For many people, flying First or Business Class could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the type of seat you get can make or break it.

That’s because not all seats are made equal. For example, Business Class on Singapore Airlines can be a private and spacious seat which converts into a full-flat double bed…

…or an old, flimsy recliner with manual controls, no integrated inflight entertainment screens and sagging back support. 

I reckon if your first-ever Business Class experience were the latter, you’d think the miles game was a complete waste of time.

Although more seasoned travellers will know SIA’s fleet at the back of their hands, first-timers to the miles game may be unfamiliar with the six types of planes SQ operates.

This guide is meant to showcase the different types of First and Business Class seats on Singapore Airlines, and how you can figure out which ones your flight has.

You can always check what aircraft you’re flying on the Manage Booking or booking page.

First Class/Suites

2017 Suites

Singapore Airlines introduced its latest generation of Suites in 2017, which can now be found on all its A380-800 aircraft. The cabin size has been reduced from 12 to 6, and the layout changed from 1-2-1 to 1-1. This means harder redemptions, but also an unprecedented amount of personal space.

Each suite has a separate seat and bed, with 4/6 passengers able to enjoy a double bed setup. It’s as close as you’ll get to a hotel room in the sky.

Reviews 

• 2020: Singapore Airlines A380 Suites, Restaurant A380
• 2018: Singapore Airlines A380 Suites SIN-SYD
• 2017: Singapore Airlines A380 Suites SIN-SYD

How to know if I’ve got it?

All the A380-800s have the 2017 Suites. 

2013 First Class (2013 F)

The 2013 First Class seat represents a stylistic refresh of the 2006 First Class seat, with sophisticated dark leather tones and a bigger, crisper TV screen. The cabin is only four-strong, however, so redeeming 2x First Class saver awards is close to impossible.

In terms of comfort, I’d say this is only a marginal improvement over Business Class. The real upgrade is the service and F&B, not to mention the lounge experience in Singapore.

Reviews

• 2020: Singapore Airlines B777-300ER First Class HND-SIN
• 2021: Singapore Airlines B777-300ER First Class FRA-SIN
• 2022: Singapore Airlines B777-300ER First Class SIN-CGK

How to know if I’ve got it?

All the B777-300ERs have the 2013 First Class seat.

Business Class

2021 Regional Business Class (2021 RJ)

Singapore Airlines unveiled its new regional Business Class seat for narrowbody aircraft in 2021, which features 10 seats in a 2-2, 1-1, 2-2 layout. This means that not every passenger has direct aisle access, but they’ll all have a full-flat bed, Wi-Fi access and personal charging outlets. 

Row 11 seats are the narrowest at 19 inches, because the footwell from Row 12 extends into the space between the seats. 

Row 12 seats are the widest at 21 inches, and these “throne seats” are undoubtedly the pick of the bunch.

Row 14 seats (remember, Singapore Airlines skips the unlucky row 13) measure in at 20 inches wide. 

Reviews

While I have yet to fly this product in the wild, I’ve seen its key features first-hand at a media preview, summarised below.

• 2021: Singapore Airlines B737-8 Business Class Media Preview

How to know if I’ve got it?

All B737-8s have the 2021 Regional Business Class seat.

2018 Regional Business Class (2018 RJ)

The 2018 Regional Business Class seat is found on all B787-10s, as well as regional-configured A350-900 (known internally as the A350-900MH (medium-haul)).

These seats are configured in a 1-2-1 layout, with all-aisle access. They convert into full flat beds, though they are on the narrow side at 21 inches with the armrests raised.

Those travelling as a couple can chose the “love seats” in the middle, which are positioned closer to each other…

…while those travelling solo who can pick a “divorce seat”, separated from each other by the console table.

Reviews

• 2021: Singapore Airlines B787-10 Regional Business Class ICN-SIN

How to know if I’ve got it?

• If you’re flying on a B787-10, you have a 100% chance of this seat
• If you’re on an A350-900, check your seat map. If you see the one on the right, you have the 2013 Business Class seat. If you see the one on the left, you have the 2018 Regional Business Class seat

2017 Business Class (2017 J)

The 2017 Business Class seat was introduced along with the new Suites, and unlike its predecessor, does not need to be flipped over into a bed- you simply recline it at whatever angle you prefer. Better noise isolation is provided through the wraparound privacy wings.

The centre seats in Rows 11, 91 and 96 can be converted into a double bed, but that’s a term used rather loosely as only your upper bodies will be together. Your feet will still be separated by a partition. 

Reviews

• 2020: Singapore Airlines A380-800 Business Class, Restaurant A380
• 2018: Singapore Airlines A380-800 Business Class SYD-SIN

How to know if I’ve got it?

All the A380-800s now have the 2017 Business Class seat.

2013 Business Class (2013 J)

The 2013 Business Class seat is the mainstay of Singapore Airlines’ long-haul fleet, found throughout the B777-300ERs and long-haul/ultra-long-haul A350-900s. 

While I find it comfortable enough on the whole, some people take issue with the fact the seat needs to be flipped over to become a bed (instead of reclining to flat like other Business Class seats), and the diagonal sleeping position. The cubby area for your feet can also be restrictive.

Reviews

• 2021: Singapore Airlines A350-900 Business Class SIN-MUC
• 2021: Singapore Airlines A350-900 Business Class MUC-SIN
• 2017: Singapore Airlines B777-300ER Business Class SIN-FRA

How to know if I’ve got it?

• If you’re on an A350-900, check the seat map. If you see the one on the left, you have the 2018 Regional Business Class seat. If you see the one on the right, you have the 2013 Business Class seat

• If you’re on an A350-900ULR, which operate the non-stop USA flights, you have a 100% chance of this seat
• If you’re on a B777-300ER, you have a 100% chance of this seat

Ancient SilkAir Business (SilkAir J)

And…the worst for last.

Remember SilkAir? While the brand no longer exists, its legacy lives on in the form of a handful of B737-800s. These may be dubbed “Next Generation”, though the seats are anything but.

With Singapore Airlines unwilling to sink more money into these aging aircraft, the manual recliners received some new upholstery and nothing more. Don’t expect seat-back entertainment screens, charging outlets or even decent lumbar support- this is as bad as it gets.

Unfortunately, the B737-800s will hang around the fleet for a few more years, with the leases only set to end between September 2024 and January 2026. 

Review

I’ve reviewed this seat when it was still part of the SilkAir fleet. 

• 2017 : SilkAir B737-800 Business Class HAN-SIN

How to know if I’ve got it?

All the B737-800s have the SilkAir Business Class seat.

Final Caveats

Airlines reserve the right to swap equipment for “operational reasons”. Should this happen, you’re not owed any compensation so long as you travel in the same cabin: in the eyes of the law, a Business Class seat is a Business Class seat! However, if you make noise you may receive some miles or a KrisShop voucher as compensation. 

That said, knowing the SIA fleet is half the battle, and will enable you to better plan your redemptions. Don’t pay good miles for a bad seat!