Singapore Airlines premium economy: all you need to know

More than just a comfier seat, Singapore Airlines premium economy takes service and dining to the next level.

By Staff Writers, June 4 2024
Singapore Airlines premium economy: all you need to know

There’s a lot to love about Singapore Airlines’ premium economy, with this ‘in between class’ a noticeable step up from economy but without the lofty price tag of business class.

As you’d expect, it’s worth the price or KrisFlyer miles needed to upgrade, not only onboard but well that welcome glass of champagne, as perks extend to priority check-in and boarding, plus the option to pre-select meals through the airline’s ‘Book the Cook’ service.

Following an overhaul of the cabin experience earlier this year, which the airline described as the first “comprehensive revamp” since the seat’s introduction in 2015, it’s even better. 

 

Which Singapore Airlines flights have premium economy?

At present, Singapore Airlines offers premium economy to 31 destinations, including Sydney and Melbourne to Singapore, as well as London-Heathrow, Paris and Frankfurt.

Singapore Airlines premium economy.
Singapore Airlines premium economy.

You’ll find premium economy on the Star Alliance members’ Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, both of which regularly take wing between Australia and Singapore. Select long-range A350 flights also feature it.

(It’s important to note that A350s laid out in a ‘regional’ congifuration, typically seen in destinations such as Cairns, do not have premium economy. Instead, those aircraft are configured in a two class cabin with only business and economy.)

Singapore Airlines premium economy seat

Crafted for Singapore Airlines by London-based JPA Design, the team also behind Air India’s recent transformation, the padded grey leather-clad seats – arranged in a 2-4-2 layout – are sleek and stylish, accented by a pop of orange.

If you’re a stickler for the numbers, Singapore Airlines premium economy has a 38-inch pitch (six more than regular economy), eight-inch recline, and width of up to 19.5 inches, which is an extra 1 to 1.5-inches, depending on the aircraft.

Singapore Airlines premium economy.
Singapore Airlines premium economy.

That translates into ample room around the knees, which is where most travellers feel the squeeze – especially on long international flights.

Tray tables are hidden in the arm rest, giving the seat back in front of you an uncluttered look, plus a larger touch screen monitor than economy (13.3-inches versus 11.1) and magazine/storage pocket.

Each passenger has their own power outlets at hand – two of them, in fact: a USB Type-A at the rear of the arm rest, and an international AC down alongside your flip-up leg and footrest.

Seats at the bulkhead have an integrated foot and leg rest, while others have a foot rest beneath the seat in front.
Seats at the bulkhead have an integrated foot and leg rest, while others have a foot rest beneath the seat in front.

In addition is a convenient side-pocket recess by your legs – this is large enough for a tablet, compact laptop or book – plus a small water bottle nook between the two seats.

Read more in our in-depth Singapore Airlines premium economy review here.

Singapore Airlines premium economy meals

Though it goes without saying, meals in premium economy are an improvement on those served at the back of the bus, with Singapore Airlines now plating up rotating menus spanning over 200 dishes, all served on glazed porcelain tableware.

A choice of two mains is offered on every flight, complemented by an extensive range of Book the Cook meals on select flights, which can be selected up to 24 hours prior to departure.

Singapore Airlines recently upgraded its premium economy menus.
Singapore Airlines recently upgraded its premium economy menus.

Among the appetisers are:

  • garlic roasted prawns with aioli and spanish fried potatoes
  • broccoli salad with hot smoked salmon
  • seasonal variations of Japanese cold noodles
  • Thai-style crab curry with seasonal vegetables and rice

These are joined by mains including:

  • beef Bourguignon served with bacon, mushrooms, vegetables, and potato gratin
  • Japanese teriyaki salmon don
  • Bak Chor Mee (minced pork noodles)
  • Thai-style Crab Curry served with jasmine and brown rice, plus seasonal vegetables
  • chicken satay with nasi goreng kampung
Thai-style crab curry with seasonal vegetables and rice.
Thai-style crab curry with seasonal vegetables and rice.

Rounding out the meal are decadent desserts such as:

  • chocolate feuilletine cake
  • apple crumble cheesecake
  • mascarpone cream cake

All meals are accompanied by chocolate, cheese and crackers, while additional snacks such as almonds and cashews can also be enjoyed throughout the flight.

In addition is a broad selection of drinks, including a glass of Charles de Cazanove Brut Tradition NV champagne served shortly after takeoff, as well as Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand’s Marlborough region and a St Hallett Faith Shiraz from the Barossa.

For breakfast, herbed omelette, sausages and sautéed mushrooms.
For breakfast, herbed omelette, sausages and sautéed mushrooms.

Book the Cook options vary depending on your departure city. As an example, flights from Sydney to Singapore may offer dishes such as butter chicken and vegetables, spicy Szechuan beef, or seafood thermidor on saffron rice.

Connections from Singapore have a much greater selection, including buttermilk pancakes with a berry compote for breakfast, herb crusted sea bass on quinoa rice and vegetables, or Singaporean-style seafood Hor Fun flat noodles.

