Singapore Airlines Economy to Europe (Perth – London via Singapore)

Australians are now travelling more than pre-COVID and unsurprisingly, the UK remains one of the top five destinations. Of course, we’d all rather be flying to London in Business Class, but the majority of passengers still fly to Europe in long-haul Economy.

I’ve been quite fortunate – on my four return trips to Europe since 2022, almost every flight has been in Business Class (one was in Premium Economy, and three were in First Class). So it’s only fair that I settle back in Singapore Airlines Economy for the journey from Perth to London for my latest work trip to the UK.

Read on for the full experience, along with what to expect when you hold Velocity Gold or Platinum status.

Check-in, lounge and boarding

Singapore Airlines uses kiosk check-in for Economy passengers. There’s usually no queue for one, and ground staff are on hand to assist passengers. However, you can also use a dedicated priority check-in counter co-located with the Business Class counter if you hold Velocity Gold, KrisFlyer Gold or equivalent Star Alliance Gold status.

I’m quickly issued both Economy boarding passes and my luggage is tagged all the way to London with Business Class priority – another perk of status.

Economy Class doesn’t include lounge access. But with those same Gold-grade (or higher) credentials, the magnificent Singapore Airlines Perth SilverKris Lounge awaits.

Inside, I feast on sizzling chai tow kway (fried Singapore-style radish cake), steamed dim sum and a filling Pinjarra Bakery lamb pie, alongside a freshly-mixed SilverKris Sling featuring Old Young’s Gin. It’s a real treat before an Economy flight, and for me, one of the key reasons to maintain Velocity status in its current form.

Boarding is done by groups, with Economy being boarded from back to front. Once again, Gold perks let you jump ahead after Business Class and PPS Club members if you want.

SQ226: Airbus A350 Economy (Perth – Singapore)

Seat and layout

Singapore Airlines’ medium-haul Airbus A350s are outfitted with 263 Economy seats in a 3-3-3 layout. These seats are virtually identical to Singapore Airlines’ long-haul Economy, except for minor variations between aircraft types.

With an industry-standard 32″ seat pitch and 17.3″ (44 cm) seat width, along with a crisp 11.6″ (29.5 cm) touchscreen entertainment system, there’s little to fault in terms of personal space and in-flight enjoyment. Every seat comes with a comfy pillow and blanket, plus the crew distribute a hot towel before departure.

The 5″ (12.7 cm) recline offers just the right amount of tilt to relax. But if your seatmate decides to lean back, your knee space will be a bit more limited. For me, there’s just enough knee space to stretch out.

For those who like to keep their essentials close, the spacious seat pockets provide ample room for your travel items. When it’s time to recharge, shared AC power outlets are conveniently located between each seat. Each row of three has two power outlets available.

I’ve got everything I need to be comfortable for a five-hour flight to Singapore.

Food and beverages

On a daytime flight of this length, the meal service is stretched out to take up a significant chunk of the journey. Soon after take-off, the crew came around with a nut mix and a choice of drinks from the bar. I go for a red wine, La Vieille Ferme Cotes du Ventoux Rouge, which is quite decent for Economy.

Next up is lunch. The chicken tikka masala with vegetables and pilaf rice is an excellent meal that packs a strong flavour. One downside is that the vegetables are overcooked, but the tasty spiced chicken and sauce make up for it. Lunch is served with a smoked salmon appetiser and bread roll.

The dessert is one of the best ice creams I’ve licked in Economy – rock salted caramel gelato. Thick and creamy, it’s the perfect way to finish off the meal (along with the Tim Tam).

Onboard amenities and KrisWorld

The medium-haul Airbus A350s have the newest version of the KrisWorld entertainment system. It’s one of my favourites, with plenty of new-release movies and box-set TV shows.

The USB port underneath the screen delivers enough power to charge my phone during the flight. Singapore Airlines also offers complimentary Wi-Fi for KrisFlyer members in Economy. As both my KrisFlyer and Velocity numbers are on the booking, it works well for me with speeds of around 15 Mbps down.

Transit in Singapore

With Velocity, KrisFlyer or Star Alliance partner elite status, Singapore Airlines Economy passengers can visit the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge, which is a step down from the Business and First Class SilverKris Lounges.

