first class travel singapore airlines

How to book Singapore Airlines first-class Suites with points and miles

Singapore Airlines' first-class product has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best luxury experiences in the sky. Many in the points and miles world save up to book this bucket list experience, complete with Dom Perignon (and Krug) Champagne, caviar and some of the best inflight service out there.

Before we dive into how you can book your next first-class adventure on Singapore Airlines , let's look at what you can expect from the different aircraft types operated by the carrier.

The first-class cabins

Currently, Singapore operates aircraft with two different first-class layouts — the Boeing 777-300 and the Airbus A380. On its 777-300s, the first-class cabin is arranged in a 1-2-1 layout at the front. Each seat has plenty of room and turns into a lie-flat bed. The seats are similar to the business-class seats on this aircraft in layout, though they have more personal space and the first-class service sets them apart.

You'll find Singapore Airlines' famous Suites class on the Airbus A380s. The Suites are located at the front of the upper deck, and each one has a bed separate from the seat, providing an incredible amount of personal space you will not find on most commercial aircraft.

Two Suites can be combined into a double bed, making it ideal for couples. This is about as good as first class gets.

The A380 Suites are significantly better than the 777 first-class seats, so it's worth going out of your way to book the A380 if possible.

Regardless of aircraft, you can count on some great Champagne, a great meal — don't forget to "Book the Cook" — and plenty of hot towels to help you stay refreshed. If you are departing from Singapore, you will also have access to Singapore Airlines' exclusive and recently renovated Private Room lounge .

If you see a route operated by one of Singapore's new Airbus A350s or 787s, keep in mind that it doesn't have a first-class cabin on this aircraft, but it does have a fantastic business class .

Related: 8 reasons I'm excited about Singapore Airlines' A380 Suites flying to the US

How to book Singapore Airlines first class with miles

Unlike most airlines, Singapore Airlines will only let you book its first-class (and business-class) award tickets on long-haul routes through its own KrisFlyer program . So while United Airlines and Air Canada are both Star Alliance partners of Singapore Airlines, you won't be able to use MileagePlus or Aeroplan miles to book these premium-cabin awards.

Suites-class options

Singapore Airlines is not operating A380 services to or from any destinations in the United States after switching the service from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to a 777 service in May.

Schedules and aircraft type are subject to change, but at the time of publication, over the northern summer period, Singapore will operate the A380 to the following destinations:

First-class options

While the 777 first-class product isn't quite as impressive as the A380 product, the good news is that Singapore Airlines flies the 777 product to several U.S. destinations. At the time of publication, over the northern summer period, Singapore will operate the 777 with first class to the following destinations:

You can also try Singapore Airlines first class on the airline's fifth-freedom routes . Here is the one-way pricing for Saver and Advantage awards:

• Between New York and Frankfurt: 97,000 (Saver)/143,500 (Advantage) miles.
• Between Los Angeles and Tokyo: 120,000 (Saver)/187,000 (Advantage) miles.

Related: Fifth-freedom routes: Flying top international airlines without setting foot in their home countries

KrisFlyer does not impose fuel surcharges on flights on its own metal, so fees, taxes and surcharges on first-class and Suites flights are reasonable.

Saver availability is strictly limited, but you can pay more miles for an Advantage ticket. You might also consider waitlisting for a Saver award .

And if you only want to get a taste of Singapore Airlines first class on a short flight, you can book flights between Singapore and Jakarta for 40,000 Avianca LifeMiles on some dates.

Off the beaten points first reported you can use LifeMiles to book this route. But despite searching, we haven't seen the ability to redeem LifeMiles for other Singapore Airlines first-class or suites-class routes.

How to earn Singapore KrisFlyer miles

While Singapore Airlines doesn't offer a cobranded credit card in the U.S., the airline partners with several major rewards programs with transferable currencies, including:

• American Express Membership Rewards : 1:1 transfer ratio; transfers usually take less than 24 hours .
• Capital One : 1:1 transfer ratio; transfers usually occur instantly .
• Citi ThankYou Rewards : 1:1 transfer ratio; transfers usually take less than 24 hours .
• Chase Ultimate Rewards : 1:1 transfer ratio; transfers usually occur within one day , but some readers have reported transfer times of up to seven days.
• Marriott Bonvoy : 3:1 transfer ratio, plus a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred; transfers usually take less than 48 hours .

Earning rewards with one or more of these programs and transferring them to Singapore Airlines is one of the easiest ways to earn KrisFlyer miles. The following cards all currently offer strong welcome bonuses that you could easily convert to KrisFlyer miles:

• American Express® Gold Card : Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership. Terms apply.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. Check to see if you're targeted for a 125,000-point welcome offer through CardMatch (offer subject to change at any time). Terms apply.
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening, plus a $250 Capital One Travel credit in the first cardholder year.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card : Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Ink Business Preferred Credit Card : Earn 120,000 bonus points after you spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

In the case of transferable currencies that don't instantly transfer to KrisFlyer, you'll want to call and put a hold on your award ticket before initiating a transfer . That way, you won't find yourself with stranded Singapore KrisFlyer miles because of a lack of award space.

Bottom line

At first glance, it might seem like only being able to book Singapore first-class awards with the KrisFlyer program would be a problem. However, when you consider that Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy points can all be transferred to your Singapore KrisFlyer account, it seems a lot more doable.

As with many premium-cabin awards, you'll want to start looking for award space as soon as you know your travel dates. First-class award space on Singapore Airlines is not always easy to find, so starting your search as early as 355 days before your desired departure date is advisable. Also, consider waitlisting or searching at the last minute.

With a little planning, you'll be able to earn the required miles and find the necessary award space to try one of the best first-class products in the world.

Additional reporting by Spencer Howard.

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How to Make the Most of Singapore Airlines First Class

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Singapore Airlines first class is the crème de la crème of luxury airline experiences. From the moment you arrive at the airport until you’re safely at your destination, every need is meticulously attended to by dedicated Singapore Airlines staff; it's a truly first-class experience every step of the way.

But luxury comes at a high cost, either in miles or cash.

Learn about Singapore Airlines first class and its Suites, along with the food, drink and lounges that come with the highest class of service on one of the world’s most extravagant airlines.

What to expect flying first class with Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines first-class experience is so lavish that it is divided into Suites and first class, depending on the aircraft. Here are the most important details you need to know:

Baggage policy. For flights to and from the U.S., Suites and first-class ticket holders can check two pieces of luggage up to about 70.5 pounds. For flights that don’t go through the U.S., you can bring up to about 110 pounds. Flyers with elite status may qualify for an additional bag or two or additional weight, depending on the flight and status level.

Boarding. Suites and first-class flyers have their own boarding lanes. On the two-story A380, these flyers may possibly have their own jet bridge.

Suites or seats. First class on Boeing 777 aircraft includes an extra-wide lie-flat seat with plenty of storage. On the massive Airbus A380, first-class flyers may be able to snag their own suite, which includes a private room for one or two, a luxury recliner and a bed, plus a door for added privacy.

Lounges. Singapore operates its own KrisFlyer Lounge and KrisFlyer Gold Lounge in limited airports and may work with partners in many others. As a premium flyer, you can check in at the dedicated first-class reception area, where a porter takes your baggage. After an escort through a private immigration line, you’ll be whisked to the private lounge that lives up to its first-class branding. The private room lounges aren't your typical busy Priority Pass lounges — they’re a step above.

Food and meals. Singapore Airlines first-class food rivals anything you’ll eat on the ground. You can preselect a meal online with chef-prepared options through its "Book the Cook" service; here, you can choose from a wide selection of world dishes and special meals. Come thirsty, too — you’ll have access to the airline’s expert-selected wine list, high-end Champagne and just about anything else you would like to drink.

Singapore Airlines First Class seats on the retrofitted 777-300ER aircraft. Photo courtesy of Singapore Airlines.

How to book a first class ticket with Singapore Airlines

To book a first-class flight on Singapore Airlines, the likely easiest option for most people is to book online, but you can also book by phone. The website makes it easy to search by fare class and date. Note that Singapore doesn’t fly to many U.S. cities, and some routes don’t fly daily.

If you pay cash, flying first class is a five-figure endeavor, with fees typically ranging from around $10,000 to $30,000. The most affordable way to fly on Singapore Airlines is using miles or points.

If you need to bulk up your points stash, take advantage of the fact that Singapore Airlines is part of the Star Alliance. That means that you can earn KrisFlyer miles by flying partners like Air Canada , Avianca, Lufthansa and United .

» Learn more: The ultimate guide to the Star Alliance

Ways to get good value

Book with points.

If you regularly fly on Singapore Airlines or otherwise build up a big balance, potentially through transfers from partner credit cards , you can book awards directly with Singapore. These range in cost from 52,500 KrisFlyer Miles to 295,000 miles one-way, depending on your destination. NerdWallet values Singapore KrisFlyer miles at 1.5 cents each.

Partner awards from other airlines

Again, if you have miles with any Star Alliance partner, you can book an award flight that includes travel on Singapore Airlines. For example, if you fly on United regularly, you can use those miles to book a Singapore Airlines trip if the route allows.

Arrive early to enjoy the lounge

So you probably can’t check in the day before and use the lounge as your hotel, but you can show up early to enjoy the full-service amenities at one of the Singapore Airlines lounges , which include Wi-Fi, TV and food and drink.

Note: Many lounges are currently closed due to the pandemic.

Consider 'fifth freedom' routes

"Fifth freedom" is an airline industry term for international flights that don’t originate or end in the airline’s home country. For long-distance flights on Singapore Airlines, current fifth freedom routes include San Francisco-Hong Kong, Los Angeles-Tokyo, Houston-Manchester and New York-Frankfurt.

Splurge for a suite

If you have the miles or the dollars to get yourself in a Singapore Airlines suite, it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have your own private bedroom in the air. It’s not quite as good as your own private airplane, but it’s about as close as you can get while flying commercial.

If you fly first class on Singapore Airlines

When you can cozy up in your own bed, you may be tempted to catch some sleep for the entire time you’re on the plane. But hopefully, you stay up long enough to enjoy your private TV and entertainment system, the fine food and dining, and the exceptional service provided in first class on Singapore Airlines.

These flights will rightfully earn their place as fond vacation memories that last a lifetime, rather than just another run-of-the-mill transportation experience.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 First Class Review [SIN to SYD]

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Introduction, at singapore changi airport – the private room, private check-in, final thoughts.

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Airline: Singapore Airlines (SQ) Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER (9V-SNC) Flight #: SQ241 Route: Singapore (SIN) > Sydney (SYD) Date: October 3, 2018 Duration: 7hr 40min Cabin and Layout: First Class, 4-seats, 1-2-1 config Seat(s): 1A Miles Used: 148,000 KrisFlyer (including a flight from Zurich in the new Suites) per person (now 163,000 miles) Taxes and Fees Paid: SG$89.70 per person ($65) Typical Retail Cost: CHF 15,000 per person (~$15,500)

Booking Singapore Airlines First Class

This flight between Singapore and Sydney was the second sector in a Zurich to Sydney booking made using KrisFlyer points.

You can read about the flight in Singapore Airlines’ new Airbus A380 Suites which preceded this flight, and how fortunate we were to have the waitlist clear just 24 hours before departure, in this separate review .

Sadly, from August 14, 2019, Singapore Airlines will cancel any waitlists 14-days before departure if they have not already been confirmed.

Update:  Due to reduced travel demand caused by the spread of Covid-19, Singapore is blocking first-class inventory on all of its flights through November 30 at the earliest on the 777-300s and A380s.

Our inbound flight from Zurich landed 9 minutes late at 6:04 a.m. which meant we had just 1 hour and 20 minutes before our connecting flight to Sydney.

We arrived at a gate close to the lounges at Changi Airport so we decided to drop by The Private Room to confirm when our boarding time would be and also because my partner hadn’t visited this particular lounge before.

On arrival, the lounge team member said we would only have a few minutes in the lounge as boarding was about to commence but kindly said she would arrange a buggy to take us to the gate so we didn’t have to rush.

As the team member said, we only had 5 minutes in the lounge for this visit but fortunately, I had already photographed it during a previous visit.

Entering the lounge complex, first class and suite class passengers are escorted to the Private Room by a staff member.

The Private Room is a lounge, within a lounge, within a lounge. You first enter the regular SilverKris lounge where a staff member will walk you into the First Class lounge. This lounge is open to Star Alliance first class passengers and Singapore Airlines’ top-level Solitaire PPS Club passengers.

You then finally arrive at The Private Room.

There is a customer service desk in front of departure monitors should you wish to discuss your upcoming flight with an airport agent.

A magazine and newspaper stand is offered.

The lounge then opens into a double-height space filled with single armchairs in a zone that runs parallel to the windows.

Sadly, the grates over the windows shield most of the view but it’s better than not having a view at all like in the adjacent business lounge.

A large LCD TV is mounted on the wall.

And if this Private Room isn’t private enough, there are 2 extra Private Rooms which are fitted with a solo armchair, ottoman and coffee table.

The dining room has a lower ceiling height, dim lighting, and textured wall padding to create a more intimate atmosphere.

Table service and a la carte dining is available. A small buffet is located in the corner, however, I don’t believe this is necessary considering the dining options on the menu.

Dom Perignon is free-flowing.

We didn’t have time for another breakfast, however, the menu offered:

By limiting access to only Singapore Airlines suites and first class passengers, the lounge lives up its Private Room name as there were only a handful of other passengers present during my previous visits.

Compared to other first class lounges by other carriers, there are no spa facilities, tendered bar, baths, jacuzzi, or sleeping rooms. So, although the lounge is a nice place to spend a couple of hours before a flight and enjoy a nice meal, it isn’t worth arriving too much earlier.

The buggy ride to the gate was very much appreciated and enjoyed!

Singapore Airlines just announced a $50 million renovation plan for all its lounges at Changi airport. These renovations are due to be completed by mid-2021, and I look forward to seeing how Singapore Airlines improves its first class experience.

If your travel originates in Singapore instead of in transit, you can arrive at the exclusive first class check-in reception at Terminal 2 or 3.

A porter will welcome you outside and assist you inside with your luggage.

During a previous visit, I was fortunate to be the only passenger passing through the exclusive zone.

Following check-in, the lounge staff will escort you to the private immigration channel which drops you straight in front of the escalators to the lounge complex.

Singapore Airlines currently has a fleet of 45 Boeing 777-series aircraft including 27 777-300ER variants as flown on this flight.

Our aircraft was just over 3-years old.

Singapore Airlines’ 4 class 777-300ER aircraft are configured with just 4 open first class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. These are followed by 48 business class seats, also in 1-2-1, with 12 in the first cabin before door 2, and the remaining 36 in the second cabin. In the rear are 28 premium economy seats in 2-4-2 and 184 economy in 3-3-3.

