Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class – Which Reigns Supreme?
Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Seat Comfort: Do Lie-Flat Beds Beat Suites?
When it comes to long-haul flights in premium cabins, seat comfort is paramount. After all, you want to arrive at your destination feeling refreshed, not achy and exhausted. That's why the lie-flat beds offered in Singapore Airlines' A380 business class and the private suites in British Airways' 787 first class are so enticing. But which truly offers the best sleep at 35,000 feet?
Frequent flyers agree that lie-flat seats that convert to a fully flat bed are vastly superior to angled lie-flats. Singapore Airlines excels here, with its spacious, well-padded lie-flat beds that measure a lengthy 78 inches. Even tall travelers can fully stretch out without feeling cramped. The bedding is high quality as well, with a plush duvet and comfortable pillows.
British Airways' first class suites take a different approach, opting for a seat that reclines but doesn't go fully flat. However, the enclosures are completely private, making it feel more like your own bedroom in the sky. The chair is also wider than Singapore's lie-flat beds. So while you don't get a flat surface to sleep on, the spaciousness and privacy create a cocoon-like experience.
When it comes to personal preferences, Singapore's A380 business class lie-flats may appeal more to those who sleep best on a flat surface. The ability to fully extend without bumping into walls or feeling confined is a major perk. However, British Airways' first class suites offer unparalleled privacy, and some travelers may find it easier to fall asleep in an enclosed space.
What else is in this post?
- Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Seat Comfort: Do Lie-Flat Beds Beat Suites?
- Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Amenities: Comparing Onboard Luxuries
- Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Service: Asian Hospitality vs British Charm
- Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Cuisine: Who Offers the Finest Dining in the Sky?
- Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Entertainment: The Latest Seatback Systems Face Off
- Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Lounge Access: Which Airline Treats You Best on the Ground?
- Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Route Networks: Evaluating Global Reach
- Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Value for Money: Getting the Most from Your Miles
Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Amenities: Comparing Onboard Luxuries
Frequent Singapore Airlines flyers rave about the airline's padded cotton pajamas provided in business class. Slipping into the comfy PJs pre-flight is a ritual, allowing travelers to maximize relaxation. Pair the jammies with cozy slippers, cooling gel pillows, and signature SATS amenity kits stocked with dental and shaving kits, lip balm, moisturizer, and perfumes. Singapore also wins points for its well-stocked lavatories with high-end Clarins products.
British Airways focuses more on service than amenity kits in first class. But the airline still impresses with luxurious pajamas, pillows, duvets, skincare products from The White Company, and solemnly-presented towelettes. On the ground, British Airways also grants access to swanky Galleries First Lounges.
Both airlines offer onboard lounges for premium passengers. British Airways' lounge feels more exclusive, situated at the front of the cabin. But Singapore opens its social space to business AND first class passengers. Some travelers may prefer to mix with both premium cabins rather than feeling corralled in first.
When it comes to onboard culinary amenities, the differences become more stark. Singapore allows business class passengers to pre-order meals, ensuring a personalized dining experience. And the Book the Cook service includes exclusive dishes like lobster thermidor. British Airways' first class dining feels less bespoke.
The hardware also impacts the onboard experience. Singapore's business suites have adjustable reading lights, ambient mood lighting, and ample individual storage space. British Airways' new(ish) first class suites include closing doors for privacy and 18.5" IFE screens. But the hardware doesn't feel cutting edge.
Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Service: Asian Hospitality vs British Charm
When you're jet-setting in style, service matters. And Singapore Airlines and British Airways take very different approaches to pleasing premium flyers. Singapore focuses on Asian hospitality ideals - providing seamless, intuitive service with consistent smiles and attention to detail. British Airways exudes old world charm - proper, polite and understated. Both styles have their devoted fans.
Frequent Singapore Airlines customers gush about the impeccable service, praising how flight attendants address passengers by name and proactively handle requests. Singapore purposely hires senior cabin crew who undergo intensive training at the Singapore Girl Training Center. The focus is on projecting warmth while anticipating needs. For example, flight attendants notice preferences then offer refills before you ask.
British Airways service shines in a different way. Expect polished manners, calm competence and classic British professionalism. Less bubbly than Singapore service, but dependably pleasant, first class passengers appreciate the civilized care. Flight attendants exude authority mingled with just enough friendly rapport. With reserved precision, they'll politely serve your meal, make polite small talk, then retreat unobtrusively.
Cultural factors underpin the divergent approaches. Singapore service reflects Asian collectivist values - the crew functions as a well-oiled team focused on group harmony. British service channels Western individualist ideals - flight attendants deal with passengers as distinct individuals. This shapes the emotional tone. Singapore crews radiate solicitous warmth while BA attendants project cool cordiality.
Service styles also align with brand identity. Singapore cultivates its reputation for premium Asian hospitality, leaving economy behind on the A380 upper deck. British Airways nods to British sensibilities - decorum, manners, keeping calm and carrying on. Their service feels reassuringly upscale and genteel.
Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Cuisine: Who Offers the Finest Dining in the Sky?
