Singapore Airlines has had a quiet upgrade over the last couple of years. The long haul cabins are getting a full refresh, Changi’s lounges keep stepping up, and the network’s been tweaked in ways that make life easier if you’re often bouncing between Europe, Asia and Australia. It still feels like the same calm, polished SQ experience, but with more consistency, better lounges, and a clear path to new “suite style” business seats from 2026.
I’ve flown Singapore Airlines Business Class multiple times in the last couple of years, across different aircraft and routes, and this guide is my honest take on what it’s like now, heading into 2026. I’ll walk through what’s new, which planes you’ll want to book, how the seat and sleep really feel on long sectors, and when it makes sense to pay cash, use miles, or pounce on a deal.
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Overview of Singapore Airlines Business Class
When I think about “reliable, grown up” business class, Singapore Airlines is always near the top of the list. It’s calm, organised, and feels built for people who fly long haul a lot, not just once in a lifetime.
On the long haul A350s and 777s you get a wide seat, full flat bed and direct aisle access in a 1–2–1 layout. It’s not the newest seat in the sky anymore, but it’s still comfortable. Once the crew make up the bed, it feels more like a firm hotel mattress than a fancy recliner, and it’s very possible to get real sleep on overnight flights.
Food is one of the reasons people stay loyal to SQ (myself included). The regular menu is usually great, but the real perk is Book the Cook on flights from Singapore and a few key cities. Being able to pre order a specific dish you actually want to eat makes a big difference, especially on long sectors where the main meal is a big chunk of the experience.
Service has that classic Singapore Airlines polish, but it’s a bit more relaxed than it used to be. Crews are generally kind, attentive and quietly on top of things without hovering. You don’t feel fussed over, but you also rarely have to ask twice for anything.
And then there’s Changi. A lot of the “SQ experience” is really the Changi experience: easy transfers, efficient security, and lounges that feel like somewhere you’d happily spend a few hours. The newer SilverKris spaces in Terminal 3 already work well if you’re in and out of Singapore a lot, and with Terminal 2 being upgraded, the ground side of the journey is only getting better.
What’s new with Singapore Airlines Business Class?
If you fly Singapore Airlines regularly, the next couple of years are a quiet but very real upgrade. The hard product is getting more private, Changi is adding even more lounge space, and the network is being tweaked in ways that make life easier for people doing regular long haul flights between Europe, Asia and Australia.
New A350 business suites on the way from 2026
The biggest change on the horizon is the next generation long haul Business Class seat. SQ’s in the middle of a huge project to refit its A350 long haul and ultra long range fleet, with the first aircraft due to fly in 2026 and the rest following over the next few years.
The idea is simple: move away from the slightly fussy “flip over” seat to something more intuitive and more private. Think a proper forward-facing seat that’s easier to lounge in, higher shells for privacy, smarter storage and a more “mini-suite” feel. If you regularly fly routes like Singapore–London, Frankfurt, Zurich, Sydney, Melbourne, San Francisco or New York, that’s where you’ll start to see these new cabins first.
New and refreshed lounges at Changi (especially T2)
On the ground, Changi’s still one of the nicest hubs in the world to pass through in business class, and it’s only getting better. Terminal 3’s SilverKris Business lounge already feels like a proper “home base” if you’re in and out of Singapore a lot: bright, spacious, with good food, a decent bar, showers, nap areas and quieter corners to work in.
The new story is Terminal 2. Singapore Airlines has kicked off a full refresh of its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges there, with a brand new First Class lounge already open and the business side being upgraded in phases. The resykt is more capacity, clearer zones for working, dining and resting, and a look and feel that matches the newer T3 spaces.
New Singapore Airlines routes and frequencies
SQ hasn’t gone wild adding brand new dots on the map. Instead, it’s quietly increased routes that business travellers already use frequently. London’s the standout. For summer 2025, Gatwick moved up to a daily A350 service, sitting alongside multiple daily flights from Heathrow. In practical terms, that means more nonstop flights between London and Singapore, better timings in both directions, and more chances to find award space or a decent fare without having to contort your schedule.
Elsewhere in Europe, there are extra flights to Rome, Milan and Barcelona in peak season. In Australia, capacity has been bumped up to Perth and Adelaide and kept strong into Sydney and Melbourne. This is great if you live outside the main hubs but still want a one-stop link to Europe or North Asia via Singapore.
KrisFlyer tweaks: easier status earning, slightly pricier awards
KrisFlyer has had a bit of a tune-up in 2025. On the plus side, some spend with Singapore-linked brands now helps you earn status, not just flights, which makes it slightly easier to hold on to Elite status or PPS value if you’re already pretty loyal.
On the flip side, award prices in business and first have nudged up a little. There’s also a new, more flexible “last seat” style redemption option that costs more miles but gives you another way to get on the flight you need. If you live in SQ’s ecosystem, the overall picture’s still positive. It rewards people who fly and spend with the airline regularly, and while the very best sweet spots cost a few more miles than they used to, the underlying product you’re booking into is slowly getting better – in the air and on the ground.
