Singapore Airlines Premium Economy Guide

Navigating the world of air travel can often feel like a complex puzzle, especially when trying to balance comfort with cost. For many, the standard Economy Class offers little more than a seat, while Business Class tickets can seem prohibitively expensive. But what if there was a sweet spot, offering enhanced comfort and services without breaking the bank?

Enter Singapore Airlines Premium Economy. This guide is designed to demystify Singapore Airlines' Premium Economy offering, providing you with a comprehensive overview of what to expect, its benefits, and whether it's the right choice for your next journey.

What is Singapore Airlines Premium Economy?

Singapore Airlines introduced its Premium Economy cabin to bridge the gap between its standard Economy and luxurious Business Class offerings. It's designed for travelers seeking a more comfortable and elevated experience on long-haul flights without the full price tag of Business Class.

Think of it as an upgraded Economy experience rather than a "Business Lite" class. You'll find this cabin available on select long-haul and regional routes operated by Singapore Airlines' Airbus A350, Airbus A380, and Boeing 777 aircraft.

The Premium Economy Experience: What to Expect

From the moment you arrive at the airport until you collect your bags, Singapore Airlines Premium Economy aims to provide a more seamless and comfortable journey.

Priority Services

One of the immediate perks of flying Premium Economy is the suite of priority services designed to streamline your airport experience. You'll benefit from dedicated check-in counters, allowing for a quicker and smoother start to your journey. Once check-in is complete, you'll also enjoy priority boarding, giving you more time to settle into your seat before the main rush. And upon arrival, your bags will be tagged for priority handling, meaning they should be among the first to appear on the carousel.

It's important to note, however, that lounge access is generally not included with a Premium Economy ticket, unless you hold relevant Star Alliance Gold status or purchase access separately.

Comfortable Seating & Space

The core of the Premium Economy experience lies in its enhanced seating. These seats are noticeably wider, typically ranging from 18.5 to 19.5 inches, and offer a generous seat pitch of 38 inches, providing significantly more legroom than standard Economy seats. This extra space allows for greater comfort, especially on longer flights.

Beyond the dimensions, the seats are designed for relaxation. They feature an 8-inch recline, a built-in calf rest, and a footrest, allowing you to stretch out and find a comfortable position for snoozing. Each seat also comes equipped with two USB ports and a personal power supply to keep your devices charged, along with a fully adjustable personal reading light and dedicated stowage areas for your belongings.

Enhanced Dining & Beverages

Prepare for an elevated culinary experience in the sky. Singapore Airlines Premium Economy offers an enhanced menu that goes beyond typical Economy fare. Meals typically include a main course, a seasonal appetizer, bread, dessert, and cheese and crackers, all served on modern porcelain serviceware.

A standout feature is the "Book the Cook" service, which allows Premium Economy passengers to pre-order their main course from an expanded menu up to 24 hours before departure. This menu can feature up to 20 dishes on rotation, including a variety of international and Asian cuisines, with options like Thai-style Crab Curry or Beef Bourguignon. To complement your meal, you can sip on Champagne, a selection of wines, and a wide array of other beverages, including spirits and signature cocktails. Between meals, an assortment of snacks like almonds, cashews, potato chips, and sandwiches are available.

In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity

Long flights fly by with Singapore Airlines' KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system. Premium Economy passengers enjoy a personal 13.3-inch Full HD monitor, paired with active noise-cancelling headsets for an immersive experience. While complimentary Wi-Fi plans are available to help you stay connected, the extent of the free Wi-Fi can vary.

For added comfort on flights over seven hours, an amenity kit is available upon request. This eco-friendly pouch contains essentials like roomy slippers, lightproof eyeshades, and hydrating lip balm.

Is Singapore Airlines Premium Economy Worth It?

This is the million-dollar question for many travelers. The value of Singapore Airlines Premium Economy largely depends on your travel priorities and budget.

Comparing to Economy Class

Compared to standard Economy, Premium Economy offers a significant upgrade in comfort and service. You get more space, a wider seat with better recline, footrests, and calf rests, which can make a huge difference on long-haul flights. The enhanced dining experience, including the "Book the Cook" option and complimentary Champagne, also sets it apart. The priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling contribute to a more relaxed airport experience.

While Premium Economy seats are definitely more comfortable and spacious, remember that you cannot lift the armrests between seats, unlike in some Economy configurations, which might limit laying down across multiple seats if you happen to have a row to yourself.

