Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class, Singapore-New York non-stop

BusinessClass delivers an expert review of the world's lengthiest commercial flight.

Embark on an all-premium, nearly 19-hour journey at the pinnacle of luxury air travel.

Singapore Airlines’ flagship non-stop route between Singapore and New York remains the longest regularly scheduled flight worldwide, covering close to 18 hours and crossing 12 time zones. Our editorial team experienced this ultra-long-haul service first-hand to assess its comfort, amenities, and innovations.

This iconic route first debuted in 2004, paused in 2013 amid fluctuating fuel prices and demand, and triumphantly returned with the introduction of the Airbus A350-900ULR. The newest iteration combines industry-leading fuel efficiency, advanced cabin air quality, and higher humidity—all designed to minimize fatigue and jet lag on marathon flights.

Flight SQ22 departs Singapore Changi at 00:40 daily, arriving at Newark after 18 hours and 40 minutes—eastbound flights are slightly shorter thanks to prevailing winds. The aircraft is configured exclusively with 67 business class and 94 premium economy seats, ensuring an intimate and premium-focused experience. Notably, there is no first class or economy cabin—demonstrating Singapore Airlines’ commitment to a high-end clientele.

After check-in, travelers breeze through automated immigration with biometric passport and thumb scanning. Security screening is conducted at the gate one hour before departure. While there is no designated fast track lane, the boarding process remains efficient due to the all-premium passenger load. On our flight, around 150 passengers awaited the adventure ahead—reflecting a blend of business travelers and families.

Wardrobe choices trend toward comfort, with most business class guests opting for relaxed attire over traditional suits. Although Singapore Airlines does not provide pajamas on this route, we spotted several passengers donning sleepwear from other premium airlines, such as Qantas and British Airways.

The business class seat stands out for its exceptional width and thoughtful storage. Noise-cancelling headphones are tucked into a personal compartment, and the sturdy dining table slides smoothly from the side panel. Three adjustable LED reading lights at head level, along with customizable ambient lighting, allow you to curate your personal comfort zone. For connectivity and entertainment, dual headphone jacks and a detachable touchscreen remote elevate the experience, making long hours in the air truly enjoyable.

Onboard this ultra-long-haul, privacy is a defining feature. The 1-2-1 seat arrangement ensures unobstructed personal space; unless you purposely lean forward, you won’t see your neighbors. Couples or companions will find the center seats ideal, while solo travelers can easily raise the privacy divider for added seclusion. Although a 25 cm opening remains, the deep shell of each seat creates a true cocoon-like effect. The result is a tranquil, open cabin that feels both private and airy—an impressive achievement for such a long journey.

Shortly after take-off and reaching cruising altitude, the crew presents a fresh pour of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Champagne, complemented by a bowl of warm mixed nuts. For dinner, we sampled the renowned Lobster Thermidor, pre-selected via the Book the Cook program—a highlight for any gourmet traveler. The dish was expertly prepared, with vibrant flavors and perfect texture. Dessert consisted of a medley of seasonal fruit, providing a refreshing finale.

After dinner, we requested turndown service. Our seat, 23F, was located in the center section—while all seats share the same design, window or bulkhead seats (notably rows 11 and 19) offer more generous foot space and are preferable for sleeping. Seats like 10A, adjacent to the galley, are best avoided due to proximity to crew activity.

Following a restful sleep, we tested the onboard Wi-Fi for streaming and productivity. Singapore Airlines now offers complimentary 100MB data packages to business class guests (as of 2025), an upgrade from previous allocations. For those needing more, 200MB is available for USD 25. While data limits can be reached quickly with media use, connection speeds were consistent and reliable throughout the journey. For a premium fare, more generous complimentary data would further enhance the experience.

Roughly eight hours after departure, ambient lighting signals the next meal. Although the timing may feel unusual for some, the crew’s attentive service ensures a seamless dining experience. The meal began with a platter of fresh fruit, followed by the signature Singapore Chicken Rice. While the rice was slightly dry, the flavors were authentic and well-balanced. The standout was the Mango Cheesecake with Ginger Cookie Crumb—rich and satisfying. A curated cheese plate and a glass of Arrowood Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, paired with lemon ginger tea, rounded out the offering. The meal set the tone for further relaxation, with hours of entertainment and music ahead in a serene, dimly lit cabin—ideal for arriving refreshed in New York.

Unlike some competitors, Singapore Airlines does not distribute a traditional amenity kit in business class on ultra-long-haul flights. However, essentials such as socks, slippers, and an eye mask are provided at your seat. In the lavatories, you’ll find premium skincare products, shaving kits, and dental amenities—ensuring you stay refreshed throughout your journey.

The KrisWorld entertainment platform continues to set industry benchmarks. The 18-inch HD touchscreen delivers vibrant visuals for movie and series lovers. Passengers in bulkhead seats may notice the screen is positioned slightly farther, but in most seats, it’s perfectly placed for immersive viewing. A notable innovation: you can now pair your mobile device with the system, allowing intuitive, personal navigation of the entertainment library. Our experience with this feature was seamless and elevated the inflight experience considerably.

Pre-flight, we anticipated the challenge of nearly 19 continuous hours onboard. The A350-900ULR’s advanced design, with remarkably quiet engines and Singapore Airlines’ signature ambient lighting, creates a soothing atmosphere throughout the journey. The cabin pressure, maintained at the equivalent of 1,700 meters, plays a key role in reducing jet lag and promoting passenger wellbeing. New-generation pillows—now standard on all A350 ULR flights—further boost comfort, making the extended time aloft surprisingly pleasant.

As the flight nears its conclusion, a final meal is served to energize passengers for their arrival in the city that never sleeps. We selected a warm foccacia sandwich filled with oriental barbecue pork and roasted vegetables, accompanied by fresh juice and expertly brewed coffee. This light yet flavorful meal was the perfect send-off before disembarking in New York.

While the journey is lengthy, the time savings and elevated comfort make this non-stop route highly desirable for discerning travelers. Singapore Airlines also operates a Singapore–New York JFK service via Frankfurt on the A380, but the direct flight on the A350-900ULR is an unbeatable choice for those prioritizing efficiency and luxury. With continual enhancements to seats, wellness, and service, this route remains a benchmark for ultra-long-haul business class travel.

1. Singapore–New York (Singapore Airlines) – 16,700 km

2. Doha–Auckland (Qatar Airways) – 14,529 km

3. London–Perth (Qantas) – 14,496 km

4. Dubai–Auckland (Emirates) – 14,200 km

5. Los Angeles–Singapore (United Airlines) – 14,113 km

6. Sydney–Dallas (Qantas) – 13,837 km

7. Sydney–Houston (United Airlines) – 13,833 km

8. San Francisco–Singapore (United Airlines / Singapore Airlines) – 13,592 km

9. Atlanta–Johannesburg (Delta Air Lines) – 13,581 km

10. Abu Dhabi–Los Angeles (Etihad Airways) – 13,502 km