First Class

Boarding the aircraft, the cabin looks beautiful with the soft pink lighting on the luxurious, hand-stitched chocolate leather.

The cabin has been designed by BMW Designworks, though you won’t find any signature design elements of the automotive brand in the cabin as the company crafted the interior to suit the Singapore Airlines brand.

What you will find are soft-touch panels, no materials which are off-the-shelf, carpets that are custom made and custom tanned leather.

The seat is wide but thankfully there is a cushion to help wedge you in.

Singapore Airlines differentiates the marketing and branding of these first class open-seats to its enclosed door suites found on the Airbus A380.

My partner and I both love window seats and for this day flight to Sydney, we decided to sit apart on opposite sides of the cabin. I selected 1A, my partner in 1F. The day before departure it was showing we were going to have the cabin to ourselves however upon boarding, another passenger was sitting in 1C.

A small walkway behind the middle seats allowed us to easily walk across the cabin to chat during the flight. The bulkhead is textured and illuminated.

Taking your seat, you’ll notice the seat stitching extends to the ottoman under the IFE screen. Under the ottoman, there is plenty of room to store multiple cabin bags, thankfully, as there are no overhead storage bins. A cupboard alongside the ottoman can also be used for storage.

Although there are no closing doors, the seat shell provides sufficient privacy for a 4-passenger cabin.

Next to the IFE screen is a door that reveals a mirror when opened.

Alongside the window is a power and HDMI socket as well as the lever for the tray table which extends from under the IFE screen.

On the side of the seat shell are buttons to control the seat angle, footrest extension and angle, mood lighting, to call cabin crew, a do not disturb activation, and IFE screen power.

Also on both sides of the shell are adjustable reading lights with a headphone holder on the aisle-side.

Continuing on the aisle-side is the IFE remote which is hidden behind a sliding panel under the armrest.

On the window-side is another sliding compartment which houses 2 USB ports and an iPod socket.

There are 2 lavatories in the front of the cabin for the 4 passengers, providing an amazing passenger to bathroom ratio of 2:1.

Although this was a day flight, I didn’t get enough sleep on the inbound flight from Zurich due to the uncomfortable air conditioning temperature, so after the breakfast service, I slipped into the provided PJs and had the crew member turn my seat into a bed.

The seat flips completely forward and over creating a fully-flat bed without the lumps and bumps of a seat which simply slides flat.

A plush Lalique-embroidered duvet sits atop the mattress pad with 2 pillows providing a luxurious environment to sleep. I had plenty of room whilst lying in bed, I had to point my toes as far as I could to get them to touch the end of the bed and I’m 5 feet 10 inches tall.

I managed to get 2.5 hours of sleep. Thankfully the cabin was kept a comfortable temperature this flight.

Although Singapore Airlines does not provide business class passengers with amenity kits, they certainly deliver to first class guests. The men’s Lalique-branded amenity kit features the standard offering of lip balm but also has an aftershave balm and an Eau de Toilette.

Lalique pajamas accompany socks, slippers, and an eye mask rounding out the amenity offering. Dental kits are available in the lavatories. The notable omission is earplugs.

Entertainment

A large, 24-inch HD-enabled IFE allows you to pair your mobile device. Branded KrisWorld, it’s packed full of new release movies, TV shows, and music.

Unlike the A350 aircraft, the screen is fixed, so it cannot be positioned downwards when you want to watch it laying flat. My screen would also randomly dim then brighten every now and then.

Due to the distance of the seat from the screen, it isn’t a touchscreen, so you’ll need to use the remote to control it.

This aircraft hadn’t received the new Bang and Olufsen headphones we had on the new A380 but the Bose noise-canceling set was still excellent and as a result, I didn’t need to use my own Bose headphones.

Singapore Airlines provides complimentary internet for first class and business class passengers, but with only 100 MB for first and 50 MB for business class passengers. Even when you turn off all background app data usage, you’ll use up your allowance in no time.

However, in August 2018, the airline announced that all first class passengers will now receive unlimited inflight Wi-Fi across its fleet, and business class and elite PPS Club passengers complimentary data allowance will double to 100 MB.

Singapore Airlines price its Wi-Fi based on data consumption, and the plans only tops-out at 200 MB. I wanted to maximize my sleep so I didn’t test out the Wi-Fi on this flight.

Rather than provide an insignificant free option, I would prefer the airline just provide timed options instead. I am not a fan of the data consumption options and would prefer to buy a “flight pass.”

Meal and Service

Upon boarding, I was offered a glass of Dom Perignon or Krug Champagne, orange juice, or water. It was an easy decision — I decided to stick to the Krug that I started drinking in Zurich.

The flight was delayed departing Singapore for 15 minutes which allowed for another top-up of Krug.

Both crew members looking at the first class cabin introduced themselves, and I had a feeling it was going to be a great flight. Their introductions felt genuine and they seemed interested in how our flight on the new A380 was.

Due to the 7 a.m. departure, breakfast is served after takeoff. Although we just ate breakfast before landing into Singapore, that was 4 hours previous, so I decided it was time for a second breakfast.

I selected the Sunrise Parfait of granola with fruit yoghurt and pear compote-orange zest which was accompanied with freshly squeezed orange juice, chilled apple or tomato juice, as well as a pastry. I decided to skip the fruit course.

Other breakfast options were:

• Fruit yoghurt
• Natural yoghurt

After breakfast, it was time for a nap.

A lunch service is available later during the flight. I couldn’t go past the Singapore Airlines signature Malossol caviar service with Melba toast and condiments.

The only other appetizer option was:

• Lobster Chartreuse salad

Turbulence hit after this course so the crew advised me they couldn’t serve the hot soup course until it smoothed out.

I also declined the salad course which was:

• Salad of baby spinach, arugula, frisee, sundried tomato and kalamata olives and a choice of dressing

For main, I decided to “Book the Cook” after the waitlist cleared 24 hours before departure. After 2 weeks in Crete and Germany, I thought I should select something healthy, so I opted for the baked herb marinated salmon and arugula salad off the “Wholesome” range. I matched this with the 2014 Dalrymple Cave Block Chardonnay, Tasmania ($35 a bottle); the other white option was a German 2014 Dr Loosen Bernkasteler Lay Riesling ($16 a bottle).

The salmon was cooked to perfection and was still moist. It thankfully wasn’t too filling and I wasn’t left feeling bloated afterward.

If I wanted to order off the menu, the options were:

• Veal fillet with chanterelle and cep mushrooms
• Famous Singapore chicken rice
• Baked cheese-herb crusted halibut fillet
• Gosht korma, sabzi jalfrezi, palak makkai

I finished off the lunch service with the chocolate and coffee moelleux cake with orange sorbet and butterscotch sauce which was absolutely delicious. I could have easily had another one but would have defeated the purpose of ordering a healthier main!

The other dessert options were:

• Warmed brioche toast with kaya spread
• Selection of cheese

Throughout the flight the crew were attentive and personable; they were happy to have a genuine chat with no fake pleasantries and at no time was my glass left empty. Before landing into Sydney, the crew brought me a 787-10 commemorative teddy bear as a souvenir of my flight.

This flight was the icing on the Singapore Airlines return-home cake. Although the cabin and seat don’t compare to the incredible new suites on the A380, the cabin with a maximum of just 4 passengers is even more intimate than the new suites cabin of 6. There may not be a sliding door, but the seat shell provides sufficient privacy. Plus, the long and perfectly flat bed is a comfortable place to sleep. You will just wish the flight was longer.

Add in the spectacular Singapore Airlines catering and friendly service from the cabin crew and you have a flight which simply can’t be faulted.

The only room for improvement is the ground experience in Singapore which doesn’t come close to the high standard set by Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal Frankfurt .

If I looked at this sector in isolation, I would probably save the points and book a business class flight instead as Singapore Airlines business class is also an amazing place to spend 7 hours and 40 minutes. But combined with a long-haul sector, for example to/from Europe, I would have no hesitation spending 148,000 KrisFlyer (now 163,000 miles) and SG$90 ($65) in taxes on these flights again.

Interested in the pilot’s perspective? Explore the Boeing 777 from a pilot’s perspective .

Frequently Asked Questions

What points were used to book this flight.

This flight was booked using 148,000 KrisFlyer (including a flight from Zurich in the new Suites) and $65 in taxes and fees per person.

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About Greg Stone

Greg got bitten by the travel bug at a young age while traveling with his Dad on business trips to Asia. He took over the family business in 2012 and uses it to maximize his loyalty points earning. His obsession with earning and burning loyalty rewards points allows him to travel over 100 days every year.

Discover the exact steps we use to get into  1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, for free   (even if you’re flying economy!) .

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Singapore Airlines First Class vs Business Class: Which should you redeem?

Is Singapore Airlines First Class worth the splurge, or is Business Class good enough? Here's a detailed comparison of how the two measure up.

If you’ve been diligently earning those KrisFlyer miles, you might one day confront the ultimate first world problem: should you redeem First Class, or Business Class?

To give you the information needed to make a decision (and perhaps make the case to the other half), here’s a comprehensive rundown of the differences between the Singapore Airlines First and Business Class experience.

At a glance: First Class vs Business Class

If you don’t have the patience to read through an entire article (insert Greta “how dare you” gif), here’s the summary:

Do note that while Suites is technically  a different product from First (the marketing tagline is “a class beyond First”, after all), I’ll be using First/Suites interchangeably in this post. 

Which routes have First Class?

Based on the schedules for the Northern Summer Season (which runs from 26 March to 28 October 2023), here’s a full listing of Singapore Airlines routes with First Class, together with the corresponding costs of redeeming First versus Business Class awards via KrisFlyer.

Some quick stats:

• First Saver costs 38% more miles on average compared to Business Saver
• First Saver costs 3% more miles on average compared to Business Advantage
• First Advantage costs 124% more miles on average compared to Business Saver
• First Advantage costs 68% more miles on average compared to Business Advantage

This data throws up one important insight: if First Saver and Business Advantage are both available, you’d be silly to pick Business! Business Advantage prices very close to First Saver, and can cost even more in certain cases.

Therefore, even if you  do  decide that Business Class is good enough for you, always make it a point to check for First Class availability too, just in case. Who knows, you might get lucky!

First Class

When departing from Changi Airport, First Class passengers can make use of Singapore Airlines’ exclusive First Class check-in area at Terminal 3, located just before Door 1 on the departure level.

On arrival at the facility’s private driveway, porters will assist with your luggage and you’ll be ushered inside to check-in. 

The reception area has plenty of seating —not that you’ll be staying here very long — and your bags will be checked and boarding passes issued. There’s no refreshments, but you’re just minutes away from the lounge anyway. 

Upon completing the check-in formalities, you’ll exit the First Class reception and head straight to a dedicated immigration counter for First Class passengers, where I’ve never seen a queue. 

Business Class

In contrast, Business Class passengers will check-in at the Business Class check-in desks in the main terminal, before joining the general queues for immigration. Singapore Airlines operates enough desks at Changi that there’s usually not much of a queue, but during peak periods (e.g. Christmas) you might have a short wait. 

Unlike some airports, Changi does not offer expedited immigration for Business Class passengers (not that it’s really necessary anyway, given how efficient things are). 

First Class passengers are entitled to check-in up to 50kg of luggage , or 2 pieces not exceeding 32kg each for flights to/from the USA and Canada. In practice, the ground staff tend to close one eye if you’re over the allowance (though for health and safety reasons a single bag can’t weigh more than 32kg)- you’re in First Class, after all!

Bags are given First Class tags, which means they should be the first off the plane. Again, the actual performance may vary depending on airport.

Business Class passengers are entitled to check-in up to 40kg of luggage , or 2 pieces not exceeding 32kg each for flights to/from the USA and Canada. Notice how for flights to the USA and Canada, the luggage allowance is the same as First Class.

Bags are given Business Class tags, and generally come off the plane before Economy Class luggage. 

First Class (SIN)

First Class passengers travelling on Singapore Airlines have access to three different lounges at Changi Airport (reviews in links):

• SilverKris First Class Lounge, Terminal 2
• SilverKris First Class Lounge, Terminal 3
• The Private Room, Terminal 3

All Singapore Airlines First Class flights depart from Terminal 3, except for flights to Jakarta. And even if you’re heading to Jakarta, you’ll want to do yourself a huge favour and visit the Terminal 3 lounges nonetheless. While Terminal 2 has its own First Class lounge, it’s horribly antiquated and can’t measure up to its Terminal 3 counterparts. 

Besides, Terminal 3 is where you get the “true” First Class experience, thanks to The Private Room. 

This 78-seater lounge is the exclusive domain of Singapore Airlines First Class passengers, and features a restaurant serving made-to-order items like Wagyu satay, lobster thermidor, or Kurobuta pork don, together with fine wines and champagne. 

There’s also private rooms (yes, private rooms inside The Private Room) with single beds and work desks, perfect for anyone who needs a rest or a quiet space to work. In theory you’re limited to a two-hour slot, but the staff can arrange a longer stay if it’s a quiet period.

It might not be the best First Class lounge in the world, but experiencing The Private Room is still a good reason to come early to the airport.

One more thing: a little-known perk is that Suites and First Class passengers arriving  in Singapore can access both The Private Room and First Class Lounge (regardless of whether they’re connecting in Singapore or ending their journey here). 

Simply show your arriving boarding pass to gain access. 

Business Class (SIN)

Business Class passengers travelling on Singapore Airlines have access to two different lounges at Changi Airport (reviews in links):

• SilverKris Business Class Lounge, Terminal 2  
• SilverKris Business Class Lounge, Terminal 3

Again, the smart money says to go to Terminal 3 whenever possible, because the facilities are way superior (the Business Class lounge in Terminal 2 doesn’t even have private shower rooms!).

Compared to First Class, the Business Class lounge is of course less glitzy. A la carte dining is replaced by a buffet line, vintage champagne is replaced by non-vintage champagne, and the wines are best described as “table stakes”. There’s a communal sleeping area instead of private rooms, although fortunately there are still self-contained shower suites. 

Overseas Lounges

While Singapore Airlines First Class passengers can almost always access a different lounge from Business Class, the difference in quality can either be marginal, or night and day. 

For example, in Frankfurt and Zurich the Senator and Business Lounges are largely the same, and because of the Lufthansa Group’s odd access rules, an Economy Class passenger with Star Gold status could be jostling for the same mediocre buffet food as a Singapore Airlines Suites customer. 

On the other hand, the ANA Suite Lounge is a step up from the Business Lounge, especially if you visit the restaurant section where a la carte dining is served. I’ve had some excellent meals at the Haneda Suite Lounge, including wagyu beef steak. 

