Review of Singapore Airlines flight New York Frankfurt in First

Airline Singapore Airlines
Flight SQ25
Class First
Seat 3A
Aircraft Airbus A380-800
Flight time 07:45
Take-off 21 Aug 17, 21:45
Arrival at 22 Aug 17, 11:30
SQ   #3 out of 94 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings. 700 reviews
Rewardflying
Published on 14th September 2017
photo sq25-1 cover

Hello Flight-Report #avgeeks. After jetBlue to New York it was showtime for SQ Suites. I hope you enjoy this report like I enjoyed Singapore's famous Suites service.

jetBlue A320 Ecomomy service ORD-JFK

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class JFK - FRA / JFK Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse


Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class FRA-SIN / FRA Air Canada Lounge
Thai Airways A350 Business Class SIN-BKK / SIN Private Room
Thai Airways B747 First Class BKK-SYD / BKK Thai Royal First Lounge and Spa
Air New Zealand B787 Business Class SYD-AKL / SYD Air New Zealand Lounge
Air New Zealand A320 Economy Class AKL-WLG / AKL Air New Zealand Domestic Lounge
JetStar A320 Economy Class WLG-AKL
Emirates A380 Business Class AKL-BNE / AKL Emirates Lounge
Qantas B737 Business Class BNE-SYD / BNE Priority Pass Lounge
American Airlines B777 First Class SYD-LAX / SYD Qantas First Class Lounge
Virgin America A320 First Class LAX-ORD

It's fair to say anticipation was at an extreme for this flight. A year in the making the day finally came. Singapore Suites from JFK can be difficult to get without proper planning, like when the schedule opens 355 days from the day you want to fly.

photo sq25-1 checkin 1

jetBlue got me in early, too early for the Singapore check in to be open. However there was one agent at the end of the counter. He was there specifically for early arrivals. There was no red carpet service, special bag tags or some of the other things you might find with international first class check in procedures. The agent did escort me to security and suggested I go to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, which I did.

For a full report on Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse click here.

But to whet your appetite…

The Club


The Beverage
photo jfkvsl bev 1photo jfkvsl bev 2

The Food


After a pleasant stay in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse I headed downstairs to Gate A7, which was next door. It was crowded but the Singapore gate agents had the boarding area under control.

photo sq25-1 gate 2photo sq25-1 gate 1

Contrary to the Boarding Sequence sign, there was no "Group 1" boarding for Suites passengers. We were included with Business Class.

photo sq25-1 gate 3

A few passengers with special needs were boarded and it was time for general boarding. My suite awaited under the "n".

photo sq25-1 plane 1

My Suite 3A. According to popular opinion 3A (or 3K) are the best seats because they have 3 windows. I'm not so sure as row 1 looks pretty private and A380 windows aren't the best for outside viewing anyway. (You can see the window arrangement on the above photo.)

photo sq25-1 suite 3

This is a look from the front of the cabin with 1A the first suite. If there is another SQ A380 flight on my agenda you can find me here.

photo sq25-1 cabin 1

As you can see it is difficult to get a good cabin photo as the suites are shoulder level and fully enclosed.

I tried to get a better photo of the command center but was denied.

photo sq25-1 cabin 3

These are the center seats in row 2. Tonight the cabin would be almost full. I think 8 of 12 seats were occupied. I was hoping to see the double bed but one of the seats in row 2 was occupied.

photo sq25-1 cabin 2

Back in January 2017 this Singapore A380, registration 9V-SKM, was reconfigured for premium economy seats. Apparently they also installed new suites as well. Although they could have been installed today as this aircraft was immaculate.

photo sq25-1 suite 0

Upon boarding I was offered champagne. I declined the champagne until after departure. Much too busy snooping around.

I was presented with this smart Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kit. The kit only included Acqua lotions and fragrance in this men's version . The stuff you usually find in amenity kits was stocked in the lavatory.

photo sq25-1 amenity 1 kitphoto sq25-1 amenity 2

I was sized up for sleepwear.

photo sq25-1 amenity 3 pj1

Really nice. High quality. You could wear these out. The pants have pockets and a drawstring for the belt. Comfortable too.

photo sq25-1 amenity 4 pj 2

There are two lavatories for first class. Both are behind the cabin between the two galleys.

photo sq25-1 cabin lav 1

All the toiletries you may need are located in the lavatory.



