Singapore Airlines Airline Review

PY is on the main deck behind first class and in front of economy. There are 36 seats set at 96.5cm apart which is a 'comfort guaranteeing' 15cm more than economy. Seats are in a 2-4-2 configuration - exactly how business class started out on Qantas in 1979. Interestingly I noted with that extra legroom there wasn't the need to recline your seat for more space and no-one did on the seven-hour daylight flight to Singapore. My colleague David Flynn from Australian Business Traveller however tells me that these seats have a significant recline which can invade your space but that of course that is good for sleeping! The premium economy seat that Singapore Airlines has chosen comes with all the bells and whistles; a headrest that bends and twists in every direction, a seat that cradles you in the recline position, leg and foot rests, and plenty of gadget space.

As per usual the 'Singapore girls' did not fail to impress. Service was slick and attentive.

I opted to select my main course for lunch via the Book the Cook (BTC) service ahead of the flight and there were an amazing seven choices. The benefit of BTC is not only that it it gave me a greater selection but I was served first along with a handful of others who had opted for the pre-flight select option. To start however was French Champagne and nuts of which I received refills on both! My main course choice was seafood thermidor which was a delight but I gave the thumbs down to the starter of pasta salad with turkey which was a tad on the sparse side. If you don't chose the BTC service there is a choice of three main courses. Lunch was finished off with a tub of ice cream - and then another only for my 'acid test' of course! About two hours out from Singapore another service appeared. This was the 'Refreshment' which was more like a late lunch and the choice was Shepherd's Pie or Braised Beeechoon which is rice noodles with shredded chicken and Chinese greens. And there was more champagne!

On the electronics side there is a 34cm HD screen, adjustable LED reading light, AC power with universal plug and two USB sockets - one in the seat in front of you and one at the back of your arm rest. And thoughtfully there is a gadget holder underneath that USB located in the seat in front of you. Singapore Airlines Kris World in flight entertainment program continues to be improved and offered hundred of viewing choices including recent movie releases - certainly there was something for everyone.

So the big question, what do all these extras cost? That is complicated by seasonal factors and routes. Premium economy is being rolled out on the airline's A380s and long haul 777s only. For say the Sydney to London route in October this year the cheapest restricted return economy fare is $1913 rising to $2793, while the premium economy sits at $3721 Your best bet is to seek out a good travel agent and get them to work their magic and come up with some options. My verdict - great product and definitely worth the extra.