Singapore Airlines has separate First and Business Class sections in its SilverKris Lounges in Hong Kong, London, Melbourne and Sydney. The First Class section will generally offer a better quality champagne, as well as a la carte dining. 

For an idea of what this is like, check out my review of the First and Business Class sections at the SilverKris Lounge Sydney.

Review: Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge Sydney

Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance and parents with infants/toddlers are always the first to board, but First Class passengers are the first “regular” group to be called.

After First Class boarding is complete, Business Class passengers and PPS Club members board at the same time.

Singapore Airlines currently has two types of First Class seats:

• The 2013 First Class seat ( 2013F) , found on the B777-300ER
• The 2017 Suites (2017R) , found on the A380-800

During the pandemic, the B777-300s with the older 2006 First Class seat were retired, as were the A380-800s with the older 2007 Suites.

Here’s what seat you can expect on the various First Class routes. 

Singapore Airlines’ First Class cabins are either 4 (B777-300ER) or 6 (A380-800) strong, which means a much more intimate environment. 

The 2013F is 35″ wide, and converts into a full-flat bed that’s 82″ (2.08m) long. The cabin is configured in a 1-2-1 layout.

On the other hand, the 2017R features a separate 21″ wide seat and 76″ (1.93m) bed, with the possibility of a double bed if you book the suites in Rows 1/2. The cabin is configured in a 1-1 layout, and this is as close as you’ll get to a private hotel room in the sky.

Singapore Airlines currently has five types of Business Class seats:

• The 2013 Business Class seat (2013J) , found on the A350-900ULR, A350-900LH and B777-300ER
• The 2014 Regional Business Class seat (2014RJ) , found on the B737-800
• The 2017 Business Class seat (2017J) , found on the A380-800
• The 2018 Regional Business Class seat (2018RJ) , found on the A350-900MH and B787-10
• The 2021 Regional Business Class seat (2021RJ) , found on the B737-8

I’ve ranked all five of these in the post below. 

Ranked: My favourite Singapore Airlines Business Class seats

With the exception of the 2014RJ, all Business Class seats convert into full-flat beds, and with the exception of the 2014RJ and 2021RJ, all Business Class seats will have direct access to the aisle. 

If you ask me, comfort is pretty much guaranteed in Business Class. This then begs the question: how different is modern-day Business Class from First Class?

At the turn of the century, Business Class seats were essentially glorified recliners. If you wanted a flat bed, you had to fly First. But a flat bed has now become a hygiene factor in Business Class, and if that’s all you need, then you might not find all that much difference between First and Business Class.

Yes, First Class will have more comfortable pillows and sheets, yes, First Class will give you pyjamas, and yes First Class lets you sleep straight instead of diagonally (a pet peeve for many SIA Business Class passengers), but at the end of the day, how much flatter can a flat bed get? 

So here’s my take:

• On the B777-300ER, First Class isn’t dramatically different from Business Class, at least where the hard product is concerned
• On the A380-800, Suites is dramatically different from Business Class

That’s why if you only fly First Class once in your life, try to do it on the A380. While Suites may not be perfect, I’ll reckon it’ll be a whole lot more transformative than “mere” First Class. 

Inflight Entertainment

Inflight entertainment screens are 32″ wide on the 2017R, and 24″ wide on the 2013F. The screen is touch-sensitive for the former, but not the latter (though you’ll have a touch-sensitive remote to navigate in both cases). Also, because the 2013F is now pushing 10 years old, the quality of the image won’t be quite as sharp as the 2017R. 

Passengers receive noise-cancelling B&O H9i headphones. At one point Singapore Airlines was planning to introduce wireless headphones in First Class, but the idea has since fallen by the wayside.

The entertainment selection is exactly the same in all cabins, though First Class passengers have a special section called “Curated for First”. 

How exactly they decided what content is “First Class worthy” is beyond me, suffice to say I expected things like “How to drop a monocle in shock” and “Butler Fight 3000” (no, not Gerard Butler).

The inflight entertainment screens in Business Class range from 16-18 inches, and are available on all aircraft except the B737-800 (where passengers receive iPads instead, due to the lack of pre-installed screens).

Singapore Airlines used to provide noise-cancelling Phitek headsets in Business Class, but these were later replaced by generic unbranded ones. They get the job done and are comfortable enough, though obviously no match for B&O.

Food & Beverage

First Class passengers enjoy a starter of chicken satay, then a six-course meal for lunch and dinner services:

• Main course

Because of the relatively short flight time to Jakarta, the entire meal will be served on a single tray.

For the main course, passengers can either take what’s offered onboard, or pre-order from 43 different Book the Cook items.

Some First Class-only Book the Cook items include:

• Smoked salmon eggs benedict (with caviar)
• Fish congee
• Roasted salmon

However, the differences between First Class and Business Class have narrowed compared to pre-COVID days, when First Class had almost 70 Book the Cook items including Kyo Kaiseki and Wagyu sirloin. 

Dine on demand is offered to First Class passengers, allowing them to eat whenever they wish- a particularly nice feature for red-eye flights when you just want to hit the hay as soon as the doors close. That said, I’ve never been rejected before when asking for this in Business Class either (though it’s not official policy, so YMMV).

As for drinks, you’ll only find Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and Evian mineral water in First Class. Likewise, the quality of alcohol in First Class is superior to Business Class, with vintage champagnes, and upgraded spirits (e.g. Daiginjo Sake vs Ginjo Sake, Hennessy vs Courvoisier). 

With regards to champagne, Dom Perignon is no longer available, having sold his soul to Emirates for the foreseeable future. However, there’s still a choice of Krug Grand Cuvee or Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, and you’d have to be a complete brand snob to turn your nose up at either.

Business Class passengers enjoy a four-course meal for lunch and dinner services, plus a starter of chicken satay.

This assumes that the flight is long enough for the full pageantry, of course. On shorter regional flights, the meal may be served on a single tray. 

Just like First Class, Business Class passengers also have a choice of 43 Book the Cook items.

Even though the headline number is the same, the items are not a complete overlap. Surprisingly enough, there are Book the Cook items that are only available in Business Class, such as Singapore style fried carrot cake and steamed cod fish Thai style (one of my favourites). 

I’ve mentioned the differences in the drinks lists in the previous section, but a special mention again for champagne: Singapore Airlines serves a mix of Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve and Henriot Brut Souverain across its cabins. These are obviously cheaper than the First Class champagnes (RRP< S$100, though airlines pay much less than RRP due to bulk), though they’re still great choices by any means. 

In general, I’d say that while the focus of First Class is fine dining, Business Class is more akin to an mid-priced restaurant. There’s also differences in ingredients, e.g. using USDA Choice beef in Business Class vs USDA Prime in First Class, or a lobster tail in Business Class vs a full lobster in First Class.

First or Business Class, everybody poops. The question is, will you be pooping in style? 

Not on the B777-300ER, where the lavatories are practically the same as the other cabins, just with slightly fancier Lalique amenities. That’s not a dig at Singapore Airlines, mind you. There just isn’t a lot of space to work with. 

On the A380, everything’s different. Suites passengers have access to two oversized lavatories, with the one on the starboard side being comically huge. There’s room for a settee, a dressing table, and you can change clothes without engaging in yoga-like contortions. It almost makes you wish they installed a shower…

Perhaps just as important is the ratio of bathrooms to passengers. You’ll obviously have less of a wait time in First Class compared to Business Class!

• A380: 1 lavatory to 3 passengers
• B777-300ER: 1 lavatory to 2 passengers

Business Class lavatories are all standard-sized, and the main difference compared to Economy Class is the presence of Penhaligon’s amenities from the Quercus range. 

Bathrooms here obviously need to service a much larger crowd, so you may face wait times during peak periods like just before landing.

• A350-900MH: 1 lavatory to 13 passengers
• A350-900LH: 1 lavatory to 14 passengers
• A350-900ULR: 1 lavatory to 17 passengers
• A380: 1 lavatory to 16 passengers
• B737-800: 1 lavatory to 12 passengers
• B737-8: 1 lavatory to 10 passengers
• B777-300ER: 1 lavatory to 16 passengers
• B787-10: 1 lavatory to 18 passengers

First Class passengers on long-haul or overnight flights will receive Lalique sleeper suits and amenities kits.

The male version contains:

• Lalique Neroli Soap (50g)
• Lalique Neroli Room Spray (30ml)
• Lalique Neroli Body Lotion (30ml)
• Lalique Neroli Lip Balm (8ml)

The female version contains:

• Lalique L’Amour Eau De Parfum (30ml)
• Lalique L’Amour Hand Cream (25ml)
• Lalique L’Amour Facial Mist (20ml)
• Lalique L’Amour Lip Balm (6ml)

These are nice collector’s items, if nothing else. 

After many years of flirting with the idea, Singapore Airlines finally introduced a Business Class amenities kit in 2020, stocked with Penhaligon’s skincare products. The rules over who get these kits seem a bit fuzzy- by right, they’re “on request only”, but in practice, some flights will have them waiting at the seats upon boarding. It’s always worth asking for one, if you don’t get it by default. 

These contain:

• Quercus Hand Lotion (30ml)
• Quercus Facial Mist (7ml)
• Quercus  Lip Balm (4g)

What Business Class does not have are sleeper suits. If you want to sleep in something more comfortable than your Sunday best (because people still dress up to fly, right?), then you’ll need to bring them along with you. 

Service in First Class, as you might expect, is impeccable. Being addressed by name is a given, the crew answer the call button within seconds, and there’s an almost fawning level of attention and anticipation of needs.

Also, because there’s such a high ratio of crew to passengers, it’ll be a much more personable experience. The crew will have more time for small talk- which is either a bug or a feature, depending on whether you’re an introvert or extrovert. 

I’ll go so far as to say the “worst” First Class crew I’ve had on Singapore Airlines (and I’ll take pains to say they weren’t rude, just mechanical) is still better than the best crew I’ve had on any other airline.

Because of the higher-density cabin, Business Class service will naturally be less personalised. However, addressing passengers by name is still the expected standard (more on long-haul flights than regional ones).

Here’s the thing: the comfort gap between Business and First Class has narrowed considerably over the past decade. Some of the key advantages of First Class (full-flat bed, all-aisle access) have been eroded away, and I’ll go so far as to say that if all you want is to arrive at your destination refreshed, Business Class is good enough.

Of course, First Class is more than just a comfortable seat. It’s a whole experience unto itself: dining at The Private Room, the pre-flight glass of Krug, the six-course meal, the comfortable pyjamas and luxury skin care amenities. It makes getting there the highlight of your trip. If you can earn the miles, I believe that everyone should try it at least once in their life (and preferably on the A380, though I know that Saver space is more or less illusionary at this point).

Any other meaningful differences between Singapore Airlines First and Business Class?

• singapore airlines
• star alliance

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Scoot launching flights to subang airport (kuala lumpur) from september 2024, krisflyer spontaneous escapes for august 2024 announced, 31 comments.

Baggage > Highest Priority

Not in my experience. My bags have never been first off the carousel and I’ve seen Blue J tagged bags ahead of my bags all the time. Not that it’s a major issue but I disagree with highest priority

Boarding > Highest Priority

Group 1 is for people with disabilities even a TPPS can’t trump that

Stating this to manage some folks on Highest Priority expectations

Great article Aaron especially for folks who want to maximize the use of their miles.

The only fun thing about suites are: 1. During pre pandemic days, the ground staff at overseas stations stop the entire economy and business class queue for suites boarding. There was a bit of staring. The attendant will push and carry your hand luggage onboard. I only had this at CDG and LHR, never once at Changi. 2. Its not uncommon that suites are often empty. On the old suites, the crew commonly create a suite for lounging and eating and a separate one for sleeping. 3. The service is OTT. They provide a dust bag for my hand carry. …  Read more »

Thanks for that article, especially the mileage ranges are interesting facts!

Just a note that “salad” isn’t standard in J class, it’s usually a starter (no choice) and indeed depending on the routing and time of the flight, sate could be offered as “canape” with the first round of drinks.

Is the HKG lounge open now?

Thanks! Hkg lounge remains closed for now sadly.

They send you to Plaza Premium First in HKG, in lieu of SKL. But the experience is very underwhelming. No free massages, and you don’t get to order off a menu. Toilets are clean though, so count your blessings?

Would say there’s a really big difference between first class bed (not talking about suites here) and the business bed although both are flat. The chubby hole in business class is really small and it restricts your sleep; I could never really get a good rest while on business class. Whereas for first class, your legs have a lot of space to move around, hence ensuring a normal sleeping experience.

I would gladly pay for this quality of life improvement if i can afford it, cause I get premium tickets mainly for the sleep.

the best value for F is no doubt CGK. The check-in staff even gotten a colleague to usher me all the way to the front of the security queue, which was awkward with the strange stares glancing at me. Looking forward to the Private Room after a 1.5 hour flight puts the icing on the cake.

in HND TPPS and hence I presume F passengers can ask to be escorted to the Crew security line. This was the case latest in February (HND-SIN) as the priority security line was under construction. For this reason I believe NRT has no such service.

Good article and comparison. Thinking about it, I think I am fine in JCL with TPPS status as we will get many of the benefits with a FCL ticket. Luggage is about the same time as JCL, toilet ratio not such that important, not an appreciator of champagne and caviar is absent on many flights. Of course if I get upgraded to FCL, I certainly have no issues. Cheers.

Wondering what’s with the baggage situation when using the lounge on arrival for a more than an hour? Do they direct it to the baggage service desk after your ticket has been scanned at the lounge?

It will be removed from the belt, then eventually end up in unclaimed baggage. Not very difficult to get back, adds maybe a few minutes to your egress

Access to TPR upon arrival following F flight is a published benefit…see footnote 4: https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/pdf/flying-withus/lounge/SilverKris-Lounge-and-KrisFlyer-Gold-Lounge-Access.pdf

thanks! have updated.

How about ease of redeeming flights on first vs business? Since there’s lesser seats?

Not “lesser”: that word means lower in quality.

The correct word to use in this context is “fewer”. It means less of a countable quantity, e.g. seats.

“Less” is used when you cannot individually count something, e.g. water, hassle, patience or luck, such as in redeeming first class tickets. 😉

I’d add to the amenity kit being a huge difference. While other airlines have always had a premium one available for business and beyond, SQ has been strangely and unusually cost conscious on this one. To me at least, the Penhaglion kits look and feel cheap, so I don’t bother with them. The First Clas Lalique leather etui is very nice, spacious and infinitely useful, replacing my older Emirates, Porsche (no recollection where I got that one), and other travel etuis. Does any AL still feature the Rimowa kits?

