Singapore Airlines’ best (and worst) business class seats
We rank and rate all five variations of Singapore Airlines’ business class.
By David Flynn, September 25 2024
From seats to meals and service, Singapore Airlines has long been considered a benchmark for the best travel experiences. And as with almost every airline, the Star Alliance member’s fleet includes a number of very different business class seats.
Right now there are no less than five variants of Singapore Airlines business class.
Yet when you survey the SQ seatscape, there’s no single business class seat which is the outright best, let alone a world leader: each one makes noticeable compromises in key areas of passenger comfort.
As a result, these five business class seats are so different that every person will have their own opinion and their own favourite.
That can be influenced by everything from the length of the flight and when it takes place (you’re less likely to snooze on a daytime flight than an overnight one), which position they sleep in, and if they’re more likely to travel with a partner or fly solo.
Here’s how Executive Traveller rates Singapore Airlines’ business class seats.
1. Singapore Airlines A350, 787 regional business class
In addition to its long-range international business class seat, Singapore Airlines also flies a ‘regional’ business class seat on routes up to around eight hours (there’s no firm cut-off).
This seat launched in 2018 on the carrier’s Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, and later appeared on some two dozen A350s intended for medium-range routes.
Yet there’s nothing ‘regional’ about the seat: you get direct aisle access from the 1-2-1 layout, a fully lie-flat bed, plus a high degree of personal space and privacy.
Singapore Airlines' regional business class seat.
Yet as with Singapore Airlines’ A380 business class, the regional business class seat is a bit of a mixed bag, depending on which traits each passenger values.
You’ll be sleeping straight ahead, not lying at an angle. Next to you is a little compartment with a sliding door for stowing your phone, reading glasses, Kindle or other oddments.
This is also where you’ll find one AC and two USB power sockets, plus a nifty pop-out mirror, so pretty much everything you need is close at hand.
So what’s not to like?
At barely 20” across, the seat itself is quite narrow unless you have a very slim build (for comparison, Singapore Airlines’ premium economy seat is just 19” across) and the seat’s curved wing can contribute to a feeling of tight-fitting confinement.
Singapore Airlines' regional business class seat.
What’s more, even if you have a window seat, that wing obstructs the window itself, so you have to lean forward and crane your neck around to catch the view.
Singapore Airlines' regional business class seat.
Plus, those wings are also between the middle seats, making them of little appeal if you’re flying with a partner.
Singapore Airlines' regional business class seat.
2. Singapore Airlines A380 business class
All twelve of Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A380s are back in the skies, and all have been upgraded to the second-gen superjumbo suites and seats.
Singapore Airlines' A380 business class.
Naturally, these are flatbed business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.
Singapore Airlines' A380 business class.
But unlike the business class seats of Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 777 and long-range Airbus A350 jets, which must be manually flipped over to become a bed, the A380 seats work like just about every other business class seat: you simply hold down a button to go from a slight recline to a fully flat bed.
Singapore Airlines' A380 business class.
There’s plenty of thoughtful detail in the design: noise-dampening fabric lines the inner walls, while a wrap-around ‘wing’ turns the seat into a semi-enclosed cocoon with exceptional privacy from the aisle.
Singapore Airlines' A380 business class.
A divider between the middle seats can be lowered if you’re travelling with your partner, and in three specific pairs of seats – 11D/11F, 91D/91F and 96D/96F – that divider goes all the way down to create a ‘double bed’ effect (although in reality, it’s more like two single beds next to each other).
Singapore Airlines' A380 business class.
Singapore Airlines' A380 business class.
The key downside for many passengers is that you’ll be sleeping on an angle (and probably on your side) with your legs stretching into a narrow foot cubby, unless you score one of the spacious straight-ahead seats in the bulkhead row.
3. Singapore Airlines 777, A350 business class
Harking back to 2013, this seat is already over a decade old – despite being considered Singapore Airlines’ de facto long-range business class product, alongside the Airbus A380s of course.
It’s found on all Boeing 777-300ERs and around sixty long-range and ultra-long range Airbus A350s.
Singapore Airlines' long-range business class.
The wrap-around seat shell provides a bit of privacy when you’re next to the aisle or in a middle seat, and there are convenient storage nooks both next to the seat and besides the video screen in front of you.
Singapore Airlines' long-range business class.
