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Best Ways To Book Singapore Airlines First Class Using Points [Step-by-Step]

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Key Takeaways

  • There are 3 different first class products offered by Singapore Airlines, which can be found on the Airbus A380 and the 777-300ER.
  • Singapore Airlines first class, including their suites, can only be booked through the KrisFlyer program.
  • Reward space is released around 355 days before departure and can be difficult to book, so planning and flexibility are necessary.

Long considered one of the best experiences in flying, traveling in Singapore Airlines’ first class is a luxury you won’t want to miss. Specifically, Singapore Suites is one of the best first class cabins in the industry.

Not only is the inflight product amazing, but Singapore’s flight attendants are some of the most attentive in the industry. They are there with whatever you might need during your flight. The craziest thing is that Singapore Airlines actually has 3 types of first class products. The oldest one was unveiled in 2007, while the newest one debuted in 2017.

Two of these are found on the A380, though as you can probably imagine, the newer one is offered on fewer routes. The other product is aboard the 777-300ER.

You’re probably dying to know exactly what to expect and how to book this as soon as possible, so let’s get into it!

A Look Inside Singapore Airlines’ New A380 First Class Suites

New Singapore Suites, A380
Singapore Airlines’ new A380 first class suite. Image Credit: Greg Stone

These flights operate the brand-new A380, which Singapore Airlines only recently took delivery of in 2017, so now is absolutely the best time to try it. “What can I expect?” you may ask.

This. 

Singapore Airlines new A380 First Suite Double Bed
Singapore Airlines’ new A380 first class suite double bed. Image Credit: Greg Stone

It’s a huge step up from the older suites because you get even more space and a separate seat and bed!

Instead of the older Singapore Suites’ configuration of 1-2-1 (which we’ll get to below), you will enjoy an unprecedented level of privacy and space (1-1-1). The new suites measure up at 50 square feet, which is more real estate than you’ll know what to do with.

First, the main seat is a Poltrona Frau leather armchair, which is adjustable and can rotate up to 270 degrees. Additionally, you will have a separate bed, which is 27 inches in width and 6 feet 4 inches in bed length.

Your bedding and pajamas will be Lalique-branded, and you’ll have no problem sleeping on this flight.

Next to your seat is a huge table for eating and working.

New Singapore Suites, A380
Image Credit: Greg Stone

Singapore Airlines consistently gets the highest marks for its fine dining, catered by the International Culinary Panel of chefs.

Singapore Airlines New First Class Suites Caviar
Singapore Airlines’ new first class suite caviar. Image Credit: Greg Stone
Singapore Airlines New First Class Suites Steak
Singapore Airlines’ new first class suite steak. Image Credit: Greg Stone

How does some fine Krug Champagne sound to you? Specifically, the 2004 vintage, which retails for ~$250 per bottle?

Singapore Airlines new A380 First Suite Krug
Singapore Airlines’ new A380 first class suite Krug Champagne. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Lalique amenities are on offer here, and this amenity kit is filled with goodies.

Singapore Airlines new A380 First Suite Lalique Amentiy Kit
Singapore Airlines’ new A380 first class suite Lalique amenity kit. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Of course, pajamas are a given, and it just so happens that Lalique is the designer brand here.

Singapore Airlines new A380 First Suite PJs
Singapore Airlines’ new A380 first class suite PJs. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Once you walk into the first class lavatories, you’ll see a huge vanity counter and separate toilet.

Singapore Airlines new A380 First Suite Main Bathroom
Singapore Airlines’ new A380 first class suite main bathroom. Image Credit: Greg Stone

The new first class suites are extremely technologically advanced, and you can control your inflight monitor with your own personal tablet. The seat controls are thoughtfully designed and executed.

Hot Tip: Want to learn more about the new first class suites? Check out our in-depth review (with amazing pictures) of Singapore Airlines’ new first class suites!

As we mentioned above, Singapore Airlines is reconfiguring all of its A380s with new first class suites. Currently, the A380s are offered on a select list of routes to/from Singapore.

  • Singapore (SIN) – Auckland (AKL) on SQ285 and SQ286 only from October 30, 2022 (9 hr 55 min)
  • Singapore (SIN) – Frankfurt (FRA) – New York (JFK) on SQ25 (~12 hr 50 min and ~8 hr 35 min)
  • Singapore (SIN) – Hong Kong (HKG) on SQ892 and SQ893 only from October 30, 2022 (~3 hr 45 min)
  • Singapore (SIN) – London-Heathrow (LHR) on SQ322 and SQ317 only (~13 hr 30 min)
  • Singapore (SIN) – Sydney (SYD) on SQ231 and SQ222 only (~7 hr 45 min)
  • Singapore (SIN) – Zurich (ZRH) on SQ345 and SQ346 only from October 30, 2022 (~12 hr 40 min)

In addition, here are all of the tail numbers for Singapore Airlines’s A380 aircraft:

A Look Inside Singapore Airlines A380 First Class Suites

To fly Singapore Airlines’ first class suites, you will need to find a route that is operated by an Airbus A380, since the Singapore Suites are offered exclusively on this aircraft.