While the lavatory is not huge, like some A380 lavs, it's big enough to comfortably change clothes and there are two of them.

photo sq25-1 cabin lav 4

To conclude, pillow and blanket.

photo sq25-1 amenity 9photo sq25-1 amenity 8

It was a beautiful day in New York that turned into a perfect evening. No clouds, wind, storms, nothing. We pushed back on time.

A couple other heavies ready to go across the pond.

photo sq25-1 scenic jfk 1photo sq25-1 scenic jfk 2

Yet with the perfect weather we waited a full 90 minutes to depart. The explanation given at departure was it's a busy night at JFK.

So while we wait for departure let's have a look around the suite. Behind the seat is the bed. The seatback folds down and the side unit releases down almost to the floor. Then the bed is opened and laid flat. It makes for a bed without that annoying seam in the middle.

photo sq25-1 suite 1

You can get an idea of how the table unit releases down to the floor here. Then the bed folds down to the ottoman level. With this arrangement the large IFE monitor is over 5 feet away, which is fine for viewing even though it's off center from the seat.

photo sq25-1 suite 5

This is seat 3C. These center seats were occupied by a couple going to Hong Kong. Strike two on the double bed, well actually strike three.

photo sq25-1 suite 2

The ottoman, which you can't use as a conventional ottoman, but is used as a seat for a dining partner and of course some of your carry-on luggage can be stored underneath.

photo sq25-1 suite 4

Storage spaces are at a minimum in terms of useful storage. There are lots of small compartments, but nothing useful once your phone is put away. This compartment holds the headphones as well as a compartment that is about 4 inches deep.

photo sq25-1 seat acc 0

Behind that is another small compartment that can hold something narrow, like a cell phone. Come to think of it, these suites were designed before the iPhone was even released. Tablets weren't even imagined yet.

photo sq25-1 seat acc 2

Next door are your power ports as well as headphone jack.

photo sq25-1 seat acc 1

On the other side is the IFE controller which must be used. A few touch button controls and a small tray for your spare change I guess.

photo sq25-1 seat acc 4

Behind that is another small compartment with a plastic insert. I'm at a loss here, trash?

photo sq25-1 seat acc 3

Using the control buttons you can turn on a light for eating or reading.

photo sq25-1 seat acc 5-0
Dining light
photo sq25-1 seat acc 5-2 dining light

Reading light, which I obviously wasn't reading at the time.
photo sq25-1 seat acc 5-1 reading light

Singapore seats don't fully recline. This is true for first class seats as well as business class seats. Because of these seats have a fold down bed, the seat itself only partially reclines. Jury is out for me on this feature. These controls depict your limitations.

photo sq25-1 seat acc 6

Next to ottoman is the placard/magazine holder and another useless storage compartment with an even more useless mirror.

photo sq25-1 seat acc 7

Finally in the air I was offered some nuts along with what I wanted to drink. Champagne, but which one?

photo sq25-1 food boarding 1

Hmmm, Krug, Dom? Dom, Krug? I asked Gavin one of the cabin attendants for a recommendation. He offered a sample of both. Really? Sure he replied. Okay, but just a small taste of each. First came the Krug as it must have been opened during boarding.

photo sq25-1 bev champagne 1

So much for just a sip. Then came the Dom Pérignone.

photo sq25-1 bev champagne 5

Two "sips"

photo sq25-1 bev champagne 2

And prices of these two excellent champagnes…

photo sq25-1 bev price -1 domphoto sq25-1 bev price -2 krug

My winner this evening. Another please.

photo sq25-1 bev champagne 3

As I write this a copycat article appears in Forbes. It appears offering both is standard procedure.

photo sq forbes tweet

Here is a link to the Forbes article.