How to book Singapore Airlines Business Class for less
Singapore Airlines isn’t usually cheap in business, but there are smart ways to make it work, whether you’re using miles, upgrades or just knowing when to pounce on a deal.
Using KrisFlyer miles
If you’re in the KrisFlyer program, this is still the best way to book Singapore Airlines business without breaking the bank. Saver awards are the sweet spot, especially on routes like Singapore to Sydney, Tokyo or London. They sell out early, so the trick is to book as far ahead as you can or keep an eye out for last minute space that sometimes appears in the final week before departure.
Most major credit card programs, such as Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One, and Bilt, transfer points to KrisFlyer 1:1, usually within a day or two. That flexibility makes it easy to top up your balance when a deal appears. If you fly a mix of cash and award tickets, the miles you earn on paid trips can help you hit or keep Elite Gold or PPS Club status, which makes lounge access and upgrades much easier later.
Upgrading from economy or premium economy
If you’ve booked economy or premium economy, it’s always worth checking for upgrade offers in the “Manage Booking” section on SQ’s site or app. You can often upgrade using miles, or occasionally for a fixed cash price a few days before your flight. These aren’t guaranteed, but they’re a good way to try business without paying the full fare.
Timing matters
Singapore Airlines rarely runs public sales, but prices do dip during shoulder seasons (around February – March and October – November) when business travel slows down. If your dates are flexible, flying midweek can also make a difference. For award tickets, KrisFlyer sometimes releases bonus Saver seats during quieter periods, so it’s worth checking back even after your first search.
When to use Going
For paid tickets, I usually let Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) do the hunting for me. They track both economy and premium cabin deals and will email when they find unusually cheap business fares on airlines like Singapore Airlines. It’s an easy way to catch “mistake” or unadvertised fares before they disappear. If you’re planning a trip for later this year, it’s worth joining. And, if you use code JON25, you’ll get a discount on their premium membership.
My honest take
Singapore Airlines business isn’t a “deal hunter’s” airline. You’re paying for reliability, service and comfort, but with a bit of planning, you don’t need to pay full sticker price. I’d aim to use miles when you can, jump on an occasional fare alert from Going, and keep your eyes open for upgrade offers in the weeks before you fly. That mix usually gets you into a lie-flat seat for a lot less than booking blindly.
Ground experience: check in, lounges and Changi
One of the best parts of flying Singapore Airlines starts before you even board. The whole process at Changi feels calm and predictable, which is rare these days. It’s one of my favorite airports in the world!
Check in for business class is quick and quietly efficient. There’s a separate SkyPriority area, so you can usually walk straight up to the counter and drop your bags without waiting behind a long queue. Security and immigration move fast, too.
Once you’re airside, the lounge experience is where SQ really impresses. The main SilverKris Business Class lounge in Terminal 3 is bright, open and surprisingly relaxing even at busy times. There’s proper food rather than snack trays, a bar that serves coffee and champagne, and plenty of quiet corners if you need to catch up on work or relax. Showers are spotless, and the nap areas make long layovers bearable.
If you’re departing from or connecting through Terminal 2, the new First Class lounge opened this month, and the business side is being upgraded next. When it’s finished, T2 will match the look and feel of T3 with more space, softer lighting and much better food. For anyone who flies through Singapore often, that’s a huge plus.
Outside Singapore, SQ’s lounges are more of a mixed bag, but still solid. The new Perth lounge is a big step up, and the spaces in Sydney, Melbourne and London all feel consistent with the brand. When you’re at an airport without a SilverKris lounge, SQ usually sends you to a partner lounge that’s at least comfortable enough to eat, shower and regroup before boarding.
Best and worst Singapore Airlines Business Class seats (by aircraft)
Not all Singapore Airlines business seats are the same, and the difference really matters if you fly long haul often. Here’s how it shakes out at the moment.
Long haul A350s and 777s
These are the backbone of SQ’s long haul network and where you get the big, wide seats in a one two one layout with direct aisle access. You still flip the seat into bed mode, which feels a bit odd the first time, but once it’s made it’s a genuinely comfortable place to sleep. You’ll see these most on Singapore to London, Frankfurt, Zurich, Paris, Sydney, Melbourne, San Francisco and New York.
A380 upper deck
If you catch the A380, it’s still one of the best cabins around. Business lives on the upper deck, the seats are huge, storage is better, and the vibe is quiet and relaxed. It’s great for couples in the middle seats and very private for solo travellers at the window. You’ll most often find the A380 on Singapore to London Heathrow, Frankfurt and Sydney, with occasional appearances to big Asian hubs.
Medium haul A350s and 787-10s
These have the newer regional lie flat seat that’s slimmer with less storage, but still fine for five to seven hour hops. It’s the right tool for Asia and Australia runs where you want flat sleep without the big long haul throne. You’ll see these on routes like Singapore to Perth, Adelaide, Bangkok, Tokyo and sometimes to India.
737-8 MAX
This is a small cabin with recliner seats rather than lie flats, so set expectations accordingly. It’s comfortable for a short regional hop and the service is still very SQ, but it’s not what you want for an overnight. You’ll find it on thinner routes around the region like Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Phuket, Da Nang and Cebu.
