Looking for a comfortable flight but not willing to splash out for business class? Premium economy may be a good fit for you, and Singapore Airlines premium economy is no exception. With wider seats, footrests and even an option to preorder a meal (book the cook), premium economy on Singapore Airlines can be a great way to get where you want to go. Let’s take a look.
What to expect flying premium economy with Singapore Airlines
Premium economy ticket holders get a host of benefits that aren’t available to economy flyers.
Baggage allowance: Those flying in premium economy can check baggage weighing up to 77 pounds (35kg). If you have Singapore Airlines or Star Alliance elite status, you’ll receive an additional 44 pounds (20kg) of checked baggage allowance.
Boarding: Premium economy class guests will receive priority boarding compared with standard economy class passengers.
Seats: Up to 19.5 inches wide, premium economy seats are arranged in a 2x4x2 configuration and feature 38 inches of pitch. They also include calf and foot rests.
Book the cook: Premium economy passengers can choose their main course from a variety of dishes up to 24 hours before travel.
» Learn more: How to save money on international flights
How to book a premium economy ticket with Singapore Airlines
Premium economy isn’t available on every Singapore Airlines flight. Premium economy is operated on Airbus A350/A350-900, Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft only. Within the U.S., there are six departure airports from which you can book a premium economy flight:
San Francisco.
Los Angeles.
New York-JFK.
Houston.
Newark, New Jersey.
Seattle.
(Video) World's LONGEST FLIGHT in Premium ECONOMY on Singapore Airlines
Whether using cash or redeeming KrisFlyer miles for a ticket, go to the Singapore Airlines website and search for a flight. When selecting your cabin class, choose “Premium economy” from the drop-down list:
When redeeming miles, you’ll need to log in to your Singapore Airlines account to search for a flight.
» Learn more: Award sweet spots using Singapore KrisFlyer miles
Ways to get good value
Book award flights with Singapore Airlines
Singapore doesn’t generally release award space for its premium economy class to partners. This means that if you’re looking to redeem miles, you’ll want to do so directly with Singapore rather than one of its Star Alliance (or other) partners.
To find availability for these tickets, use the search bar on Singapore’s site to look for space. Make sure “Redeem miles” is toggled on at the top of the search bar.
Singapore operates a distance-based award chart, which means you’ll be charged a higher amount of miles if you’re flying from the East Coast or Houston.
For instance, the world’s longest flight — between New York-JFK and Changi Airport — costs 73,000 miles in premium economy. Compare this with the 68,000 miles you’ll pay when flying from Los Angeles.
Although it’s incrementally more expensive to book a flight from the East Coast, it actually makes sense to join in on the nonstop rather than take a positioning flight to the West Coast. Most airlines charge more than 5,000 miles for a transcontinental ticket, and you’ll be adding more than three hours of flying to your trip by choosing the West Coast option.
Transfer credit card points to a KrisFlyer account
It’s too bad that Singapore Airlines doesn’t offer these flights to its partners, but that doesn’t mean it’s difficult to earn enough points to redeem. This is because of the strong partnership Singapore has with transferable point currencies:
American Express Membership Rewards: 1:1 ratio.
Chase Ultimate Rewards®: 1:1 ratio.
Citi ThankYou points: 1:1 ratio.
Capital One Miles: 1:1 ratio.
Marriott Bonvoy: 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points you transfer.
With all of these transfer partners, it’s easy to earn enough points for a premium economy ticket. Combining welcome offers from multiple card issuers can even score you seats in the airline’s famous Singapore Suites.
These cards have large welcome offers to help you earn a ticket more quickly:
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Book a fifth freedom flight
Ever heard of a fifth freedom flight? Airlines generally aren’t allowed to operate flights between two countries that aren’t their own, but there are exceptions to this.
Singapore Airlines operates such a flight on a route from New York-JFK to Frankfurt, which then continues on to Singapore. This flight operates a premium economy cabin, which means it’s possible to fly to Europe in Singapore Airlines’ premium economy seats.
The best part? It’s affordable: The eight-hour flight costs 47,000 miles.
Compare this with the 61,100 miles United Airlines charges for its premium economy flights from New York to Frankfurt and you’re saving more than 14,000 miles.
Add a stopover (or two)
Singapore Airlines is generous with its stopover policy on reward flights. You’ll receive a free stopover on a round-trip Saver-level flight, or one stopover in either direction on Advantage-level award (which are much more expensive).
However, it’s still possible to add in a stopover if you’re flying one way on a Saver award. Singapore’s policy allows you to add as many stopovers as you’d like at the cost of $100 per stopover.
Singapore defines stopovers are breaks of more than 24 hours between flights, and the airline allows stopovers on Singapore-operated flights only.
There are some additional restrictions: You aren’t allowed to backtrack, and these flights cannot be booked online. You’ll need to call to have them pieced together.
Theoretically, this means that you can book a flight from Houston to Sydney in premium economy with a Saver award. You can build in a stopover in Manchester for $100, stop for a week, then head onward to Singapore. For another $100 you can stop in Singapore for a week, then continue to your final destination of Sydney.
That’s a pretty cheap way to see several destinations at once.
