attendants, who addressed me as "Ms. Rains" during every interaction.
I was given nuts and wine ahead of the first meal service.Taylor Rains/Insider

But by far my favorite feature of Singapore's A350 business class seat was its giant bed, which was bigger than any I've seen on US airlines like American and United.

But by far my favorite feature of Singapore's A350 business class seat was its giant bed, which was bigger than any I've seen on US airlines like American and United.
The huge space on the bottom half of the bed area.Taylor Rains/Insider
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Instead of skinny lie-flat beds that force travelers to sleep on their back or side, Singapore's bed was big enough to sleep on my stomach — which is how I sleep at home.

Instead of skinny lie-flat beds that force travelers to sleep on their back or side, Singapore's bed was big enough to sleep on my stomach — which is how I sleep at home.
The top half of the bed.Taylor Rains/Insider

In my opinion, this is the most important perk of business class. Sleeping on long-haul journeys is hard sitting up, making the upgrade worth it to many customers.

In my opinion, this is the most important perk of business class. Sleeping on long-haul journeys is hard sitting up, making the upgrade worth it to many customers.
Me fully stretched out in the bed — I had plenty of legspace at only 5'3" tall.Taylor Rains/Insider
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But, for those without the means to pay for lie-flat beds, Singapore's premium economy and regular coach products also have a lot to offer.

But, for those without the means to pay for lie-flat beds, Singapore's premium economy and regular coach products also have a lot to offer.
Taylor Rains/Insider

In premium economy, passengers may not have a proper bed, but the carrier has fitted the seats with a legrest and a footrest…

In premium economy, passengers may not have a proper bed, but the carrier has fitted the seats with a legrest and a footrest…
The legrest and footrest combo.Taylor Rains/Insider
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…as well as a 19.5-inch wide seat that comes with an adjustable headrest and 38 inches of legroom. The seat also had plenty of storage, a large TV, and power ports.

…as well as a 19.5-inch wide seat that comes with an adjustable headrest and 38 inches of legroom. The seat also had plenty of storage, a large TV, and power ports.
One of the premium economy seats in the fully reclined position.Taylor Rains/Insider

Compared to coach, premium economy offers six extra inches of legroom, and 0.5 extra inches of seat width — and I actually did notice the added width, despite it seeming pretty negligible.

Compared to coach, premium economy offers six extra inches of legroom, and 0.5 extra inches of seat width — and I actually did notice the added width, despite it seeming pretty negligible.
There was plenty of space to spread out — and the seat even had a phone holder.Taylor Rains/Insider
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For meals, travelers will not get the same business class service that comes with a hot towel and tablecloth. But, the food is good, with options including beef, chicken, and prawns.

For meals, travelers will not get the same business class service that comes with a hot towel and tablecloth. But, the food is good, with options including beef, chicken, and prawns.
The meals come with silverware.Taylor Rains/Insider

For many people, these additional comforts in premium economy that are absent in regular coach are exactly what they need for sleeping and relaxing.

For many people, these additional comforts in premium economy that are absent in regular coach are exactly what they need for sleeping and relaxing.
The seat had a large TV and a big seatback pocket.Taylor Rains/Insider
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However, I have to nit-pick the headrest because it did not fully fold in to properly cradle my neck, meaning it did not have the support I needed for sleep.

However, I have to nit-pick the headrest because it did not fully fold in to properly cradle my neck, meaning it did not have the support I needed for sleep.
I found that this is likely because the headrest is pretty wide, but the wings don't fold in enough to compensate for that.Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, I was offered either a chicken sandwich or pizza for breakfast before we descended into Frankfurt — odd choices for a red-eye flight and something I couldn't stomach at that hour.

Moreover, I was offered either a chicken sandwich or pizza for breakfast before we descended into Frankfurt — odd choices for a red-eye flight and something I couldn't stomach at that hour.
Taylor Rains/Insider
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Because of these reasons, I actually preferred coach over premium economy because the more flexible headrest helped me sleep better and the food was more appetizing.

Because of these reasons, I actually preferred coach over premium economy because the more flexible headrest helped me sleep better and the food was more appetizing.
The economy headrest folded in more than premium economy's.Taylor Rains/Insider

But it wasn't just the headrest that impressed me in coach. The seat also came with unique perks, like the plushest linens I've ever seen in an economy cabin...

But it wasn't just the headrest that impressed me in coach. The seat also came with unique perks, like the plushest linens I've ever seen in an economy cabin...
The linens in economy were comparable to premium economy, so there wasn't much difference in that aspect.Taylor Rains/Insider
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…as well as a convenient cup holder on the seatback, meaning I didn't always have to have the tray table down taking up space.

