‘I was more comfortable in economy’
The dining is a step up but the seats in this premium economy are not an improvement on the bulkhead ones in the class below.
The dining experience is definitely a step up but the seats in this premium economy are not an improvement on the bulkhead ones in the class below.
Take a seat
The premium economy cabin has seven rows of seats, the first two of which are arranged in pairs on either side of the stairs leading to the Airbus’s top deck. After that, seating is in a 2-4-2 configuration, with a pitch of 38 inches (96.5cm) and width of 19.5 inches (49.5cm). I’m in a bulkhead seat on the aisle, which means I have plenty of leg room, plus a leg rest that extends at the touch of a button.
Small alcoves built into the armrest are useful for items such as spectacles, phone and book; a bottle of water is stored in a
convenient niche. Amenity kits are available on request only on flights of seven hours or longer, so it’s a good thing I have my own eye mask and lip balm.
Tech talk
Complimentary wi-fi is available to KrisFlyer members, depending on the route. India,
Iran and Turkey restrict its use over their airspace so I’m unable to go online until about two hours into this flight. Good noise-cancelling headphones are provided, and there are USB-A ports and a payWave reader built into the seat.
That’s entertainment
The 13.3-inch screen is housed in my armrest and can be controlled by touch or using the wired console.
Within the 1800 entertainment options are plenty of recent-release films, including Oppenheimer, Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon plus a diverse mix of Chinese, Indian and Korean titles.
I found the “Travel with the Cabin Crew” destination features surprisingly informative en route to Delhi but binged on dystopian series The Last of Us while homeward bound.
On the menu
Singapore Airlines has revamped the dining offering for premium economy, so not only has the menu improved but meals are served on porcelain crockery.
And there’s Champagne. I’m served a (plastic) cup of Charles de Cazanove brut as service gets under way. Dinner starts with a light smoked salmon salad entree. Options for the main course are baked snapper with a herbed tomato and caper sauce or butter chicken with fried cauliflower.
After nine days of eating exclusively Indian cuisine, I’m ready for Western fare. The fish is served with potato wedges and chargrilled vegetables and it’s flavoursome and enjoyable. Dessert is a rich chocolate torte. Two wines are served – a Wairau River sauvignon blanc from New Zealand and St Hallett Faith shiraz; you can even order a Singapore Sling. The usual softies are available, plus brewed coffee and five varieties of tea. Passengers can Book the Cook up to 24 hours before flying.
In the bag
Premium economy passengers are allowed one 7kg piece of carry-on and 35kg of check-in baggage.
At your service
Singapore Airlines is renowned for its excellent service and cabin crew don’t disappoint.
On the ground
PPS Club and Star Alliance Gold members are fast-tracked through security and immigration. Encalm is currently the only lounge option at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. It’s open to Priority Pass holders but there is a long queue to get in when I travel.
Make your points
Singapore Airlines is part of the Star Alliance network and operates the KrisFlyer rewards program, of which PPS Club is the highest echelon.
In the know
Singapore Airlines flies from Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport to Singapore Changi twice daily, with premium economy available on one of those flights. Multiple connections to Australia are possible.
The bottom line
From about $2331 Delhi to Sydney, one way, based on airline website search one month from publication.
The verdict
The dining experience is definitely a step up from what passengers experience in economy and the Champagne is a nice touch. The seat is roomy but I find the leg rest uncomfortable and struggle to find a position that works for me. Dare I say it? I was more comfortable in my bulkhead seat in economy from Singapore to Sydney.
Penny Hunter was a guest of Luxury Gold and upgraded from economy by Singapore Airlines.
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