» Learn more: What are layover, stopover and open jaw flights?
The bottom line
Singapore Airlines premium economy service is a comfortable way to get around the world. Although the planes offering this cabin are limited, there are still six departure airports in the U.S. from which you can book a premium economy ticket.
If booking an award flight, take advantage of generous stopover rules and a fifth freedom route to maximize your miles on a Singapore Airlines premium economy ticket.
Photo courtesy of Singapore Airlines.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
(Video) Top 10 Best Premium Economy Classes on Airlines
FAQs
Is it worth paying for Premium Economy on Singapore Airlines? ›
Worth it for the long-haul
With pre-departure drinks, the ability to pre-order meals through Book the Cook, extra legroom and a large in-flight entertainment screen, Singapore Airlines premium economy offers a step up from any economy product available on routes to Singapore.
It starts with a seat.
In an exclusive, spacious cabin, our Premium Economy Class seats are designed with greater width for your enhanced comfort. Add that to the extra choices and exclusive privileges, brought together by the award-winning service you love, all you have left to do is sit back, relax, and smile.
Exclusive lounge access
Relax in comfort at more than 1,000 lounges around the world, even when you fly in Premium Economy or Economy Class with Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic, Star Alliance or Star Alliance Connecting Partner airlines.
They're stacked in a double-decker layout to maximize the number of seats within the cabin while providing direct access to the aisle. Passengers can lie flat for rest or sit up with ample space to work or relax.
How can I make my premium economy more comfortable? ›- Pick the right airline. ...
- Choose your aircraft wisely. ...
- Select an emergency exit row. ...
- Wear comfortable clothing. ...
- Consider upgrading to an extra legroom seat.
But premium economy, if done well, offers more than just a few extra inches of leg room. Think of the ideal premium economy as a kind of “business class lite” option, with better meals, fancier cocktails, roomier seats, and upgraded amenities such as dedicated check-in and access to more storage space.
What is the difference with premium economy with Singapore Airlines? ›The perks in Premium Economy Class make you feel special: Priority Boarding, Priority baggage handling and a 35 kg baggage allowance. As a Premium Economy Class passenger you earn miles even faster as you are entitled to 100% KrisFlyer miles.
Does premium economy get priority check-in Singapore Airlines? ›From the seat to its features, we considered every little detail so you'll feel a whole lot of difference. With extra recline on leather seating, a 13.3 inch HD-enabled touchscreen, to priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, enjoy the perks and privileges of Premium Economy Class starting from $999.
What is the difference between economy and premium economy in Singapore Airlines? ›Seats on SQ Premium Economy measure 19.5 inches in width compared to 18 inches for regular Economy seats and 27-30 inches for Business Class seats. The pitch is 38 vs. 32 in regular Economy seats or 60 in Business Class.
What extra do you get with premium economy? ›Typically, premium economy will provide about 5-7 extra inches of legroom, plus 1-2 extra inches of seat width and 2-3 extra inches of recline. On a 12+ hour flight, every inch counts, and you're likely to have more room than you would on a short regional flight.
Do you get priority security with premium economy? ›
Air Canada premium economy check-in
Unfortunately the premium economy fare does not include expedited security but Air Canada Aeroplan Elite members can use the priority security lane when flying premium economy.
Premium Economy Class. Enjoy greater comfort with priority boarding, spacious seats, thoughtful service and an outstanding inflight entertainment system.
Can premium economy passengers use lounge? ›United's premium economy fare offers discounted lounge access and free alcohol, among other perks.
Is premium economy worth it on long flight? ›Premium economy's big selling point is more space. The seats are an inch or two wider on average than the typical coach seat, and the rows are farther apart, offering several more inches of legroom. Most premium economy seats recline, and many have footrests. How much space you actually get depends on the airline.
Who is the best premium economy? ›Virgin Atlantic wins award for the World's Best Premium Economy Class, with Singapore Airlines in second place and Qantas in third position.
How many bags can you have on premium economy? ›The standard allowance for free of charge baggage in economy and premium economy class is one piece hand baggage as well as the allowed amount of baggage each passenger can bring. In general the standard weight limit is 50lbs. or 23 kg.
How do you survive a 15 hour flight in economy? ›- 1.1 1. Workout A Day Before.
- 1.2 2. Charge Your Electronics.
- 1.3 3. Pick Your Seat Strategically.
- 1.4 4. Download an Audiobook or Podcast.
- 1.5 5. Noise Cancelling Headphones.
- 1.6 6. Bring Snacks.
- 1.7 7. Stay Hydrated.
- 1.8 8. Comfortable Clothes.
Headphones: American Airlines premium economy passengers get "noise-reducing headphones." This perk is limited to eligible routes. Priority check-in and boarding: American Airlines premium economy passengers can use the Priority check-in line and board during Group 4 priority boarding.
Do you get unlimited drinks in premium economy? ›Premium economy fares are about 15 to 20 percent more expensive than basic economy, but they also offer extra legroom, free drinks — and the perks don't stop there. Passengers seated in premium economy reap the benefits even before boarding the plane, via dedicated priority check-in lines and priority boarding.
