Comments on: Singapore Airlines ups the ante for business and first class travel — big time http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/ Living the first class life -- at coach prices Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:56:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.2 By: Vivian http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-20212 Vivian Sun, 24 Feb 2008 01:18:17 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-20212 I just got home from Singapore. Traveled First Class from Tampa and had an opportunity to try Singapore Air, Air Asiana, and Lufthansa all First Class. There really is no comparison. Singapore Air wins hands down by a very large margin for comfort, style, service and food. Unbelievable experience. If I had to rate it: 1) Singapore Air 2) Air Asiana 3) Lufthansa SA will spoil you for travel and leaves you feeling cheated when traveling other airlines, IMHO. I had UNLIMITED Dom Perignon, Caviar and Lobster. The perks were Givenchy jogging suit, Salvatore Ferragamo goodie bags, down mattresses and comforters. My needs were not only met, but anticipated. Most impressive: A FA noticed I had the hot towel on a sore arm. She asked, brought me hot towels on FOUR occasions, aspirin, AND told me that there would be a trolley waiting at my destination so I wouldn't have to carry a thing! U.S. domestic First is a joke after that! It is the only time I have ever felt that my comfort was the most important thing in the world. Everyone needs to have this experience just once in a lifetime. If I could do it again, I would fly SA on every leg that I could, regardless of layovers, etc. The journey was truly as wonderful as the destination... OMG, I would love a shot at that A380! I just got home from Singapore. Traveled First Class from Tampa and had an opportunity to try Singapore Air, Air Asiana, and Lufthansa all First Class. There really is no comparison. Singapore Air wins hands down by a very large margin for comfort, style, service and food. Unbelievable experience. If I had to rate it:
1) Singapore Air
2) Air Asiana
3) Lufthansa
SA will spoil you for travel and leaves you feeling cheated when traveling other airlines, IMHO. I had UNLIMITED Dom Perignon, Caviar and Lobster. The perks were Givenchy jogging suit, Salvatore Ferragamo goodie bags, down mattresses and comforters. My needs were not only met, but anticipated. Most impressive: A FA noticed I had the hot towel on a sore arm. She asked, brought me hot towels on FOUR occasions, aspirin, AND told me that there would be a trolley waiting at my destination so I wouldn’t have to carry a thing! U.S. domestic First is a joke after that! It is the only time I have ever felt that my comfort was the most important thing in the world. Everyone needs to have this experience just once in a lifetime. If I could do it again, I would fly SA on every leg that I could, regardless of layovers, etc. The journey was truly as wonderful as the destination…
OMG, I would love a shot at that A380!

]]> By: Video: Time-lapse of Airbus A380 being constructed » Upgrade: Travel Better http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-16865 Video: Time-lapse of Airbus A380 being constructed » Upgrade: Travel Better Mon, 15 Oct 2007 15:14:38 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-16865 [...] Related: - Video: Airbus A380 evacuation test - Reader mail: How much will tickets on the Airbus A380 cost? - Video: Airbus A380 landing in fierce crosswinds - Airbus A380 at Chicago O’Hare - Singapore Airlines ups the ante for business and first class travel — big time [...] […] Related: - Video: Airbus A380 evacuation test - Reader mail: How much will tickets on the Airbus A380 cost? - Video: Airbus A380 landing in fierce crosswinds - Airbus A380 at Chicago O’Hare - Singapore Airlines ups the ante for business and first class travel — big time […]

]]> By: Upgrades and Downgrades — September 18, 2007 — inflight wireless and voice on Virgin America, Singapore’s A380, and really, really extended stay hotels » Upgrade: Travel Better http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-16449 Upgrades and Downgrades — September 18, 2007 — inflight wireless and voice on Virgin America, Singapore’s A380, and really, really extended stay hotels » Upgrade: Travel Better Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:22:46 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-16449 [...] 471 seats, thanks largely to a boatload of extra-wide business class seats, much like the ones pictured here. To get a glimpse of the seatmap, Click here. Note that the economy class seats on the lower level [...] […] 471 seats, thanks largely to a boatload of extra-wide business class seats, much like the ones pictured here. To get a glimpse of the seatmap, Click here. Note that the economy class seats on the lower level […]

]]> By: JVK http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-15119 JVK Tue, 19 Jun 2007 03:48:11 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-15119 As much as I dislike the idea of catering to fatties, I think the wider seat has more important benefits. A big part of it is simply the personal space. Who wants to be breathing in the germs of the 8 people within coughing proximity? It's interesting the developments that are going on in the industry. Singapore airlines has a business class seat that embarrasses many first class seats, which will move first class into purely suite configurations. Also, EOS by providing first class style seats at business class fares will then force a reduction in first class fares, which will consequently force a reduction in business class fares. Meanwhile further upward pressure is being placed on business class from below - Virgin Atlantic's premium economy seats are equivalent to domestic first class, thereby also raising the bar for premium economy in general. Maybe air travel isn't going down the crapper after all. As much as I dislike the idea of catering to fatties, I think the wider seat has more important benefits. A big part of it is simply the personal space. Who wants to be breathing in the germs of the 8 people within coughing proximity?

It’s interesting the developments that are going on in the industry. Singapore airlines has a business class seat that embarrasses many first class seats, which will move first class into purely suite configurations. Also, EOS by providing first class style seats at business class fares will then force a reduction in first class fares, which will consequently force a reduction in business class fares.

Meanwhile further upward pressure is being placed on business class from below - Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy seats are equivalent to domestic first class, thereby also raising the bar for premium economy in general.

Maybe air travel isn’t going down the crapper after all.