Book The Cook was studied well in advance. For the JFK-FRA segment of this flight to Singapore only a dinner selection was available. Since it's only a 7 hour flight, and with a late evening departure, I can certainly understand only one full meal. However I am surprised a lighter first meal and full breakfast wasn't offered. This BTC menu had numerous choices, but in the end one stood out. 

photo sq25-1 menu - food book the cook

The on-board menu had even more choices. I guess Alfred's choice is kind of a prix fixe meal yet I assume you can mix and match with other items. This menu was available for viewing online prior to departure as well.

photo sq25-1 menu food 1

Apps and Mains
photo sq25-1 menu food 2

Desset, Cheese, Fruit and Pralines (Which I never saw on both flights)
photo sq25-1 menu food 3

The breakfast menu was somewhat surprising to me. Special "K"? Okay so one full meal is understandable. But what about the people who ate dinner before the 9PM departure and went to sleep right away. They get a continental breakfast before arrival?

photo sq25-1 menu food brk 1jpg

The beverage menu was extensive as you might expect. I've always admired the tasting ability of accredited Sommeliers. The movie SOMM gave great insight to the uniqueness of this talent. My palate doesn't appreciate their best work, or even most of their work. When I read a wine has hints of black cherry, tobacco, or any such taste, rarely do I experience the same. Maybe it's because I drink it too fast. Nonetheless these descriptions offer me insight to whether or not I want the wine. On today's flight the feature wine was an Australian Shiraz.

photo sq25-1 menu bev 1 intro

Hints of Christmas pudding and cured Iberian pork?

The wines:

Champagne
photo sq25-1 menu bev 2 champ

White
photo sq25-1 menu bev 3 white

Red
photo sq25-1 menu bev 4 red

Cocktails and spirits.
photo sq25-1 menu bev 5 coctailsphoto sq25-1 menu bev 6 spirits

Non-alcoholic drinks.

photo sq25-1 menu bev 7 non ach 1photo sq25-1 menu bev 8 non ach 2

Coffee and coffee specialities.

photo sq25-1 menu bev 10 coffee 2photo sq25-1 menu bev 9 coffee 1

Tea and tea specialties.

photo sq25-1 menu bev 11 tea 1photo sq25-1 menu bev 12 tea 2

Time to dine. The other fabulous cabin attendant's name was Stephanie. She prepared the place setting.

photo sq25-1 suite 6photo sq25-1 suite 7

No amuse was served, nor were any of the famous Singapore Airlines satays.

photo sq25-1 food presentation

So I was content to sip my Krug and watch The ZooKeeper's Wife. As mentioned the monitor is centered while you sit on the side of the suite. The monitor is just okay, not high resolution like for example Asiana's behemoth of a monitor.

photo sq25-1 ife 2

Bose noise cancelling headphones, which the noise cancelling is not necessary on the A380. It's remarkable how quiet this aircraft is.

photo sq25-1 ife 1

Switching between movies and the airshow is like jumping through hoops, as the saying goes.

photo sq25-1 ife 3

But the main event was in progress. Singapore Airlines exceptional service.

photo sq25-1 m-food cav 1

What a lovely presentation of Malossol caviar. I was offered chilled vodka but gracefully declined as that glass of champagne was #3.

photo sq25-1 m-food cav 2

Mistake one, not ordering the clam chowder.
photo sq25-1 m-food soup 2

Bamboo fungus and fish maw was like chewing on, well, bamboo.

photo sq25-1 m-food soup 3

It was time to switch to wine. While the Shiraz was tempting, the Margaux was irresistible.

photo sq25-1 bev wine 1

Stephanie deftly accommodated the request.

photo sq25-1 bev wine 2

Add to the stable of expensive wines on this flight.

photo sq25-1 bev price 3 margaux

Admittedly a pretty impressive selection of beverages on this flight.

photo sq25-1 m-food salad 2

Freshly cracked black pepper, a nice touch I'd say.

photo sq25-1 m-food salad 1a

You probably guessed the Book The Cook selection.

photo sq25-1 m-food main 1

Beautifully presented, restaurant quality prime filet with a rich but not overpowering sauce and crispy potatoes.

photo sq25-1 m-food main 2

The temperature was about a minute past perfect. I blame that on the 90 minute delay out of JFK. Notice the knife.

photo sq25-1 m-food main 3

Neither of the desserts struck my fancy, so I ordered the Financier cake.

