Singapore Airlines has long been regarded as one of the world's premier carriers, and for good reason. From its humble beginnings flying economy as a child in the mid-90s — when seat-back televisions were grainy little boxes with no on-demand movies and you had to sit through whatever film happened to be playing — to experiencing its latest business class cabin decades later, the airline has consistently set a high bar. It is the kind of airline you keep coming back to, no matter how many others you try.
This review covers flight SQ494 from Singapore Changi Airport to Dubai International Airport, a roughly six-and-a-half-hour journey aboard one of Singapore Airlines' newest business class configurations. It was the middle leg of an ambitious multi-airline points redemption journey from Sydney to London, and it delivered an experience worth recounting in detail.
The Journey Begins: SilverKris Lounge and a Race to the Gate
Before boarding, there was time to explore Changi Airport and relax in the SilverKris business class lounge. The lounge offers shower facilities — a welcome feature after an early 6am flight from Perth — and a buffet selection that varies in quality. The food can be hit or miss, though the Indian dishes on offer during this visit were surprisingly good. It is worth noting that the food in the "Private Room" for first class passengers sits on an entirely different level.
What followed, however, was less relaxing. A combination of autumn mould-spore season in Australia, travel-related stress, and asthma created the perfect storm. While waiting for a coat to finish in the lounge's steam-cleaning machine, the departure board suddenly flashed "Final Boarding Call" — a full twenty minutes ahead of the scheduled boarding time printed on the ticket. The gate was listed as a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk away.
What ensued was a frantic sprint through Changi Airport in heeled boots, an asthma attack that hit mid-run, an inhaler fumble during secondary security screening, and a tearful dash down the jet bridge just as the gate was closing. Collapsing into the seat without even removing a coat was hardly the most elegant way to begin a business class experience — but it set the stage for what truly separates a great airline from a good one.
Exceptional Service Under Pressure
The crew's response to the situation was nothing short of remarkable. Rather than crowding around and adding to the sense of claustrophobia — the last thing anyone wants during an asthma attack is a swarm of concerned faces — they gave space. One crew member quietly brought a glass of water. They helped stow the luggage without fuss. Once breathing had normalized, they checked in calmly and continued to do so throughout the flight without ever becoming overbearing.
This is where Singapore Airlines consistently excels: the crew is trained well enough to read a situation and respond appropriately, rather than following a rigid script. That composure and professionalism made all the difference.
The New Business Class Cabin: Design and Comfort
The cabin itself felt sleek, contemporary, and — happily — relatively empty on this flight. The design brings to mind other modern business class products, but Singapore Airlines has opted for a lighter, more airy color palette: warm taupe tones paired with purple accents, creating a calm and sophisticated atmosphere.
Storage is well thought out, with multiple nooks and compartments to keep personal items organized throughout the flight. The entertainment screen is genuinely impressive — large, sharp, and perfect for diving into action films. Two Marvel movies that had been on the watchlist flew by on that screen, and the viewing experience was immersive.
The Seat and Sleeping Arrangements
When it is time to sleep, the crew sets up the bed upon request. There is one notable quirk: the footwell is positioned at a slight angle to the side of the seat, tucked into a small cubby. This means lying fully flat requires positioning the body at a somewhat unusual angle. That said, the bed itself remains comfortable — and let us be honest, sleeping flat on an airplane, regardless of the angle, is a luxury in itself.
For a 6.5-hour daytime flight, the bed is more of a bonus than a necessity. A nap between two movies and a meal was more than enough to arrive in Dubai feeling refreshed.
Dining at 35,000 Feet: Book the Cook
One of the standout features of flying Singapore Airlines in premium cabins is the "Book the Cook" service, which allows passengers to pre-order their meal from an extended menu before the flight. Having fallen in love with this option during a previous first class journey, it was a no-brainer to use it again.
The choice: Lobster Thermidor served with rice, asparagus, and tomato. This was the third time ordering this particular dish, and it did not disappoint — rich, well-prepared, and genuinely restaurant-quality. Dessert was a simple but satisfying coconut ice cream, the kind of clean, refreshing finish that pairs perfectly with an indulgent main course.
Final Thoughts and Value for Points
The contrast between Singapore Airlines' older and newer business class products is stark, and this flight showcased the best of what the airline currently offers. From the thoughtful cabin design to the impeccable service — especially under genuinely difficult personal circumstances — the experience reinforced why the airline maintains such a loyal following.
The value proposition was equally impressive: 62,500 KrisFlyer miles for the Perth-to-Dubai routing, with taxes and fees totalling just £52. By comparison, many other carriers charge significantly more in surcharges on reward tickets, making Singapore Airlines an outstanding option for points redemptions.
Practical Tips for Flying Singapore Airlines Business Class
- Use Book the Cook: Pre-order your meal at least 24 hours before departure. The Lobster Thermidor is a famous crowd-pleaser, but explore the full menu — options vary by route and departure city.
- Arrive at the gate early: Boarding calls at Changi can sometimes come earlier than the time printed on your ticket. Do not rely on lounge screens alone; set a personal alarm.
- Choose the right aircraft: Singapore Airlines operates multiple business class configurations. Research your specific flight to ensure you are booked on the newer product — the difference is substantial.
- Redeem KrisFlyer miles strategically: Singapore Airlines charges remarkably low taxes on award tickets compared to many competitors. The KrisFlyer program is worth prioritizing if you fly routes served by the airline.
- Take advantage of lounge showers: If you are connecting through Singapore, the SilverKris lounge showers are clean, well-stocked, and a great way to reset between flights.
Conclusion
Singapore Airlines' new business class on the Singapore-to-Dubai route delivers a polished, comfortable, and genuinely enjoyable experience. The cabin hardware is modern and well-designed, the in-flight entertainment is top-tier, the food — especially with Book the Cook — punches well above typical airline catering standards, and the crew demonstrates the kind of intuitive, composed service that only comes from excellent training and company culture. For a six-and-a-half-hour flight that cost just 62,500 miles and £52 in taxes, the value is hard to beat.
FAQ
Is Singapore Airlines business class worth the points?
Absolutely. With low taxes and a solid hard product, Singapore Airlines business class is one of the best uses of KrisFlyer miles — especially on routes served by the newer cabin configurations. The Book the Cook service and consistently excellent crew make it a redemption that feels genuinely premium.
How do I know if my flight has the new business class seats?
Check your specific flight's aircraft type when booking. The newer business class is typically found on the airline's A350 and selected 777-300ER aircraft. Routes like Singapore to Dubai, London, and Sydney are more likely to feature the updated product, but it is always worth confirming before booking.
What is Book the Cook and how does it work?
Book the Cook is Singapore Airlines' meal pre-ordering service available to premium cabin passengers. You can browse an extended menu online and select your meal at least 24 hours before departure. The selection often includes signature dishes like Lobster Thermidor that are not available on the standard in-flight menu.
Can I access the SilverKris lounge with a business class ticket?
Yes, all Singapore Airlines business class passengers have access to the SilverKris business class lounges at Changi Airport and other major departure points. These lounges offer showers, buffet dining, and comfortable seating areas. Note that the "Private Room" is reserved exclusively for first class and Suites passengers.
How does Singapore Airlines business class compare to Emirates?
Both are excellent, but they excel in different areas. Emirates is known for its bling-forward aesthetic and onboard bar on the A380, while Singapore Airlines emphasizes understated elegance and consistently refined service. On award tickets, Singapore Airlines generally charges far lower taxes and fees, making it the better value for points-based bookings.