Air India is bringing in Tumi, for what it’s worth!

Thanks! Really excited about what Tata can do for Indian aviation. Let’s hope it will Vistarize/SQize good old Tata Air as AI (rather than the other way around) and go after Indigo with AAI and AIE.

Thanks for the article, Aaron. Before Covid, there was also buggy service (upon request) for First Class passengers from the lounge to the Gate.

I heard about this! Never tried. Not possible now?

I asked once precovid and was told that it can be arranged if the gate is far away from the lounge. Not sure how they determine ‘far’. Didn’t request for one cos my gate is right beside the lounge.

I agree the first class experience is something you should try at least once. The question though is, after the once, is it worth it again? Unless you have way more money and/or ability to generate miles than I do, I think it is getting to the point where the business class product has caught up so much, that for the “average person” the additional miles is hardly worth it. My view only of course. And let’s also not forgot the relative difficulty of securing a first class seat using miles as opposed to a business one……………

Totally agree with you Mark. I am that average person, being a retired teacher. I saved and saved my miles to redeem on a one way Suites tix from Changi to LHR because I read so much about the Private Room at T3 and the suite itself of course.

Due to limited seats availability in the first class, 2 of us will be traveling in first class. Another 2 will be traveling in the business class. Can we bring guest on the same flight into the private room? If yes, can both of them (in business class) also tagged along and checked in with us via the T3 first class check-in area?

TPR no but first class check in I believe they’ll accommodate. Also the pax in J would not be able to dine with you in Suites in case you are wondering

Many thanks Alian!

What about Premium Class NO mention of anything. Why? It’s quite a bit of money for a little comfort. Hoping for a reply Thank you. Hilda Lee Travelling with you on 23 May to Manchester 👍

Service in F is actually a bit OTT.

I had an operational upgrade to Sydney in F a couple of months ago & the crew must have asked me +20 times whether I needed anything whenever they passed into the cabin.

The cabin director basically begged me to accept the admittedly very attractive Lalique sleeper suit on this 7 hr daytime flight.

But honestly, the attention was a bit excessive. Sometimes you just want a nice seat + peace & quiet.

if you prefer to keep to yourself, i find they’re quite good at observing the DND button too!

Read somewhere that cavier is not served on medium haul flights, eg, to Hong Kong, Shanghai. Not sure if it’s true?

Not so much the flights as the timing. Caviar served for lunch and dinner services. Look for menu at inflightmenu.singaporeair.com

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Tip: how to book Singapore Airlines’ First Class suites with miles

Friday  newsletters  always feature luxury travel  contests ,  tips ,  series , or  news .

Today (September 14, 2018): how to book Singapore Airlines’ First Class suites with points & miles.

Flying in a Singapore Airlines ‘ (SQ) First Class suite is one of the world’s most sought-after premium travel experiences (read here my trip report in First Class onboard SQ’s newest A380 aircraft). Unfortunately, SQ’s First Class ticket comes with a price tag that matches its exceptional reputation. Return tickets between Singapore and Europe, the USA or Australia are mostly priced well above $5000 USD, limiting access to the phenomenal product to the lucky few. However, you can also book a seat in SQ’s First Class cabin using points & miles (like I did), although these awards seats have limited availability as they are extremely popular among mileage geeks (which consider them to be the Holy Grail of premium flying). In this overview article, I explain how you can snag a First Class award suite on SQ for just a few bucks:

First Class cabin on Singapore Airlines

Book via singapore airlines’ loyalty program krisflyer.

• How to acquire KrisFlyer miles

Best routes to book a Singapore Airlines First Class award

Have you ever booked an award seat in SQ’s First Class cabin? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment .

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SQ operates three different types of First Class on its longhaul fleet. While there are significant differences in the hard product between these 3 products (e.g. cabin layout and seat type), they all share the same excellent soft product that SQ is known for around the world (think gourmet dining, Krug Champagne, top-notch amenities and impeccable service at 30,000 feet).

• SQ’s most impressive First Class product is found in the front upper deck of its newly delivered A380 aircraft . It consists of only 6 ultra-spacious suites – 3 one each side of the aisle – with each suite featuring a swivel leather arm-chair and separate bed. The partitions between the suites in the first two rows can be lowered to form an extra-large suite with double bed, perfect for couples traveling together.
• SQ’s older but still excellent First Class suites can be found on the front lower deck of the carrier’s older A380 aircraft . These planes features 12 First Class suites in total (twice as much as the new layout): 8 along the windows and 4 in the center; the dividers between the center suites can be lowered to create a larger suite for couples. These are genuine suites, with sliding doors, but the main differences with the new product are that these suites have a somewhat dated look and they don’t feature a separate seat and bed (just a seat that goes fully flat). This product will disappear over time as SQ plans refurbishment of all its existing 14 A380 aircraft, ensuring First Class product consistency across its entire A380 fleet.
• SQ’s Boeing 777 fleet features a different, less impressive type of First Class product. The B777 First Class cabin features 8 generously sized and semi-private seats in a 1-2-1 layout. While still luxurious, the seats are not that different from SQ’s excellent Business Class seats (they don’t have sliding doors) and they are definitely a step down from SQ’s A380 offering, so I recommend to save your miles for the A380 experience (unless you have no other option).

An award seat in SQ’s A380 First Class cabin can only be booked via SQ’s loyalty program KrisFlyer as the carrier does not make First Class award seats available to its Star Alliance partners. So stop looking around as there’s no other way to book a First Class redemption on SQ than via KrisFlyer (with one exception, more on that below). The first step you need to take to fly SQ’s First Class cabin for almost free is to make a KrisFlyer account (which can be done here , free of charge). Once you have a KrisFlyer account, you can look for an award seat by clicking the “Redeem Flights” button at top of the  flight search box . Next, you choose your destination as well as departure and return date, and you select “First/Suites” from the Class drop-down menu, after which you have the choice of booking two types of KrisFlyer awards:

• Regular awards  – called advantage awards by SQ – are more frequently available but they are also the most expensive award redemptions. In fact, IMHO, SQ charges an insane amount of miles for a regular award, so I recommend not to book them (unless you have no other choice and tons of miles to burn). For example, a one way First Class redemption between Singapore and Europe or the USA will cost you 210,000 miles. The number of miles you need can be checked here .
• SQ also releases a limited number of saver awards on selected routes (sometimes in advance, sometimes last-minute). Saver awards require fewer KrisFlyer (e.g. 115,000 miles between Europe and Singapore or 118,000 miles between the USA and Singapore) but they are very popular and have limited availability. Saver awards on SQ’s new First Class product are rarely released, although I can assure you that my First Class trip from London to Singapore was booked last-minute via a saver award.

One of the things to keep in mind is that KrisFlyer has a very unique feature for redeeming points. When an award seat is not available on your requested flight, you will sometimes be offered the choice to be waitlisted for that award, whether it’s a regular award or a saver award. If SQ decides later to make that seat bookable using KrisFlyer points, you’ll be the first in line to snag it and you’ll be contacted by the carrier by email and/or text message to confirm the booking within a certain time frame (mostly two or three days). The good news is that being waitlisted does not implicate any obligation or financial loss: after the seat becomes available, it’s up to you whether you book it or not and only then will your credit card details be needed. So, in theory, you can get waitlisted for as many flights as you want, hoping that one will becoming available closer to your departure date.

When your journey involves a connecting flight on SQ or a SQ partner airline, you need to know that SQ’s loyalty program KrisFlyer operates two different award charts:

• One award chart is only valid for flights that are solely operated by SQ and its local subsidiary SilkAir.
• Another award chart is only valid for award travel on flights operated by Star Alliance member carriers only, or in combination with flights operated by SQ.

Lastly, while you cannot book A380 First Class awards via SQ’s Star Alliance partners, SQ does occasionally makes B777 First Class award seats available to its partners. Remarkably, SQ also makes a limited number of A380 First Class redemptions available to members of Virgin Australia’s Velocity loyalty program.

How to acquire Krislflyer miles

There are 3 ways to acquire KrisFlyer miles

• You can collect KrisFlyer miles by crediting the miles that you earn with SQ and SQ’s Star Alliance partners to KrisFlyer . In addition to flying, you can also earn KrisFlyer miles with more than 200 non-airline partners, from credit cards to hotels, car rental companies, telcos, and more. Read more here .
• You can collect KrisFlyer miles by transferring SPG or Marriott Rewards hotel points to KrisFlyer miles. SPS (Starwood Preferred Guest) is the loyalty program of Starwood hotels and Marriott Rewards is the loyalty program of Marriott Hotels. In August 2018, both loyalty programs were combined into an identical program, that has several great perks, one of them being the ability to transfer your hotel points to airline miles at a 3:1 conversation rate. In addition, you receive a 5,000 mileage bonus when you convert 60,000 points into miles (resulting in 25,000 airline miles instead of 20,000). As a consequence, one of the single best values of Marriott Rewards is to transfer your points in bulks of 60,000 to an airline’s loyalty program (such as KrisFlyer), which will get you 75,000 miles that can be used to book free award tickets or upgrades, which is what I did for this flight. Read  here  my review of the combined SPG and Marriott Rewards program. Keep in mind that it does take some days before your converted hotel points will appear into your frequent flyer account.
• You can boost your KrisFlyer account with your credit card spendings as SQ is a 1:1 transfer partner with the top travel credit card rewards programs: American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou. Holders of Chase Sapphire, Ink Business Preferred, Amex Platinum, Amex Premier Rewards Gold, Citi Prestige, Amex SPG can transfer points directly into their KrisFlyer account in 1,000 point increments. Unfortunately, this option is only available to residents of selected countries (including the USA).

SQ’s First Class suites are only offered on selected routes. If you want to fly the new First Class product, you have to keep an eye on award availability on the following routes to London, Sydney, Zürich, Shanghai, and Hong Kong:

• SQ221 Singapore (8:20 pm departure) to Sydney (5:55 am arrival; + 1 day)
• SQ232 Sydney (11:00 am departure) to Singapore (5:30 pm arrival)
• SQ322 Singapore (11:30 pm departure) to London (5:55 am)
• SQ317 London (11:25 am departure) to Singapore (7:30 am arrival; + 1 day)
• SQ856 Singapore (9:55 am departure) to Hong Kong (1:55 pm arrival)
• SQ861 Hong Kong (3:40 pm departure) to Singapore (7:35 pm arrival)
• SQ830 Singapore (9:45 am departure) to Shanghai (3:05 pm arrival)
• SQ833 Shanghai (4:50 pm departure) to Singapore (10:20 pm arrival)
• SQ346 Singapore (1:25 am departure) to Zurich (8:15 am arrival)
• SQ345 Zurich (11:45 am departure) to Singapore (5:55 am arrival; +1 day)

If you want to experience the new SQ A380 First Class product with the least amount of miles, then you have to book a flight between Singapore and Hong Kong: this 4 hour journey will cost you 70,000 regular Krisflyer miles or ‘only’ 37,500 saver award Krisflyer miles.

One other SQ A380 route worth mentioning is the Frankfurt to/from New York route. Although this route is currently still operated by A380s with the the old layout, it’s the most affordable First Class route in SQ’s longhaul offerings, costing 130,000 regular Krisflyer miles or ‘only’ 70,000 saver award Krisflyer miles (almost half of the number of miles required for SQ’s other intercontinental flights).

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Were you waitlisted for your flight? If so, how many months before your flight did you join the waitlist. If not, how did you track availability for a saver award?

My husband and I flew suites class from Singapore to Paris on a saver award a few years ago. Back then it was easy to snag two seats when the seats were first available. They did not have the waitlist system & you could even get a 15% mileage discount by booking on line!

I was waitlisted for 3 weeks and the flight was confirmed two days before departure

Did you have a confirmed mileage booking on that flight in a lower class or with some other airline and were willing to pay the fee to return your miles to that frequent flyer program if the suites class got confirmed?

Sign up asks if I’m referred by a Kris member and if so, that person’s membership #. Would you be willing to give that to me, privately? Thanks

I wasn’t referred by a Kris member. I just signed up on my own to book my first suites class flight a few years ago.

Great info. Just flew between Singapore and Shanghai with miles. Had 100k citi points and thought I could only try the First Class but managed to fly Business (35k) to Singapore and First (50k) back to Shanghai. Selecting the correct flight is crucial as there are 4 flights per day.

Here is my experience: http://gingeraroundtheworld.com/you-want-to-fly-in-this-luxurious-double-bed-first-class-suite-to-shanghai-on-singapore-airlines/

And here a short video of my amazing flight: https://youtu.be/MP7hUH8o0cs

I was wondering the same thing, Darlene. I’d like to try for JFK > FRA next year, but would like most reservations needed for the trip confirmed at least several months in advance.

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Review of Singapore Airlines First Class

Singapore Airlines, also known as SIA, is the multi-award-winning flag carrier of Singapore and is regarded as one of the finest airlines in the world. The carrier is renowned for its quality products, style and inflight service. The jewel in the crown is the airline´s First Class, which comes in two distinctly different versions. Traditional First Class is offered across the carrier´s fleet of 20 Boeing 777-300ERs, while the 12-strong fleet of A380s feature an elevated First Class product branded as Suites . No matter which version you fly - the experience is one of the finest in the skies.

The global geography of Singapore means that it has become a hub for intercontinental travel, with flights connecting North America, Europe, much of Asia and Oceania. The country has invested heavily in developing Changi Airport as a hub, and Singapore Airlines First Class passengers enjoy access to some of the most exclusive areas within the airport.

Members of the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer frequent flyer program accrue “PPS value” when flying Business Class or First Class. The value is counted towards The PPS Club, a unique “club within the club” that has been created to provide extra care and services for premium customers. Top flyers may qualify for Solitaire PPS membership, which provides even more privileges, personal attention and recognition.

SIA is a Star Alliance member, allowing its loyalty program members to earn or redeem miles with its partner airlines. Customers seamlessly connect between member airlines on the same itinerary, which includes Lufthansa, SWISS, United Airlines, Air New Zealand, TAP Air Portugal and EVA Air.

Airport experience

Changi Airport is home to Singapore Airlines and is, in itself, a travel destination with iconic features, including; the world’s tallest indoor waterfall – the 40-metre HSBC Rain Vortex; a 12-metre indoor slide – also the tallest slide in an airport; indoor forest hikes; ten themed indoor and outdoor gardens; a cinema; rooftop swimming pool and over 500 retail and dining outlets. No wonder Changi is regarded as one of the world’s finest airports for its unrivalled passenger experiences.