Does premium economy include checked bag? ›It's the amenities, too — premium economy provides different meal offerings than the main class cabin, amenity kits, and priority boarding. Those flying in premium economy often won't have to pay fees on their checked baggage, and they accrue airline miles at a different rate than on a coach ticket.
Do you get a toothbrush on Singapore Airlines? ›
No problem. Singapore Airlines is one of few offering an amenity kit in Economy Class, packed with essentials including socks, toothpaste and a toothbrush. Plus all bathrooms are fully stocked with hand cream, hairbrushes, razors, mouthwash and fragrances, so you can arrive feeling fresh and ready to go.
How much more should I pay for premium economy? ›Is the price worth it? From my experiences, I consider premium economy to be worth around 50% more than the cost of regular economy on the same airline.
Does premium economy get extra baggage? ›As a Premium Economy passenger, not only will you have a seat with more space, but you will also benefit from a range of other perks, such as additional carry-on luggage and a greater weight allowance for checked-in luggage…
How to get free lounge access in Singapore airport? ›Passengers must be a member of the Singapore Airlines PPS Club or KrisFlyer programme to be eligible. Complete the online form at least 4 days before departure: Click here for online form. The offer is only available to new bookings. The lounge pass is not transferable, re-saleable or exchangeable.
Can you shower at Singapore airport? ›Rejuvenate after your long flight. Visit our paid lounges for shower facilities, nail care, foot reflexology and massage therapies. Charges apply for both lounge access and services. For more information, please call +65 6546 2433.
Does the last seat in premium economy recline? ›In premium economy, the last row of the cabin is the only one that doesn't recline into someone else, and since people use this cabin to eat and often to work, this is huge on overnight flights.
Is it cheaper to book economy and then upgrade? ›The cheapest way to get a business or first-class ticket is to buy an economy ticket then buy an upgrade. You can either do this immediately after booking or look for last-minute upgrades as your travel date approaches. The price for premium cabin fares decreases as you get closer to departure.
Which international airline has the most comfortable economy seats? ›Emirates wins award as the World's Best Economy Class with Qatar Airways in second place and Singapore Airlines in third position. Scroll down to see all of the economy class airline category ratings.
Which airline has the widest seats in economy class? ›The airlines with the widest seats among US airlines are JetBlue Airways and Silver Airways. 18 inches wide. Spirit Airlines' average economy seat has a width of 17.75 inches. Breeze, Delta, Hawaiian has a seat width of 17.6 inches.
What is the difference between premium economy and premium plus? ›Legroom: United Premium Plus seats, located at the front of the economy cabin, feature up to seven extra inches of legroom over a standard economy seat, while the Economy Plus seat offers travelers six inches of extra legroom. Premium Plus seats also recline up to three inches more than a standard seat.
Which airline has the most legroom in economy? ›
The best international airlines for legroom in economy
ANA, Emirates, EVA Airways, and Singapore Airlines (32-34 inches) Air China, Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, and Korean Air (32-33 inches) Cathay Pacific, SWISS, and Vietnam Airlines (32 inches)
The airline typically prices its Premium Economy product at about 50% more than Economy and about half of the Business Class price, this means there are often business class products from other airlines priced just above the airline's premium economy.
How much more do you pay for premium economy? ›The price difference between premium economy and economy depends on the airline and route that you're flying. Generally speaking, you're looking at a minimum of a 30% price increase, but you may also pay double the price of an economy ticket.
Does Singapore Airlines premium economy get priority check-in? ›From the seat to its features, we considered every little detail so you'll feel a whole lot of difference. With extra recline on leather seating, a 13.3 inch HD-enabled touchscreen, to priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, enjoy the perks and privileges of Premium Economy Class starting from $999.
Which premium economy is best? ›Virgin Atlantic wins award for the World's Best Premium Economy Class, with Singapore Airlines in second place and Qantas in third position.
Does premium economy include drinks? ›1. What benefits do travelers receive when purchasing Premium Economy? Customers traveling in Premium Economy will enjoy wider seats - including expandable foot, leg and headrests, Priority boarding, an enhanced meal, complimentary drinks, noise-reducing headphones, an amenity kit and more.
Is premium economy worth it on long flights? ›Premium economy's big selling point is more space. The seats are an inch or two wider on average than the typical coach seat, and the rows are farther apart, offering several more inches of legroom. Most premium economy seats recline, and many have footrests. How much space you actually get depends on the airline.
What is included in premium economy? ›Depending on the airline, passengers get extra leg room, extra recline, extra seat width, priority boarding, priority luggage allowances, extra earned miles, amenity kits, larger in-flight entertainment screens, upgraded headphones, and plated premium meals.
What are the seats like in premium economy? ›Typically, premium economy will provide about 5-7 extra inches of legroom, plus 1-2 extra inches of seat width and 2-3 extra inches of recline. On a 12+ hour flight, every inch counts, and you're likely to have more room than you would on a short regional flight.
Are checked bags free in premium economy? ›Free checked bags for premium cabin travel
Though traveling in premium economy, business or first class costs more, it also includes additional free checked bags. Premium economy and business class passengers get up to two free bags, while first class passengers can check up to three, depending on destination.