]]> By: UMD1 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-14964 UMD1 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 12:23:15 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-14964 The new business class seat is amazing. Very private and very nice for lounging as well. Comfortable in both sitting and sleeping positions. When turned into a bed, you will be provided with a comforter to complement the 2 pillows. I can actually sleep in any position I want despite I am 6 feet 3. By the way, the screen is actually 15 inch wide. The new business class seat is amazing. Very private and very nice for lounging as well. Comfortable in both sitting and sleeping positions. When turned into a bed, you will be provided with a comforter to complement the 2 pillows. I can actually sleep in any position I want despite I am 6 feet 3. By the way, the screen is actually 15 inch wide.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-13790 Anonymous Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:54:29 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-13790 I tried that new business class seat from SIN-SFO. It really is amazing. There is a separate seatbelt when the seat becomes a bed and it basically goes over your stomach comfortably. Separate panels beside the 12 inch screen (which is huge considering you are on an airplane) turns over to be a mirror, cup holder, compartment for cell mobile, and USB ports for thumb drive and qwerty keyboard....overall, very impressive.- JTWL I tried that new business class seat from SIN-SFO. It really is amazing. There is a separate seatbelt when the seat becomes a bed and it basically goes over your stomach comfortably. Separate panels beside the 12 inch screen (which is huge considering you are on an airplane) turns over to be a mirror, cup holder, compartment for cell mobile, and USB ports for thumb drive and qwerty keyboard….overall, very impressive.- JTWL

]]> By: Upgrade: Travel Better » Blog Archive » British Airways expands its business class http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-8310 Upgrade: Travel Better » Blog Archive » British Airways expands its business class Sat, 10 Mar 2007 20:38:20 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-8310 [...] take a bite out of the first and/or economy class sections. (Compare to Singapore Airlines’ new premium cabins, which are even 5 inches [...] […] take a bite out of the first and/or economy class sections. (Compare to Singapore Airlines’ new premium cabins, which are even 5 inches […]

]]> By: Upgrade: Travel Better » Blog Archive » Short hops — January 12, 2007 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-621 Upgrade: Travel Better » Blog Archive » Short hops — January 12, 2007 Sat, 13 Jan 2007 16:32:14 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-621 [...] Singapore Airlines’ new business class… reviewed! Remember Singapore Airlines’ major upgrade to its business and first class cabins on selected routes? The Global Traveller has sat in the business class seat, and offers his review. Live vicariously. [...] […] Singapore Airlines’ new business class… reviewed! Remember Singapore Airlines’ major upgrade to its business and first class cabins on selected routes? The Global Traveller has sat in the business class seat, and offers his review. Live vicariously. […]

]]> By: Upgrade: Travel Better » Blog Archive » Giving new economy class seats their due http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-454 Upgrade: Travel Better » Blog Archive » Giving new economy class seats their due Tue, 12 Dec 2006 21:25:48 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-454 [...] A couple readers grumbled via e-mail that yesterday’s post about Singapore Airlines’ improvements to business and first class cabins glossed over the improvements to coach, which most people will actually be flying. In my defense, I was at least discussing scheduled, commercial travel, and not the mega-bling of private jumbo-jets, as was on the front business page of the New York Times yesterday. [...] […] A couple readers grumbled via e-mail that yesterday’s post about Singapore Airlines’ improvements to business and first class cabins glossed over the improvements to coach, which most people will actually be flying. In my defense, I was at least discussing scheduled, commercial travel, and not the mega-bling of private jumbo-jets, as was on the front business page of the New York Times yesterday. […]

]]> By: Upgrade: Travel Better » Blog Archive » Update: New United first class seat http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-448 Upgrade: Travel Better » Blog Archive » Update: New United first class seat Mon, 11 Dec 2006 23:12:28 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-448 [...] It looks nice, but it also resembles a lot of existing business class seats out there, such as Air New Zealand, Virgin Atlantic, or even the forthcoming Delta seat. Increasingly, first class isn’t looking that different from new-generation business class (unless, of course, you’re Singapore Airlines…) [...] […] It looks nice, but it also resembles a lot of existing business class seats out there, such as Air New Zealand, Virgin Atlantic, or even the forthcoming Delta seat. Increasingly, first class isn’t looking that different from new-generation business class (unless, of course, you’re Singapore Airlines…) […]

]]> By: libertyscott http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-267 libertyscott Mon, 23 Oct 2006 10:48:00 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-267 The Singapore Airlines logo is the Silver Kris. Also to be fair, Singapore Airlines has been behind the ball by having angled lie flat seats in business class whereas fully lie flat seats have become increasingly the standard to beat with BA, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, Air NZ, Iberia and LAN all going lie flat. Singapore couldn't let that continue especially with Emirates moving to angled lie flat seats. The Singapore Airlines logo is the Silver Kris. Also to be fair, Singapore Airlines has been behind the ball by having angled lie flat seats in business class whereas fully lie flat seats have become increasingly the standard to beat with BA, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, Air NZ, Iberia and LAN all going lie flat. Singapore couldn’t let that continue especially with Emirates moving to angled lie flat seats.

]]> By: Better Living Through Miles http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-266 Better Living Through Miles Wed, 18 Oct 2006 21:07:00 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/10/17/singapore-airlines-ups-the-ante-for-business-and-first-class-travel-big-time/#comment-266 Indeed, how DO you use a seatbelt? And that's quite a martial name for an inflight entertainment system (Krisworld)and a frequent flyer program (Krisflyer). Thanks for the clarification. (A history of the kris, unrelated to the airline, is <a HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kris" rel="nofollow">here</A>.) Indeed, how DO you use a seatbelt?

And that’s quite a martial name for an inflight entertainment system (Krisworld)and a frequent flyer program (Krisflyer). Thanks for the clarification. (A history of the kris, unrelated to the airline, is here.)

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