It’s a solid seat for daytime flights, but try to sleep and the drawbacks are immediately obvious.
Singapore Airlines' long-range business class.
Although the seat faces forward, you have to sleep diagonally and tuck your feet into a very small cubbyhole carved out from under the corner of the seat in front of you.
Singapore Airlines' long-range business class.
And the process of turning this business class seat into a lie-flat bed involves standing up and flipping down the rear of the seat, instead of just hitting a button to make the seat steadily recline.
This is incredibly intrusive on the passenger experience: you have to make a conscious decision that ‘right now is when I want too sleep’ and have the seat folded down into a bed.
There’s no halfway mode, no scope for being in a very relaxed ‘beach chair’ setting or any other number of lounging positions.
(One solution to this: have the seat become a bed as soon as the flight takes off, and spend the rest of your time treating it more like a sofa.)
4. Singapore Airlines 737 MAX business class
All of Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 737 MAX jets – which the airline brands and promotes as the 737-8 – are crowned by fully lie-flat business class seats.
Singapore Airlines Boeing 737 MAX business class.
Singapore Airlines was among the first airlines to embrace flatbeds on a single-aisle jet, with the aim being that passengers connecting from a long-range international flight onto a shorter regional leg should be able to enjoy a business class bed from start to finish.
Singapore Airlines Boeing 737 MAX business class.
However, fitting 10 lie-flat seats into the 737 MAX’s business class cabin calls for a unique layout which mixes two-abreast seats with single ‘throne’ seats.
Singapore Airlines Boeing 737 MAX business class.
The first and third rows of the business class cabin (rows 11 and 14 – like many airlines, SQ skips 13) have two seats on either side of the aisle; between these, row 12 has only one seat.
Singapore Airlines Boeing 737 MAX business class.
Those solo seats of 12B and 12J deliver maximum privacy and more more room to spread out, although the high walls surrounding the seat and the relatively narrow nook for your feet makes them less ideal for sleeping.
Singapore Airlines Boeing 737 MAX business class.
5. Singapore Airlines 737 business class
While many readers will consider the first three Singapore Airlines business class seats in this article as jostling for position, we’re confident everyone will agree these 737 recliners come last on the list.
Singapore Airlines inherited these seats – indeed, these aircraft – from regional sibling SilkAir, and while the seats have been refreshed with new upholstery, they remain modest two-abreast recliners.
Singapore Airlines' Boeing 737 business class.
Beyond the limited personal space, there are no creature comforts such as WiFi or seatback video screens.
Just as well, then, that these 737s are generally limited to the Singapore Airlines’ shortest regional flights of up to three hours (such as Kuala Lumpur, Phuket and Bali), and are expected to exit the SQ fleet entirely by the end of 2025.
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1010
Looking at the seat mapping of the 737 Max, I can't see why VA or QF couldn't do something similar on there longer flights with the same sized planes. I also wonder when the SQ ultra long range business class is going to be upgraded as reported, hopefully before July 2024.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 May 2020
Total posts 35
I guess QF and VA don't see a competitive advantage in having these seats. They can get away with having cradle seats and fitting more in.
SQ
23 Oct 2015
Total posts 26
Have never flown the A380 nor B777 business (first only) so can’t comment on those, but for a tall & big person the 787 regional business class is horrible - you can’t work (too narrow to swing your elbows) you can’t talk to your travelling companion (those wings!!!).
The 737-8 on the other hand is a delight. Comfortable and easy to work or talk to your travelling companion.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Feb 2019
Total posts 4
Agreed, the barriers around the seat make it quite tight...
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 61
I've flown on the SQ 787-8Max and getting a fully flat bed on a narrow body was a real treat, even if it was a bit narrow. On the opposite end of the spectrum the SQ business seat on the 777 and a350 while very wide annoys me every time with highly reflective non-touch screen to the way thr seat design forces you to get up and step out into the aisle to flip over the seatback to set up your bed. First world problem I know, but why SQ thought this was a good idea is beyond me.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer P1
23 Aug 2014
Total posts 147
Thanks David for highlighting the uncharacteristic lack of anticipation and vision when SQ decide on seat design (the absence of companion dining in the A380 suites another omission), with almost every reincarnation having some potentially annoying flaw.