Comparing to Business Class

It's crucial to understand that Premium Economy is not Business Class. While it offers a considerable step up from Economy, it doesn't provide the lie-flat seats, extensive privacy, or the full-service, multi-course dining experience typically found in Business Class. Business Class also generally includes lounge access and a more generous baggage allowance.

Business Class fares are often 100% to 150% more expensive than Premium Economy, meaning you could be paying more than double the price. So, if a lie-flat bed and lounge access are non-negotiable for you, Business Class remains the superior choice. However, if you're looking for a comfortable middle ground that's significantly better than Economy without the steep Business Class price, Premium Economy is a compelling option.

Who is Premium Economy For?

Singapore Airlines Premium Economy is ideal for:

Long-haul travelers who need more comfort and space to sleep or work, but find Business Class too expensive.
Business travelers whose companies have stricter travel policies than allowing Business Class, but permit Premium Economy.
Leisure travelers looking to start their vacation feeling more refreshed and relaxed.
Anyone seeking a noticeable upgrade from Economy without the full premium cabin cost.

Booking Your Premium Economy Flight

Ready to experience Singapore Airlines Premium Economy? Here are some tips for booking your next flight.

When to Book for Best Prices

Premium Economy fares can fluctuate, much like other cabin classes. While specific timing can vary, booking in advance often yields better prices. Round-trip cash fares from the U.S. to Singapore typically range from $1,500 to $2,500, but can be higher during peak seasons or lower during sales.

Premium Economy fares are generally at least double the price of Economy, with Business Class costing approximately twice as much as Premium Economy.

Using KrisFlyer Miles

You can book Singapore Airlines Premium Economy tickets using KrisFlyer miles, the airline's frequent flyer program. Additionally, if you've already booked an Economy ticket in an eligible fare class (Economy Standard or Economy Flexi), you may be able to upgrade to Premium Economy using your KrisFlyer miles. This can be a great way to maximize the value of your miles. It's generally recommended to redeem miles directly with Singapore Airlines, as they don't always release Premium Economy award space to Star Alliance partners.

Maximizing Your Premium Economy Journey

To make the most of your Singapore Airlines Premium Economy experience:

Pre-order your meal: Take advantage of the "Book the Cook" service to ensure you get your preferred main course.
Utilize the amenities: Don't forget to request the amenity kit on longer flights for slippers, eyeshades, and lip balm.
Stay hydrated: With the enhanced beverage selection, remember to drink plenty of water throughout your flight.
Choose your seat wisely: While seat selection is complimentary, consider factors like bulkhead rows for extra legroom (though these might incur a fee) or seats away from galleys/lavatories for quieter travel.

Conclusion

Singapore Airlines Premium Economy offers a compelling proposition for travelers seeking a significantly more comfortable journey than Economy, without the substantial cost of Business Class. With its spacious seating, enhanced dining options including "Book the Cook," improved entertainment, and priority services, it truly elevates the travel experience, especially on long-haul flights. While it doesn't offer the lie-flat luxury of Business Class, it provides an excellent balance of comfort and value.

Have you flown Singapore Airlines Premium Economy? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! Or, if you're considering it for your next trip, what aspect are you most excited about?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you get lounge access with Singapore Airlines Premium Economy?

No, lounge access is generally not included with a Singapore Airlines Premium Economy ticket. You would need to have elite status with Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer Elite Gold) or a Star Alliance Gold membership, or purchase lounge access separately, if available.

What is the baggage allowance for Singapore Airlines Premium Economy?

For most routes, Singapore Airlines Premium Economy passengers can check one bag weighing up to 35 kg (77 lbs). For flights to and from the U.S. and Canada, the allowance is typically two pieces, with each bag weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs). Additionally, you receive priority baggage handling. Carry-on allowance is one piece up to 7 kg (15.4 lbs).

Is food served in Premium Economy on Singapore Airlines?

Yes, food is served in Singapore Airlines Premium Economy. Passengers receive an enhanced meal service, including a main course, appetizer, bread, dessert, and cheese and crackers. You also have the option to pre-order your main course through the "Book the Cook" service. Champagne and a wide selection of other beverages are also complimentary.

What is the difference between Economy and Premium Economy on Singapore Airlines?

Singapore Airlines Premium Economy offers several upgrades over Economy Class, including wider seats with more legroom and greater recline, a larger in-flight entertainment screen with noise-cancelling headphones, enhanced meal options (including the "Book the Cook" service), and priority services like dedicated check-in, boarding, and baggage handling. You also receive a more comprehensive amenity kit on longer flights.