Singapore Airlines Economy Class Review: SQ25 New York City (JFK) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) (January 2024)
Found a cheap Singapore Airlines fare? Regularly considered as one of the world’s best airlines, we take a Singapore Airlines fifth freedom flight to Germany to see if it lived up to the hype with an inexpensive last-minute flight.
View of a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 at JFK’s Terminal 4. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
Flight Review: Singapore Airlines Economy Class Review: SQ25 New York City (JFK) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA)(January 2024)
Highs: Great service that lives up to its reputation. The cheapest Economy Lite fare includes two checked luggages.
Lows: Ugly interior in an old plane. My seat “upgrade” to an exit aisle (44C) was not an improvement.
Verdict: A great value on a unique route, Singapore Airlines sometimes offers ultra-low-cost fares with a mainline experience.
Context: Singapore Airlines Economy Class Review
Standing at a deserted check-in desk with no recourse, I had to start over. After missing my outbound flight from New York’s JFK to Frankfurt’s FRA due to unforeseen circumstances, I was forced to scramble and find a new flight option. My original airline, Condor Airlines, offered no rebooking incentive nor a favorable price for a same day or next-day departure even after pleading for understanding customer service (Thankfully, the return flight on Condor Airlines was still confirmed, you can read that review here).
Given I was already at the airport, this circumstance left me with a rare challenge of trying to get booked on a flight— ideally departing the same day— on any other airline. A quick scan of Google Flights revealed a bewildering and surprising possibility: flying on one of Singapore Airlines’ unique fifth freedom routes: New York City to Frankfurt. As always, I look for the least expensive fare that includes at least one piece of checked luggage. Departure was just a few hours away, the price couldn’t be beat, and it was an exciting opportunity to fly on a famously well-received airline.
Impression of Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines’ Suite. Image: Singapore Airlines
My awareness of Singapore Airlines mainly stemmed from knowing about its very long routes, unique Suites premium product, and its infectious and unavoidable Welcome to World Class ad campaign. I had a favorable brand impression based on word-of-mouth, but hadn’t had the opportunity to fly the airline given my limited travel to Asia.
Singapore Airlines, founded in 1972, emerged as the flag carrier of Singapore, playing a crucial role in the nation's global connectivity. Among its business choices such as premiering the Airbus A380 and creating the aforementioned Suite class, it might be its use of the fifth freedom rights that have made Singapore Airlines such a globally-relevant player. These carefully-arranged routes have proven popular and successful for Singapore Airlines.
What are freedoms of the air and fifth freedom flights?
Freedoms of the air are a set of international agreements governing the rights of airlines to operate flights in foreign territories. The fifth freedom specifically grants the privilege to pick up and discharge passengers or cargo in a second and third country on a journey to or from the airline's home country. In the case of Singapore Airlines, the airline flies from New York City (JFK) to Singapore (SIN) with a stopover at Frankfurt (FRA). Singapore Airlines can ticket each segment incrementally.
Singapore Airlines Fare Classes
The fare classes for Singapore are principally broken into Economy, Premium Economy, and Business, and First/Suites classes. Within these major fare types, there are ranges of “Lite” to “Flexi” fares, mostly differentiated on the flexibility of the changes or cancellations.
If you need flexibility with rescheduling and canceling, you must, at the very least, buy an Economy Value fare, one step up from the cheapest Economy Lite fare. The Economy Lite fare offers two checked luggages— a real boon at this price— but absolutely no refunds on cancellations and you cannot make changes. Seat selection is also not free at this fare. Interestingly, a no-show is “not allowed” on this fare, which calls to question how a no-show is handled. The most flexible fare is the “Flexi” fare, which eliminates change fees, but you still get dinged for other modifications. Overall, this fare schedule reveals that Singapore Airlines might not be your preferred choice if you have very dynamic travel schedules or are prone to problems.
Good to know
All fare classes on Singapore Airlines (including Economy Lite) include two checked bags for free, up to 23kg or about 50lbs.
The two checked bags is where the real savings are, especially as ultra-low-cost airlines that can match on fare often charge exorbitant checked bag fees. If you really need an additional checked bag after the first two, it can run from $50-350, depending on destination, weight, and when you pay for that checked bag.
Is Singapore Airlines part of any alliance?
