How to Make the Most of Singapore Airlines First Class

Singapore Airlines first class is the crème de la crème of luxury airline experiences. From the moment you arrive at the airport until you’re safely at your destination, every need is meticulously attended to by dedicated Singapore Airlines staff; it's a truly first-class experience every step of the way.

But luxury comes at a high cost, either in miles or cash.

Learn about Singapore Airlines first class and its Suites, along with the food, drink and lounges that come with the highest class of service on one of the world’s most extravagant airlines.

What to expect flying first class with Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines first-class experience is so lavish that it is divided into Suites and first class, depending on the aircraft. Here are the most important details you need to know:

• Baggage policy. For flights to and from the U.S., Suites and first-class ticket holders can check two pieces of luggage up to about 70.5 pounds. For flights that don’t go through the U.S., you can bring up to about 110 pounds. Flyers with elite status may qualify for an additional bag or two or additional weight, depending on the flight and status level.

• Boarding. Suites and first-class flyers have their own boarding lanes. On the two-story A380, these flyers may possibly have their own jet bridge.

• Suites or seats. First class on Boeing 777 aircraft includes an extra-wide lie-flat seat with plenty of storage. On the massive Airbus A380, first-class flyers may be able to snag their own suite, which includes a private room for one or two, a luxury recliner and a bed, plus a door for added privacy.

• Lounges. Singapore operates its own KrisFlyer Lounge and KrisFlyer Gold Lounge in limited airports and may work with partners in many others. As a premium flyer, you can check in at the dedicated first-class reception area, where a porter takes your baggage. After an escort through a private immigration line, you’ll be whisked to the private lounge that lives up to its first-class branding. The private room lounges aren't your typical busy Priority Pass lounges — they’re a step above.

• Food and meals. Singapore Airlines first-class food rivals anything you’ll eat on the ground. You can preselect a meal online with chef-prepared options through its "Book the Cook" service; here, you can choose from a wide selection of world dishes and special meals. Come thirsty, too — you’ll have access to the airline’s expert-selected wine list, high-end Champagne and just about anything else you would like to drink.

How to book a first class ticket with Singapore Airlines

To book a first-class flight on Singapore Airlines, the likely easiest option for most people is to book online, but you can also book by phone. The website makes it easy to search by fare class and date. Note that Singapore doesn’t fly to many U.S. cities, and some routes don’t fly daily.

If you pay cash, flying first class is a five-figure endeavor, with fees typically ranging from around $10,000 to $30,000. The most affordable way to fly on Singapore Airlines is using miles or points.

If you need to bulk up your points stash, take advantage of the fact that Singapore Airlines is part of the Star Alliance. That means that you can earn KrisFlyer miles by flying partners like Air Canada, Avianca, Lufthansa and United.

» Learn more: The ultimate guide to the Star Alliance

Ways to get good value

Book with points

If you regularly fly on Singapore Airlines or otherwise build up a big balance, potentially through transfers from partner credit cards, you can book awards directly with Singapore. These range in cost from 52,500 KrisFlyer Miles to 295,000 miles one-way, depending on your destination. NerdWallet values Singapore KrisFlyer miles at 1.5 cents each.

Partner awards from other airlines

Again, if you have miles with any Star Alliance partner, you can book an award flight that includes travel on Singapore Airlines. For example, if you fly on United regularly, you can use those miles to book a Singapore Airlines trip if the route allows.

Arrive early to enjoy the lounge

So you probably can’t check in the day before and use the lounge as your hotel, but you can show up early to enjoy the full-service amenities at one of the Singapore Airlines lounges, which include Wi-Fi, TV and food and drink.

Note: Many lounges are currently closed due to the pandemic.

Consider 'fifth freedom' routes

"Fifth freedom" is an airline industry term for international flights that don’t originate or end in the airline’s home country. For long-distance flights on Singapore Airlines, current fifth freedom routes include San Francisco-Hong Kong, Los Angeles-Tokyo, Houston-Manchester and New York-Frankfurt.

Splurge for a suite

If you have the miles or the dollars to get yourself in a Singapore Airlines suite, it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have your own private bedroom in the air. It’s not quite as good as your own private airplane, but it’s about as close as you can get while flying commercial.

If you fly first class on Singapore Airlines

When you can cozy up in your own bed, you may be tempted to catch some sleep for the entire time you’re on the plane. But hopefully, you stay up long enough to enjoy your private TV and entertainment system, the fine food and dining, and the exceptional service provided in first class on Singapore Airlines.

These flights will rightfully earn their place as fond vacation memories that last a lifetime, rather than just another run-of-the-mill transportation experience.