After savoring several indulgent days in cosmopolitan Singapore, my return to Scandinavia beckoned—this time, in the refined comfort of Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A350-900 Business Class. With a late-night departure at 00:20, I was able to enjoy a full day and evening in the city, perfect for business travelers attending events or those wishing to maximize their time in the Lion City. Even during peak evening hours, Changi Airport maintains a serene atmosphere that effortlessly outshines the bustle of other global hubs.
Arriving at Changi around 21:30, I proceeded to Terminal 3. Although there was a short queue at the Business Class check-in, staff promptly directed me to a First/Suites counter for faster service. Despite traveling on a separate onward ticket to Oslo Gardermoen, my bags were seamlessly checked through to my final destination—a testament to Singapore Airlines’ operational efficiency.
Singapore Changi’s automated immigration system is both swift and intuitive: simply scan your passport and thumbprint, and you’re through. Unlike arrivals, this process is entirely automated for departing passengers, streamlining the journey even further.
Changi’s unique security procedure means you clear security at the gate, allowing you immediate access to the airport’s world-class retail, dining, and entertainment offerings after immigration. We’ll be sharing a dedicated guide to Changi’s latest amenities in a future feature.
The SilverKris Lounge, located on Terminal 3’s mezzanine, welcomes premium passengers with a choice of elegant spaces. Staff will escort you to the main lounge, the exclusive First Class area, or The Private Room for Suites and First Class guests. On this visit, the lounge was bustling, yet I managed to find a tranquil nook to enjoy a glass of Champagne and some salted nuts, careful to save my appetite for the onboard culinary experience I’d curated via the renowned Book the Cook service. Around 23:30, I changed into warmer attire for the Nordic climate, then made my way to gate B3, where SQ362 was preparing for departure. Security at the B gates was swift and well-organized, and Business Class passengers benefit from priority boarding lanes.
Upon scanning my boarding pass, a technical issue emerged: my assigned seat, 11K, had a malfunctioning entertainment system. The gate team offered me an alternative seat, but as this was an overnight flight, rest was my priority. The ground staff’s professionalism and the dedicated Business Class queue ensured a smooth boarding experience despite the hiccup.
Onboard, I was warmly welcomed by in-flight supervisor Sam, who apologized for the inconvenience. A technician attempted to resolve the issue, but the remote remained unresponsive. Sam promptly offered me seat 18F to enjoy dinner and entertainment before returning to 11K to sleep—a thoughtful gesture that exemplified Singapore Airlines’ signature service.
The Business Class seat is impressively wide, with ample storage for personal items. Noise-cancelling headphones are tucked into a dedicated compartment, and the tray table glides out smoothly from the side console. Three adjustable LED reading lights provide customizable ambiance for work or relaxation.
The 1-2-1 seating arrangement guarantees direct aisle access and exceptional privacy; you rarely glimpse fellow travelers unless you lean forward. Center pairs are suited for those traveling together, with a retractable divider for those seeking solitude. The cabin’s spaciousness is enhanced by the clever placement of overhead bins exclusively above the windows.
After departure and reaching cruising altitude, I transitioned to 18F and was promptly served a classic Singapore Sling alongside warm nuts. The drink was robust, emblematic of the airline’s heritage.
Table service began with a crisp white linen and real cutlery—no plastic in sight. My starter was a refreshing crab salad, accented by mango salsa and a fragrant herb vinaigrette.
Garlic bread was a delicious accompaniment, and I paired the meal with a glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. For my main, I had pre-ordered the signature Lobster Thermidor via Book the Cook—a dish that showcased the kitchen’s finesse with perfectly cooked seafood and nuanced flavors. The Book the Cook menu now features over a dozen curated dishes, catering to a range of palates. For a midnight departure, the lobster was light yet satisfying, and I recommend it highly. Dessert was a raspberry millefeuille, which, while pleasant, felt somewhat mass-produced. A cheese plate followed, featuring Emmental, garlic cream, and smoked mozzarella, elegantly presented with garnishes. Satiated, I returned to 11K to rest for the night.
The onboard menu also included an enticing selection of standard dishes, detailed in the accompanying images.
Back in 11K, I fastened my seatbelt, which is equipped with an airbag for enhanced safety—a reassuring feature, even if rarely needed.
I settled in with a plush pillow and soft blanket for a restful sleep. Singapore Airlines maintains a comfortable cabin temperature—warmer than my bedroom at home, but never stifling. I managed nearly six hours of uninterrupted rest, aided by the "do not disturb" function conveniently located beside the seat controls.
While the seat converts to a fully flat bed, a mattress topper would further enhance comfort, as the seat’s structure is faintly perceptible in some positions. Bulkhead seats (rows 11 and 19) offer more generous legroom, allowing a more natural sleeping position compared to the standard seats, where the footwell is slightly tapered.
Row 18
Row 18
Row 11
Row 18
Singapore Airlines’ latest Business Class product sets a new benchmark for space and privacy. The wide seats and high partitions ensure a cocooned experience, though there is no sliding door as in the Suites. The new seat design also introduces a relaxed “movie watching” recline position. Seat 11K is ideally located away from the galley and lavatories, while 11A is closer to restroom traffic and row 19 is best avoided for overnight flights. As we neared Moscow, I requested a light breakfast—fresh fruit, a croissant, juice, and black coffee—which was promptly delivered. Sam’s attentive service shone through: “Take your time, Mr. Holm. There’s no need to rush.”
After clearing breakfast, we commenced our descent into Moscow Domodedovo. Singapore Airlines does not provide a full amenity kit in Business Class, but socks, slippers, and an eye mask are distributed before takeoff, and the lavatories are stocked with high-end toiletries and dental kits.
Arrival in Moscow was punctual. Passengers must remove all belongings, as Russian authorities clear the cabin between sectors. Although the early-morning transit was less than ideal, sitting near the front allowed for a swift exit and expedited passage through immigration and security. The lounge at Domodedovo was busy, but I found respite with a coffee before reboarding at gate 13A. For the onward sector to Stockholm, I was moved to seat 11A at Sam’s suggestion, as the previous occupant disembarked in Moscow. This allowed me to fully experience the KrisWorld entertainment system’s upgraded interface and vivid 18-inch screen.
The touchscreen remote, reminiscent of the latest smartphones, is intuitive, and you can pair your own mobile device to control the system—a feature now standard across Business and Premium Economy cabins. The content library is extensive, with the latest films, series, and a diverse music selection. On this short hop to Stockholm, I browsed the offerings but opted to relax and enjoy the tranquil views as we approached the archipelago and touched down at Arlanda’s outer gates.
During my connection to Oslo, I visited the SAS lounge, and my luggage was efficiently transferred even on a separate ticket. The Stockholm-Singapore route has been a valuable addition to Singapore Airlines’ network, though a nonstop service would be ideal. The stop in Moscow remains for now, offering competitive fares compared to routings via Copenhagen. Singapore Airlines’ Business Class continues to lead the industry, delivering a thoughtful blend of luxury, innovation, and genuine hospitality that makes every guest feel truly valued.