As of January 2024, Singapore Airlines is a member of Star Alliance, along with airlines such as United Airlines and SAS. If you’re a Star Alliance Gold member and at a participating airport, you’ll receive perks like priority check-in, extra baggage allowance and worldwide lounge access with some restrictions. If you’re a Star Alliance Silver member, you’ll enjoy priority waitlisting and priority standby (where allowed by law). Singapore Airlines also maintains its own loyalty program called KrisFlyer.
Ticket price: $487.20, paid with Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®. This is a relatively high price for this ticket, perhaps due to the fact I was flying the same day, however it was about 40% cheaper than the next best price. I was able to find a comparable flights on Singapore Airlines for as low as $360.00, one-way.
Points accrual:
This segment: 1,924 KrisFlyer miles
Total miles for the entire itinerary: 1,924 KrisFlyer miles
Total segments/boardings for the entire itinerary: 1
GOOD TO KNOW
This point accrual and ticket price is a “Q” fare.
Singapore Airlines Airport Arrival and Check-in, Security, and Preflight at JFK Terminal 4
I took public transit to New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). It is accessible by car/taxi, but the most economical option is the subway combined with the AirTrain. The AirTrain serves all terminals, but allow extra time for service changes. From my apartment in Brooklyn to Terminal 4, my travel time was about an hour. The cost for public transit was $2.90 for the Subway and $8.25 for the AirTrain, for a total of $11.15. The AirTrain is free between terminals.
Good to know
Since 2023, taxi service between Manhattan and JFK airport charges a flat fare of $70.00, not including fees and tip. The flat fare is no longer $52.00.
Singapore has a well-organized and large check-in area. Signage is plentiful, guiding you to the check-in desks. I had one piece of luggage to check. Singapore Airlines check-in technically closes 40 minutes prior to departure, but if you have checked luggage, arrive an hour early.
Singapore Airlines check-in desks at New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK). Image: Benjamin Schmidt
The desk agent checked my luggage and informed me I’d need to hurry to catch this flight. He noted that the luggage will “hopefully make it”, but I wouldn’t know what that meant until much later. The second change was in respect to my seat. In order to ensure an unaccompanied minor had a row to themselves, I was asked to switch seats to an exit row aisle seat which offered more legroom. I accepted. After documents were checked, he noted my timing and offered to personally escort me past a substantial security line. I think I would have gotten to the flight in time, but the gesture was strongly appreciated.
Escort at JFK by Singapore Airlines check-in agent. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
Once I was checked-in and through security, I went to the gate which was quite organized. Groups of passengers were organized based on groups. I was in Group 4, but I arrived late enough that all groups were in the process of boarding.
Singapore Airlines boarding groups are very organized! Image: Benjamin Schmidt
I found the boarding experience one of the best I’ve ever encountered— efficient and friendly. It was refreshing to not be jostled or having to fight crowds. Singapore’s use of the A380 has probably taught them some valuable lessons about boarding.
Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER Business Class Interior. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
Upon boarding, we passed through business class with its cladded seats and through premium economy until I reached economy class.
Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER Economy Class Interior and Seat
Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 Economy Class Interior. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
For a brand that celebrates great service, I see why Singapore Airlines downplays their interiors (with the exception of the grand A380). I found the overall lighting and atmosphere of the plane to be unsettling. The lighting was at once uniform and harsh, but also too dim to be practical— almost backroom-like. Overall, the interior felt soiled and well-used— not in a positive way. It might have simply been the color scheme which favors tan and taupe with instances of saffron but it also made everyone look sweaty and tired.
A search of the tail number revealed this Boeing 777-300ER to be over 15 years old, and it certainly showed. Though I was only flying less than half its entire route, I couldn’t imagine being on this aircraft all the way to Singapore. Maybe it was the lack of visual interest or even variety. Even a small light show would have been an asset gain. Fortunately, Singapore Airlines has been rolling out a much more impressive hard product for economy class,
This Boeing 777-300ER features 4 First Class seats (no Suites), 48 Business Class seats, 28 Premium Economy seats and 184 Economy seats. The economy section is arranged 3-3-3 across, meaning middle seats are unfortunately plentiful.
Overhead storage was plentiful across all classes and I had no issues finding space to store my items even with the flight mostly full.
Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER Exit Row Economy Class Seat. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
At my seat I found a high quality pillow, a blanket, and KrisFlyer-branded earphones for use with the IFE.
View from Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER Exit Row Economy Class Seat. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
I really cannot imagine a worse seat on the plane than this exit row seat (approximately 44C). Among the reasons this seat is not an upgrade:
Visualizing the space at seat 44C on a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
44C sits at the intersection of a bulkhead and is the end of the forward aisle. This means passengers, flight attendants, serving carts and more must pivot to get around this seat. For this reason, the seat is bumped into constantly.
