Stockholm to Singapore in Premium Economy with Singapore Airlines

The launch of Singapore Airlines' Stockholm–Singapore route via Moscow marked a significant milestone for both the airline and Stockholm Arlanda Airport, introducing the cutting-edge Airbus A350 to Scandinavia's long-haul landscape. In a collaborative effort with SAS, Singapore Airlines stationed a dedicated A350 technician at Arlanda for the initial months, ensuring seamless technical support and knowledge transfer as the aircraft became a fixture on this prestigious route.

We were invited to experience the inaugural flight in Premium Economy, enjoying a festive ambiance at check-in and a streamlined boarding process. As part of the premium cabin experience, travelers benefit from an exclusive check-in counter and dedicated baggage drop. The celebration began even before takeoff, with a lively inauguration event—details of which can be found here.

Boarding commenced punctually at 10:45 from gate F69, prioritizing high-tier frequent flyers, followed by Premium Economy guests and then Economy. The first impression of the A350 is striking: its expansive 64.8-meter wingspan rivals that of the Boeing 777-300ER, yet it's longer than the A330-300 by a notable 3.5 meters. Singapore Airlines' commitment to the A350 remains strong, now fielding 67 aircraft in its fleet—reflecting a substantial investment in passenger comfort and operational efficiency. The Premium Economy cabin features 24 seats, nestled between 42 Business and 253 Economy seats, providing a thoughtfully curated travel environment across three distinct classes.

My assigned seat was 31A, a window seat in the front row of the Premium Economy cabin, configured 2-4-2 for optimal comfort. This prime location offers exceptional legroom—row 31 is renowned for its spaciousness—and the benefit of two generously sized windows, each fitted with manual shades for customizable light control. While competitor aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner use electrochromic dimming windows, I found the traditional blinds on the A350 provided a more effective barrier against glare and heat, enhancing the overall in-flight environment.

Row 31 is also designated for families traveling with infants, with seats 31D and 31G featuring bassinet attachments. On this journey, most seats were occupied by solo travelers, making seats 31A, 31C, 31H, and 31K particularly desirable for those seeking tranquility and extra space.

Rows 32 and 33 offer slightly less room, but still deliver a generous 38-inch seat pitch—a standard adopted by leading carriers such as Lufthansa, British Airways, and Qantas. The seat itself is noticeably wider than Economy, flanked by dual armrests for added personal space. The tray table stows conveniently between the seats, and the overall layout ensures you never feel cramped, even on a long-haul sector. Throughout the flight, I was able to relax comfortably, thanks to the ergonomic seat design and thoughtful amenities.

The headrest is fully adjustable, with movable wings and height settings for tailored neck support. Recline, leg rest, and footrest functions are controlled by intuitive buttons, making it easy to switch between upright, work, and relaxation modes. At 6 feet tall, I still found sleeping a challenge, as the leg support does not extend quite high enough for true lie-flat comfort—a typical limitation of Premium Economy versus Business Class. I improvised by placing my cabin bag at the wall and using it as a footrest, creating a surprisingly restful position. Ultimately, the Premium Economy seat is a significant upgrade over Economy and well-suited for work, leisure, or rest on intercontinental journeys.

Prior to departure, a welcoming touch: a warm, steamed towel and a choice of champagne, juice, or water set the tone for the flight. My initial impression of the A350 was shaped by its remarkably quiet cabin—even near the engine, ambient noise was minimal, allowing for easy conversation without strain. The aircraft’s advanced noise insulation and smooth ride quality truly set it apart from older models.

Singapore Airlines has equipped the A350-900 with dynamic LED mood lighting, which creates a serene atmosphere throughout the journey. While the airline used a subtle palette on this flight, the lighting transitions were seamless and contributed to a sense of well-being. Perhaps most significant is the A350’s lower cabin altitude, pressurized to around 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) rather than the conventional 8,000 feet. This innovation, shared with the 787 Dreamliner, reduces fatigue and jet lag—something I noticed upon arrival, feeling far more refreshed than after flights on legacy aircraft like the 777 or 747.

The initial Stockholm–Moscow sector lasted about 90 minutes. Transit in Moscow involved disembarking with hand luggage, passing through security, and reboarding—a process that, while efficient, felt somewhat cumbersome. Ideally, a nonstop service would be preferable for premium travelers, and industry trends suggest direct routes are increasingly favored as demand grows. Still, the overall journey reflected Singapore Airlines’ commitment to operational excellence and guest comfort, even during transit stops.

Culinary offerings in Premium Economy are a highlight of the Singapore Airlines experience. The inflight menu featured a curated selection of international and Asian-inspired dishes, each presented with care and accompanied by a thoughtful beverage list, including premium wines and specialty teas.

For travelers with dietary preferences, Singapore Airlines’ renowned "Book the Cook" service allows advance meal selection up to 24 hours before departure—a feature now available on most long-haul routes, though not on this inaugural sector. The flexibility to personalize your dining experience is a hallmark of the airline's premium product.

After enjoying a satisfying dinner, I explored the KrisWorld entertainment system. In row 31, the high-definition screen is mounted on the bulkhead, slightly further away but still easily viewable thanks to its size and clarity. Premium Economy passengers receive noise-cancelling headphones, offering an immersive audio experience for movies and music. Connectivity is excellent, with USB charging ports both at the seat and beneath the screen, as well as dual power outlets between seats for laptops and other devices.

One standout feature on the A350 is the ability to pair your personal device with KrisWorld, using it as a remote control for the entertainment system. This pairing worked reliably, and the onboard Wi-Fi—fast and stable—enabled seamless browsing. Premium Economy guests receive complimentary Wi-Fi access for the first hour, with full-flight packages available for purchase at competitive rates. Only one device can connect at a time, but the convenience for business travelers or those wanting to stay connected is undeniable.

The remainder of the journey was smooth and comfortable, highlighted by dramatic lightning displays over southern Afghanistan—visible from the safety of the cabin and adding a touch of wonder to the night sky. After dinner, the cabin lights were dimmed, promoting restful sleep until breakfast service commenced approximately two and a half hours before landing. The gentle transition from darkness to light aligned with the airline’s commitment to passenger well-being.

The Moscow–Singapore leg took nine hours and 35 minutes, with the aircraft arriving ten minutes ahead of schedule at 6:45 pm local time. Arrival procedures at Changi Airport were exceptionally efficient, as always—immigration and baggage claim were swift, with my luggage appearing promptly on the carousel. Singapore Airlines continues to set the benchmark for service excellence, making Premium Economy a compelling choice for discerning travelers. I look forward to sharing insights from the return journey, this time experiencing Business Class on the A350-900.