Terminal 3 is the main terminal for Singapore Airlines. First Class and Suites passengers enjoy a dedicated First Class Check-in Reception away from the crowds. Located as a separate wing to the left of the main Departure Hall, the First Class Check-in Reception offers porter service, sit-down check-in and a private entrance to the dedicated SIA First Class immigration facility. While passengers are not escorted to the lounge, access is very easy as it is located just across from the private immigration. 

The SilverKris First Class Lounge and The Private Room are situated on level 3 of Terminal 3’s departure concourse, signposted by a magnificent showpiece glass installation featuring Singapore Airlines’ iconic batik motif and styled with 105 hand-crafted glass pieces. Passengers flying Singapore Airlines First Class or Suites have exclusive access to The Private Room , leaving the First Class Lounge primarily for other Star Alliance First Class passengers or Solitaire PPS members not flying First Class.

The Singapore Airlines lounges at Changi T3 have undergone a recent redesign and expansion. Though the lounges constitute a significant upgrade from their previous incarnation, there is sadly a lack of natural light and no spa facilities or runway views.   

The SilverKris First Class lounge exudes an impressive, modern, stylish feel with state-of-the-art amenities and timeless elegance. It is open around the clock and has a capacity of 134 guests. Guests first reach the striking open bar with 119 Lalique crystal Aquatic Ginger flowers – inspired by SAI’s batik emblem – a theme that runs throughout the lounge experience. Customers can grab a barista-made coffee in the mornings or a signature cocktail in the evenings. Champagne, wines and hot and cold beverages are available in the self-serve areas. There is a good choice of international hot and cold buffet-style cuisine and live cooking stations where customers can enjoy a selection of local favourites, including chee cheong fun, nasi lemak, bak chor mee, and breakfast egg options. There are four private day rooms – available on a first-come-first-served basis with a 2-hour limit, providing a high level of privacy and featuring a Tempur Zero Gravity bed or reclining seat and a small work desk with USB and charging points. Six separate marble-lined shower suites also have lavatories and luxury Lalique amenities. There is a children’s playroom and six comfortable productivity pods with marble-patterned table tops and complimentary Wi-Fi, USB sockets and charging points throughout the lounges.

The Private Room is the most exclusive lounge, opens between 5.30 a.m. and 2.30 a.m. daily, and is only available to Singapore Airlines Suites and First Class passengers. With a capacity of 78 passengers, there is a bright and airy à la carte restaurant with a good menu, including lamb shank, sauteed lobster with pasta, and dim sum. There are four private nap rooms and four shower suites. Seating is arranged in comfortable pods – from solo to pods with an armchair and sofa, and more open yet still personal seating areas for larger groups. 

Unlike some other leading airlines, Singapore Airlines does not escort its First Class or Suites passengers from the lounge to the departure gate. Officially it does not provide buggy services, but can be provided on request.

For Singapore Airlines flights that leave from Changi Airport Terminal 2, First Class porter service is available from Door 1 of the Departure Hall. A dedicated SilverKris First Class lounge is also available in Terminal 2, but it has not been renovated and does not meet the high standards of the Terminal 3 lounges. The terminals are well connected, you can check in and use the facilities in Terminal 3 even if your flight is departing from terminal 2. 

Singapore Airlines also offers its own SilverKris lounges in 10 other airports around the world, although dedicated First Class lounges are only available in London (temporarily closed for refurbishment), Sydney, Melbourne and Hong Kong. At airports where the airline does not operate its own lounges, First Class passengers enjoy access to other Star Alliance partner lounges or contracted third party lounges. 

Cabin & Seat

As Singapore Airlines offers two very different First Class cabins on the Boeing 777-300ERs vs the Airbus A380s, it is recommended to check the aircraft type you are flying on. While the seats are different on the two aircraft types, all other elements of the First Class experience are the same.

The Boeing 777-300ER fleet offers an intimate First Class cabin with only four seats in a single row 1-2-1 configuration. The custom designed seats were developed by BMW Designworks, the design studio of car manufacturer BMW Group. Launched back in 2013, the seats remain some of the best First Class seats found on any airline. Finished in soft hand-stitched Poltrona Frau leather, these seats feature a large privacy screen for the centre seats, mood lighting and a 24-inch in-flight entertainment screen. The seats are wide and comfortable with a matching cushion and ottoman, beneath which is plenty of storage room, and alongside which is a small enclosed cupboard. Though this is not a concealed suite, the wrap-around design of the shell provides sufficient privacy from other customers. In addition, there is a large mirror with a door, power and HDMI sockets, USB ports and an iPod socket. With a seat pitch of 82 inches (208 centimetres) and width of 35 inches (89 centimetres), the seat transforms into a flat bed that is arguably more comfortable than the ones found on the A380s. The bed has a mattress pad and luxurious Lalique bedding. 

The First Class Suites on the A380s offer a more unique experience - consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. The current Suites are the second iteration of the concept, which was originally launched on the very first A380 in 2007. Back then, Suites was described as “a class beyond First”, and they came with a surcharge. Today, First Class fares are the same irrespective of aircraft type, but the Suites name has been retained to clearly show the difference. The original version came with 12 Suites located on the lower level of the A380s, but in 2017 Singapore Airlines unveiled a completely reimagined version. Suites moved to the front of the upper deck and the number was reduced to just six Suites, allowing for unprecedented size and luxury.

There are three suites on each side of the centre aisle, four of which turn into two expansive ‘Double Suites’. Located on the forward section of the upper deck, adjoining Suites are 1A & 2A and 1F & 2F. Passengers travelling with babies must select Suite 1F, which has wall hooks for a bassinet. Suites 1A and 1F are slightly larger than the other four suites.

Unlike the traditional First Class lie-flat seat, the sizeable Suites contain a foldaway bed – lowered from the side wall – and a swivelling and reclining Poltrona Frau leather armchair with a retractable footrest. The bed is 76 inches long (193 centimetres) and 27 inches wide (68 centimetres) with a firm mattress and finished with a luxurious Lalique duvet and fine linens. The chair is 21 inches (53 centimetres) wide and reclines to 135 degrees.

The Suite is equipped with a 32-inch HD IFE screen, and there are several storage spaces beside the window and a wardrobe for hanging clothes and storing small bags. There are two charging sockets, an HDMI socket, two USB charging ports, and unlimited Wi-Fi.

Privacy is achieved with a beautifully designed full-height sliding door. With two Suites combined, the beds join as an impressive ‘double Suite’.

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes images, videos and seat maps for most airlines and aircraft. Search results also include details such as seat pitch, width and recline. This way, you can see the seat and cabin configuration of the flight in which you are interested before making your choice.

Singapore Airlines is renowned for its in-flight catering and exceptional quality service. Menus have been crafted from a panel of seven world-renowned, award-winning chefs – including three Michelin-starred chefs – to form SIA’s International Culinary Panel.

‘Book the Cook’ is a concept offered in Suites, First Class and Business Class on flights over 1.5 hours flight time. Customers can order main courses from a varied and extensive selection of meals depending on the departure location up to 24 hours before their flight. The undisputed signature dish of Singapore Airlines Book the Cook is the Lobster Thermidor.

Multi-course Digital in-flight menus can be found on the SIA website and ordered through the Singapore Airlines Digital Menu System by entering flight details up to 8 days before departure. Special meals, including baby, child and infant, religious, vegetarian and dietary meals, are also ordered this way. In 2020, Singapore Airlines announced the end of printed paper menus as a sustainability initiative, but they returned to First Class and Business Class in 2022 following passenger feedback.

All dishes use the freshest seasonal produce and arrive exquisitely presented on Lalique, Wedgwood or Narumi tableware, hand delivered by the flight attendants and set upon crisp white linens. 

On many flights, lunch or dinner is preluded by drinks and satay service, a signature of the Singapore Airlines dining experience. The charcoal grilled-chicken and lamb skewers are presented with peanut sauce, cucumber and onion. Vegetarians will enjoy the Impossible Meat satay – specially created for the vegetarian meal. Adding to the authenticity of the service, the satay skewers are charcoal grilled in Singapore and loaded onboard the aircraft along with the peanut sauce even for flights returning from outstations back to Singapore.

Lunch and dinner on most First Class flights are a seven-course dining extravaganza. After the satay, passengers are offered a choice of appetisers, often including Kaluga Osetra malossol caviar with the traditional garnishes as an option. This is followed by a choice of two different soups and a salad dish with a choice of dressings. The main course is then served. Following the main event, First Class passengers have a choice of desserts, usually one hot and one cold option. While many airlines serve cheese before the dessert, Singapore Airlines follows the British tradition of offering cheese as the last course. The First Class cabin crew are however always happy to change the order if you prefer the cheese before dessert.

In the unlikely event of anyone feeling hungry mid-flight, Singapore Airlines offers an extensive Delectables menu of hearthy soup and noodle dishes, sandwiches and snacks such as potato chips, gourmet flavoured popcorn, cookies and sweets.

While breakfast is usually the least interesting meal during a flight, Singapore Airlines makes even this as interesting as possible. A selection of fresh fruit is served as a first dish, followed by cornflakes or Bircher Muesli with milk or yoghurt. There are four options for the main course, plus the entire Book the Cook menu which can be pre-ordered. First Class cabin crew are specially trained to prepare fresh eggs onboard, with a choice between baked, scrambled or boiled. Warm bread rolls and pastries are also offered.

The eminent panel of international chefs have created authentic menus specific to destinations. Flights between Singapore and China can receive Míng Jiā Zhēn Zhuàn-inspired meals. Traditional Kyo-Kaiseki service is provided on Japanese flights, and passengers flying to India can dine on Shahi Thali.

The airline has forged a collaboration with renowned chef and television personality Monica Galetti to craft a gourmet dining experience for its Suite and First Class passengers departing from the UK.

In her role as guest chef, Ms. Galetti, acclaimed for her appearances on television shows including Masterchef: The Professionals, will curate seasonal menus in partnership with the airline. Drawing from her South Pacific heritage, the collection will showcase several signature dishes from her London restaurant, Mere.

Over a thousand wines are tested yearly before a panel of three leading wine experts approve the final selection. Air Sommeliers ensure that the finest wines reach your glass to compliment your meal.

For many years, Singapore Airlines First Class passengers had the choice of “Dom or Krug?”, but this has now changed as the airline no longer serves Dom Pérignon. Today, the airline offers a choice of three premium Champagnes - 2012 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Krug Grande Cuvée and Egly-Ouriet Grand Cru V P Extra Brut, Champagne. Egly-Ouriet may not be as famous as the two other brands, but is considered by many connoisseurs to represent the absolute pinnacle of grower champagne quality. 

Typically, passengers can choose between two or three white and reds and a Port offering, while a wide selection of cocktails and spirits are also on offer. Who could refuse a Singapore Sling? An insider tip is to request the SilverKris Sling. Concocted from orange juice, pineapple juice, gin, Grand Mariner and topped with Champagne, it serves as a more refreshing alternative. The SilverKris Sling is not always listed, but the cabin crew is happy to create it even if ordered off-menu. 

Non-alcoholic beverages include a featured mix, delicious mocktails, and a wide selection of mineral water, freshly squeezed fruit juices, carbonated soft drinks, milk, and chocolate beverages.

There is an excellent range of gourmet coffee by illy that includes 12 different choices, from single-origin Arabica to classic roasts and speciality coffees such as cappucino or Café Royal. Singapore Airlines offer an impressive selection of 16 different teas from around the globe, including nine from the TWG Tea Selection. All tea and coffee can be ordered hot or with ice.

The signature hot beverage in Singapore Airlines First Class is Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. Considered one of the finest and most expensive coffees in the world, Jamaican Blue Mountain is exclusively exported by the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica. 

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes information on which Champagne is served in First Class and Business Class on many airlines. We do our best to keep track of any changes but feel free to let us know if there is something we missed.

Singapore Airlines’ service is legendary, and First Class and Suites passengers will enjoy the crème de la crème of airline experiences. The Singapore Girl is consistently featured in the airline's marketing and is one of the most recognisable brand ambassadors anywhere in the world. 

The level of attention and care is impeccable, and a warm and genuinely friendly welcome awaits onboard. Customers are greeted by name and escorted to their seat or Suite, where cabin crew introduce themselves and provide helpful information about the First Class product and flight details. Shortly after, a glass of Champagne, juice or mineral water is provided and will never run dry. Care and attentiveness are exceptional, even on the longest intercontinental flights.

The cabin crew present flawlessly in iconic and immediately recognisable uniforms. The female crew wear iconic sarong kebaya uniforms designed by Pierre Balmain in 1968. The colour of the uniforms represents their seniority. Blue for Flight Stewardess, green for Leading Stewardess, red signifies Chief Stewardess, and the Inflight Manager wears a purple uniform. The male crew wear elegant suits with colour-coded ties that represent their seniority in the same way.   

Entertainment

The long-haul fleet of Boeing 777-300ER First Class seats features a 24-inch HD-enabled in-flight entertainment screen fixed to the end panel above the ottoman. Due to the distance from the seat, a hand controller is used to access the menu. Bang & Olufsen noise-cancelling headphones are of excellent quality.

The A380s have a large 32-inch touch-sensitive IFE screen that can be swivelled and adjusted at the touch of a button to suit viewing positions from the swivel seat or the bed. A smaller detachable hand-held screen controls everything, from dimming lights, calling cabin crew or simply watching your favourite movie in bed. The A380 also provides customers with superb Bang & Olufsen noise-cancelling headsets.

In-flight Wi-Fi is complimentary to First Class and Suites passengers on all flights. KrisWorld in-flight entertainment is carefully considered with over 1,400 entertainment options, including on-demand movies, TV shows, Box sets, music, web-based gaming, kids TV, and much more. With Hollywood blockbusters and the latest releases worldwide, there is something for everyone to enjoy, relax and unwind.  

The KrisWorld digital content portal allows passengers to access the inflight and amenities menu, KrisWorld magazines and more from a single webpage. Discover the movie or TV menu and create a personal playlist before stepping aboard. Those requiring retail therapy can even browse through a catalogue of curated best-sellers, purchase, and receive the goods directly to the next flight or delivered straight to the doorstep, anywhere in the world.

Amenities & Facilities

The luxury amenity kits from Lalique come as unisex, female and male sets, packaged in an attractive re-usable leather zip pouch. The contents include lip balm, body lotion, and face mist. The unisex kit has a charming Lalique scented candle and scented soap. In contrast, the female kit has additional face moisturiser, hand cream and a generous-sized L’Amour Lalique Eau de Parfum. The men’s kit also contains aftershave balm and a great-sized 30-ml bottle of Eau de Toilette, all from the Lalique Encre Noire range. 

Comfort items include a soft fabric eye mask, in-flight Lalique pyjamas with a drawstring waist and button neck and some of the best airline slippers available. Shaving and dental kits are available directly from the lavatories or upon request.

