Flight Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class - Singapore (SIN) to Da Nang (DAD)

Next up on my quick tour of Asia was Singapore Airlines flight SQ 174, departing from Singapore Changi International Airport and heading to Da Nang, Vietnam. The flight was operated with a Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft, that has lie-flat seats in business class. It’s my first-time experiencing lie-flat seats on a narrow-body plane, and I couldn’t help but feel excited about it. The departure was scheduled for 2:00 pm with a flight time of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Additional posts from my whirlwind 8 day tour of Asia:

Check-In

I arrived at the airport a solid 4 hours before my flight at Terminal 2 which primarily handles flights to regional destinations. Surprisingly, the terminal was relatively quiet at this early hour. Upon entering Terminal 2, I was greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Singapore Airlines Check-In counter was easy to spot, and being a Business Class passenger, I found a dedicated check-in desk that ensured a smooth and speedy check-in process. Once I completed the check-in formalities, the next step was immigration, with no security check required at this stage.

Boarding

After indulging in the airport lounges and exploring Terminal 2 at Changi Airport (see the links to the lounge review above), I made my way to Gate F37. Before entering the boarding area, there was a security check at the individual gate rather than the entire concourse, which was a bit different from what I’m accustomed to in Canada. It’s worth noting that you can’t even bring a water bottle on board before your flight.

The gate opened approximately 45 minutes before departure. Once through security, there were Singapore Airlines agents at a desk, checking passports and tickets. I appreciated this approach as it streamlined the boarding process.

Boarding commenced 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. They called Zone 1 passengers to board first, which includes Business Class. I happened to be the first person on the jet bridge. Given that this would be my first experience in a lie-flat seat in the Business Class section of a narrow-body plane, I was filled with excitement as I stepped onto the aircraft.

The Business Class Cabin

The aircraft seating arrangement transitions from 2-2 configuration to 1-1 and then back to 2-2, totaling 10 business class seats. Rows 11 and 14 make for a good option for couples traveling together, but the seats are slightly narrower compared to Row 12. Row 12 seating is known for its unofficial name the ‘throne’ seats, offering a generous 22-inch width as opposed to the 19 inches in Rows 11 and 20 inches in 14. I chose seat 12B for its added privacy and extra space.

Business Class Seat

The seat offers a three-point seatbelt as standard, with the option to switch to a two-point configuration by unhooking the shoulder strap. However, the two-point setup can only be used during the flight, while the three-point belt must be used during taxi, takeoff, and landing. The seat provides ample personal space and includes storage compartments near your feet for items like a laptop. Additionally, there’s a storage cabinet located next to the tray table slot.

The seat is equipped with a 16-inch touchscreen display, although it’s a stretch to use, so it’s recommended to utilize the remote control located within the armrest. A side table is also available for your belongings, and the seat is equipped with AC and USB outlets for your convenience.

The seat can be fully reclined into a lie-flat position with approximately 76 inches of length. However, one drawback is the limited foot space, making it somewhat cramped and challenging to move around. Nevertheless, lying completely flat on a short flight in a narrow-body aircraft is a positive experience. On this flight, complimentary Wi-Fi was offered to Business class passengers.

Service

Singapore Airlines has a well-deserved reputation for exceptional service. I experienced excellent service having previously flown with them on a long-haul journey from LAX to SIN and this flight was no exception. From the moment of boarding to the in-flight experience, the flight attendants were attentive and provided quick service. With two flight attendants serving the cabin, they ensured not only a pleasant flight but also an enjoyable one.

Window View

Considering this was a quick flight to Da Nang, the meal service provided was a light lunch. One of the things I appreciate about flying with Singapore Airlines is the option to pre-order your meals through “book the cook.” This allows you to choose from exclusive items not found on the standard flight menu. I pre-ordered the Michelin Guide-recommended dish from 2017-2019, the Bong Tong Kee Chicken Rice.

Chicken on Rice

To my delight, my meal was delivered just 30 minutes into the flight, showcasing their efficient service. The signature dish featured tender and silky poached chicken served with rice infused with flavorful chicken stock, complemented by a unique blend of lemongrass, ginger, and pandan. It was complete with their distinct in-house chili sauce. This dish is one of my favourites to enjoy at home, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the meal on the plane. I couldn’t help but wish I could have had seconds.

Wrapping it up

Throughout the entirety of this flight with Singapore Airlines, I enjoyed a consistently pleasant experience. It’s easy to grasp why Singapore Airlines has consistently ranked among the world’s top airlines in terms of their exceptional service. This flight marked the first of three legs with Singapore Airlines on this trip. Upon reaching Da Nang I made my to the hotel and I eagerly anticipate sharing my review of that hotel, the Four Points by Sheraton with you.

Flight Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – Singapore (SIN) to Da Nang (DAD)