And as Singapore Airlines continues to reconfigure its A380 fleet, we expect its old suites to become a thing of the past. Nonetheless, flying on an older A380 in Singapore Suites is still a spectacular experience.

After a stop in the lounge, no one will blame you if you aren’t quite ready to board your flight, but don’t worry! The fun only continues once you’re onboard.

Singapore Suites First Class - Suite Seat
Use your KrisFlyer miles to try Singapore Suites, one of the best first class experiences in the sky. Image Credit: Alex Miller

The older Singapore Suites are still perfect for those traveling together, as the center 2 seats can have the divider removed.

Singapore Airlines First Class Suites Frankfurt to Singapore - Middle Seats
Image Credit: Alex Miller

Once at your suite, you’ll notice that you can pull the shades and close the doors for complete privacy. Of course, all seats are lie-flat and have direct aisle access. If you’re traveling with a significant other, the middle 2 seats can become a double bed, if you so desire.

Singapore Suites First Class - Double Turndown Service
This special turndown service is provided by Singapore Suites’ attentive cabin crew. Image Credit: Alex Miller

After you’ve settled in, a flight attendant will show you around your suite and offer you a pre-departure beverage and snack. You will also provide your meal order or confirm your meal choice if you reserved with Book the Cook before the flight.

Singapore Suites First Class - Special Cake
On Singapore Suites, special occasions call for extra special treats. Image Credit: Alex Miller

Singapore Airlines does all the little things right. You will receive a first class amenity kit and pajamas provided by Lalique. If you are celebrating an occasion like a birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, etc., just give them a call before your flight and let them know. You could get a special cake and souvenir to celebrate!

Hot Tip: Check out some of our reviews of Singapore Suites: JFK-FRA-SIN-SYD on the A380, and FRA-JFK on the A380 with plenty of pictures of the experiences!

A Look Inside Singapore Airlines First Class on the 777

After hearing what you get with Singapore Suites, you might be worried about flying first class if it’s not on the A380. Fear not: Singapore’s 777-300ER first class product is also fantastic.

Greg Stone - Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 First Class - Side On
One of the best seats in the sky can be found in Singapore Airlines’ first class on the Boeing 777-300ER. Image Credit: Greg Stone

From the first class check-in to the Private Room to the amazing service, you will have a phenomenal time.

The biggest difference is the seat. Rather than an enclosed suite, you will have a more traditional seat. However, with just 1 row of 4 seats in the first class cabin, you’ll enjoy plenty of privacy.

Each seat has direct aisle access and is lie-flat. At 35 inches wide, it’s also one of the widest seats available on an airplane, so you’ll have plenty of space!

Hot Tip: For a full review and tons of photos of Singapore Suites aboard the 777, check out our detailed guide.

How To Fly Singapore First Class Using Points

Now that you have a sense of how amazing this flight is going to be, let’s talk about how to book it.

Singapore KrisFlyer

If you want to book this flight, you are limited to a single frequent flyer program. Singapore Airlines only allows Suites and first class to be booked through its own KrisFlyer program.

You can book your flight online by following these steps:

  1. Visit the Singapore Airlines website.
  2. Choose Redeem Flights.
  3. Choose your travel dates and your desired route.
  4. Choose First as the cabin.
  5. Click Search.
  6. Choose your flight.

Hot Tip: Use our Transfer Partner Calculator to quickly determine how many miles you’ll get for transferring between programs.

You might see “Waitlist” space available rather than confirmable award space. If you want to put yourself on the waitlist, you will need miles available in your KrisFlyer account to do so.

Many have had success reaching out to Singapore Airlines to get moved off the waitlist by requesting a chaser (i.e., a request to open up more award space) prior to departure.

Singapore Airlines also allows you to book a stopover on award tickets. You get 1 free stopover for round-trip saver-level awards, and you can add extra stopovers on a one-way for around $100. You can add a stopover by calling after booking online, or you can simply book over the phone.

In some cases, you might be able to get a Singapore customer service representative to put an award on hold for you. There isn’t an official policy that we’ve seen, but many people have been able to place awards on hold for at least a couple of days.

These holds can be particularly useful if you are transferring points from one of Singapore’s partners. If one agent won’t allow you to put an award on hold, hang up and call again.

Other Options for Booking Singapore Airlines

Unfortunately, you cannot book Suites or first class with any other award programs. You can book economy flights through any of its Star Alliance partners including Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA Mileage Club, and Asiana Club.

