The theme of this trip is to make full use of my KrisFlyer Gold status to do a finale run and check out the SilverKris Lounge in Hong Kong. To do this, I got myself an affordable economy-class ticket on Singapore Airlines. This will allow me to use the lounges. I also wanted to visit Hong Kong again to feast which came to this trip. It has been about 2 years since my last visit. Together with some deals on trip.com, I managed to get an SQ SIN – HKG ticket for just 273.50 SGD. That is quite a deal! Status for airlines works differently as compared to hotels, it is not an issue to not book directly from the airline. I have not shared much on Singapore Economy Class and barely did a review on it. I was contemplating whether to do one since there is a certain level of difficulty in sharing it. First of all, it is hard to get good pictures of the cabin and then with it being economy class, you don’t have much to share. Airlines are often limited in scope as to how they can alleviate an economy-class experience. Premium cabins are less standardised in terms of a variety of aspects such as food, drinks, seats, design, and amenities. Be it SQ or Emirates, the economy still will be either 9 or 10 abreast with a TV screen above your seat table. My last SQ economy class review was on their 787. With that being said, I will try my best. Let’s check out Singapore Airlines’ A350 Economy Class.

Checking In

I got to the airport at around 11am or so. It was a little early for my flight departing only in the evening but I wanted more time to check out some contract lounges and to review it. I also wanted to see if they might allow me to swap to the earlier flight at 1pm at the airport but that didn’t turn out to be possible. Checking in was very smooth, I used the priority lines for Krisflyer Gold members. There was no one in line and I was immediately helped by a friendly lady who proceeded to check me in and issued my boarding pass. I spent most of my time exploring the various lounges before my flight.  

Boarding

I was assigned gate A12 for boarding. It started with PPS members and business class before we boarded with my KF Gold status. I was warmly welcomed by the crew and they also showed me to my seat. The crew was pretty nice and the service is excellent. I also managed to get some really nice pictures of the cabin which is really rare in Economy Class. I managed to get bulkhead seats in row 58 which offers excellent legroom. This is one of the best economy-class seats in the cabin.

Somehow we got one of the flights with an inflight auditor, one of those gold ties. I noticed it when he came over to welcome us onboard and told us to relax and enjoy the flight. I certainly wasn’t expecting this and was thoroughly impressed. Jason was excellent. We had a nice chat later on and it was really interesting to learn more about their role as an Inflight Auditor and Ward Leader. According to him, there are only 49 of them, besides being an auditor to supervise flights, they also take care of around 200 crew under the ward. Above them are another 9 Platinum Ties and then Ms Lim, the one lady boss of the entire Singapore Airlines Cabin Crew! Fun fact, she is the model of the Madame Tussauds wax figure. The crew soon came by with hot towels which is always appreciated! I do wish that they could bring back the welcome drinks SOP in economy class too. A simple juice or even sparkling water, that won’t cost the airline a lot! These are the little insignificant things that separate SQ from the rest of the class.

Singapore Airlines A350 Economy Class

Singapore Airlines uses an A350 Medium Haul aircraft on this flight. This aircraft comes with business class and economy class. Business Class is in the regional configuration. It comes with 40 business class seats and 263 economy class seats. Economy class is in a 3-3-3 configuration. You can find the seat map here. The extra legroom seats are 55B, C, H & J, 56A & C. The bulkhead seats in row 41 and middle seats in row 55 also offer extra space. These are the best seats on this flight. They are also only open for selections for PPS members or if you have a bassinet requirement in row 41. All seats become open for selection 48 hours before the flight when online check-in opens. This applies to award redemption tickets as well. Depending on your status, you can also choose certain seats for free at the point of booking. 

Certainly, the seats in rows 41, 55, and 56 are the ones to go for. My first choice would be row 41 followed by 55 and then 56. While 56 boosts a lot of space, they are only great for solo travellers. Row 41 while not officially extra legroom boasts extra space and you also have the TV screens on the wall which allows you to watch the TV during taxis, takeoff and landing. You also get to be the first to disembark in Economy. On the other hand, you might be in for a harsh one if you have the little ones near since these are dedicated bulkhead seats. Row 55, the true bulkhead seats are perfect for couples since they are in a configuration of 2. However, they boost the folding TV so you can’t watch them during taxis, takeoff and landing. 

I managed to get seats in row 55 for the both of us and check out this mighty legroom. These will be great for long-haul flights. The screen is also nearer to you and better for binge-watching. Do note that there is no window at these seats but these days, I will take it for that outstanding legroom. This is even more spacious than those regional business class seats. SQ uses the Recaro CL3710 seat here Economy Class. It is the same as on the 787. A pillow is left on each seat. 

The IFE Screen pairs up well with the seat table which folds out from the armrest. This makes it perfect to accompany you on your meals. Nothing much needs to be said about the world-class KrisWorld entertainment system with more options than required to fly the HKG route 10 times a month. Under the screen, you can find a USB port. The screen is also a touchscreen. Typical one-time-use headphones are provided too. Under the seat, you can also find a charging outlet. Unlimited Wi-Fi is also extended to all economy passengers if you have your KrisFlyer status tagged. 

Let me also share some pictures of the normal economy class seats which I flew back on the HKG – SIN flight. Leg space is certainly much tighter over here. You can find a 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen. By the side of the screen, you can find the ports, a little holder for small personal items and a cup holder. 

The tables folds out under with a little vanity mirror as well. In the seat holder, you will also find some reading materials and pouches for your loose items. 

There are 5 toilets dedicated for economy class passengers. They are well-maintained by the crew throughout the flight. Inside the toilets, you can find basic amenities for your usage.  

Meal Service

You will be glad to know that for the Hong Kong route, SQ offers proper inflight meals of the good olden days, none of that cardboard crap over here. You can find the menu for my SIN – HKG flight over here. The meal was served shortly after levelling off. Everything was served on a tray including the Appetizers, Main Course and Desserts. There was a choice between fish rice or chicken with noodles. We got one each to share. Both were delicious and we mopped it off. The noodles were especially good and paired so well with the chicken and the sauce. The only thing that I didn’t like was the beans. 

Throughout the meal, refills were offered and I got some Singapore Sling after. We had about 2 hours to go after the meal service. This flight duration is pretty good to relax and chilling with some snacks after too. I spent most of the time chatting with Jason after. 

Let me just share my meals on the way back from Hong Kong too. You can find the menu here. Similar we tried both options. They are pretty good and alright. This time around,t he desserts is served separately from the meal. The crew brought over the ice cream shortly after.

Conclusion

The best economy class in the world? It is hard to make it a cut above the rest. There is only so much you can do on the hard product to beat the lights of Qatar, Emirates etc. In economy class, in my opinion, it is where the soft touches make it better to fly! The Singapore Airlines crew fits the idea as they are the cream of the crops. Together with little amenities like pillows, blankets, snacks and above above-average bar. I have to say that they are among the best. Furthermore, having workable unlimited free Wi-Fi. Let’s just say this, I will choose to fly a long haul on SQ rather than Cathay! With that being said, sometimes the premium SQ charges are ridiculous over the competition. This is an excellent flight with a superb set of crew. I have to say that Jason helps and I also lucked out in having the best seat onboard. It has been a great one-final run with my KF Gold status. Hope to see you again.