Flying in a Singapore Airlines first class suite has long been a travel bucket list item for me. I used my daughter’s interest in a return to the Lion City (Singapore with kids is fantastic) to finally book it from Hong Kong to Singapore.
Singapore Airlines Silverkris Lounge at Hong Kong Airport
Having come from Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, I skipped the more elaborate check-in desk at Hong Kong International Airport and checked-in at Hong Kong Station. It’s easier to board the Airport Express train without bags, though there isn’t a priority line for premium classes here.
Singapore Airlines offers multiple flights per day through Hong Kong International Airport. First class and first class suite guests use the first class area of the lounge, which is behind a set of discreet automatic doors inside the SilverKris Lounge.
It is small and not fancy, relative to the Cathay Pacific lounges, which are some of the best in the world (which makes sense as they are a Hong Kong airline).
A buffet features hot and cold items including dim sum, Western and Singaporean cuisine. A made-to-order menu of hot dishes is also offered to guests at their seats. My daughter chose wonton noodle soup and couldn’t have been happier.
Across the way is a self-serve drink station with Veuve Clicquot, some decent wine, spirits and snacks, nothing too over-the-top.
Small seating areas further down include tables for eating and a television. The lounge was pretty full and quiet so rather than snap away with my iPhone; I decided to leave everyone in peace. It shares a small bathroom with the main lounge which was indeed very busy.
Suite Class Boarding
Suite class is located on the bottom deck toward the nose of the A380. We boarded through separate airplane doors from even first and business class. Flight attendants warmly greeted us and promptly proceeded to get us situated in our lovely first class suite.
Complimentary WiFi worked flawlessly, but I opted to enjoy the ride rather than work.
As if these seats aren’t mindblowing enough, Singapore Airlines’ new A380 planes have an updated first class suite with a separate bed and chair, like a hotel room in the sky. I can’t even imagine how awesome they are.
A flight attendant slipped a handbag cover over my Louis Vuitton Neverfull which was a first for me on a plane. I laughed at how it fit perfectly, almost as if it was made specially for this popular handbag (maybe it was).
The selection of wines and champagnes, also poured as a pre-departure drink, could not have been more fantastic. Krug or Dom Perignon or both?
I chose Krug.
First Class Suite Seat
The seat itself is made of leather, rare on an airplane, though quite comfortable and spacious with lots of space to put things. Bose headphones are provided for watching the 23″ television screen and its multiple channels.
Our flight was so short that they did not prepare the bed, which was understandable though somewhat disappointing. Our seats together would have made a double bed. How cool is that?
Singapore Airlines First Class Suite Dining
This fine dining in the sky is so elegantly executed, you’ll forget that you’re on a plane.
Book the Cook service allows travelers to order the main course in advance, otherwise enjoy selecting from the several menu options on the day of travel.
Determined to eat as much Hainanese chicken rice as possible on this trip, that’s what I chose via Book the Cook while my daughter opted for salmon.
We started with the most delicious lobster medallion.
Wedgewood designed the china specifically for Singapore Airlines.
Next came Double Boiled Chicken and Nai Bai Vegetable Soup which my daughter inhaled. It looks simple but was bursting with flavor.
Even this simple salad, a delicious palate cleanser before the main course, tasted superb with a roasted tomato and kalamata olives.
And, then, the national dish of Singapore arrived: Hainanese chicken rice (or just chicken rice). It is absolutely delicious with its condiments and Krug pairing (okay so maybe there’s a white burgundy there, too). You can tell the difference between well-prepared chicken rice and an ersatz one (I’ve eaten plenty of both).
I did not at all have room for dessert but took it for the team so that you all could see it. I may or may not have polished the entire mousse and passionfruit sorbet.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to find complaints when it comes to an experience like this, clearly a gold standard for airlines. I can’t tell you how sad we both were to land, even though Singapore is one of our favorite cities.
Its retail value between Hong Kong and Singapore is about USD $3500 though it can run as high as USD $20,000 on long-haul routes. I recently say SFO-SIN at about USD $14,000 round-trip in first class suites.
Mileage availability on Singapore Airlines via their KrisFlyer frequent flier program was easy to search and book. If only our domestic airlines would follow suit. I spied availability on our preferred dates, transferred Chase points to KrisFlyer (and agonized during that 24-hour transfer time about availability disappearing) and secured the tickets online with zero hassle. I even had to change the date via a phone call to the U.S. number which also was a piece of cake.
You can also request discounted rates (that earn miles) for Singapore Airlines business class, first class, and first class suites through Regal Wings.
Have you flown Singapore Airlines first class suites?
Katie Dillon
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