The "flip over" seat in J (and F) does "lock" you in bed mode and as no "on-demand" dining is available in J (as in QR) one can feel trapped without the flexibility of deciding when you want to sleep/dine/relax
PPS members fare better in that the row of seats with the much larger footwell can be chosen, where sleeping at an odd angle is not required, but these are few and far between in number
07 Mar 2022
Total posts 65
SQ business is great, the fold down seats to make the beds are a bit hard. When they do the upgrade on the ULR if they can make a mini suite similar to the double first class suite in the A380 I’ll be even more impressed with Goh!!!
17 Nov 2023
Total posts 43
I would have put the A350 seat that's at number 3 at number 5. I've just come back from an SQ J Class RTW and I've grown to really hate that seat.
I have had a shoulder reconstruction one side and a hip operation on the other, so when sleeping, I need to change sides regularly. This seat makes that really difficult, and it's too narrow for you to lie on your back (AND I'm short - 178cm and not overweight).
The moment SQ upgrades that particular seat will be a very happy one for me.
No number of gorgeous young ladies clad in form-fitting kabayas will offset how unpleasant that seat is :P
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
24 Jan 2013
Total posts 16
Your haven't mentioned the car seat belt design extra belts SQ have added in business class from Brisbane to Singapore. They cut across your neck and chest and are truly horrible. Even the flight attendants agree but still force you to use them.
08 Apr 2022
Total posts 1
A major issue with SQ in F + J on all aircraft, IMO is how firm/hard the seats are when trying to sleep. On the 777 in F the seat is uncomfortable to sit and very hard when you sleep. In Business the old J on the A380 was like sleeping on a plank wood. I have tried the new J on A380, I just cannot recall how hard the seat is in the sleeping position, someone that has travelled recently may wish to comment?
21 Sep 2022
Total posts 6
Singapore Airlines was my number one choice for decades but after a return flight from Australia to Europe trying to sleep diagonally with my feet in a little cubby hole, I've sworn never to fly SIA again. Not a decision I liked making but the discomfort was just too much. What ever happened to ergonomic design? I still can't comprehend how anyone associated with aircraft design could come up with such a poor layout. As far as the aircraft where the beds are either down or up - I suffer from back problems and am unable to lie flat. The reclining position surely is a must on a 13+ hour flight. To me, these two issues are design "faults" and they remind me of the camel being a horse designed by a committee.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
27 Feb 2015
Total posts 20
How is it that Singapore Airlines keeps winning award? KrisFlyer redemption is great and Singapore is the perfect stop to go either to or from Europe but outside that surely the focus should be on the hard product. Simply put the Singapore Airlines seats are roughly rubbish. Sleeping on an angle is a long way from natural.
18 Apr 2019
Total posts 6
In the past year ive flown on pretty much every business class seat in SQ - 737 max (throne seat), 380, 350, 787, 777. Im 190cm tall, but slim, and there is no way I would want to fly any SQ seat in business in long haul!!! As others have said, very narrow, very hard, ridiculous angles you have to contort yourself into. The 737 max throne seat I sat in was ok, but it isnt a long haul airframe. As the article says, the A380 bulkhead seats are fine, but your chanes of getting one of them are very limited. No thanks.
02 Nov 2017
Total posts 21
I’ve flown both the regional business class and long range on the A350 ULR. The long range seat is much more comfortable than the regional which SQ use for Sydnet to Singapore. I like having the bed on the seat back. When I’m ready to sleep I ask the crew to make up the bed. I find it supremely comfortable and sleep well. I’ve flown Q Suite often and apart from the privacy of Q Suite rate the SQ seat more.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
29 Jul 2016
Total posts 5
I'm excluding the 787 and 737 from this comments as I haven't flown them. There seems to be a lot of negative comments towards the A359 ULR, 777 and A380 that I can't agree with or some to be over exaggerated.
For context I'm 6'3" over 100kgs and have chronic neck and back issues. I've had little issue sleeping on the 15hr MAN-SIN flight, have recently flown the 16-17hr SIN-EWR and SFO-SIN of the later two I was able so sleep for a solid 7+ whilst using a CPAP machine, these were J and 1 in F on the A380 SYD-SIN. Though a day flight, the bed in F was inferior to J in any config SQ have.
