I finally got the opportunity to try Singapore Airlines 787-10 business class, and, well…it was everything I hoped it would be. The food was excellent. The cabin crew was fantastically proactive. It was essentially the epitome of what I consider a proper long-haul business class experience to be.
Except for one small little detail: the length of the flight. I’m such an idiot for choosing one of the shortest routes possible to try out this unquestionably amazing business class product.
Singapore Airlines 787-10 side view illustration by Norebbo.comOur route from CAN to SIN this afternoon SQ851
My full review of Singapore Airlines 787-10 business class from Guangzhou to Singapore
If there’s one thing to learn from the following review, it’s that you are extremely unlikely to have a bad experience in business class on the Singapore 787-10. Every aspect of what you’re about to see (whether it be the food, the seat, the cabin crew, etc) represents class leading excellence. In other words, a whole heck of a lot is going to have to go wrong for anyone not to like this.
In a taxi and on the way to the airport. Woo-hoo!As much as I loved the city of Guangzhou, I’m happy as all heck to be getting out of China today.It’s January 25th, the coronavirus is spreading like crazy, and – I’m outa here.My escape this morning will be via a Singapore airlines 787-10 – in business class, which (quite frankly) is a pretty sweet way to flee a deadly virus.On a slightly more somber note, today is the first day of the lunar New Year holiday here in China, and unfortunately there’s not a lot of celebrating going on.See? I do listen to you guys. Singapore Airlines 787-10 business class has been one of my most requested reviews over the last year, coming in a very close second to WestJet 787-9 business class. Let’s do this!I’m super excited to be flying Singapore Airlines for the very first time today!
Lounge access
While checking in, I was informed that my ticket included lounge access. All Singapore Airlines business class passengers get full access to the appropriately named Premium Lounge here in Guangzhou.
Well, technically, it’s a Plaza Premium Lounge, and one that all Priority Pass members have access to as well.Technicalities aside…my god. It’s a good thing I arrived hungry!Scanning the room for deadly viruses before digging in.
Waiting for the boarding process to begin
I’ll admit it. I’m a huge fan of the Guangzhou Airport. It’s a beautiful structure with huge windows (and views) to the outside world. Killing time by (aimlessly) walking around is very easy here.
Gate A147. And yeah, I know. Boarding doesn’t begin for another 45 minutes, and I’m doing this all wrong. Shouldn’t I still be up in the lounge relaxing like a normal human being?Turns out that someone sneezed within close vicinity of me up there and I freaked out and – now I’m down here.Even without lounge access, there’s lots to do down here in the main terminal. This is a very nice (and big) airport.I can’t read Chinese very well, but I think that sign says “You can’t get the Coronavirus if you’re ****-faced drunk!”
The boarding process for flight number 851 to Singapore
Boarding for this flight down to Singapore started about 10 minutes early, which totally caught me off guard. Nearly half the plane was already onboard by the time I arrived back at the gate! I guess I wasn’t the only one feeling just a wee bit excited to fly Singapore airlines today.
I could definitely sense a twinge of paranoia in the air as we boarded this plane. For example: how exactly do I know the guy in front of me hasn’t been exposed to the coronavirus?And you know what? I’m nearly 100% confident the person on my heels was looking at me with a raised eyebrow thinking the same exact same thing. Oh, and check out the flight attendant recoiling in fear upon first sight of me. The typical female response to a SANspotter sighting, and something I’m very used to by now.
My first impressions of the business class seats
Right away, I could tell that this was going to be so much better than what I experienced in EVA Air A321 business class. These were proper lie flat business class seats, with huge video screens and an impressive amount of privacy.
Here you have it: Singapore Airlines 787-10 business class. Not bad at all, though little did I know that this pales in comparison to what is on their A350s.Singapore Airlines 787-10 business class seat. If you’ve ever found yourself figuring out how to justify if business class is worth it or not, this pic ought to convince you that hell yeah it is.These seats are very cocoon-like (which is pretty much the opposite of the angular / hard edge seats in EVA Air 787-9 business class). I like!Singapore Airlines 787 business class seat details.The control center, built into the side of the console. That black bar above the handheld remote is a touch-screen interface for the seat controls. It took every bit of maturity I had in me not to run my hand across it back and forth just to see what would happen.Close up pic of said control panel. Which button would you press first?Not bad, eh? I hate to say it, but I almost like this more than Singapore Airlines 777-300ER business class. Almost!As you can see, privacy in these seats is decent thanks to being so cocoon-like. Which…I like.Don’t worry. Those wings are plenty big enough to prevent anyone from seeing you laughing during cheesy Adam Sandler movies.Imagine the shock and horror I felt when (right away) I realized that there was something about these business class seats that I didn’t like. These foot wells are tiny.Pre departure drinks were offered just as I was sitting here contemplating my thoughts on this Singapore Airlines business class product so far, and they were pleasant thoughts indeed. So far.“Yup, this kicks the ever-livin’ snot out of Singapore Airlines 737 MAX 8 business class“ (their other regional business class product).Noise cancelling headphones too (but of course).Singapore Airlines 787-10 safety card. Completely unnecessary since there has never once been a crash of a 787-10. Yet.
