I have taken some long haul flights before to Europe, though the longest one of my life was to Australia when I was in high school. I therefore prepared myself mentally before starting my journey that would take me from Boston to LA, LA to Tokyo, Tokyo to Singapore, and finally Singapore to Bangkok. For the international part of my journey, I was a passenger on Singapore Airlines, which is considered one of the safest and friendliest airlines servicing South East Asia. Read on to discover more about this wonderful airline I would recommend to anyone traveling to Asia.
The Aircraft
The aircraft that travels from LA to Bangkok has three classes passengers can book for seats:
- Suites – Flying in a suite is the most luxurious way to travel on Singapore Airlines. It essentially is private cabin with handmade leather seats, sliding doors, and its own bed that is not converted from a seat (one of the only airlines to have this feature). Enjoy the entertainment system on a 23-inch LCD screen, the largest on a plane. Dining in the suites is also an exquisite experience with special menus; you even have the choice to pre-order a gourmet meal made just for you. Check out the Suite details in a video.
- First Class – Lounge in any position in the 35-inch wide first class seating on board Singapore Airlines. When you are ready for bed, turn down service is available to change your comfortable seat into an even more comfortable bed. A good night's sleep is enhanced by skincare products, a sleeper suit, and slippers to help you get even more rest. Enjoy a gourmet dining selection when you are hungry created by world-renowned chefs. Check out the First Class details in a video.
- Singapore Airlines also recently launched their New First Class with even more luxurious features. Check out the New First Class updates in a video.
- Business Class – With more space in between seats and fewer seats in a cabin, Business Class on Singapore Airlines has seats tag are 30 inches wide! That leaves plenty of room to relax and lounge any way you would like. When you are tired, the seats convert into a bed for a restful sleep. Enjoy gourmet meals as well as the pre-order gourmet meals available in the suites. Check out Business Class details in a video.
- Premium Economy – While this class was not available on my flight, it is a new way to fly on some Singapore Airlines' flights. Check out the updated Premium Economy.
- Economy – The majority of my flight on Singapore Airlines to Bangkok was made up of economy class. There are three cabins of 10 rows with 10 seats in each row, making enough room for 300 people to fly economy class. With an adjustable headrest, comfortable seats, good meals, and lots of entertainment, Singapore Airlines' economy class is one of the best ways to travel to Southeast Asia. Check out Economy Class details in a video.
Baggage
Passengers traveling on Singapore Airlines are allowed 2 checked bags that must weigh less than 32 kg (about 70 lbs). I flew to LA on United and had to stress over making sure my bag was less than 50 lbs, so I was very much stress free when checking in to my flight in LA.
Passengers are also allowed 1 carry on that must weigh less than 7 kg or about 15 lbs. They will weigh your carry on when you check in for your flight; if it is too heavy you will be forced to check it.
For more detailed information on baggage such as allowances, excess, restrictions, delayed and damaged bags, check the Baggage page on their website.
The Amenities
My boyfriend and I had seats in the economy class of Singapore Airlines, but this did not mean we were cheated of a quality experience! After the plane takes off, passengers are each given a warm, moist towelette that can be used to clean your hands or face. The flight attendants quickly cycle back through to collect the towels as they cool.
Each seat is equipped with an entertainment system that could honestly provide endless hours of entertainment. They offer hundreds of movies, both new releases and some classics. Passengers can choose from Hollywood movies, documentaries, as well as Korean, Japanese, and Chinese movies. In addition, the entertainment system includes hundreds of TV shows from many major networks including HBO.
Another fun way to pass the time is through the games, also included in the entertainment system. They have classics such as Pacman as well as multiplayer games of Battleship and Tetris that you can play with other guests on the plane! Singapore Airlines provides each guest with complimentary headphones, so no worries if you discover you forgot yours.
On a long-haul flight from LA to Singapore via Tokyo, it is necessary to catch some Z's. Fortunately, Singapore Airlines provides a pillow and Givenchy blanket for each guest. Flight attendants also hand out little packs in which they pack a complimentary toothbrush and socks to aid with hygiene and sleeping. Mouthwash is available in the bathroom as well for the dreaded morning breath you might experience.
The Food
On the flight from LA to Tokyo, Singapore Airlines provides two meals. Another meal was later served on the flight over from Tokyo to Singapore, as well as one meal on the flight from Singapore to Bangkok (even though it was only 2 hours!).
When you first take off, the flight attendants hand out menus of the meal options available during the flight. I noticed right away that there were no prices listed as everything is included in the ticket price, including alcoholic beverages. I enjoyed several glasses of wine during the flight that on other airlines would have cost me a pretty penny. They also offer a signature cocktail, Singapore Sling, which features gin, benedictine, cointreau, brandy, grenadine, lime and pineapple. This cocktail was not offered to economy glass guests previously but thankfully is now served in all classes! Yayy! Other cocktails, such as a screwdriver, are also available.
All meals in economy come with two options, an International or Asian meal. I tried one of each on my plane ride from LA to Tokyo. Each meal came with water, an appetizer (usually some sort of salad), bread and butter, an entree, and a dessert. The entrees ranged from beef with potatoes, to curry chicken with rice, pork with pasta, and fish with vegetables.
If passengers should get hungry in between meal times, Singapore Airlines also offers complimentary snacks of sandwiches (I had one when I first got on in LA since I was starving – it was pretty tasty) or cookies, candy, and the classic peanuts. The flight crew also regularly comes through the cabin to offer cold and hot drinks.
Changi International Airport
On a flight to Bangkok, a layover at the Changi International Airport in Singapore is inevitable if traveling from the USA. However, this airport has won awards as one of the best in the world, due in part to the large number of layovers that stop here. There are a variety of activities to enjoy in all of the terminals including movie theaters, a pool, many wonderful and themed gardens (my favorite was the butterfly garden – the first in the world to be in an airport), hundreds of stores to shop, plenty of food options, and even a FREE tour of the city that is sponsored by Singapore Airlines! Check out my post of 10 Things to do During a Singapore Airport Layover for more ideas on all this fantastic airport has to offer! Trust me, after finding out all of the activities you can take part in, you might end up extending your layover!
Final Verdict
I had a relaxed and overall very pleasant journey from the USA to Bangkok via Singapore Airlines. The flight attendants were friendly and helpful; the food was tasty; the entertainment endless; and the seat comfortable enough to catch some sleep. I would recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Thailand, or anywhere in Asia, as they have many destinations worldwide.
Airline Info
Daily flights to more than 60 cities in 30 countries
Have you flown on Singapore Airlines? Share your experience in the comments below!
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