As it is an exit row, the seat is fixed with immovable armrests, limiting the width and comfort of the seat exactly to its proportion.
The IFE and tray are stored in the armrest. The IFE is on the aisle side of the seat, meaning it gets bumped into regularly.
Given the turning point of the aisle itself is located at this seat, you cannot stretch your legs (usually the one benefit of a bulkhead exit row). Instead, you must turn your legs toward your neighbor to avoid crowding the aisle or tripping someone. I constantly felt my periphery being invaded.
The light from the galley is somewhat extinguished by the curtains, but every time the curtain is opened, the light floods onto the seat.
The jump seat faces the passengers.
If you’re of average height (I am 5’ 9”), you’ll find the this seat to be tight but not unpleasant. Otherwise, the common features of the seat were suitable and functional. The seats do have an adjustable headrest (both the wings of the headrest and up/down), an IFE, a IFE controller, a tray table, and a light. The seat features AC power (universal plug) but the plug fell out continuously. The seat does feature some additional padding at the lower sides, giving your back some much needed support in the corners. Otherwise, the cushioning was unremarkable.
Announcements are communicated on both the IFE and the IFE controller. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
There were six lavatories serving this cabin, but I did not wait to use them. One of the lavatories, was immediately forward of me, but it did not disturb me nor could I sense odors. The lavatories were kept clean and stocked for the duration of the flight.
Lavatory aboard Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
The cabin lighting was outdated- simple and unnatural. Fortunately I was never uncomfortably warm or cold during the flight.
Crew Experience and Meal Service in Singapore Airlines Economy Class
Despite the unfortunate state of the aircraft, Singapore Airline manages to save the day with its crew and service. From the check-in desk to being welcomed onto the plane, we see first hand why Singapore Airlines ranks as one of the best airlines year in and year out.
The crew seemed to be fairly international but primarily Singaporean, and all announcements were made in English, with occasional German announcements. Deeply accommodating, the crew was friendly and uniquely engaged the entire flight, concerned for your safety but also comfort. There was an unexpected precision in the experience, with crew moving quickly but carefully through the flight.
Small touches made Economy Class feel oddly elegant and even slightly upscale. One example I experienced involved requesting the signature cocktail— a Singapore Sling. Rather than prepare it at the service cart, the flight attendant went away and prepared the drink in the galley before returning with the cocktail as well as an always-appreciated glass of water. It reminded me of the bespoke experiences I found on Emirates Business Class or United’s Polaris.
The safety demonstration was charming and engaging, presenting the “Singapore Girl” as she explains the safety features in different scenes around the island country. Despite being in an exit row, the safety card was nowhere to be found.
The pilot was friendly and spoke English. We took off about an hour behind schedule and the in-flight service began around an hour into the flight (a duration of about 7 hours 30 minutes).
While Premium Economy and Business Class enjoys a premium menu, standard economy passengers enjoy the standard menu which includes a hot meal (with preordering of special meals available) and morning snack.
Singapore Airlines Economy Class Meal. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
Singapore Airlines prides itself on high quality food. The dignified experience extended to the meals where passengers are entreated to complimentary meals, an unusually wide selection of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
The main course was steaming hot and relatively flavorful. Unfortunately, the meal came with a lot of plastic and waste, countering some of the inroads made on the sustainability front.
The appetizer of Waldorf salad with prawn was elegant and flavorful with an overall taste that was celery-forward. The bread was satisfactory. The main courses on offer were fish or stir fried chicken. I selected the chicken. No salt and pepper was provided at service, but these could be requested.
Instead of cramming everything onto a single tray, dessert was served as a separate course after the main course, reinforcing the civil feeling of the service.
Good to know
All passengers in all economy fares enjoy a standard meal and snack on Singapore long-haul flights.
After dinner, I had some tea before trying to get some rest. The crew came around regularly to offer water or tea or pick up refuse. In the morning, the “breakfast” was a startling choice of either a margherita pizza or a sandwich with chicken and honey mustard sauce. I found neither of these appetizing as I was arriving at 9am local time, so I simply took tea instead.
Singapore Airlines Requests
Example of requests webpage on Singapore Airlines.