When you’re jet-setting in ultimate luxury, the cuisine had better be top-notch. Both Singapore Airlines and British Airways take dining seriously in their premium cabins. But there are distinct differences in the culinary approach. Frequent flyers weigh in on who truly serves the finest food at 35,000 feet.
For many Singapore Airlines devotees, the dining is a major reason to book. They rave about Book the Cook, which allows business class passengers to preorder favored dishes like lobster thermidor, beef tenderloin, and green curry chicken. Menus change monthly, created by a panel of world-famous chefs like Sanjeev Kapoor. Premium ingredients like Hokkaido scallops and pan-seared halibut satisfy sophisticated palates. The presentation is exquisite too - expect appetizers artfully arranged on Wedgwood china.
Singapore also impresses with its wine list personally curated by a Master of Wine. Globally accented options range from Old World standbys like Chateau Cheval Blanc to New World finds likewine from New Zealand's Kumeu River winery. There's even a vintage Dom Pérignon champagne. With meals catered to personal taste and premium wines, Singapore makes every flight feel like an elite dining experience.
British Airways takes a more traditional approach to first class cuisine. The focus is on refined British fare with Continental flair, like smoked salmon, fillet steak, and roast halibut with creamy leeks. Produce comes from the airline’s own farm projects. Expect heritage tomatoes, micro-herbs and lettuces picked just hours before your flight. Local ingredients shine too, with artisanal British cheeses and bread from The Flour Station bakery. Desserts are suitably old school - lemon posset, sticky toffee pudding, English trifle.
The contrast in culinary styles has much to do with geography. Singapore Air showcases its Asian roots and global connections. British Airways sticks to a typically British menu, albeit with a first class twist. Frequent Singapore flyers crave the airline’s exotic options curated by celebrity chefs. British Airways regulars prefer the familiar, elevated by top ingredients and elegant presentation.
Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Entertainment: The Latest Seatback Systems Face Off
When deciding between Singapore Airlines' A380 business class and British Airways' 787 first class, the inflight entertainment can be a key differentiator. After all, on long haul flights over 10+ hours, the movies, shows, games and other entertainment options available at your seat can make or break the experience. Nothing sours an ultra premium flight faster than getting bored halfway through.
Frequent flyers weigh in that Singapore Airlines' business class seatback IFE achieves the ideal balance of high-tech touches and user-friendly interface. The 18-inch high definition screens are expansive enough for immersive viewing, while still fitting ergonomically into the lie-flat beds. The KrisWorld system offers over 1,800 options on demand, from Hollywood blockbusters to art house flicks to popular Asian TV shows. Four cameras around the aircraft even provide exterior views from the nose and tail. Gadget fiends can connect devices easily via USB or wirelessly stream content through the Singapore Air app. For music buffs, the sound quality surpasses expectations.
Comparing IFE hardware, British Airways falls a bit flat. The bespoke first class setup only provides 15.4-inch screens which feel cramped when fully reclined in your suite. And the quality and responsiveness of the touch screens garner mixed reviews – some find them laggy and prone to freezing. The entertainment selection clocks in at a modest 100 movies and 200 TV shows. On the plus side, the high definition resolution provides sharp visuals. And British Airways continues to invest in upgrading its IFE, aware it's an area needing improvement.
When it comes to content, Singapore caters more intentionally to its Asian flyers. Expect hit Mandarin cinema alongside Hollywood staples, popular Korean dramas, and Chinese language instructional videos. British Airways sticks to British and Western programming, even emphasizing UK content. Fans of BBC classics and British comedies will appreciate the emphasis, but it can feel limiting. Singapore simply offers more variety and depth in entertainment options. Their IFE feels designed for global jet-setters rather than just Anglophiles.
Both airlines provide noise-canceling headphones to heighten the cinematic immersion. But frequent Singapore flyers call out the better audio quality, comfort, and ability to control volume and playback on the cord. Given you may wear the headphones for hours on end, these design touches matter greatly for enjoyment. And speaking of sensory experiences, Singapore again excels with ambient Mood Lighting. Colors shift subtly throughout the different flight phases, helping to lull you to sleep or gently wake you. It's a minor perk Singapore repeat flyers have come to love.
Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Lounge Access: Which Airline Treats You Best on the Ground?
Before you even board your flight, the luxury treatment begins on the ground for premium passengers. Both Singapore Airlines and British Airways operate airline lounges that offer an oasis of calm amid the airport chaos. However, when comparing the lounge access provided for business class vs. first class guests, differences emerge.
Frequent Singapore Airlines customers consistently rave about access to SilverKris lounges, whether in the airline's hub in Singapore or in major airports worldwide. The massive SilverKris lounge at Changi Airport wows with amenities like nap rooms, shower suites, hot tubs, fine dining with an open kitchen, and even a spread of fresh orchids. Passengers can also indulge in services like back massages and shoe shines before boarding.
Singapore's network of SilverKris lounges generally receives stellar reviews for the lavish buffet spreads, full service bars, and elegant decor. While overcrowding can be an issue during peak times, the airline handles it gracefully by opening overflow lounges. An underrated perk is that lounge access is granted when flying in both business and first class. British Airways restricts entry to just first class ticket holders.