Singapore Airlines has a signature aroma Stefan Floridian Waters , created in the 1990s and blended from rose, lavender and citrus. The scent is gently transfused in the circulating air and blended into hot towels, passed around several times during the flight.  

The A380 has two forward bathrooms on the upper deck. Although they do not have shower facilities, the available space is excellent. Spotlessly clean and modern, further amenities can be found such as combs, cotton pads, razors, toothbrushes and paste and mouthwash, and Lalique Neroli body lotion, face mist and perfumes.

Although the two First Class bathrooms of the B777s are considerably smaller, they are also at the front of the cabin, meticulously cleaned and contain the same amenities as the newer aircraft.

Short & Medium Haul

Singapore Airlines has greatly reduced the number of short- and medium-haul destinations that offer First Class. The only short route left is Singapore-Jakarta, but even if the flight time is just 75 minutes, the First Class experience is exceptional and includes a meal service with a full selection of beverages. Medium-haul routes include Singapore to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Delhi and Mumbai. On these routes, passengers enjoy a full seven course meal service, amenity kits, slippers and pyjamas.

Sustainability

The Singapore Airlines Group, including its subsidiary airline Scoot, is committed to reducing the airline industry’s emissions and has set out to improve fuel efficiency with carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and achieve a 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050. This goal is helped by using a young fleet of the most eco-efficient aircraft on the market, combined with improved flight operation procedures that minimise fuel burn. The Asia and Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE) programme is a prime example of this initiative, where select flights from Singapore and within the Oceania region operate daily under the ASPIRE programme to shorten flight times and reduce fuel burn and emissions. Singapore Airlines is heavily invested in developing sustainable fuels and is part of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group.

Waste management is controlled by reducing single-use plastics, paper and food waste by using alternative sustainable materials and making reading material digital – this also helps minimise take-off weight, reducing fuel consumption.  

On the ground, SIA office buildings across Singapore generate 18 per cent of the electricity demand through renewable energy by using more than 20,000 rooftop solar panels. Since 2010, SIA has been the exclusive airline partner of a vital conservation project to protect 100,000 hectares of rainforest Harapan Rainforest and its endangered species.

The flight search on Businessclass.com includes information on Co2 emissions for each flight. Our quality algorithms also give a higher score to flights operated by the most modern and environmentally friendly aircraft.

What We Love

• The outstanding and unrivalled quality of the in-flight service. Passengers genuinely receive “First Class service”.
• The innovative comfort and spaciousness of the ‘Double Suites’. Perfect for a couple wishing to enjoy a flight in luxurious privacy.
• Exceptional international cuisine from the ‘Book the Cook’ service, expertly crafted by a panel of award-winning chefs.

BusinessClass.com searches hundreds of travel sites at once to help you find the best premium travel offers for both flights and the finest hotels.

Singapore Airlines Just Unveiled Their Luxurious New First Class Suites

They set the gold standard of luxury—and now they've reimagined the entire fleet.

Now Singapore has an answer. The airline has initiated an $850 million project to gut-renovate its fleet of A380s, the super-duper jumbo that it flies on many of its most popular routes. Those efforts have yielded major changes in every class—suites, business, premium economy, and economy. But when Singapore gathered the international press, aviation geeks, and an army of vloggers on November 2nd to reveal all the new A380 gear, the reimagined suite, unsurprisingly, stole the show.

And boy, was it a show—with an Imax screen the size of a football field, original music, lighting effects, and a chorus line of singers belting out the theme: Space made personal.

After all that razzle dazzle, and a routine Q&A session with executives, it was time to explore the new suites. From the abstract batik pattern on the sliding door, to the polished metal lighting fixtures, everything speaks of quality, artful design (by Pierrejean Design Studio), and meticulous forethought.

A roomy reclining chair is upholstered in leather by Poltrona Frau, and swivels up to 270 degrees. A personal closet easily accommodates a suitcase, garment bag, and a travel hat (as essential as sunglasses and wildly trendy). There is a fully-flat 76-inch fold-down bed (two of them in the center double suites), an adjustable 32-inch HD monitor, custom designed carpet in the soothing neutral palette of the rest of the suite, and a feature wall with mood lighting (the lighting design is worthy of a first-rate hotel room).

That merely scratches the surface of the suites experience, however. The amenity package, by Lalique, is as luxurious as the space itself. In addition to chic contemporary-style crystal, there are PJs and slippers, sheets, comforters, and plush hypo-allergenic pillows, soft pebbled-leather toiletries kits filled with skincare products, and a few souvenirs for the road, all by Lalique and many bearing the trademark swallows of the French company.

In case you were wondering, the china is by Wedgwood. On that dinner service, you may be served meals designed by renowned chefs, including Alfred Portale, Georges Blanc, and Suzanne Goin, as well as wine selected by an international panel of experts.

You would think that’s where Singapore exceptionalism ends. But you would be wrong. Singapore’s secret weapon, and its most effective ambassadors, are the cabin crew. They are the people who make you feel at home, who serve the champagne and present your meals, who tuck you in, and who have an uncanny ability to anticipate your every need. These women wear the iconic sarong kabaya, designed by couturier Pierre Balmain in the 1970s and little changed since.

The taste level of Singapore simply can’t be matched—except perhaps by La Premiere class on Air France. The guiding principle is understatement. When you have that standard of quality, there is no need to shout or to distract with bling or gimmicks. Entering a suite is a little like stepping into an Aston Martin: every surface is exquisitely finished, but nothing jumps out at you as overly flashy.

Starting in December, the new suites—only six on the upper level of the A380—will be introduced on Singapore’s route from its home base to Sydney, Australia, and gradually rolled out in the rest of the fleet.

At the launch event, Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong told the crowd “We’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in an aircraft.” Very soon, international travelers will be able to judge for themselves. If the past is any prelude, Singapore will once again be the standard by which all others are measured.

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What Flying First Class Is Really Like and How to Decide If It's Worth It

Here's what to expect if you're flying in first class on Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Every time you board a plane, there they are: the flight's first-class passengers. While you were at the gate waiting for your group number to be called (and likely stressing about nabbing space in the overhead compartment ), they were getting settled into their extra-large seats with dedicated carry-on space. And as you sulk past them toward your narrow seat in the back of the plane, they snuggle in under a complimentary blanket and sip Champagne .

That, you tell yourself, is what flying should be like.

But is the extra space and next-level service worth the pricey ticket? To explore that very question, we've pulled together what it looks like to fly in first class on various U.S. airlines, how flying in first class is different from traveling in business class and economy, and how the benefits change — in some cases, dramatically — when you book first class on a long-haul international flight versus a domestic one.

Benefits of Flying in First Class

First-class passengers enjoy several benefits before they even board the plane. For starters, they don't have to wait in the long economy check-in line, they get free checked bags, and they have an easier time going through security , as that first-class ticket may mean access to a different TSA line.

From there, they get to board the plane first, so they have time to stow their bags and settle in without a line of passengers crowding around. And, of course, on board, they often get extra legroom, a wider seat with a more exaggerated recline, a blanket and a pillow, a plush amenity kit, beverage service that includes alcohol, and better food (and more of it).

Flying First Class on Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines has six onboard experiences: Delta One, Premium Select, First Class, Comfort+, Main Cabin, and Basic Economy, but some offerings and cabins are only available on certain routes. For example, the ultra-luxe Delta One cabin — which has lie-flat seats, lip balm and hand cream by Grown Alchemist, and sleep amenities like an oversized duvet and a comfy down-alternative pillow — is only available on long-haul international flights and select long-haul domestic flights.

Pre-flight Service: Those flying in first class with Delta get Sky Priority service from the moment they enter the airport. That translates to accelerated check-in, security, and baggage handling, plus early boarding.

Baggage: Up to two free checked bags.

Seating: Up to eight inches of extra legroom and up to 5.4 inches of seat recline.

In-flight Service: A dedicated first-class cabin flight attendant and complimentary drinks and a snack. Those flying more than 900 miles can expect to receive a first-class meal box; passengers traveling between 900 and 2,399 miles receive a chef-curated meal and snacks, while flights over 2,300 miles include a full meal service with snacks and several entrées to choose from.

Flying First Class on United Airlines

On flights within the U.S., United Airlines' highest level of service is United First, but on flights from the U.S. to Latin America or the Caribbean (and some U.S. transcontinental flights) United Business is the first-class equivalent. Meanwhile, United Polaris provides the airline's ultimate flight experience — think lie-flat seats, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and slippers.

Pre-flight Service: With United, first-class passengers can use the quicker, shorter Premier Access lines to speed up the check-in, security, and boarding processes.

Baggage: Up to two free checked bags with priority baggage handling, meaning your suitcases get special attention and will be among the first to arrive at baggage claim.

Seating: In United's first-class cabin, expect the most legroom possible, and with United Polaris, get ready for fully reclining seats that convert to a flat six-foot, six-inch bed.

In-flight Service: Beer, wine, and spirits (including a rotating craft beer selection) and access to DirecTV and United Private Screening, for all the latest movies and TV shows.

Flying First Class on American Airlines

Like on United, on American Airlines, the first-class designation marks the highest level on flights around the U.S., while business class is the highest level on shorter international routes, including Bermuda and Canada. On some long-distance flights (both domestic and international), passengers have the option to book seats in Flagship First or Flagship Business classes, which make up the brand's most luxurious product — think lie-flat seats, access to the Flagship Lounge, and a sleep amenity set from Casper.

Pre-flight Service: Those booking a first-class ticket with American will be granted priority access through the airport's most congested areas, from check-in to security to the gate.

Baggage: Up to three free checked bags, depending on the flight.

Seating: In American's first-class cabins, seats are wider and recline farther, although the exact increase varies by flight and aircraft layout.

In-flight Service: In first class, passengers will enjoy menus curated by premier chefs — such as chef and registered dietitian nutritionist Ellie Krieger, who focuses on healthy dishes, and Sam Choy, creator of Pacific Rim cuisine — thanks to the airline's partnership with the James Beard Foundation, along with extra snacks and a beverage service that includes alcohol.

Flying First Class Versus Business Class

On some airlines, like United and American, first-class fares offer the highest level of service on flights across the U.S., while business class provides the highest level of service on shorter-distance international routes (such as those heading to the Caribbean). If a plane has both cabin types, flying business class is typically a step down from flying first class.

Keep in mind that some airlines have a premium economy category (think Delta's Delta Comfort+), which tends to fall between economy and business or first class. A premium economy booking may have extra legroom, better meal service, and an increased bag allowance, but the perks can vary.

Flying First Class on Long-haul International Flights

Want the ultimate first-class experience? Save up and book a first-class ticket on a long-haul international flight (or in some cases, a U.S. transcontinental flight). It's on these long routes that you'll find that dreamy elevated flight experience.

While almost all airlines offer lie-flat seats and thoughtful sleep amenities, some of them truly excel at taking things to the next level. First class on Emirates' A380 and Boeing 777 planes, for instance, means flying in a fully enclosed suite with a full bed, an onboard shower, and a first-class bar and lounge. Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways , Etihad Airways, and Air France are all known for their respective first-class service and amenities.

Related Articles

'I flew in luxury first class with Singapore Airlines – experience was dream come true'

A traveller has gone viral on social media after sharing his experience of flying first class with Singapore Airlines – and it's fair to say, the clip went down a treat

• 12:54, 20 Jul 2024

Ever fancied a peek into the high life of first class air travel?

You might be curious about the food or the in-flight entertainment and whether it's truly better than economy. Well, one man reckons hitting the front of the plane is absolutely a "dream come true".

TikTok sensation @pitor.official, with a whopping 924,700 followers, shared a sneak peek into the swanky world of first class and it's nothing short of lush. He got a taste of the high life at 30,000 feet, complete with a posh nosh and what he describes as the most incredible experience ever.

The destination wasn't shared, but that didn't stop him from flaunting the "luxury at 30,000ft" to his fans. His post read: "Experiencing luxury at 30,000 feet! First class on @SingaporeAir's A380 is a dream come true."

Kicking off the three-minute video, a flight attendant takes the traveller to his plush seat, which comes with loads of legroom and a decently sized TV. Moments later, he's offered a flute of Champagne, which he gladly accepts.

As the bubbles are poured, we see him chilling in his area. Then as he glances at the menu, the aircraft finally zooms down the runway and ascends. With a push of a button, the window shades slide shut and the journey continues smoothly into the clouds.

The TikTok user was chuffed as he finally tucked into his posh meal featuring chicken skewers and a salad, topped off with a swanky starter.

Once he'd polished off his food, the cabin crew promptly prepared his bed, inviting him to a post-dinner nap. Snuggled in for some kip, he flicked on the TV to enjoy the array of in-flight entertainment.

The loo facilities didn't disappoint either, boasting a roomy sink and lavatory. The viral video has since racked up a whopping 2.9 million likes and 270,600 shares.

One user gushed: "I've flown Singapore Airlines several times. Worth every penny." Another quipped: "Here is your seat, you mean apartment."

A third confessed: "Singapore Airlines is literally the best I've ever flown with. Business class was amazing." While a fourth joked: "I don't even wanna know the cost lol."

In case you're wondering, bagging a first class ticket on Singapore Airlines doesn't come cheap. In fact, you're looking at a cost of $10,000 to $30,000 (or about £7,700-£23,000).

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Luxury in the skies: Alaska Airlines expands first-class and premium seating

You can’t wait to get where you’re going. With bags packed, you arrive early at the airport, and breeze through security. You’re early in the boarding queue and prepare to settle in for a long flight. But then you take your seat, with barely any room on either side and almost nowhere to stretch your legs. Instead of a pleasant cruise, you prepare for an endurance test.

That’s the story for many economy-class seats on today’s airliners. But Alaska Airlines understands, and beginning in September plans to add more Premium and First-Class seats to more than 200 aircraft. Here’s what you need to know.

Stretch out and relax in Alaska Airlines new seating options

Alaska Airlines’ seating expansion will bring 1.3 million more premium seats annually to its mainline fleet. The seats will debut in 737-800s, 737-900ERs, and 737-MAX9s. Not only that, but the airline partnered with a renowned seating company to make first-class even better.

RECARO is famous for producing body-hugging sports car seats and other ergonomic designs across industries. For 737-800s, Alaska Airlines sought its help designing first-class seats with unmatched comfort, including a 6-way headrest with neck support and USB-C charger, seat back device holder, and calf rest. Of course, legroom is off the charts.

On 737-800s, Premium and Main Cabin passengers enjoy similar upgrades, like a 6-way headrest with dedicated neck support, USB-C charging, and device holders with built-in cupholders. 