The departure sequence
The weather was starting to take a turn for the worse as we pushed off the gate, but no matter. I was quite comfortable thank you very much, and not even Mother Nature could spoil my fun!
You know that awkward time between pushing off the gate and takeoff? I’ll take pics of anything.Punching through the cloud layer. If you want hear what this sounds like, do be sure to check out the video above!
The food (and in-flight service)
How is it possible that I’ve been doing airline reviews since 2013 and that this is the very first time that I’ve flown Singapore Airlines? I’m actually so late to the game that I’m not even sure the world *needs* another Singapore Airlines business class review.
Of course, needs and wants are two completely separate things, and I’m filled with a lot of want as I look over the lunch menu (click on it to see a larger version).The appetizer: eel and salted egg roll with spicy asparagus mushroom salad. So far, this is even better than the food I was served in Asiana A330-300 business class (if that’s even possible).Hmm. I’m starting to get the sense that chicken and water is my default airplane food. Yeah, there were other choices available, but somehow I naturally gravitated towards this grilled chicken breast in mustard sauce. It was excellent, of course.For desert, they served up a fresh slice of pumpkin mousse cake, which (to my unsophisticated palette) tasted exactly like a really good piece of chocolate cake. Aren’t you glad I don’t do food reviews for a living?
So there you have it. My first ever dining experience in Singapore Airlines business class, and it was honestly everything I hoped it would be. Now – if I can just cure myself of the crippling addiction to chicken and water!
Seat (and cabin) comfort
The fact that I don’t have very much to say about the comfort of these seats is a good thing. This is an extremely comfortable business class product, and I could very easily enjoy the hell out of this on a long transpacific flight.
Complementary slippers? Don’t mind if I do!If it wasn’t completely obvious by now, these business class seats on the 787-10 are very comfortable, and absolutely perfect for a 3 and a half hour flight such as this.Sometimes I wonder if I chose the wrong path in life. I mean, I essentially film myself folding blankets on airplanes for a living, while other people are going through flight school (and are well on their way to doing something meaningful for society).A quick trip to the lavatory before landing. Flush dammit!
The descent and arrival into Singapore
Flying into Singapore Changi Airport is the best. Especially at sunset! This is easily one of my favorite approaches in the world, and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it.
Is the approach into Changi airport in Singapore not one of the best and most scenic in all the world? Really. No matter the weather or time of day, my nose was glued to the window just like the last time I did this (in Thai Airways A350-900 business class).Welcome to Singapore! Final thoughts? Singapore airlines 787-10 business is quite good, though nowhere near as good as the A350 business class product.Waiting for the jet bridge to be attached. Pro tip: you’ll look a lot less impatent if you keep busy taking artsy-fartsy pics of the engine through the window.Still waiting, so here’s a pic of my carry on backpack. Did you read the article I wrote about what’s inside of it?I promised her that I’d write a good review on my way out. Betcha anything that’s not the first time she’s heard that line before.
Pros and cons of Singapore Airlines 787-10 business class
I’m a actually giggling slightly as I type this, because…well…come on. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to come up with a list of cons about Singapore Airlines business class? No, it wasn’t a perfect experience, but I have no shame in saying that this was probably one of the best flights of my life. And that says something considering that I basically fly around the world for a living.
Pros
The seats on the Singapore Airlines 787-10 are remarkably comfortable. They are large, decently private, and cozy enough to be considered a competitive long haul seat.
The food was nothing short of spectacular. I actually enjoyed the appetizer more than I did the main dish, but everything I was served was perfectly prepared and quite satisfying.
Although somewhat cold (see below), the entire cabin crew was extremely professional and I felt as if I was in a fancy hotel or restaurant the entire time. I was greeted by name, and they were very proactive (and attentive) throughout the entire flight.
