I was excited to be reviewing Business Class on Singapore Airlines SQ288, the circular flight between Singapore, Sydney and Canberra.
With a departure time of 9:20PM from Sydney and then 11:15PM from Canberra, it finally gives travellers an overnight flight to Singapore.
It was also my first experience of an international flight from the beautiful new Canberra Airport, which has been completely rebuilt with immigration and customs facilities added.
In this post:
Singapore Airlines Business Class Review – SQ288
Sydney (SYD) – Canberra (CBR) – Singapore (SIN)
Wednesday, October 2
Depart: 9:20PM
Arrive: 5:15AM
Duration: 10hr 25minutes (including Canberra stopover)
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER (77W)
Seat: 11A (Business Class)
Boarding was delayed by about 20 minutes due to the late arrival of the incoming aircraft but the ground crew still did a great job cleaning the aircraft.
My seat was spotless, as is to be expected with Singapore Airlines, and I was glad to be able to select the bulkhead seat 11A during Online Check In.
A full pre-departure beverage service was offered so I enjoyed a glass of the excellent Charles Heidseick champagne.
Before long we had taxied out and were ready to roll down the runway bound for Canberra.
Once airborne a snack service commenced with sandwiches and tea or coffee offered, which is reasonable given the 35 minute flight time.
SQ288 Canberra Transit
Once we’d landed smoothly at Canberra International Airport, all passengers were required to deplane.
Transit passengers were sent upstairs to the international departure lounge, after a passport and boarding pass check at the escalators, where we waited with the passengers originating in Canberra.
This waiting area is very comfortable and well designed, more like a Business Class lounge without the complimentary food and drinks than a general gate area.
After about an hour it was time to reboard SQ288, so after another passport and boarding pass check we were directed down the escalator to the waiting aircraft.
Onward To Singapore
Back at Seat 11A, it was time to get comfortable for the flight to Singapore.
The cabin had been refreshed during the short transit and slippers distributed.
Singapore Airlines is somewhat unusual in not offering amenity kits in Business Class, preferring to provide amenities such as toothbrushes in the bathrooms and handing out eyeshades and slippers.
This particular aircraft was fitted with Wifi with Business and First Class passengers offered free data. I was able to connect easily using my seat number and surname with reasonable data speeds allowing for messaging and sending photos.
The excellent crew offered pre-departure beverages, where I went with another glass of champagne, and took meal orders. Passengers were proactively given the option to eat after takeoff or to be woken up 2 hours before arrival for their meal.
My plan was to maximise sleep on this sector so declined the meal, but if dining the nasi lemak looked good.
Tip: Singapore Airlines was the first to provide passengers the option to pre-order their meals through their Book The Cook service.
Once airborne it was time for a final glass of bubbles before turning in for the evening.
Very few airlines provide pyjamas in Business Class (Qantas and Qatar come to mind as exceptions) so I brought my own. Conveniently, the side storage area is just the right size to hold a folded shirt and chinos!
The seat that Singapore Airlines has on the 77W converts into a fully flat bed but flips over rather than reclining flat. The benefit of this is a softer sleeping surface but limits the recline when sitting upright.
After a solid 4 hours of sleep, the cabin was starting to wake up and other passengers were having their breakfast. I went with a fruit plate and coffee to begin the day.
Before long, the Captain came on the PA to announce that we would be commencing our descent into Singapore shortly and the cabin crew prepared the cabin for arrival.
It was still dark as we approached Singapore so it was nice to see the bright lights as we came in to land at Changi Airport. You can make out the Singapore Flyer in the photo below.
Singapore Airlines Business Class Review – Summary
The option of an overnight flight from Sydney to Singapore is a winner. You get a full day in Sydney and arrive in Singapore at a reasonable hour (Australian time). It also gives you a full range of onward connections like my next flight to Danang.
Service on this flight was excellent with a personable and efficient crew. The seats are great for sleeping and having the bulkhead gave me even more room than usual.
Tip: Use the new Electronic Arrival Card to save time and paper when visiting Singapore.
Trip Report Contents
Introduction – The Cathay Pacific New Year Deal Trip
Review: Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Lounge Sydney Business Class
Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class 77W
Review: Silk Air Business Class 737-800
Review: Four Points By Sheraton Danang
Review: CIP Orchid Lounge Danang
Review: Cathay Dragon Economy Class A320
Review: The Pier First Class Lounge
Review: Cathay Pacific First Class 77W
Review: Fairfield Inn Manhattan Downtown East
Review: Blue Hill At Stone Barns
Review: Le Bernardin
New York Activities
Review: TWA Flight Centre
Review: AA Flagship First Dining JFK
Review: Cathay Pacific First Class 77W (via Vancouver)
Review: Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour
Review: The Pier Business Class Lounge
Review: Qantas Business Class 787
Summary – Highlights & Points Earned