Onboard experience: seats, sleep, Wi Fi, Book the Cook and service
Once you settle in, Singapore Airlines business feels calm and unhurried. The small details add up without shouting about it.
Seats and sleep
The long haul seats are wide and firm, with plenty of space to stretch out. They flip into a full flat bed that’s easy to settle into once it’s made, and the bedding feels more like a proper hotel setup than most airlines manage. Crews are usually quick to help if you look ready to crash, and the lighting and cabin temperature make it easy to drift off. On daytime flights the seat works well for working too, with space for a laptop, a drink and still somewhere to rest your arm.
Wi-Fi and entertainment
The KrisWorld system is still one of the best out there, with hundreds of films, TV shows, playlists and live channels. Screens are crisp and large, and you can pair your own headphones over Bluetooth. Wi-Fi coverage is expanding quickly across the fleet. Once you’re connected through your KrisFlyer login, it’s fast enough for emails, browsing and even a quick video call if you really need it.
Food and Book the Cook
Meals in business feel like a genuine highlight rather than an afterthought. The standard menu already leans heavily on fresh flavours and good presentation, but Book the Cook takes it up another level. You can pre order signature dishes before you fly, from classic lobster thermidor to regional options like laksa or chicken rice.
Service and small touches
Singapore Airlines crews have a very specific style: warm, polished and quietly attentive. You rarely have to ask twice for anything, and there’s a sense of calm professionalism that runs through the whole service. They’ll pace the meal around you if you want to sleep early, or take time explaining the wine list if you’re in no rush. In the bathrooms you’ll find amenities from Penhaligon’s or Lalique, depending on the aircraft, plus hot towels before and after meals so you can freshen up easily.
Singapore Airlines Business Class vs Suites/First
Because this is a business class guide, I’ll keep it short and honest: Suites and First feel special, but most travellers won’t need them to have a fantastic trip.
What is Suites/First?
On the A380, Suites are six private rooms at the very front, each with a large recliner and a separate bed, plus doors for genuine privacy. The two centre Suites even open into a double room for couples.
On select 777s, you’ll find First instead – a tiny four-seat cabin with a wide armchair, soft lighting, and deeply personal service. It’s less about bells and whistles and more about calm, quiet attention. Both cabins include dedicated First check-in and access to The Private Room at Changi, where the service is unhurried and the food easily rivals a fine restaurant.
How it feels different from Business
Singapore Airlines’ Business Class already does everything you need it to: a fully flat bed, direct aisle access, thoughtful service, and well-designed storage. The step up to Suites or First is all about space, privacy and pace.
In Suites, having a separate seat and bed changes the whole rhythm of a long flight. You can properly dine, stretch and sleep without compromise. On the 777, First feels more like a private club than an aircraft cabin. But Business still shines. The seats are wide, bedding is excellent, and “Book the Cook” often outperforms the regular menu.
Which one should you book?
For almost everyone, Business Class is the sweet spot. It’s comfortable, quiet and consistently polished. You’ll land rested, well-fed and with your wallet intact.
I’d only recommend Suites or First when privacy and indulgence are the goal. Maybe this is for a honeymoon, a milestone trip, or bucket-list flight on the A380. Business is the smart luxury you’ll appreciate every time; Suites and First are the once-in-a-while experience you’ll remember forever.
Singapore Airlines Business Class vs other airlines
There are plenty of great business class options these days, but Singapore Airlines still holds its own against the best. Here’s how it stacks up against three big names travellers often compare it with.
Singapore Airlines vs Qatar Airways
Qatar’s Qsuite is still the gold standard if you’re judging by privacy alone. The doors, the finishes, and the layout all feel incredibly polished. But the experience can vary a bit depending on the aircraft. With Singapore Airlines, you know exactly what you’re getting. The seat may not have a door (yet), but the overall calm, the service and the food are just as refined. I’d fly Qatar for a longer overnight if I wanted full privacy, but SQ wins for consistency and comfort from boarding to landing.
Singapore Airlines vs Emirates
Emirates feels more showy, Singapore Airlines feels more grown up. Emirates leans on flash, with huge screens, endless champagne, and the wow factor of the A380 bar. Singapore Airlines is quieter, steadier, more about ease and detail than spectacle. If you’re flying for work or you just want a calm space to sleep, SQ is the better pick. If you’re travelling for fun and want to enjoy the ride, Emirates is still a good time.
Singapore Airlines vs Cathay Pacific
Cathay’s business class is understated and solid, a bit like Singapore’s used to be a decade ago. Service is polite and efficient, but less personal. SQ feels warmer and a touch more polished. The biggest difference is reliability/ Singapore Airlines is very consistent, while Cathay’s service levels can swing depending on the route and crew. If you fly between Southeast Asia and Europe or Australia, SQ still edges it for food, comfort and the whole experience.
My take: Singapore Airlines doesn’t have the flashiest business class seat in the sky right now, but it nails the balance of comfort, service and trust. You board knowing you’ll eat well, sleep well and be looked after. That kind of reliability is what keeps people loyal.
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