British Airways' Galleries First lounges exude luxury with their understated, classic British ambiance. You'll find upscale amenities like fine wines, artisanal cheeses, comfy armchairs, complimentary spa treatments, and niche boutiques in select locations. Service is attentive yet discreet. However, some critics call the lounges out for feeling dated or even worn, lacking the "wow" factor provided by Asian competitors.
A key distinction is that British Airways grants lounge access only to first class passengers, not those in business class. While spacious seating areas provide privacy, some first class fans dislike feeling segregated from business class travelers in the Galleries Club lounges. It creates a sense of isolation rather than community. Singapore's open access approach has more appeal for those who enjoy premium passengers socializing together pre-flight.
When weighing premium ground services, British Airways falls short by restricting lounge access. First class flyers may enjoy the exclusivity but miss out on admiring the A380 from the business class viewpoint. Singapore Airlines impresses by extending entry to all upper-deck passengers. And SilverKris lounges continue to set the standard for luxury, comfort and seamless service, satisfying even their most elite travelers.
Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Route Networks: Evaluating Global Reach
A key consideration when choosing between premium cabins is network reach – how many destinations can you access on a single carrier? This matters tremendously for frequent flyers needing to cover diverse markets worldwide. You want an extensive route map that can whisk you efficiently to global business hubs and desirable vacation spots without the hassle of interlining.
In this arena, Singapore Airlines' breadth impresses. Their hub at Changi Airport offers connections to over 60 destinations within a 6-8 hour flight radius, providing easy access to major Asian cities. Connect farther afield through Singapore and you can reach around 140 destinations in more than 35 countries. From Adelaide and Paris to Tokyo and New York, Singapore will get you there in style aboard the luxurious A380.
Singapore smartly leverages partnerships to expand reach. Through alliances with SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Virgin Australia, more destinations open up to passengers. You can even use KrisFlyer miles for award travel to supplement the existing network. Compared to British Airways, Singapore gives travelers far greater flexibility in navigating key regions like China, Japan, India and Australia without switching carriers.
British Airways lags behind with a network reaching just over 130 destinations in 72 countries. The focus stays mainly on shuttling passengers between the UK and North America, plus select hubs in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Their limited Asian presence centers on Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney. But reaching secondary cities in Asia requires annoying layovers, winding detours, and Irrational connections compared to Singapore’s non-stops.
For premium cabin travelers prioritizing convenient global access, the constraints of British Airways' route network are challenging. Singapore Airlines simply serves more of the global business and leisure hubs that frequent flyers value, thanks to the airline's Asia-centric strategy. The A380 fleet with its sheer passenger capacity also cements Singapore as the first choice for combing multiple long-haul segments in a single trip.
Soaring in Style: SQ A380 Business Class vs. BA 787 First Class - Which Reigns Supreme? - Value for Money: Getting the Most from Your Miles
When deciding between Singapore Airlines A380 business class and British Airways 787 first class, savvy travelers look beyond just the onboard experience. You also have to consider value for money and how far your loyalty miles will stretch. With premium redemption rates skyrocketing, it's more important than ever to maximize the mileage you've earned.
On this front, Singapore Airlines emerges as the clear winner for multiple reasons. KrisFlyer miles simply offer better value compared to British Airways' Avios points when used for premium cabin awards. Singapore Airlines only charges 110,000 miles for a roundtrip business class ticket between the US and Asia. Considering their industry-leading service and amenities, that's an incredible deal. In contrast, British Airways wants 150,000 Avios for a US-Asia roundtrip in first. Yes, you're in a First Class suite, but for 40% more miles - ouch.
Singapore also unlocks better value through its extensive partnerships. You can use KrisFlyer miles to book premium awards on over 40 partner airlines like Virgin Australia, SAS Scandinavian, and even Turkish Airlines. British Airways only has a handful of Oneworld partners you can redeem Avios points through. And none offer a comparable experience to Singapore's A380 business class product.
Award availability also tilts favorably towards Singapore Airlines. The airline readily opens up business class award space, especially for its elite PPS club members. British Airways notoriously plays games with restricting first class award bookings. Even Executive Club elites face chronically scarce award space. And off-peak Avios redemptions often incur brutal fuel surcharges of $1000+, obliterating any value.
Looking beyond flights, Singapore also provides better mileage value for hotel redemptions. KrisFlyer miles transfer 1:1 to partner programs like Hilton Honors and Accor Live Limitless. There are even generous bonus mile offers when transferring in chunks of 50,000. In contrast, British Airways forces you to convert Avios to IHG points at unfavorable 5:3 ratios before redeeming for hotels. Why make it so complicated?
For many Global Travelers, earning elite status also carries importance. Here too, Singapore Airlines outshines British Airways with easier paths to top-tier status. KrisFlyer Elite Gold requires just 30,000 miles in a year, attainable with a single business class roundtrip. Executive Club Gold demands far higher spending that not every traveler can achieve annually.
The buck doesn't stop there either. Singapore Airlines provides additional mileage value through innovative programs like KrisPay. You can use miles for duty-free purchases onboard select flights. British Airways trails way behind with nothing comparable for everyday miles redemption.