My First Time with Singapore Airlines
For a business trip to India, I first needed to head to Chennai. I usually go via Bangkok with Thai Airways, but that involves a nearly 4-hour layover and arriving in Chennai after midnight. I felt a bit bad having the local staff come to pick me up at that hour, so I tried to book ANA via Delhi, but it was quite expensive. While looking for other options, I found that taking Singapore Airlines from Narita via Changi Airport kept the transit to about 3 hours and allowed me to arrive at the destination by 10 PM. Plus, it was significantly cheaper than ANA, so I decided to fly Singapore Airlines for the first time.
Business Class Seats: A Bit Hard to See Outside
The full-flat seat itself was perfectly fine, and the large-screen entertainment system was great with plenty of content. However, as you can see in the first photo, there’s this shell-like cover around the seat that makes it hard to see outside even if you choose a window seat, which is a bit of a letdown. There are switches right where you turn your head, which is okay, but I’d really prefer if they removed this cover or at least made it adjustable.
The storage area was packed with headphones, a water bottle, and the menu. If you pull out the sliding part in the front, it reveals a mirror. The side table is wide and very easy to use.
The Satay is Delicious!
A little while after takeoff, they serve Singapore’s famous satay. You eat the grilled meat skewers with plenty of peanut sauce that has a unique sweetness and texture. This was really tasty. The raw onions served on the side were surprisingly spicy, but it’s definitely a dish that makes you want a beer.
Out of habit from flying ANA, I reflexively ordered the Japanese meal, and it was quite good. Since it was a flight departing from Japan, that probably helped, but it’s wonderful to be able to enjoy a proper Japanese meal like this on a foreign airline.
For dessert, I had chestnut yokan and Shine Muscat grapes. It’s an unusual combination, but since I love both, I had no complaints. One thing that amused me was the service—I ordered sparkling water, and the staff kept refilling my glass the moment it was even slightly empty without me asking. I struggled to find the right timing to finish it and have them take the glass away (haha).
This is What a True Hub Airport Looks Like…
To be honest, what surprised me even more than the experience on the plane was Singapore’s Changi Airport. The U-shaped airport is massive, yet it’s designed so you can mostly walk between gates. I was amazed at how easy it was to get around without hitting security checks at every turn. Of course, there are shuttles between terminals, so if you’re in a hurry, getting around is no problem at all.
Beyond the convenience, this vast airport is packed with various shops and restaurants, many of which are open 24 hours. Even if you have a long layover, it feels like a place where you could happily kill time.
It’s clear why it’s rated as the top hub in Asia; it’s incredibly well-thought-out in terms of convenience and entertainment. It’s a bit disappointing to say, but I feel like Japan’s Narita and Haneda airports are being left quite a bit behind.
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