737-900s will see six new Premium seats — converted from the Main cabin — along with an interior refresh, including modern amenities like device holders. 737-MAX9s also receive six new Premium seats for long-haul comfort.

Alaska Airlines made the changes in response to passenger demands. A statement from the company reads: “We understand that many travelers seek the added comfort and benefits of these classes, and we are committed to meeting this demand. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, upgrading your seat will now be more accessible than ever.”

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Memorial Day is a time to honor our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. Though it’s easy to get caught up in the long weekend and associated festivities, it’s also good to reflect on the life we enjoy in the USA. 

Memorial Day also gives us an additional day to get out and explore without using vacation time or missing work. While one day might not seem like a lot, three days in a row are a nice chunk for a semi-extended trip. For some, that means hopping on a plane and flying hundreds (or thousands) of miles to relax and recharge.

Air travel lets you cover thousands of miles in mere hours, opening the door to destinations far and wide. Sometimes, that can be a hectic experience, with crowded boarding lines and cramped overhead bins. Subpar service makes it even worse. When that happens, taking a flight is more a test of endurance than a comfortable ride, and you can’t wait to exit the plane. 

On a full flight, a gracious staff makes all the difference, ready to lend a hand and ensure you have what you need. Some airlines do that better than others. 

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Airplanes let you travel the globe in speed and comfort. In a matter of hours, you can cover thousands of miles, crossing the U.S. or landing in a new country. All the while, you’re perched high above, taking in the views and anticipating a new experience.

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First Look at the New Turkish Airlines Business Class

Photo: Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines is rolling out its next generation of luxury air travel: the Crystal Business Class suite.

Revealed at last week’s Farnborough International Airshow 2024 in Hampshire, U.K., the new business class , available on transcontinental flights, offers an elevated flight experience with enhanced comfort and privacy.

In addition to an adjustable suite door and high walls, the 23-inch-wide seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout—giving all passengers aisle access—and feature increased footwell space. When reclined, the seats can convert to a fully flat bed, complete with mattress topper, blanket, and pillow.

Turkish Airlines’ Crystal Business Class suite includes modern amenities like wireless charging, universal and Type C power outlets, ergonomic stow cushions, ambient lighting, and a 22-inch screen for inflight entertainment.

“Our new Crystal Business Class suite will add a new chapter for our long-haul luxury travel and will carry the airline into the future with a new level of comfort and privacy across our extensive global network,” said Turkish Airlines chairman of the board and executive committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat. “The specially created design will complement our award-winning in-flight dining options for us to keep providing an unparalleled experience above the clouds for our guests.”

The new seats were developed by Turkish Airlines subsidiary, TCI Aircraft Interiors, and feature unique aesthetic elements, like rose gold highlights and marble-patterned bench tops.

The new business class suite will debut on retrofitted Boeing 777 (beginning in 2025) and will be included in the airline’s on-order ultra-long range Airbus A350-1000 jets, expected in 2026.

Turkish Airlines is also rolling out free, unlimited high-speed wi-fi across its fleet, which should be completed within two years.

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Southwest is under increased FAA supervision.

Accelya’s FLX platform generates more than 350,000 offers per second.

Air Charter Service saw an increase of more than 10% compared to the same date last year.

As of early Tuesday, Delta had already canceled 11% of its daily flights.

The demand for air travel remains healthy.

Airfare is on the rise in Canada, but experts predict a downward trend is coming.

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The Best Travel Credit Card of July 2024: Find and Maximize the Best Cards for Flights and Hotels

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Introduction to the Best Travel Credit Cards

Whether you're just dipping your toe into the world of rewards credit cards or you've already flown thousands of miles on points alone, we can tell you: There's an ideal travel credit card for everyone.

There's a card designed for people seeking free flights, hoping for free hotel stays, or just doing whatever it takes to realize their dreams of relaxing in an overwater bungalow. There are even no-annual-fee travel credit cards that won't cost you anything to maintain.  Let's take a look at the best choices available for you right now. 

Best Travel Credit Cards of July 2024

• Best overall travel credit card : Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best travel credit card for beginners : Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best no-annual-fee travel credit card : Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card ( rates and fees )
• Best for spending at hotels : Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
• Best for travel rewards on everyday spending : Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
• Best travel card for students : Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
• Most affordable premium travel credit card : Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Best travel credit card for earning travel credit on dining and groceries : American Express® Gold Card
• Best premium card for travel bonus categories : Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for luxury travel benefits and airport lounge access : The Platinum Card® from American Express

Compare the Best Credit Cards for Travel

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. Earn 1x on all other purchases.

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Earn 60,000 bonus points

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High intro bonus offer starts you off with lots of points
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit

If you're new to travel rewards credit cards or just don't want to pay hundreds in annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a smart choice. It earns bonus points on a wide variety of travel and dining purchases and offers strong travel and purchase coverage, including primary car rental insurance.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Earn 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase.

19.99% - 29.99% variable

Earn 75,000 bonus miles, plus $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. $50 experience credit and free upgrades on Capital One Lifestyle Collection bookings
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes up to a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other credit cards offer higher rewards in certain categories of spending

If you want an easy, no-fuss travel rewards credit card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great fit. For a moderate annual fee, it offers plenty of value, useful benefits, and a substantial welcome bonus.

• Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (intro fee of 3% for the first 15 months, then 4% of the amount of each balance transfer at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time)

19.99% - 29.99% Variable

Earn 20,000 miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Versatile rewards
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases with no bonus categories to track
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower earning rate than some other no-annual-fee rewards cards
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited benefits

The VentureOne Rewards Card is a slimmed-down version of the popular Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. It's one of the few no-annual-fee cards on the market that gives you the option to redeem miles for cash back or transfer them to travel partners.

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase-or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.

21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable

Good or Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation and lost baggage protection
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Airline and hotel transfer partners available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Welcome bonus
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous cellphone protection
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Transfer partner network not as diverse or robust as competitors

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is a true travel credit card, with benefits that rival many of the best travel rewards credit cards currently on the market. This card has a low annual fee on par with that of popular competing credit cards and Wells Fargo's newly announced Points Transfer program allows cardholders to juice maximum value from every point they earn.

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
• $95 Annual Fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com. Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and EV charging stations. Earn 1X point per $1 on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% variable

Earn 75,000 bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 3x points on most travel, restaurants, gas/EV charging, and supermarkets
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 10x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked via Citi Travel
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. $100 annual hotel credit on a single stay of $500 or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No foreign transaction fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay/interruption benefits and lost/damaged baggage coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Has an annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Citi Travel rates often are higher than retail cost of travel

Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on purchases.

• 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account

17.99% - 27.99% Variable

25,000 online bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous welcome bonus for a student credit card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earns flexible points you can use toward a wide variety of travel purchases
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other travel rewards cards have higher earning rates
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Few travel-related benefits compared to other travel cards

A good student credit card should offer rewards and useful benefits to those with limited credit history and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students hits several of those notes. However, while the card is marketed to students, those without established credit may have difficulty getting approved.

• The information related to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
• 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases)
• Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, no expiration on points
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fees

Earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2 miles on all other purchases.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Excellent welcome bonus and miles earning
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Premium perks including airport lounge access and credits for certain purchases
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Visa Infinite benefits including travel and shopping protections
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Annual travel credits only apply to Capital One Travel purchases

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for frequent travelers, with top-notch benefits and a wide range of built-in protections. It comes with a generous welcome bonus and credits that can help offset the annual fee — which is much lower than similar premium cards.

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.

See Pay Over Time APR

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great rewards for dining and for shopping at US supermarkets
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Monthly statement credit for eligible dining purchases recoups some of the annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Underwhelming welcome bonus

Foodies and travelers alike will appreciate the American Express Gold's generous welcome bonus and Membership Rewards points earning. Its Uber Cash credits are useful for rides and Uber Eats, and monthly dining credits with participating merchants like GrubHub and Seamless are easy to use.

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $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.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Terms Apply.

Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel insurance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Very high annual fee

If you're new to rewards credit cards you may want to start elsewhere, but if you know you want to earn Chase points and you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Bonus categories leave something to be desired
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards

If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.

Best Travel Credit Card Reviews

The best travel rewards credit cards offer valuable rewards, easy-to-use benefits, and helpful features like travel coverage. Our team of credit card experts at Business Insider chose the best options available on the market in 2024, and reviewed each one below.

Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is our top pick for a well-rounded travel rewards credit card. Even infrequent travelers can benefit from the slew of premium perks on this card, typically found on cards with far higher annual fees. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out for its travel protection benefits. When you pay for travel expenses with this card and meet certain requirements, you can request reimbursement for unexpected expenses that may arise when your flight is delayed or if your baggage is delayed or lost.

You'll also have primary rental car insurance, meaning you won't have to file claims through your personal car insurance plan or pay for coverage from the rental car company. This card also offers a 10% anniversary points bonus, and up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel purchases made through the Chase Travel℠ Portal. 

The rewards rate on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card isn't shabby either. You'll earn 5 points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 2 points on all other travel purchases; and 3 points on dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), and select streaming services. You'll earn 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are some of the easiest points to use in various ways. You can redeem them for travel directly through the Chase Travel Portal for a 25% boost in value, where 1 point will be worth 1.25 cents apiece. You can also transfer your points to Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners , which include United Airlines, Hyatt, Marriott, and many other airlines and hotel chains around the world. Cardholders can also use points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more.  

What the experts love: High welcome bonus offer, earns bonus points on travel, dining, and online grocery purchases, you can redeem points for 1.25 cents apiece for travel or through Chase for 25% value bonus

What the experts don't love: Doesn't offer some of the travel perks you'll get with competing cards, such as airport lounge access and a statement credit for Global Entry

Read more: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card review .

Best for Beginners: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great "set it and forget it" card, in the sense that you don't have to worry about various bonus categories for earning rewards. You'll earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2x miles on all other purchases.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also offers one of the most straightforward ways to redeem travel rewards: You can use your miles to cover recent travel purchases from your card statement at a rate of 1 cent per mile. 

You also have the option to transfer Capital One miles *** to more than a dozen frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Etihad Guest, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer. Capital One also added new partners including British Airways and Turkish Airlines, and improved the transfer ratio to 1:1 for most partners. 

The selection of transfer partners is best suited to someone who wants to travel internationally and who doesn't mind spending some time researching the best ways to redeem miles with the different frequent flyer program options. But the upside is that you can always use your miles to cover your travel purchases. You also get up to a $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit.

What the experts love:  The ability to use your miles to cover your recent travel expenses; it earns at least 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.

What the experts don't love: Other cards offer higher rewards on certain spending categories such as travel and dining.

Read more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review

Best for No Annual Fee: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is our top choice for a no-annual-fee travel card ( rates and fees ), and it's got many of the same perks as its bigger sibling, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

New cardholders can earn a respectable 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening (worth at least $340 in travel according to Business Insider's valuations). While the card only earns 1.25 miles per dollar on most purchases (plus 5x on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel), it's still a compelling choice if an annual fee isn't for you ( rates and fees ).

You'll get the same access to Capital One's airline and hotel partners as you would with annual-fee cards, and a handful of benefits including car rental insurance***, travel accident insurance***, and purchase assurance***. This is also a solid pick if you're looking for a zero-interest credit card  with a 0% introductory APR offer, because new cardholders receive a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (intro fee of 3% for the first 15 months, then 4% of the amount of each balance transfer at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time), then a 19.99% - 29.99% Variable APR ( rates and fees ).

What the experts love: No annual fee, access to transfer partners, generous intro 0% APR offer

What the experts don't love: Few travel benefits, lower earning rate

Read more: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review

Best for Boutique Hotels: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card earns one of the highest rates of return on hotel bookings for a credit card that isn't co-branded with a specific hotel chain. 

This card has a $95 annual fee, inviting direct comparisons to two other cards on this list: The Sapphire Preferred Card , and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . In exchange, cardholders earn at least 3x on restaurants and travel purchases. Airline purchases earn 4x, and hotel purchases earn 5x.

When launching this card, the card issuer simultaneously announced brand-new Wells Fargo Autograph transfer partners : Choice Privileges, Aer Lingus AerClub, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, avianca lifemiles, and British Airways Executive Club. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card cardholders can redeem rewards at the standard redemption rate of 1 cent per point for cash back, or transfer their rewards to any travel partners above for additional value.

What the experts love: High bonus rates on hotels and flights

What the experts don't love: Limited transfer options (for now)

Read more: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card review

Best Travel Rewards on Everyday Spend: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card isn't as flashy or well-known as some other travel cards, but that doesn't mean you should overlook it, especially if you spend a lot on its bonus categories. Cardholders earn an impressive 3x points on air travel, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Along with a solid welcome bonus offer of 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening (worth $1,200 based on Business Insider's valuations), you'll receive $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) booked through thankyou.com once per calendar year.

While it isn't the best for travel protections, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is the only card currently available to new applicants that unlocks the ability to transfer your ThankYou points to Citi's full list of airline and hotel partners , including JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, and Wyndham.

What the experts love:  Strong rewards earning in useful everyday categories, access to Citi's transfer partners

What the experts don't love: Lack of travel protections like car rental insurance, few travel perks compared to similar rewards cards

Read more: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card review

Best for Students: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a fairly unique offering, as there aren't many student credit cards specifically geared toward travel. New cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases). That's a decent offer for a no-annual-fee card, and the earning structure is simple, too — 1.5x points per dollar on every purchase, with no bonus categories to keep track of.

There's also a 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account (then a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR) which can be handy if you have big purchases (like textbooks or supplies) you want to pay for over time. 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a good choice if you prefer a straightforward card without having to worry about award charts or transfer partners. It's also a safe bet if you want to use it while traveling internationally — it doesn't charge pesky foreign transaction fees, so you won't be on the hook for extra charges if you use it overseas.

However, you won't find many extras — like travel benefits or purchase protections — with this card. If you're looking for better benefits, be sure to check out our guide to the best student credit cards for all the top options.

What the experts love: Impressive welcome bonus offer for a student credit card, good flat-rate rewards earning

What the experts don't love: No flashy extra perks or shopping benefits

Read more: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students review

Cheapest Airport Lounge Access: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was unveiled in late 2021 and offers a massive welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — worth at least $1,275 in travel, based on Business Insider's valuation of Capital One miles .

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is loaded with premium benefits that can more than offset the $395 annual fee ( rates and fees ). For context, this annual fee is significantly lower than that of other premium travel cards which offer airport lounge access. 

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card cardholders also receive $300 per year in credits toward travel booked through Capital One; Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, and Capital One airport lounge access (even for authorized users, for free); a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth $100 in travel); and Visa Infinite travel and purchase benefits.