Great Singapore Airlines Suites and First Class Redemptions

Singapore Airlines A380
Fly Singapore Suites on the Airbus A380 and enjoy first class luxury. Image Credit: Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is a fantastic way to get to Southeast Asia, but there is currently only 1 way to fly Suites from the U.S.: from New York (JFK) to Singapore (SIN) with a connection in Frankfurt (FRA). Suites class on this booking will cost you 148,500 KrisFlyer miles.

You could also just fly to Frankfurt from New York for 97,000 miles if you want to visit Europe. On the other end of the spectrum, you could fly from New York all the way to Sydney (connecting in both Frankfurt and Singapore) for 188,000 miles.

From the West Coast, you can fly first class on a Boeing 777-300ER from San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore (SIN) via Hong Kong (HKG) or Tokyo (NRT), respectively, for 130,000 miles. There are also nonstops offered by Singapore Airlines to Singapore from San Francisco and Los Angeles, but they only feature business class and premium economy.

There is one final piece of information you need when booking Singapore Suites and first class flights: there is a separate award chart for itineraries that involve flights operated by Star Alliance partners.

To book Star Alliance awards, you need to find award space online as directed above, then use Air Canada to find United award availability for connecting flights. Finally, you’ll call Singapore Airlines (833-727-0118) to provide the necessary flight info to an agent.

The “quick and dirty” Singapore Airlines new first class suites one-way award costs are here:

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Route

Saver Cost (Cheapest)

Advantage (Expensive)

Frankfurt (FRA) – New York (JFK)

97,000

143,500

Singapore (SIN) – Auckland (AKL)

93,500

155,000

Singapore (SIN) – Frankfurt (FRA)

141,000

225,500

Singapore (SIN) – Frankfurt (FRA) – New York (JFK)

148,500

243,000

Singapore (SIN) – Hong Kong (HKG)

45,000

73,000

Singapore (SIN) – London (LHR)

141,000

225,500

Singapore (SIN) – Sydney (SYD)

93,500

155,000

Singapore (SIN) – Zurich (ZRH)

141,000

225,500

Here’s a quick comparison of some of the U.S. routes:

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Singapore Airlines Redemption Comparison

Departure

Destination

Singapore Airlines Award Cost

Star Alliance Award Cost

Los Angeles (LAX)

Singapore (SIN)

146,500 KrisFlyer miles

167,500 KrisFlyer miles

Los Angeles (LAX)

Tokyo-Narita (NRT)

120,500 KrisFlyer miles

157,500 KrisFlyer miles

New York (JFK)

Frankfurt (FRA)

97,000 KrisFlyer miles

121,000 KrisFlyer miles

New York (JFK)

Singapore (SIN)

148,500 KrisFlyer miles

167,500 KrisFlyer miles

New York (JFK)

Sydney (SYD)

188,000 KrisFlyer miles

188,500 KrisFlyer miles

San Francisco (SFO)

Hong Kong (HKG)

117,000 KrisFlyer miles

157,500 KrisFlyer miles

San Francisco (SFO)

Singapore (SIN)

146,500 KrisFlyer miles

167,500 KrisFlyer miles

The above routes work in both directions, so you can flip the departure and destination for the same price.

Singapore Airlines no longer imposes fuel surcharges on awards booked on its flights, so the total taxes and fees won’t be steep.

How To Earn Enough Miles for Singapore First Class

KrisFlyer miles is an American Express transfer partnerBrex transfer partner, Capital One transfer partner, Chase transfer partner, and Citi ThankYou transfer partner (all at a rate of 1:1) or from Marriott Bonvoy at a transfer rate of 3:1.

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A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

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A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
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A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

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Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
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Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options out there.

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Cons
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Card Highlights
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  • Member FDIC
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The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
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Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
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This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Business Owner? See our article on Amex business cards that earn Membership Rewards.

Citi Premier® Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

*The information regarding the Citi Premier card has expired, and the card is no longer open to applicants.

*The information regarding the Citi Premier card has expired, and the card is no longer open to applicants.
No offer available
No offer available
$0
$95
21.24% - 29.24% variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Citi Premier® Card is an excellent option for anyone looking for an all-around travel rewards credit card. The card helps you earn points fast with great 3x bonus categories such as restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels. Plus, it offers access to airline and hotel transfer partners, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, and has a reasonable annual fee!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotel purchases
  • Access to Citi transfer partners
  • Annual hotel credit
Cons
    • $95 annual fee
Card Highlights
  • No welcome offer available
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
  • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
  • 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 21.24% - 29.24% variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

We cover the large number of Marriott credit cards available in our detailed guide.

Hot Tip: Learn about even more ways to earn Singapore KrisFlyer miles!

When Should You Search for Award Space?

Singapore Airlines can start releasing award space around 355 days from departure.

