What’s better than flying to Europe? Flying there in Business Class. I recently did just that as a guest of Singapore Airlines on their inaugural Airbus A350 flight from Singapore to Brussels.
This flight is a welcome addition, as it provides Australian-based travellers with another option to fly to the European mainland. And it is, therefore, another opportunity to get some great value from those hard-earned frequent flyer points.
Check-in and boarding
Check-in for this flight is from Terminal 3 at Changi Airport. The great thing about Singapore Airlines flights is that check-in is open as early as 48 hours before departure. And with many Singapore Airlines-operated flights departing, the check-in area is open almost 24 hours, only closed between 2:00 am and 4:00 am. As such, there is hardly ever a large line-up, especially in Business Class.
With a boarding pass in hand, I make my way to the automated immigration gates and then to the Terminal 3 SilverKris lounge.
Airport lounge access
Singapore Airlines has four lounges available in Terminal 3 (if you count the exclusive The Private Room, which is only available to Suites and First Class passengers). But as a Business Class passenger, I can only access three of these. There are also an additional two contract lounges available to me.
Lounge options in Singapore
Singapore Airlines Terminal 3 lounges are as follows:
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold Lounge. Open to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold, PPS Club and other Star Alliance Gold frequent flyers. Also available for Gold members (and higher) of Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, as well as Air Canada Maple Leaf Club and United Club lounge members.
- Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Class. This is the go-to lounge for Singapore Airlines Business Class guests.
- Singapore Airlines SilverKris First Class Lounge. Open only to Solitaire PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club Life members when travelling in Business Class.
- SATS Premier Lounge. Open to Priority Pass and other eligible program members.
- Marhaba Lounge. Open to Priority Pass members.
- Ambassador Transit Lounge. Open to Priority Pass members.
Don’t have a shiny frequent flyer card that works with Singapore Airlines and planning to fly Economy or Premium Economy in the future? Then, you could fast-track your way to Star Alliance Gold with the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card, which is your ticket to enjoying airport lounge access year-round.
Business Class seating
As I board the plane, I am initially struck by the calming pastel violet hues emanating from the cabin ceilings. The colouring adds a touch of sophistication and reminds me that I am about to experience a fantastic journey en route to Brussels.
The Business Class seats are incredibly spacious, even for Business Class standards. But here’s a hack. If you’re looking for an extra spacious seat for this flight, opt for row 19, the first row of the rear Business Class section. Compared to a standard Business Class seat, this row of seats offers greater seat pitch and the ability to stretch my legs, even when my seat is fully upright.
There is ample storage for shoes, with a special section at the bottom front of the seat. A separate storage area near the headrest is available for smaller items, such as iPads and travel documents. This area can be closed off with a sliding door, which helps to keep things in place during takeoff and landing. There is also a storage compartment that houses some headsets and bottled water.
This A350 has non-digital seat controls, and while relatively old-school, I much prefer this layout. I’m not a fan of the new digital seat controls embedded in remotes, which, in my view, seem to increase the number of steps needed to move your seat.
However, I’m not a fan of the old-school, non-touch screens that are found on this aircraft. It is a hassle to have to take the remote in and out of its holder to navigate the screen. Especially when I have a habit of placing my welcome drink just in front of the remote. But aside from that one minor gripe, the seat is incredibly comfortable, spacious and very much competes with rivals in a highly competitive market.
Food and beverage
You can’t have a great Business Class experience without its dining being at the highest level. And on this front, Singapore Airlines easily meets the test. I peruse my hard copy menu (excited to see these are back!) and can see I’m in for a three-course treat.
Dinner delight
For the entree, I’m presented with Hot Smoked Salmon Salad. The salmon is incredibly fresh, and equally so is the salad. There is nothing worse than having a dry, tasteless salad. Accompanying these is my favourite garlic bread in the sky.
For the main, there are three options. A Seared Fillet of Barramundi with Red Capsicum Lemongrass Sauce, Singapore Style Roasted Chicken with Oriental Vegetables and Grilled Beef Fillet with Veal Jus. I opt for the former, although must admit the decision is difficult given the great choices on offer. My choice does not disappoint. The red capsicum sauce is rich and full of flavour and perfectly complements the barramundi. Being raised on a Mediterranean diet, this meal reminds me of one of my Mum’s favourite dishes. Fish and capsicum go so well together. If you’ve never tried it, do!
Remember that there is also a Book the Cook option. You can pre-book your meal up to 24 hours before your departure. And the great news is that there are meal options on this menu that are not offered during the flight.
For dessert, there are two options: a Namelaka Chocolate cake and a Cheese Platter. I go for the former. Anything with chocolate in its description is sure to satisfy my taste buds. But like a salad, a dry cake can really destroy the experience. No need to worry here, though. The cake is beautifully moist and goes down a treat – a sweet treat at that.
Breakfast is served
Breakfast is served just before landing in Brussels. I was raised to believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and I figure that sentiment continues to apply in the air. So I go wild here and order pretty much everything on the menu. I start with a Bircher Muesli and a selection of Sliced Fruits.
With the cold option done and dusted, it’s on with the hot plate. I order some Scrambled Eggs with Chicken Sausage, which comes with a side of baked beans, sauteed mushrooms and potato rosti. I love traditional English-style breakfasts, and this one is perfectly cooked.
It is safe to say that after this behemoth breakfast, I am full and ready to hit the Brussels ground running.
Inflight entertainment and service
The in-flight entertainment system meets my Business Class expectations. It has a large screen and plenty of entertainment content, including movies, TV Shows, and documentaries. Flight-related content, including my favourite map screen, is also easily at hand.
The only annoyance, as mentioned above, is the entertainment screen not being touch-enabled. But all-in-all, the system is responsive and caters for a variety of entertainment tastes. So there are no complaints here.
Summing up
It is great to see a new route to Europe open up from one of Australia’s most popular long-haul airlines. The famed Singapore Airlines service is on full display, and the comfort of a modern A350 plane and spacious Business Class suites make the journey from Singapore to Brussels fly by.
This new route also opens up a new pathway to travel to Europe via Singapore in Business Class. And, of course, being Point Hacks, we’d recommend no better value way to purchase these seats than with points. So, if you’re sitting on a stash of KrisFlyer Miles or Velocity Points, then remember to search for Brussels as a possible entry point into Europe for a Business Class points redemption.
Also read: Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 Premium Economy (Sydney – Singapore – London)
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First, The Private Room can be accessed by First Class passengers (ie. B777 First Class) and not just (A380) Suites Class passengers.
Second, the extra-large seats are not only in Row 19, as you say, but also in Row 11. And in mentioning the “hack” you should have also mentioned that those seats are only available to PPS Club members when booking… until 96 hours before the flight, when they’re made available to everyone on a first come, first served basis.