…as well as a convenient cup holder on the seatback, meaning I didn't always have to have the tray table down taking up space.
Taylor Rains/Insider

I also thought the seats were surprisingly spacious with 32 inches of pitch and 19 inches of width.

I also thought the seats were surprisingly spacious with 32 inches of pitch and 19 inches of width.
Taylor Rains/Insider
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This compares to 31 inches of pitch and 18.2 inches of width in economy on Lufthansa's A380. British Airways also still flies the superjumbo, though its economy seats are just 17.5 inches wide.

This compares to 31 inches of pitch and 18.2 inches of width in economy on Lufthansa's A380. British Airways also still flies the superjumbo, though its economy seats are just 17.5 inches wide.
Economy on Lufthansa's A380.Lufthansa

Source: SeatGuru, SeatGuru

As far as entertainment, coach's TV was smaller but had the same streaming options as the other cabins.

As far as entertainment, coach's TV was smaller but had the same streaming options as the other cabins.
Taylor Rains/Insider
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Meanwhile, the food was surprisingly very flavorful, with meals coming in white bowls and plastic trays. But, instead of silverware, coach passengers got bamboo utensils.

Meanwhile, the food was surprisingly very flavorful, with meals coming in white bowls and plastic trays. But, instead of silverware, coach passengers got bamboo utensils.
Economy meals: chicken and noodles (top left), ice cream (top right), tiger beer (bottom left), chicken and potatoes (bottom right).Taylor Rains/Insider

Typically, premium economy meals are tastier with more complex recipes compared to regular coach — and that is Singapore's intention, but I think it only shined through during the dinner service. Economy's breakfast was much better.

Typically, premium economy meals are tastier with more complex recipes compared to regular coach — and that is Singapore's intention, but I think it only shined through during the dinner service. Economy's breakfast was much better.
I was given yoghurt as part of my breakfast dish, which also included traditional noodles.Taylor Rains/Insider
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While I was very impressed with economy, it is still the lowest fare option, meaning there were no airport perks, there was less storage, the cabin was crowded with hundreds of people, and I had two neighbors in my row.

While I was very impressed with economy, it is still the lowest fare option, meaning there were no airport perks, there was less storage, the cabin was crowded with hundreds of people, and I had two neighbors in my row.
While premium economy had a few more nooks and crannies, the coach seatback pocket did have convenient storage slots.Taylor Rains/Insider

However, in premium economy, I only had one seatmate — and in business I was left alone in nearly full privacy.

However, in premium economy, I only had one seatmate — and in business I was left alone in nearly full privacy.
Business had the most amount of storage out of the three, including a cubby next to the TV and slots beside and below the seat.Taylor Rains/Insider
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I do think a sliding door as seen on All Nippon Airways' "The Room" business class would make Singapore more competitive, but it still has a better product than most airlines business classes I've flown.

I do think a sliding door as seen on All Nippon Airways' "The Room" business class would make Singapore more competitive, but it still has a better product than most airlines business classes I've flown.
ANA's business class cabin, which has fully enclosed privacy doors.Taylor Rains/Insider

I flew in business class on Japan's biggest airline for 14 hours and the seat felt more like a hotel room

At the end of the day, airline cabins are a tier system. Every class builds upon the other and I think Singapore balances this well.

At the end of the day, airline cabins are a tier system. Every class builds upon the other and I think Singapore balances this well.
Singapore's A350 business class.Taylor Rains/Insider
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Of course the economy and business experience will be vastly different — that's why one is worth hundreds and the other is worth thousands.

Of course the economy and business experience will be vastly different — that's why one is worth hundreds and the other is worth thousands.
The economy seat reclined.Taylor Rains/Insider

But I wouldn't dread flying in coach on Singapore, and would actually book it over premium economy since it'll be cheaper and offer enough comforts.

But I wouldn't dread flying in coach on Singapore, and would actually book it over premium economy since it'll be cheaper and offer enough comforts.
Taylor Rains/Insider
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However, despite my personal qualms, I do think premium economy is a solid middle-ground for travelers who want extra amenities and a little more space but don't have the budget for business.

However, despite my personal qualms, I do think premium economy is a solid middle-ground for travelers who want extra amenities and a little more space but don't have the budget for business.
The headrest only folded in about 60 degrees, rather than folding fully perpendicular to the seat.Taylor Rains/Insider
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