As with other cards that earn Capital One miles , you can transfer rewards to over a dozen airline and hotel partners to book award travel, or use miles to book through the Capital One Travel Portal .

What the experts love:  Between $300 a year in travel credit and a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary, you can offset the annual fee entirely — and that's not even considering other benefits like lounge access.

What the experts don't love:  The $300 travel credit is more restrictive than other cards' — it only applies to travel booked through Capital One.

Read more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review

Best Travel Rewards from Dining and Groceries: American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card is an ideal travel card for anyone who frequently eats out and/or shops at U.S. supermarkets. You'll earn 4x Amex Membership Rewards points on these purchases (though note the $25,000 calendar year annual cap for U.S. supermarkets; after that, you'll earn just 1 point per dollar, but that's a pretty high cap). The card also earns 3x points on flights booked directly with the airlines or through AmexTravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

While the $250 annual fee is on the high side, you can offset it thanks to an annual statement credit. You can get up to $120 in annual dining credits**, but it's divided into up to $10 in credits each month, and the credit only applies at select restaurants and delivery services, including Grubhub, Seamless, Milk Bar, Wine.com, and Goldbelly, and participating Shake Shack locations.

You'll also get up to $120 Uber Cash ($10 per month) credit each calendar year (this is only applicable to U.S. Eats orders and rides, and the Gold Card needs to be added as a method of payment to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit).

What the experts love: "4x points on restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1x) is great — usually, a card favors one or the other," says Rathner. Plus, the card offers monthly dining credits.

What the experts don't love: Wilson notes that other cards offer similar benefits for a lower annual fee, and Rathner notes that the card's travel and dining credits come with some important limitations — so read the fine print. 

Read more: American Express® Gold Card review

Best for Premium Travel Insurance: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a $550 annual fee, which means it's not for everybody, but if you're serious about maximizing your rewards and you travel frequently, it could be worth it. It offers a bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 

Not only do you get up to $300 in statement credits toward travel each year (and Chase has a very generous definition of travel — including everything from airfare to highway tolls), but you also earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (excluding the $300 travel credit) and 3x points on all other travel and dining. You also get airport lounge access through the Priority Pass network , which has more than 1,300 locations worldwide.

New benefits also include access to Chase Sapphire lounges in JFK , LaGuardia , Boston , and Hong Kong, as well as the Chase Sapphire Terrace at Austin Airport . You'll also receive benefits with DoorDash  and Instacart that can save you money on delivery (activation required).

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is currently offering cardholders two years of complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership (valued at $199 per year) for member-exclusive pricing, priority pickup, and more (activation required). 

When it comes to redeeming points, you can book travel through Chase and get 1.5 cents per point (a 50% bonus over the standard 1-cent-per-point rate), or you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards to travel partners like Hyatt, British Airways, and United.

Plus, like the less-expensive Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers some of the best credit card travel insurance around. This includes primary car rental insurance, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation protection, and lost baggage insurance.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card was previously our pick for the best travel card overall, before the annual fee increased from $450 to $550. While the Reserve did add some additional benefits, the Reserve no longer makes as much sense for casual travelers. As a result, we now recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card as the best travel credit card for most people. 

What the experts love:  Earns 3x points on travel and dining purchases made outside of Chase Travel Portal, annual $300 travel credit, points are worth 1.5 cents apiece for travel booked through Chase

What the experts don't love: You have to squeeze every drop of value out of this card to make that jaw-dropping $550 annual fee worth your while.

Read more: Chase Sapphire Reserve® review

Best Luxury Travel and Airport Lounge Access: The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express has one of the highest rewards card annual fees —  $695 — but it can still be well worth it if you can put all of its statement credits and generous welcome bonus offer to use.

You'll earn 5x points on flights when you book directly through the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year), which makes the card a great choice for purchasing airfare. The card offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, plus some of the best purchase protection, so it's a good option for buying expensive items (and don't forget to see if you can take advantage of an Amex Offer ** for bonus points or cash back).

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers more airport lounge access than any other personal travel card — in addition to Priority Pass membership**, you get access to Amex Centurion Lounges , Delta Sky Clubs (when you're flying Delta), and more. 

The card's annual statement credits can go a long way toward offsetting the high annual fee. You get up to $200 in statement credits toward airline incidental fees** like checked bags and inflight purchases; up to $100 each year in credit toward Saks Fifth Avenue purchases**; and up to $200 in annual Uber credits (including Uber Eats)**. 

Just keep in mind that you're limited to one designated airline you choose each year in your Amex account for the airline incidental fee credit, and both the Saks and Uber credits are divided into portions. You'll get up to $50 in statement credits toward Saks purchases from January to June, and another credit of up to $50 for Saks purchases from July to December.

With the Uber credit, you get up to $15 each month, and a $20 bonus in December for a total of $35 that month.

What the experts love:  Lots of luxury benefits, including airport lounge access and statement credits with Uber and Saks

What the experts don't love: This card's $695 annual fee, and minimal bonus categories

Read more: The Platinum Card® from American Express review

How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card

While it takes more effort to redeem points or miles compared to cash back, the upside is that you can get much more value for your points compared to simply cashing in your rewards for a statement credit or check at a rate of 1 cent per point.

In fact, it's possible to receive double, triple, or even more than that amount when you're strategic about how you redeem your rewards, particularly if you book expensive luxury hotels or first-class flights. 

In this guide, we've focused mostly on the best travel credit cards that earn transferable points. Transferable points include popular currencies such as:

• Amex Membership Rewards
• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Citi ThankYou Rewards
• Capital One miles

You can transfer these points to both airline and hotel partner loyalty programs. You can even redeem your points to offset the cash price of your travel at a flat rate.

Best Travel Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

If you want a single credit card that does it all and don't mind paying a generous annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a great choice. It comes with the best travel insurance available on the market, as well as a $300 travel credit each year that can be used on most types of travel.

The best travel credit card overall is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, but the best card for your particular situation will depend on what benefits you care about the most, as well as how you feel about paying a high annual fee. 

We'd recommend opening a travel card that earns Amex or Chase points, because these are among the easiest rewards to redeem and you have various travel partners to utilize. But if you've investigated your options and are confident that you can get value out of their rewards, credit cards that earn Capital One miles or Citi ThankYou points can make sense as well.

There are two main types of travel credit cards: Cards that earn transferable points, and airline/hotel co-branded credit cards. Transferable points currencies include Amex Membership Rewards points, Capital One miles, and Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Airline credit cards and hotel credit cards earn points or miles within a respective hotel or airline program; you don't have the option to redeem your rewards with a wide variety of travel partners (or if you do, the transfer ratio usually isn't great).

To pick the right travel credit card for you, you'll want to evaluate its welcome bonus offer, ease of use, benefits, and annual fee. The best one for you will ideally have a combination of an attractive sign-up bonus , lots of options for earning and redeeming rewards, benefits that save you money, and a low or no annual fee.

Travel credit cards with annual fees are worth it if you're able to get significant value out of their benefits and rewards. Before you apply for a card , make sure you'll actually use all the features that contribute to the card's annual fee. For example, if a card offers an annual statement credit of up to $200 toward travel but you can't use it, you're probably not getting what you pay for.

Travel credit cards work by earning you points (or miles) on every purchase you make, with the goal of helping you earn enough rewards to book free travel . The best travel cards earn points that you can transfer to various airline and hotel partners — like Amex, Chase, or Citi points. 

A great way to work toward getting a free flight is by applying for a travel credit card and earning its welcome bonus offer. Domestic award flights in economy class typically require about 25,000 points, so depending on the welcome bonus offer, you could have enough rewards for a flight right out of the gate. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Travel Credit Cards

Business Insider evaluated dozens of travel credit cards currently available to new applicants and narrowed down the list to the best options based on the following factors:

• Welcome bonus offer — Do new cardholders get a valuable incentive to sign up and meet a minimum spending requirement?
• Ongoing rewards — How many points or miles do you earn on your purchases?
• Benefits — Beyond rewards, does the card offer valuable perks such as statement credits for travel, primary car rental insurance, and airport lounge access?
• Annual fee — Is there an annual fee, and if so, is it affordable or easy to offset with card perks?
• Overall value — Does the card justify its annual fee by offering useful benefits and valuable rewards, and is it worth it?

Read our guide to how we rate credit cards for a closer look at our methodology.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.

• Main content

5 Things To Know Before You Fly In First Class With American Airlines

• American Airlines offers two types of first-class cabins: standard domestic First and Flagship First, which offers a more exclusive experience.
• Flagship First passengers receive perks like private check-in, expedited security line access, and access to premium Flagship First lounges.
• Flagship First seats are spacious and comfortable, with amenities like swiveling seats, high-quality headphones, and special travel essentials.

Back in the day, when things were simpler, there was a clear distinction between first class, business class, and economy. And while the difference between economy and premium cabins still exists, the lines are fast blurring between business and first-class cabins.

A dedicated ‘true’ first class (one that exists in addition to a business class cabin on the same plane) is rapidly slipping out of trend, primarily because the latest business-class cabins on modern jetliners have become highly competitive. Still, some global carriers, including American Airlines , offer them on select aircraft. So what can you expect if you’ve booked an American first class ticket? Let’s find out.

Two kinds of first class on American Airlines

The carrier’s flagship first differs from regular domestic first.

When it comes to premium cabins, and first class in particular, American’s onboard product can vary depending upon the route you fly and the aircraft deployed on it. American offers two kinds of first-class cabins:

• First : Yes, that's what it's called – just ‘First.’ These are essentially domestic premium cabins that the airline markets as first class and can be found on domestic flights, except for some regional planes.
• Flagship First : These are what some might call ‘real’ first-class seats as they exist alongside a business class cabin on the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A321T (transcontinental) aircraft.

According to American Airlines’ website, the domestic First seats are available on flights across 50 US states, with eligible fare classes being J, D, I, C, and U on 2-cabin aircraft. Purists, however, might argue that these aren’t ‘real’ first-class seats as they could be compared to a business-class product of many other airlines.

Then there’s the Flagship First, which is actually a separate cabin from a business class on the same aircraft. These are more exclusive lie-flat seats that can be found on the carrier’s Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A321T planes.

The Flagship First – International is for popular long-haul routes operated by the 777-300ER to Europe, Australia, and Asia, among others, while the Flagship First – Transcontinental is operated by both the 777 and A321T between the following destinations:

• Los Angeles (LAX) – New York (JFK)
• San Francisco (SFO) – JFK
• JFK – Orange County (SNA)
• LAX – Boston (BOS)
• LAX – Miami (MIA)

Check-in experience

Flagship first customers get private check-in and access to an expedited security line.

For Flagship First passengers, the exclusive treatment starts at the airport itself, with dedicated facilities at Chicago O'Hare (ORD), London Heathrow (LHR), Los Angeles (LAX), and Miami (MIA). New York (JFK) doesn’t have an exclusive Flagship First Check-In but has something similar, which it shares with British Airways.

This service can also be used by Flagship Business Plus passengers and those with elite status, such as American AAdvantage Concierge Key members. The entire check-in experience is quite pleasant and relaxed, and passengers can expect to be taken to the front of the security line.

In all, if you’re holding a Flagship First ticket, you can expect an exclusive check-in area, free check-in for two bags with priority tags, attentive and personalized assistance along with expedited security access.

Domestic First also comes with a speedy check-in, security, and boarding, but the Flagship First experience is definitely more elevated.

Flagship First lounge and dining

Premium and exclusive lounges that also offer fine-dining options.

A Flagship First ticket holder will have access to Flagship First lounges, which are considered a step up from the American Admirals Clubs. Currently, Flagship First lounges are at airports in Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and Dallas Forth Worth.

While the lounges offer a premium experience such as personalized service, cocktail bar, premium seating, and even shower suites, there’s an additional service, called Flagship First Dining, at lounges in Dallas, Miami, and Los Angeles.

This is an elevated experience with a proper sit-down, restaurant-quality dining service, and the carrier says the dishes are made from locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also expect signature wines, craft beer, and hand-crafted cocktails.

Flagship First Dining is temporarily closed at LAX but can be experienced at Dallas/Fort Worth airport’s Terminal D daily from 12:00 to 22:00 and at Concourse D at Miami airport daily from 13:00 to 22:30.

Review: American Airlines Flagship First Dining In New York

First class seats, seats on flagship first differ from domestic first.

On American’s 777s, the Flagship First cabin has eight lie-flat seats in two rows in a 1-2-1 configuration . If you’re a solo traveler, the window seat will ensure more privacy. But the middle seats also provide enough private space due to a privacy partition in between, which can be lowered if you’re traveling in a pair. The A321T offers seats in five rows of 1-1 configuration.

These seats are definitely bigger than those in business class, although most reviews point out that the overall value seems only marginally higher. The seats can swivel by as much as 90 degrees by the push of a button, and there’s an ottoman that can also be used as a buddy seat.

These seats also come with a tablet to control its functions, a USB outlet, and Bang & Olufsen headphones. Passengers can also expect travel essentials from design and lifestyle brands Shinola and D.S. & Durga, as well as pillows and blankets on transcontinental first class and additional amenities, such as pajamas, slippers, and mattress pads on international first class.

Domestic First on the carrier offers bigger seats than the main cabin (pictured below), but they do not convert into lie-flat beds. Still, the extra legroom can be quite comfortable for longer flights.

In-flight dining

Domestic first has a premium menu, but the flagship first takes it a step further.

While airplane food can be a hit or a miss, it is almost always exciting when the flight attendant comes by with the food cart. American charges a premium for its first-class cabins, so it tries to offer a more extensive menu for its high-paying customers.

According to the airline’s website, domestic First passengers will have options like mixed nuts, charcuterie plates, and short rib, as well as grain bowls and heart-healthy entrée salads. Of course, meal service can vary greatly depending on the duration of the flight.

Flagship First travelers have the luxury of choosing when they can eat their multi-course meals. American has partnered with award-winning chef Sam Choy to inspire its meals for this cabin, and the menus also feature exclusive dishes designed by elite chefs in partnership with the James Beard Foundation.

A Look At American Airlines' First Class Meals & Drinks

Also, the premium cabins are stocked with a variety of beers, wines, and spirits that go well with the inflight menu. The airline does offer a disclaimer that these are served on flights with full drink service and that the number of drinks served may be limited.

Have you traveled on American Airlines’ first class? What was your experience like? Please leave a comment below.

American Airlines

IATA/ICAO Code: AA/AAL

Airline Type: Full Service Carrier

Hub(s): Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Miami International Airport, New York JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Year Founded: 1926

Alliance: oneworld

CEO: Robert Isom

Country: United States

Airline Group: American Airlines Group

Region: North America

Loyalty Program: AAdvantage