Perhaps unique to Singapore Airlines is the utilization of “requests” in economy class. Unlike most airlines that try to minimize work for the flight attendants, Singapore Airlines tends to highlight the commitment to service and comfort as well as pursuing sustainability efforts. Considering the fact that Singapore regularly conducts 18-hour-long flights, comfort really becomes a matter of health and safety.
Passengers are invited to make such requests either by approaching a flight attendant or making requests through the Singapore website (available on the onboard intranet). These requests range from amenity kits (including socks and a dental kit), earplugs, eyeshades, face masks, wipes, and more. It is a unique and incidentally luxurious experience.
Beyond these requests, passengers can utilize the same service to request or help yourself to a selection of snacks including chips, biscuits, chocolate, and fruit, among other nibbles. All of these aspects of the soft product makes Singapore stand out.
Tech, WiFi AND IFE in Singapore Airlines Economy Class
Singapore Airlines has a fairly modern and polished IFE experience, utilizing a two-screen solution. A touchscreen controller and a larger touchscreen display. They seemed mildly redundant and I barely used the controller. You can also skip the IFE system altogether and use WiFi-enabled devices such as iPads or iPhones to access content.
IFE in Singapore Airlines Economy Class. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
The IFE and its programming (referred to as “KrisWorld”) comes in many languages by default. The IFE is organized in a meaningful and practical way, primarily composed of tappable tiles of varying sizes and purposes. All your quick needs such as settings, flight info, are situated at the top of the screen at all times.
In terms of IFE accessibility, most content has subtitles or dubbing. Content is plentiful and high quality, from blockbuster movies to live television. In fact, there are over 1,900 on-demand entertainment options including movies, TV shows, music albums and more on KrisWorld. I watched Ben Affleck’s The Town (2010) and explored the flight tracker, but not much else.
Flight Tracking via IFE in Singapore Airlines Economy Class. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
The live flight tracking and map is very dynamic and offers a wide range of information, so I had it playing for a while. As always, crew announcements will interrupt your programming. Unlimited complimentary WiFi is offered to Suites, First Class, Business Class, and KrisFlyer members.
Good to know
If you are travelling in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class on Singapore Airlines, ensure your KrisFlyer number is added to your booking via 'Manage Booking' at least 1.5hrs before departure, or latest at the check-in counter before your flight to access complimentary WiFi.
I did not utilize WiFi on this flight, but found it easy to connect to in order to access other features on the intranet.
Sleep and Comfort in Singapore Airlines Economy Class
Bedding in Singapore Airlines Economy Class. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
Beyond all the food, entertainment, and refreshments, I was eager to try to get as much sleep as possible on this flight. Fortunately, the sleeping kit is very comfortable, with a very large blanket and a fluffy pillow with an elegant flange.
The pleasure of this late departure is that sleep is easy to come by, with the flight pitch dark for the majority of the trip. Sadly, my seat prevented any deep sleep due to my temptation to move my feet every time someone passed by the seat. I was able to nap in several intervals, but I knew I’d be craving rest the following night.
Landing and Conclusion
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) baggage claim. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
There was absolutely no turbulence on this flight and the landing was relatively smooth. The experience of this economy class was dignified and, despite the less-than-ideal seat, reasonably comfortable. In a final defiant note, while I made it safely to Germany, my luggage did not.
Delayed Bags on Singapore Airlines at FRA
"[Your luggage will] hopefully make it”. That interesting turn of phrase uttered by the desk agent at the beginning of my trip revealed that my luggage may not have cleared the 40-minute check-in minimum. Thus, as I waited at Frankfurt Airport’s bag carousel, it became evident my luggage didn’t make it there. I made my way to the service desk located near the carousel and filed a lost baggage claim. I was given a document and was told I’d get updates by email.
Example of the lost baggage update at FRA
A day later, I got the email stating my luggage arrived at Frankfurt Airport. Retrieving this luggage was not simple and I was about to dive into the belly of German bureaucracy. I first went to the same desk I filed the report, as the email asked I do. This agent directed me to a customs desk that was hidden behind a very secure door which was marked eintritt verboten, which anyone would reasonably ignore on the first jump. This door was guarded by a conveniently broken intercom. With no other doors to find, I banged on this door until someone came to open it. They went away and I was left in an unmarked hallway. Some perceptive German called out and I followed the voice to a desk and a giant room where lost luggage was held. I was able to match to the luggage, signed a document and made off.
Despite the lost luggage, Singapore Airlines was very understanding and reimbursed me for the clothes I needed to purchase for the two-day stay in Frankfurt.
