Singapore Airlines premium economy: all you need to know

There’s a lot to love about Singapore Airlines’ premium economy, with this ‘in between class’ a noticeable step up from economy but without the lofty price tag of business class.

As you’d expect, it’s worth the price or KrisFlyer miles needed to upgrade, not only onboard but well that welcome glass of champagne, as perks extend to priority check-in and boarding, plus the option to pre-select meals through the airline’s ‘Book the Cook’ service.

Following an overhaul of the cabin experience earlier this year, which the airline described as the first “comprehensive revamp” since the seat’s introduction in 2015, it’s even better. 

Which Singapore Airlines flights have premium economy?

At present, Singapore Airlines offers premium economy to 31 destinations, including Sydney and Melbourne to Singapore, as well as London-Heathrow, Paris and Frankfurt.

Singapore Airlines premium economy.

You’ll find premium economy on the Star Alliance members’ Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, both of which regularly take wing between Australia and Singapore. Select long-range A350 flights also feature it.

(It’s important to note that A350s laid out in a ‘regional’ congifuration, typically seen in destinations such as Cairns, do not have premium economy. Instead, those aircraft are configured in a two class cabin with only business and economy.)

Singapore Airlines premium economy seat

Crafted for Singapore Airlines by London-based JPA Design, the team also behind Air India’s recent transformation, the padded grey leather-clad seats – arranged in a 2-4-2 layout – are sleek and stylish, accented by a pop of orange.

If you’re a stickler for the numbers, Singapore Airlines premium economy has a 38-inch pitch (six more than regular economy), eight-inch recline, and width of up to 19.5 inches, which is an extra 1 to 1.5-inches, depending on the aircraft.

Singapore Airlines premium economy.

That translates into ample room around the knees, which is where most travellers feel the squeeze – especially on long international flights.

Tray tables are hidden in the arm rest, giving the seat back in front of you an uncluttered look, plus a larger touch screen monitor than economy (13.3-inches versus 11.1) and magazine/storage pocket.

Each passenger has their own power outlets at hand – two of them, in fact: a USB Type-A at the rear of the arm rest, and an international AC down alongside your flip-up leg and footrest.

Seats at the bulkhead have an integrated foot and leg rest, while others have a foot rest beneath the seat in front.

In addition is a convenient side-pocket recess by your legs – this is large enough for a tablet, compact laptop or book – plus a small water bottle nook between the two seats.

Read more in our in-depth Singapore Airlines premium economy review here.

Singapore Airlines premium economy meals

Though it goes without saying, meals in premium economy are an improvement on those served at the back of the bus, with Singapore Airlines now plating up rotating menus spanning over 200 dishes, all served on glazed porcelain tableware.

A choice of two mains is offered on every flight, complemented by an extensive range of Book the Cook meals on select flights, which can be selected up to 24 hours prior to departure.

Singapore Airlines recently upgraded its premium economy menus.

Among the appetisers are:

• garlic roasted prawns with aioli and spanish fried potatoes
• broccoli salad with hot smoked salmon
• seasonal variations of Japanese cold noodles
• Thai-style crab curry with seasonal vegetables and rice

These are joined by mains including:

• beef Bourguignon served with bacon, mushrooms, vegetables, and potato gratin
• Japanese teriyaki salmon don
• Bak Chor Mee (minced pork noodles)
• Thai-style Crab Curry served with jasmine and brown rice, plus seasonal vegetables
• chicken satay with nasi goreng kampung

Thai-style crab curry with seasonal vegetables and rice.

Rounding out the meal are decadent desserts such as:

• chocolate feuilletine cake
• apple crumble cheesecake
• mascarpone cream cake

All meals are accompanied by chocolate, cheese and crackers, while additional snacks such as almonds and cashews can also be enjoyed throughout the flight.

In addition is a broad selection of drinks, including a glass of Charles de Cazanove Brut Tradition NV champagne served shortly after takeoff, as well as Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand’s Marlborough region and a St Hallett Faith Shiraz from the Barossa.

For breakfast, herbed omelette, sausages and sautéed mushrooms.

Book the Cook options vary depending on your departure city. As an example, flights from Sydney to Singapore may offer dishes such as butter chicken and vegetables, spicy Szechuan beef, or seafood thermidor on saffron rice.

Connections from Singapore have a much greater selection, including buttermilk pancakes with a berry compote for breakfast, herb crusted sea bass on quinoa rice and vegetables, or Singaporean-style seafood Hor Fun flat noodles.

Singapore Airlines premium economy amenities

Passengers on flights seven hours or longer receive amenities kits. The latest is from US brand Out of the Woods. Made of biodegradable packaging, it’s stocked with lip balm plus eyeshades and slippers made from recycled PET material.

A large pillow and blanket are also provided, as are noise cancelling headphones, so you can enjoy that extensive selection of video content without the sound of cabin noise.

Singapore Airlines premium economy upgrades

Singapore Airlines upgrades are all one-class, meaning if you purchase an economy seat, you could potentially upgrade to premium economy on flights where it’s offered, or business class on those where it’s not.

Also important to note is points-based upgrades can only be requested if you’re booked on Economy Flexi class tickets: those being the Y, B and E fare classes, or Economy Standard (M, H and W fare classes).

Singapore Airlines premium economy is laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration.

As an example, upgrading from economy to premium economy from Sydney to Singapore would set you back 22,500 KrisFlyer Miles on Y, B or E fare types, versus 34,000 on M, W or H fares.

Reduced-price paid upgrades are also offered, though only by invitation on a per-flight basis. Eligibility can be checked on Singapore Airlines’ website under ‘mySQupgrade’.

That ‘mySQupgrade’ provides a great opportunity to snag an upgrade if you’re booked on a less-expensive ticket or don’t have enough KrisFlyer miles in your account, but at the same time, it’s not a reliable option due to the invite-only nature of the bidding process.

Is Singapore Airlines premium economy worth it?

Absolutely. If you’re facing a long flight, those extra inches of legroom and width will definitely be appreciated. Add in the upgraded dining, larger entertainment screen and amenity kit, and you have all the makings of a more comfortable trip.

Is lounge access included for Singapore Airlines premium economy?

Unfortunately no. Lounge access is reserved for first and business class passengers, along with KrisFlyer Elite Gold members and equivalent frequent flyers of partner airlines, when travelling on Singapore Airlines. That list includes Virgin Australia Velocity frequent flyer.