Finding Suites or first class space can be very difficult, so the sooner you start searching the better.

It is often easier to find award space when returning to (rather than departing from) the U.S.

What Makes This a Great Redemption?

Singapore Suites and first class are certainly among the top redemptions available if you’re looking for a luxury flight experience.

Singapore’s stellar amenities ensure you will make the most of your points, both in the air and on the ground!

Private Room Lounge

Singapore Airlines First Class The Private Room Lounge
Relax in one of the most exclusive airport lounges, Singapore Airlines’ Private Room. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Ever wondered what a first class lounge within a business class lounge would be like? How about an even more exclusive lounge within a first class lounge that’s within a business class lounge?

Well, you don’t have to wonder! When you fly Singapore Suites or first class from Singapore’s Changi Airport, you can relax in the Private Room, where you’ll be able to enjoy a glass (or 2) of Champagne and grab a snack.

As soon as you arrive at the airport (at the entrance exclusively for Singapore Suites and first class passengers), you will be greeted by a porter and a passenger relations officer from Singapore Airlines. From there you will be escorted to a seat at a check-in desk. If all are occupied, you will be provided a seat in the first class check-in lounge while you wait. Once checked in, you will be provided your boarding pass and the golden ticket: an invitation to the Private Room, Singapore’s most exclusive lounge. Your passenger relations officer will then escort you to immigration, and you will be on your way.

Once at Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris Lounge, you will be escorted into the Private Room where you can enjoy Champagne, snacks, and even a fine dining experience.

The Singapore staff are ready to help with anything you need; you only have to ask. If you’re shy, that’s okay! They will stop by to check on you and see if you want anything.

If you’re in the mood for a meal, grab a seat in the Private Room’s own restaurant. You can order anything you like from the menu, and even pair your meal with a glass of wine.

While Singapore Airlines doesn’t have showers on its Airbus A380s like Emirates and Etihad, it does have great shower suites in its lounge so you can freshen up before or between flights.

First Class Dining

Singapore Suites First Class - Dining & Book The Cook
Fine dining begins with caviar, then takes you through tasty appetizers, mouthwatering mains, and topped off with dessert! Image Credit: Alex Miller

Singapore Airlines is famous for its Book the Cook service that allows you to choose your meals before you board. This is a great way to guarantee you get the meal you want.

Probably the most famous dish served is the lobster thermidor. You’ll definitely want to book this prior to your flight!

Make sure you reserve your meal at least 24 hours before departure to ensure you receive the meal you want. There are also a number of tasty à la carte menu options if you do not book in advance.

Don’t forget to have some Krug Champagne when you board (and throughout the flight).

Singapore Airlines new A380 First Suite Champagne
Singapore Airlines’ new A380 first class suite Champagne. Image Credit: Greg Stone

First Class Service

This is one area where Singapore Airlines really stands out. The crew members are ever-present, but they assist without disturbing you.

They have an amazing way of anticipating your needs and happily helping you whenever you have a question or you want something to eat or drink.

If you like hot towel service, you’ll be in luck here, too. You’ll have multiple opportunities to refresh, which can be just what you need on those long flights of 10+ hours.

Final Thoughts

If it seems like we love Singapore Suites and first class, it’s because we do! From the moment your journey begins, this is a true luxury experience. What else could you ask for when on vacation?

Though only being able to book Suites and first class with KrisFlyer miles might seem like a problem, the fact that Singapore Airlines partners with all major transferable points programs mean you’ll never have trouble earning the miles.

This is definitely an experience you’ll want to try at least once (or twice, maybe even 3 times!) in your life.

If you want to Singapore one way or another but don’t think this is the right redemption for you, check out our article on the best ways to fly to Singapore with points and miles for additional award options.

The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi Premier® Card has expired and the card is no longer open to applicants.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to book Singapore Airlines Suites or first class?

To fly Singapore Suites or first class, you must book through Singapore’s own KrisFlyer program.

What credit cards can help me earn miles to fly Singapore Airlines Suites or first class?

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer partners with all major transferable points programs.

KrisFlyer miles can be transferred from American Express Membership Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards (all at a rate of 1:1) or from Marriott Bonvoy at a transfer rate of 3:1.

What do I get when flying Singapore Airlines Suites or first class?

Suites and first class passengers receive access to SilverKris first class lounges and the Private Room (when departing from or connecting in Singapore)

Inflight, you will receive industry-leading service and enjoy one of the best first class seats in the sky.

You can also enjoy Krug and Dom Perignon.

Don’t forget to “Book the Cook” so you can reserve your meal choice prior to departure!

Does Singapore Airlines fly first class suites from the U.S.?

The only A380 first class suites option from the U.S. is on a 5th freedom flight between New York (JFK) and Frankfurt (FRA) starting March 27, 2022.

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About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

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