Even so, the food and beverage options are quite good. There’s a laksa station, steamed buns, hot dishes such as garlic tofu, plus TWG teas and the same red wine they serve onboard in Economy.

I’ve got a few hours to kill, so I also wander around a few shops and later return to the lounge for a quick shower. Just keep in mind that security is done at the gate in Singapore, so don’t go over at the last minute.

Even without lounge access, I don’t think I’d ever be bored with a transit at Changi Airport.

SQ322: Airbus A380 Economy (Singapore – London)

Seat and layout

The next flight to London is on the Singapore Airlines’ flagship Airbus A380, though still in Economy. The double-decker jet has a whopping 343 Economy seats on the lower deck, in a 3-4-3 layout across three cabins.

These seats, the Recaro CL3710, are identical to the ones I flew up from Perth in. But because of the Airbus A380’s roomier cabin, the seat width is upgraded to 18.5″ (47 cm)—a whole 3 cm wider. On this 13-hour flight, the extra shoulder space makes all the difference. Seat pitch and recline remain the same.

Food and beverages

It’s a late-night departure, so there isn’t a leisurely post-take-off nuts and drinks service. Instead, dinner is efficiently offered about an hour into the flight.

There are only two choices – fish or chicken – so I opt for the fish arrabbiata with eggplants and mushrooms. The chilli flakes add some kick, and while I can’t finish all the pasta, I enjoy the chunky fish and vegetables.

A cheeky whisky and soda help me slumber for a few hours (I haven’t decided whether that or chamomile tea is more effective). Once I can’t rest anymore, I stretch my legs and head to the galley to ask for a Coke Zero. The galley is also stocked with a wide range of snacks that are free to take.

For those who are more peckish, there’s a ciabatta with either chicken or hummus and vegetables. But if you’re feeling more indulgent, help yourself to chocolates, crisps, cranberries and more.

For breakfast, I’m positively delighted when I spot Singapore Fried Carrot Cake on the menu. No, there are no carrots, and it certainly isn’t a sweet cake.

But similar to the chai tow kway I enjoyed in the Perth SilverKris Lounge, this local favourite comes with a generous serving of prawns and pickled turnip with savoury radish rice-flour cake. The other option is a typical scrambled eggs with meatballs if you prefer Western fare.

Onboard amenities

The middle hours of this flight do drag a bit, but Singapore Airlines offers plenty to do. Once again, the free Wi-Fi for KrisFlyer members works flawlessly, and I happily tap away at my laptop for a while. (As boring as it sounds, I find that doing light work helps pass the time the quickest when travelling for work).

With my Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds connected via a Bluetooth adapter, I also line up Inside Out 2 and enjoy the film over breakfast.

Singapore Airlines stocks essentials such as dental kits and female hygiene products in the lavatories. It’s not always obvious, so look around for a drawer you can pop open or speak to a cabin crew member for help.

How to book this journey with points

Perth to London generally sits in the second-highest row of the points table with most programs. Economy rewards are usually easier to book, especially if you’re after multiple seats.

• Velocity Points: 65,000 points + ~A$226 one-way (carrier charges are increasing from 2025)
• KrisFlyer miles: 47,500 miles (Saver) or 80,000 miles (Advantage) + ~A$105 one-way

If you can access flexible rewards programs that transfer to KrisFlyer at 3:1 or Velocity at 2:1, you’ll need to decide between using fewer points (Velocity) or paying less in fees and charges (KrisFlyer).

With KrisFlyer awards, you can take advantage of a complimentary stopover in Singapore with a return Saver redemption or a one-way Advantage redemption. That’s not possible with Velocity without booking both flights as separate reward seats, which then becomes more expensive.

Our verdict: Economy to London with SQ

I land in London feeling a bit weary, but overall, it’s a perfectly comfortable journey with Singapore Airlines. The seats have enough legroom and width (particularly on the Airbus A380, where it matters the most).

Service is excellent on both flights, the meals are tasty and well-portioned, and entertainment is covered with a comprehensive inflight entertainment system and free browsing Wi-Fi for KrisFlyer members in Economy.

In my last Singapore Airlines Economy review, I mentioned the only thing missing was the humble hot towel – and even that has returned now.

Photography by Brandon Loo, who travelled as a guest of Singapore Airlines.

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