Cons
There was no snack service. For a 3 and a half hour flight, I would have expected to be served a light snack with a drink before they initiated the lunch service. They started right with the meal shortly after takeoff, and it caught me off guard slightly.
Not unlike a handful of other Singapore Airlines business class reviews I’ve read recently, the cabin crew seemed somewhat cold and disinterested on this flight.
I found the catalog of in-flight entertainment to be somewhat lacking. I’m a simple guy with adolescent tastes though, so take that for what it’s worth.
Don’t worry, the world definitely needs a Sanspotter review of Singapore Airlines! Speaking of which, both of these were great, even though the “transcript” format isn’t my favorite (I don’t know, the review just feels less thorough). I much prefer the current format!
By the way, you said that the SIN-LAX flight was your favorite flight ever. Is SQ your favorite airline overall? If not, which one is it?
My favorite airline is Turkish, although, to be fair, it’s the only Asian airline I’ve flown on so far.
Yeah, I kind of wish I hadn’t done these “transcript” style reviews! Oh well – I was just trying to find a shortcut, but it turns out that writing reviews the old fashioned way is still what works best.
And yes, I still consider that flight to be my all time greatest (and SQ is still at the top of my list). I totally understand why you like Turkish Airlines though – I’ve only flown them in economy, but both experiences were fantastic.
Yeah, the current format is better in every way. There’s more pictures and the information is better laid out.
About the following flight, yeah, I can see how it was your Best Flight Ever(TM). Everything about it looked amazing! Regarding Turkish, like you, I’ve only flown them in Economy, but it was excellent.
I really want to fly on Singapore Airlines though. I’ve heard nothing but good things about them (ok, the A350ULR seats are a bit controversial from what I’ve heard, but otherwise it looks great). I might be flying to the US later this year, and I could end up trying out their FRA-JFK service! (Well, I also really want to fly FRA-IAH on a 747/A380. But I’m getting off-topic)
When I was flying from China to Japan via Guangzhou, I saw the exact same 787-10 that you flew on, Mr. Scott (9V-SCH)! I ran over to the humongous windows and started taking pictures like crazy because #AvGeek.
Ricardo
Hey Scott
The business class review is Awesome!
I Already saw the video on youtube.
Where are the bathroom selfies.
SANspotter
Thanks Ricardo! No bathroom selfies in this one unfortunately…
Albert
Still haven’t had the chance to take on of those 787-10 for a spin. I’ve flown on the 787-8 and 787-9 but man I need a 787-10 trip.
SANspotter
It’s actually a hard plane to find at the moment – not so many of them out in the wild yet.
Peter
Don’t worry, the world definitely needs a Sanspotter review of Singapore Airlines! Speaking of which, both of these were great, even though the “transcript” format isn’t my favorite (I don’t know, the review just feels less thorough). I much prefer the current format!
By the way, you said that the SIN-LAX flight was your favorite flight ever. Is SQ your favorite airline overall? If not, which one is it?
My favorite airline is Turkish, although, to be fair, it’s the only Asian airline I’ve flown on so far.
Scott (SANspotter)
Yeah, I kind of wish I hadn’t done these “transcript” style reviews! Oh well – I was just trying to find a shortcut, but it turns out that writing reviews the old fashioned way is still what works best.
And yes, I still consider that flight to be my all time greatest (and SQ is still at the top of my list). I totally understand why you like Turkish Airlines though – I’ve only flown them in economy, but both experiences were fantastic.
Peter
Yeah, the current format is better in every way. There’s more pictures and the information is better laid out.
About the following flight, yeah, I can see how it was your Best Flight Ever(TM). Everything about it looked amazing! Regarding Turkish, like you, I’ve only flown them in Economy, but it was excellent.
I really want to fly on Singapore Airlines though. I’ve heard nothing but good things about them (ok, the A350ULR seats are a bit controversial from what I’ve heard, but otherwise it looks great). I might be flying to the US later this year, and I could end up trying out their FRA-JFK service! (Well, I also really want to fly FRA-IAH on a 747/A380. But I’m getting off-topic)
Michael
When I was flying from China to Japan via Guangzhou, I saw the exact same 787-10 that you flew on, Mr. Scott (9V-SCH)! I ran over to the humongous windows and started taking pictures like crazy because #AvGeek.
Scott (SANspotter)
Glad to know that thing is still alive and flying! It was a really good ride for sure.