Review: I flew premium economy with Singapore Airlines to see if it lived up to the hype

It's one of the world's best airlines, so I thought I'd test out the cabin everyone wants to know more about. Here's what I found. 

It's the biggest question among flyers - is premium economy actually worth it? 

The low down

Singapore Airlines has four flights daily from Sydney to Singapore. SQ212 leaves at a very reasonable 755am landing in Singapore at 215pm which is ideal for making the most of the late afternoon and evening in the city. I was checked into the InterContinental Singapore and at the famous Lau Pa Sat hawker centre in time for the opening of Satay Street.

Check-in

Last year I joined the carry-on only movement when luggage was going AWOL as airlines struggled to cope with the huge demand of travel post-pandemic and the feeling was liberating. Unless I’m travelling somewhere cold where big winter jackets are needed, I haven't checked a bag since, and this instance was no exception.

Checking in online via the Singapore Airlines app, I received an electronic boarding pass and cruised through Sydney International Airport security, bypassing the check-in counter altogether. If I had needed to check a bag in, there is a priority queue for premium economy passengers and priority boarding at the gate, a nice perk of the upgrade.

Check-in is smooth and quick for Singapore Airlines' premium economy passengers.

Lounge

While premium economy tickets aren’t eligible for lounge access (unless you already have status through Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer program), check your status with affiliated airlines. As a Star Alliance Gold frequent flyer, I had access to Singapore Airlines' SilverKris Lounge where I sat down for poached eggs and a perfectly-made flat white for breakfast. The self-serve buffet had pastries, yoghurt and hot breakfast on offer. And of course a well-stocked bar for a pre-flight champagne. 

A perfect breakfast of poached eggs in the SilverKris lounge. Picture: Rowena Ryan

Seat and cabin

I’m in seat 31H – score! This is the bulkhead seat with extra legroom on top of the extra legroom already offered with premium economy seats. The seat pitch is 38 inches (97cm) compared to 32 inches (cm) in economy. The seat width is 19.5 inches too, half an inch more than economy. One thing to flag though, while you’ll be able to really stretch out, the seats in row 31 don’t come with a window, but I’d take legroom over sky views any day.

There are 28 seats in the cabin in a 2-4-2 configuration. Other perks of the seats include, a calf and footrest to really settle in, two USB ports, noise cancelling headphones and a glass of Charles de Cazanove Brut Tradition NV champagne shortly after take-off.

The cabin is a 2-4-2 configuration.

Food

A chicken tandoori roti was offered as a snack but the main meal didn’t come until six hours after takeoff. So don’t board the plane hungry.

I left it too late to use the “Book the Cook” service where you can select specialty meals before your flight but I had no complaints about the butter chicken curry with potato salad, cheese and biccies and an ice-cream to finish.

Champagne and roti for snacks. Picture: Rowena Ryan

The beverage list has everything from wine to spirits, Tiger beer and the famous Singapore Sling.

Since reviewing, the airline has added over 200 dishes to its premium economy meal offering. Passengers can choose from two main course options of either international or Asian cuisine. Think beef bourguignon or Thai-style crab curry.

Crab curry is the latest addition to the premium economy menu.

Service

It’s impossible to fault the service onboard Singapore Airlines. The cabin crew are professional, courteous and attentive. Nothing is ever too big of a problem and they frequently walk the aisles should you need anything.

The service is faultless.

Entertainment

Premium economy seats are fitted out with 13.3-inch HD touch screens from which to watch the 1800 options offered on KrisWorld. I opt for the South Korean movie, Past Lives, but there was everything from Hollywood new releases to K-Pop and TV box sets.

Note if you are seated in row 31 you’ll have to stow your screen for takeoff and landing.

Entertainment for all.

Amenity kit

Since reviewing, the airline has introduced a new amenity kit for premium economy passengers on flights over seven hours with eyeshades, slippers and lip balm. Other toiletries like a toothbrush and toothpaste are available in the onboard lavatory.

The new amenity kit in premium economy.

Loyalty

Singapore’s frequent flyer program is called KrisFlyer. With over 1.3 million members, Australia has the largest KrisFlyer membership base outside of Singapore. The first benefit of signing up is that it automatically grants you free wifi on the plane. The airline has also recently launched Kris+ in Australia – their lifestyle app that allows flyers to earn and redeem miles at partners such as cafes, restaurants and bars. Currently only available in Sydney and Melbourne, you can earn up to three miles for every dollar spent at participating stores via Apple pay or Google Pay.

Verdict

Singapore Airlines is consistently rated as one of the world’s best airlines. Skytrax recently named Singapore Airlines No.2 in the world for 2024, it was named No.1 in 2023 and came in first place for the world’s best cabin staff in 2024. It certainly lived up to the hype.

This writer was a guest of Singapore Airlines. 

Originally published as Review: I flew premium economy with Singapore Airlines to see if it lived up to the hype