Singapore Airlines premium economy amenities

Passengers on flights seven hours or longer receive amenities kits. The latest is from US brand Out of the Woods. Made of biodegradable packaging, it’s stocked with lip balm plus eyeshades and slippers made from recycled PET material.

A large pillow and blanket are also provided, as are noise cancelling headphones, so you can enjoy that extensive selection of video content without the sound of cabin noise.

Singapore Airlines premium economy upgrades

Singapore Airlines upgrades are all one-class, meaning if you purchase an economy seat, you could potentially upgrade to premium economy on flights where it’s offered, or business class on those where it’s not.

Also important to note is points-based upgrades can only be requested if you’re booked on Economy Flexi class tickets: those being the Y, B and E fare classes, or Economy Standard (M, H and W fare classes).

Singapore Airlines premium economy is laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration.
Singapore Airlines premium economy is laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration.

As an example, upgrading from economy to premium economy from Sydney to Singapore would set you back 22,500 KrisFlyer Miles on Y, B or E fare types, versus 34,000 on M, W or H fares.

Reduced-price paid upgrades are also offered, though only by invitation on a per-flight basis. Eligibility can be checked on Singapore Airlines’ website under ‘mySQupgrade’.

That ‘mySQupgrade’ provides a great opportunity to snag an upgrade if you’re booked on a less-expensive ticket or don’t have enough KrisFlyer miles in your account, but at the same time, it’s not a reliable option due to the invite-only nature of the bidding process.

Is Singapore Airlines premium economy worth it?

Absolutely. If you’re facing a long flight, those extra inches of legroom and width will definitely be appreciated. Add in the upgraded dining, larger entertainment screen and amenity kit, and you have all the makings of a more comfortable trip.

Is lounge access included for Singapore Airlines premium economy?

Unfortunately no. Lounge access is reserved for first and business class passengers, along with KrisFlyer Elite Gold members and equivalent frequent flyers of partner airlines, when travelling on Singapore Airlines. That list includes Virgin Australia Velocity frequent flyer

24 Jun 2020

Total posts 48

I recently flew in PE on the Sydney to Singapore (A380) then Singapore to NYC (A350-ULR) and it was a pleasant experience albeit quite long on the 2nd flight.

The staff on Singapore Airlines are second to none and made the whole experience lovely.

I can highly recommend all facets of the PE experience and we had almost no turbulence in any sections (so much for global warming).

QFF

12 Apr 2013

Total posts 1564

And may you satisfy my curiosity - what is global warming (mind you not all scientists believe in it) has to do to turbulence? I mean not political, but real in the sky? Thanks for your attention.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

20 Dec 2016

Total posts 16

Apparently global warming has a major impact on turbulence Google it for the long version.

QFF

12 Apr 2013

Total posts 1564

You can believe in whatever you like to believe. And according to your believing you always guarantee to fund supporting materials on internet because it contains absolutely everything. For example there are evidences that foliaging of Earth increasing despite the fact that at places they chop down plenty of forest. Also where I living in outskirt of Melbourne I seen coldest winter for 30 years of my living in Melbourne. One day it was -6 degrees and it never happens before. Arh, according to greenies "warming" it not when temperature rising, but when we see "extremes" in weather. And yet each and every time they saying "Yesterday recorded highest temperature for last 120 years". Pardon me, 121 years ago it was really higher? And for how long we have reliable weather records here in Melbourne? Not even for 200 years. My feeling that all this "global warming" is no more than scam. YMMV.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

20 Dec 2016

Total posts 16

Hey you asked a question I attempted with an answered, your response if directed at me is uncalled for please don't assume my beliefs or otherwise, as I said Google it and then you can agree or disagree with the results that come up for your search. 

In regards to Global warming I haven't actually made up my mind as to believe it or not. But do believe we are poisoning ourselves with plastic and need to do something rapidly before it is too late.

QFF

12 Apr 2013

Total posts 1564

I agree about plastic and other unnatural chemicals like pesticides and herbicides - those are real poison.

QFF

12 Apr 2013

Total posts 1564

Last time a book them they have reasonable pricetag as well. And considering frequency you always can choose day flight from SIN to MEL and for day flight those seats adequate. Overnight is different story though.

21 Jun 2018

Total posts 6

There is no way that Singapore Airlines PE hits the 'sweet spot' without access to dedicated PE toilets. Sharing with economy is a massive disincentive.

QFF

12 Apr 2013

Total posts 1564

I just curious if you would complain to share toilets on A380 with First? And then I became curious if they would complain?

27 Sep 2023

Total posts 7

Oh come in, don't be such a Karen. Many airlines have both PE and Econ passengers share toilets. What were you expecting? Paying for PE to be treated like business & first class passengers? The word "Economy" is still used for a reason, lol!

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

23 May 2018

Total posts 28

Why doe BNE-SIN miss out on PE?

QFF

12 Apr 2013

Total posts 1564

Especially strange because seatguru shows all A350 that SG flying to BNE sports PE cabin :?


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