photo sq25-1 m-food des 1a

Which was basically pound cake with ice cream. 

photo sq25-1 m-food des 2a

I also ordered a Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee which was good coffee, although I suspect it wasn't Jamaican Blue Mountain. Why? On the subsequent flight to Singapore I requested the same only to be told they didn't have any. And I'm not sure how I ended up with 2 glasses of water, but staying hydrated is important.

photo sq25-1 m-food des 4

After a delicious meal and way too many cocktails, Gavin prepared my bed in suite 4A. While I appreciated the gesture, in retrospect the galley noise in this suite can be bothersome. After a short nap it was time to land. I didn't have breakfast, nor do I recall if it was offered but I'm sure it was. 

We landed direct to the east, offering a beautiful view of suburban Frankfurt. 

photo sq25-1 scenic germany 3

Flight path

photo sq25-1 flight path

For more on SQ Suites and specific ratings visit rewardflying.com
See more

Verdict

Singapore Airlines

8.0/10
Cabin8.0
Cabin crew9.0
Entertainment/wifi7.0
Meal/catering8.0

Virgin Atlantic Virgin Clubhouse

8.4/10
Comfort7.0
Meal/catering9.5
Entertainment/wifi8.0
Services9.0

New York - JFK

7.0/10
Efficiency7.0
Access5.0
Services8.0
Cleanliness8.0

Frankfurt - FRA

7.6/10
Efficiency8.0
Access8.0
Services7.5
Cleanliness7.0

Conclusion

7 of 19 Singapore Suites hours are now complete. Stay turned for Frankfurt to Singapore coming soon.

Information on the route New York (JFK) Frankfurt (FRA)

Les contributeurs de Flight-Report ont posté 20 avis concernant 3 compagnies sur la ligne New York (JFK) → Frankfurt (FRA).


Useful

La compagnie qui obtient la meilleure moyenne est Singapore Airlines avec 8.7/10.

La durée moyenne des vols est de 8 heures et 20 minutes.

  More information

11 Comments

If you liked this review or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post a comment below !
  • Comment 412955 by
    Razza_Pr 215 Comments
    Greetings, Rewardflying, and thank you for this FR.

    Talk about coincidental timing. I'm in New York right now! Touched down at HPN earlier today.

    "There was no red carpet service, special bag tags or some of the other things you might find with international first class check in procedures."
    -Odd considering it's a Suites service. Cost cutting measures?

    "My suite awaited under the "n"."
    -The only non-capital letter in the otherwise all caps "SInGAPORE AIRLInES" :p

    "This BTC menu had numerous choices, but in the end one stood out."
    -Was this before or after they introduced the "Deliciously Wholesome" concept?

    "What a lovely presentation of Malossol caviar."
    -Only one thing missing. Some might say it's nitpicking but then again other airlines do offer it..

    "You probably guessed the Book The Cook selection."
    -Rather surprised that you didn't go for the wonton noodles here. How well was it cooked?

    "On the subsequent flight to Singapore I requested the same only to be told they didn't have any"
    -Perhaps they ran out and didn't load any extras from FRA?

    The meals look fantastic - save for the Financier. It's tiny!

    By the way, spot on guess regarding the N644UA being the new aircraft to be retrofitted with True Polaris seats! LHR welcomed its first arriving commercial passengers a short while ago as I'm sure you're aware. I suppose Zodiac can now take a little breather before they have to fit yet another aircraft with the seats - whichever that may be.

    Thanks again for this FR. Cheers!
  • Comment 412987 by
    Rewardflying AUTHOR 493 Comments
    Hello Raza and greetings from 1 time zone west.

    Odd considering it's a Suites service. Cost cutting measures?

    -I don't know. I was early so maybe the agent didn't know better.

    The only non-capital letter in the otherwise all caps "SInGAPORE AIRLInES" :p

    -One of those things you see but don't realize until pointed out.

    Was this before or after they introduced the "Deliciously Wholesome" concept?

    They introduced this concept last year. None of the BTC items on this flight were designated as such but I think the overall approach to their menus is more wholesome food. The second flight had one of these dishes which I ordered. It was very different but excellent.

