Review: Singapore Airlines Premium Economy (Bulkhead)

I’ve flown Singapore Airlines Premium Economy Class thrice in recent years, and have collated photos from those flights into this review.

How to book Singapore Airlines Premium Economy with Miles

Travellers can only book Singapore Airlines Premium Economy Class seats using miles from the airline’s own Frequent Flyer Program (FFP), KrisFlyer. This is because, FFPs don’t usually have an award chart for Premium Economy Class on partner airlines.

KrisFlyer miles can be earned easily through the best travel/rewards credit cards in Singapore.

Note: KrisFlyer only offers Saver award rates for Premium Economy (no Advantage).

Sweet Spots: Best ways to redeem Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles

How to select Bulkhead seats

Bulkhead seats are the front-most seats in the cabin. They usually have much better legroom, as compared to other seats in the cabin.

Here’s how to select Bulkheat seats:

• More than 96 hrs before departure: Bulkhead seats are open for selection to PPS Club members only.
• 96-hr mark till 48-hr mark: Travellers will not be able to make any changes to their seat selection online. To choose a bulkhead seat during this period, travellers may reach out to SQ (nicely please) via phone, or through the live chat function on singaporeair.com.
• 48-hr mark: Online check-in opens. All available seats, including bulkheads, can be selected online.

So, remember to set your alarm, because these seats are well worth it!

Related: Compilation of Singapore Airlines & KrisFlyer Tips, Tricks & Secrets, to stay ahead of the game

Seat map

Singapore Airlines offers Premium Economy in 3 types of aircraft, Airbus A380, Airbus A350 and Boeing 777. All of them have very similar sizing and design features, as those that are shown in this review.

Seats are laid out in a 2-4-2 cabin configuration.

Pre-flight

Prior to take-off, I was offered a beverage of choice and a packet of peas and crackers.

Singapore Airlines Premium Economy seat

The airline’s Premium Economy seats are an upgrade from the Economy Class seats.

As you’d expect, in terms of comfort and privacy, they are more Economy than Business Class.

Passengers get their own arm rests on both sides, calf rest, foot rest, better recline angle, larger screen and better F&B options (incl. Book the Cook).

From these photos, the difference in recline angle may not seem like much, but I always felt substantially more comfortable, as compared to Economy Class. I guess you just have to try it in person.

Let’s have a look at the other seats in the cabin.

I noticed some wear on the seats, and the safety brochures did not look fresh on all 3 flights.

Dining

As mentioned above, Premium Economy passengers get to enjoy a better dining experience, with Book the Cook (BTC) options and champagne.

Here are some meals that my partner and I had on those 3 flights.

Departing Singapore

Departing Tokyo (Narita)

Departing Istanbul

Unfortunately, Singapore Airlines does not offer BTC for flights departing Istanbul (even if you’re flying in Business Class). The following meals were chosen from the inflight menu.

In-Flight WiFi

All Singapore Airlines (SQ) passengers, regardless of which cabin class they are flying in, get free unlimited WiFi throughout their flight, IF they meet one simple condition:

• Include KrisFlyer membership number in the SQ flight booking

This can be done at the time of booking or when checking in at the airport.

The WiFi speed was good enough for light web surfing.

Note: Due to satellite coverage and regulatory requirements, Wi-Fi will not be available when flying over India, Iran and Turkey airspace on the Airbus A380 and A350-900 Medium Haul aircraft, as well as selected Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

My ratings

This is how I am rating my Premium Economy Class experience:

Bottom line

I’ve always enjoyed my Premium Economy Class flights on Singapore Airlines, and personally, it’s a worthy upgrade over Economy Class.

Just to give you a rough idea, I’d rate the experience at about 50% better than Economy Class. So, as long as the award/cash rate doesn’t exceed 50% more than that of Economy Class, you’re receiving good value.

Demand for Premium Economy award seats tends to be much lower than Business Class, and there are no Advantage rates to worry about. With the Miles Game gaining mainstream popularity, is Premium Economy the (realistic) future of award travel?