Having the bed mad up was a nonissue, as I stood up staff were super attentive and by the time I came back from the lavatory it was ready. The A350 would be my pick as I feel this plane is quieter than the A380 and the 777, this is including having been in 10A on the A350 to EWR. You can easily recline the seat and have the foot rest up to a level where you can "lounge" and also able to raise the table if you're still eating or drinking whilst still being able to access the aisle comfortably.
If SQ, on a whole, isn't the best premium service out of AU to EU and NA then who is? It sure isn't UA or QF.
30 Jul 2019
Total posts 19
The A350 regional seat featured on brisbane to singapore and back is the worst seat i have ever experienced it is a disgrace and to be charged a premium for this is unacceptable.
SIA HANG YOUR HEAD IN SHAME.
18 Mar 2016
Total posts 39
Some time ago, I travelled on the A350, Business Class, Singapore/Vancouver return. It did not take long to discover, how uncomfortable, the seats were because of the angle you must sit, which really is un-natural, not helped by the flip down bed.
I had thought the A350 was superior to the 787, but how wrong I was.
Sadly, in the near future, I will be flying Singapore/Manchester return and I see it will be on A350’s.
I am not looking forward to it and wished I had booked Qatar/Emirates.
Such is life.
16 Dec 2016
Total posts 58
SIA has lost me after the most recent round the world trip in F and J. I thought I would give them another try but their seats are the most uncomfortable premium seat in the sky. I flew Qantas to LA this week on their 787 and will take that any day along with my preferred EK.
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1010
Pretty sure I’ll miss out on the A350 ULR upgraded seats this year, only one will be upgraded when I fly in July.
18 Sep 2015
Total posts 139
In reality, they are all pretty good, except for 5. 1. can feel a bit tight, compared with 3., which feels more spacious. No mention of the comparative hardness of the padding when in bed mode for any of them...
03 Apr 2024
Total posts 2
I have traveled on most of these SIA seats. With the exception of three rows on the A380 They are all cramped and uncomfortable for someone who is 192 cms. They are all too close together and the space for feet are not big enough for someone with UK 10.5 shoes. I love SIA's service but long overnight flights are noigtmarish
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
27 Feb 2015
Total posts 20
I am staggered that the soft product (which doesn’t include pyjamas) gets SIA such high votes in best airline awards when the hard product is so poor. Added to that, its Star Alliance partner ANA has proper business class seats and beds and recently had a special Sydney to London return at around $6700 for business compared to SIA’s nearly 10k.
10 Sep 2018
Total posts 9
The whole ANA experience is much poorer than it used to be. Other than the odd plane that’s been refurbished (you might be lucky to London) the seats are sub par these days imo. Lounges are generally packed in Tokyo etc.
18 Mar 2016
Total posts 39
As mentioned previously, I dislike the A350 J seats with a passion.
We ended up flying Perth/Manchester most of the way on a A350 and once again had to put up with the supremely uncomfortable angle seat and fold down bed.
Added to this the food and service was not up to the usual SIA service.
Because my wife refuses to fly Air Mauritius or SAA, we are booked on SIA to Jo’burg, again on the dreaded A350 angle seat/fold down bed.
Add to this, the choice of films/music is nothing to rave about nor the food. Service yet to be experienced.
What has happened to the “old” SIA, the leading airline in the world.
I know I will not enjoy it and already consider it a waste of money
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 May 2020
Total posts 35
The 777 and A350 seats feel dated and I feel need to be replaced. I also found the lump in the middle of the seat when it is a bed to be uncomfortable.
Hopefully their next gen seats are big improvement. I'd rate QF's business seat to be more comfortable than SQ's.
09 May 2016
Total posts 20
I recently flew (A380) LHR - SIN - DAD (B 737 MAX ) SQ business class, The usual excellent overall service of SQ was noticeable on all legs. I was particularly impressed with seat 12 A on the last leg. There is enough room to have a party. I felt a little embarrassed sitting there as passengers were walking by to go to economy.
05 Jan 2022
Total posts 3
The planes with the "flip over" seats are, nowadays, an inferior product. I'm not tall at 173cm and I don't have large feet (size 9 or 43) but my feet just don't fit in the cubbyholes unless I'm able to book a bulkhead seat.
Spouse is not happy either! She particularly doesn't like the either/or approach - preferring airlines offering seats like the SQ A380 where it's a continuously variable move from seat to bed, and everything in between.
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