    Only one thing missing. Some might say it's nitpicking but then again other airlines do offer it..

    -Blinis?

    Rather surprised that you didn't go for the wonton noodles here. How well was it cooked?

    -It was between rare and med rare. Close to perfect.

    The meals look fantastic - save for the Financier. It's tiny!

    -True, the desserts were not impressive, on either flight.

    By the way, spot on guess regarding the N644UA being the new aircraft to be retrofitted with True Polaris seats! LHR welcomed its first arriving commercial passengers a short while ago as I'm sure you're aware. I suppose Zodiac can now take a little breather before they have to fit yet another aircraft with the seats - whichever that may be.

    -N648UA and N649UA are in HKG as we speak being retrofitted.

    Hope you enjoy the USA and the weather is as nice as its been by me. See you soon!
    • Comment 413045 by
      Razza_Pr 215 Comments
      "Blinis?"
      -Hmm try proper caviar spoon. Again, nitpicking and ultimate first world problem, but also attention to detail.

      "N648UA and N649UA are in HKG as we speak being retrofitted."
      -Ah, more 767s. Wonder if it'll be for Newark-EU like Gaulle or Frankfurt, or for ORD-LHR to be more competitive against AA?

      "Hope you enjoy the USA and the weather is as nice as its been by me. See you soon!"
      -Eh. It was a bit wet when I landed, but pretty okay after that. Definitely been warmer than London though! Thankfully I'm going to an even warmer place on Sunday. Trying to make the most of whatever's left of the summer, I guess? Sometimes I love my work.

      Was this RTW trip of yours smooth all the way, or am I to anticipate twists of fate?
  • Comment 413018 by
    indianocean SILVER 7572 Comments
    Last time I flew SQ Suites from SYD to SIN, there wasn't a seperate boarding for Suites passengers. Business class, PPS and Suites all boarded together. Quite disappointing and sad to read that you had the same poor ground experience in JFK.
    SQ should work harder about the F ground service.

    What a wonderful flight you had. Catering looks delicious. Too bad the flight was too short to experience the Suites experience to the fullest. What about cabin crew? Amazing as usual.

    Thank you for sharing
  • Comment 413022 by
    Rewardflying AUTHOR 493 Comments
    Hi Indianocean. Seems first class ground service on many of these carriers is limited to their home. But boarding is pretty simple. Like you said, sad.

    Yes the food was really good, and better news is I traveled on to Singapore, that report will come in a few days. The cabin crew was excellent as well. On my website blog I wrote a little about them. Friendly, polished, attentive, you name it. Great crew.

    Thanks for your comments!
  • Comment 413051 by
    Rewardflying AUTHOR 493 Comments
    Spoon is probably too easy to pilfer, and blinis taste better!

    London would make the most sense. AA flies their 787 with the poor concept D seat, not that the average business traveler would know about Concept D. So the 767 there with new seats seems logical. With EWR getting back all the 767-4's points to ORD now that IAD has the 787's. Besides, you'd think they'd want some true Polaris seats where the only Polaris lounge is located.

    Trip was fine, just tiring. The 3 overnights in 4 days did me in. While the SQ 25 flight is awesome, I don't think I'd do it again because of that.

    Well enjoy somewhere warm, just hope it's not Florida's way. Thanks, SQ25 part 2 if a couple days. Safe travels.
  • Comment 413095 by
    Rewardflying AUTHOR 493 Comments
    Hi Raza, saw this article today on United's 767 retrofit. Economy class gets an upgrade as well, a wider seat!

    https://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2017/09/08/united-airlines-going-wide-with-new-economy-seats.html?ana=yahoo&yptr=yahoo
  • Comment 413439 by
    socalnow 976 Comments
    Greetings Mark and thank you for sharing this report of my favorite flight, SQ25.

    "It's fair to say anticipation was at an extreme for this flight."
    -It's also fair to say that MY anticipation of this flight for YOU was at an extreme.

    "There was no red carpet service, special bag tags or some of the other things you might find with international first class check in procedures."
    -Attributed to early check in?

    The food an beverage at the Virgin Clubhouse look top notch. I'm glad this lounge relationship has continued even after SQ has divested their interest in Virgin Atlantic.

