As a part of my flight back to the United States, I flew Singapore Airline’s business class from Vietnam’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN). Although the flight was short, I had a great time sleeping and was reminded again of why Asian airlines (especially Singapore Airlines) simply have superior experience versus that of American-based airlines.
A few months back in December 2023, I had set some alerts using Roame's Singapore Airlines business class finder and got an email about how some nonstop availability had come up for Singapore to Los Angeles on Singapore Airlines business class (:0).
At the time, Chase was also offering a 20% transfer bonus to Air Canada, meaning this traditionally 87,500 point flight would only cost 72,917 pts one way. I immediately jumped to Air Canada's website to investigate further.
Knowing that Air Canada prices their award flights based on total distance traveled, I realized that I could squeeze even more out of this by linking this flight up with my last stop of my trip in Vietnam. Assuming there is no married segment logic (where the flights are sold together as one unit), as long as there is additional award availability for other segments that don't exceed the distance band, then the price remains the same.
According to Great Circle Mapper, SIN-LAX is just 8,770 miles long, so I could (in theory) add up to 2,230 miles in additional traveling on this ticket before the price jumps up. This meant that if I could find business availaibility for SGN (Vietnam) to Singapore (675 miles), I could make my entire journey home in business class.
I ended up booking two seats, one for me and one for my girlfriend, for just 72,917 Chase points each. Talk about value! If I had more time, I would have loved to add a stopover and maybe visit Singapore again for just 5,000 more points.
Checking My Bags In
Given I was flying back home from Vietnam, my parents wanted me to ship some boxes over from my extended family based in Vietnam. So, we needed to check in a total of 3 items—one suitcase and two large boxes—each weighing about 50 pounds/22 kg each.
When flying to/from Canada and the USA, Singapore Airlines charges based on a “pieces concept,” where you are allowed to bring a “piece” whose sum of length, width, and height does not exceed 62 inches/158 cm. In my case, since I was flying Singapore business class, I could bring up to 2 “pieces” weighing a maximum of 32 kg each.
However, thanks to my trusty Turkish Airlines status, I was able to check in one additional “piece” also weighing up to 32 kg. This allowed me to check in all 3 “pieces” free of charge.
Going Through Security
Despite flying business class, there was no expedited immigration or security line. Everyone was funneled to the same line after check in. The line was pretty long and it took me and my girlfriend 30+ minutes to clear customs and get our bags through security.
I really wish there was some type of expedited security option available for business class passengers at this airport. If anyone can do it, it’s Singapore Airlines...
The Lounge
When we checked in, we were told we would be able to access the Le Saigonnais Lounge. However, when we went to find this lounge, we ended up stumbling into the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge (a SkyTeam lounge) and were told we could just access it instead. I extensively review that lounge in this article here.
Options for lounges (Spa is closed)
Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge
Boarding
While my girlfriend and I arrived to the gate exactly by the time boarding was supposed to start, for some reason, Singapore Airlines had already started boarding and was boarding economy class. This was a bit unfortunate, since we wanted to board first.
Also, the passenger boarding bridge blocked the view of the plane, so I couldn’t really see much there.
The Seat
This was my first Singapore Airlines business class flight in nearly two years, and I was awash with excitement for this flight. Not even the US domestic transcon business class products compare to this.
Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points
The seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 formation, with the window seats slightly staggered.
Map of the Singapore Airlines A350-900 cabin
I was seated in 14A next to the window. It was a comfortable seat and came with a little pillow and blanket. My arm rest was located on the side towards the window, so I didn’t have immediate easy access to see the outside without leaning a little bit.
As I was getting settled, the flight attendant came around and asked if I wanted any preflight drinks. I had previously checked the menu online and knew the champagne was a Piper-Heidsieck, a pretty famous champagne. The particular one served on my flight was the NV Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel Extra Brut, which retails for $60+ a bottle. You bet I asked for a glass of champagne.
Piper-Heidsieck champagne
Once I got my drink, I started testing out a few things with the seat. To my left, the seat had a little coat holder. I had recently got a new suit tailored during my trip, so this was a really useful place for me to put my new coat. Additionally, the seat had arm rests that were fully adjustable by applying some pressure to them to make them go up/down—I thought this was a pretty cool feature. The flight attendants then came around again to offer a predeparture hot towel. These towels are really nice to freshen up a little bit; I always use them to wipe my face.
Shortly before takeoff, a flight attendant actually proactively offered to take my coat and place it up front. This was a very nice gesture, as it helped save a little bit of space. Interestingly, the cabin also started playing a video that helped demonstrate how to use some of unique features of the seat, including the meal tray (which extends from underneath the TV).
The Food: Impressive For Just A 2 Hour Flight
About a week before my flight, I suddenly remembered to book my meals. While I was hopeful that Book the Cook would be offered for this flight, it’s just simply too short of a flight for anything to really come out of it.
Nonetheless, the food looked really good. Here were my options for the flight:
Given I was just in Vietnam, I selected the Vietnamese Grilled Pork. The rest of the menu also looked really appetizing, consisting of a Prawn Caesar Salad, green tea cake, bread, and coffee/tea. About 30 minutes into the flight, the crew started preparing for meal service (exciting). Given that this was just a “light lunch” they served everything on one platter.
After the main entrees were served, the attendants came around with the bread basket. Usually (at least, on long hauls), this bread is warm and toasted. Let’s just say... this bread was not particularly appetizing. A bit disappointing to say the least.
Deplaning was smooth and quick. We found ourselves in Terminal 3 of Singapore's Changi Airport. The gate for our next flight was located about 10 minutes walking distance away.
This was only the first part of a long journey home back to the United States, so I didn't have to get my bags during my layover. However, I paid a visit to the awesome SilverKris Business Class lounge and had an incredible time there as well.
My Overall Rating Of This Short Haul Singapore Business Class Flight: 9/10
I rate flights on a few general criteria:
- Food Quality: 8/10
- Drinks Quality: 9/10
- Cleanliness: 10/10
- Cabin Design: 8/10
- Seat: 10/10
For such a relatively short flight, this was an incredible experience. The seat was exceptionally designed and had all the right tidbits and gadgets. The cabin was beautifully designed and clean, with the classic Singapore Airlines color palette and livery scattered throughout. Food and drink wise, I was pretty happy (minus the bread). Loved the champagne and ended up getting 2 glasses throughout my flight.
I think this flight could become a 10/10 with an improved bread offering alongside a better side salad. Furthermore, the drinks were good, but they are basically the same as what is offered on the international long hauls.
Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points