    "My Suite 3A. According to popular opinion 3A (or 3K) are the best seats because they have 3 windows. I'm not so sure as row 1 looks pretty private and A380 windows aren't the best for outside viewing anyway. "
    -But 3 is more than 2 so :P I just booked 1A for an upcoming suites trip, FWIW.

    "Really nice. High quality. You could wear these out. The pants have pockets and a drawstring for the belt. Comfortable too. "
    -Tell me you wore them in transit at FRA!?!

    "Singapore seats don't fully recline. This is true for first class seats as well as business class seats. Because of these seats have a fold down bed, the seat itself only partially reclines. Jury is out for me on this feature. "
    -This is a good point. Similar to Etihad Apartments there is very limited recline. Thankfully they have tray table that affixes to the bed so you can eat noodles in bed!

    "The movie SOMM gave great insight to the uniqueness of this talent."
    -I really enjoyed this doc as well.

    The food and beverage menus are so extensive (save breakfast).

    The meal presentation is lovely, as expected. The heaping shovel of caviar is a nice way to start.

    "After a delicious meal and way too many cocktails, Gavin prepared my bed in suite 4A."
    -The separate suite for the bed is fantastic. Kudos, Gavin.

    A compelling flight ends but there is comfort in knowing that an even longer one is about to begin.

    Thanks again Mark. Happy flying.
  • Comment 413601 by
    Rewardflying AUTHOR 493 Comments
    Hi Christian, I hope things are well.

    >It's also fair to say that MY anticipation of this flight for YOU was at an extreme.
    -I'm happy to provide a vicarious SQ25 experience for your pleasure!

    Attributed to early check in?

    -Maybe, what did you experience, anything?

    The food an beverage at the Virgin Clubhouse look top notch. I'm glad this lounge relationship has continued even after SQ has divested their interest in Virgin Atlantic.

    -Yes, prior to I was wondering why SQ and LH don't work together on this route with JFK T1 and FRA FCL. But after the Virgin lounge it can't get much better from a food/bev standpoint. Now FRA FCL different matter....

    But 3 is more than 2 so :P I just booked 1A for an upcoming suites trip, FWIW.

    -Awesome, soon?

    Tell me you wore them in transit at FRA!?!

    Haha, I should have. Next time!

    SOMM I really enjoyed this doc as well.

    -My guess is you are a lot closer to that ability than myself.

    The meal presentation is lovely, as expected. The heaping shovel of caviar is a nice way to start.

    -Nice presentation for sure. JL's is good too. I bring them up because I booked F today to catch the DLA350 flight I have end of year. Business came up last week and I held it with AA then realized if F became avail I'd have to fork over another 40K (dest is S Asia). Not so with AS, only 10K, so I released it hoping it would come back to inventory. It didn't! Now I had nothing to get me there. This morning a F seat opened so all is good. Anyway JL and SQ are my favorite FC rides.

    The separate suite for the bed is fantastic. Kudos, Gavin.

    -The guy was hilarious. He was Chinese and Gavin was used as no one could pronounce his real name. He had something funny to say everytime I spoke to him. Great crew.

    Thanks for reading, round two later today.
    • Comment 413749 by
      socalnow 976 Comments
      "Awesome, soon?"
      -Not until May. The SQ232 segment SYD-SIN. I also chose 1A as I thought it would be easier if the ship is in fact int he new config as there's a 1A in that layout. The SQ seatmap in the reservation is still the old. Expert Flyer is showing F4 but my seat 1A is the only one selected...

      "My guess is you are a lot closer to that ability than myself. "
      -I'm with you. Much of the nuance is lost on me. But good is good!

      Happy flying Mark.
  • Comment 413778 by
    Rewardflying AUTHOR 493 Comments
    Glad you got it worked out Christian, happy to offer ideas.

    So we are both on SQ232 but you are 3 months ahead of me. They'll probably change the seat map when they announce the new cabin in November and fingers crossed the new A380 flies SQ232. If not we'll have to suffer with the old SQ Suites class for 8 hours;) I'm in 1A too, let me know if I should change.

    In the meantime anticipation reigns and I look forward to your many FR's.

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