Ask the Seat Expert » A380

Best suite seats on Singapore Airlines A380

The Seat Expert — Tue, 26 May 2009 00:01:39 +0000

We have depicted the three windows for 3A and 3F on our seatmap, and have debated whether these are indeed better seats than rows 1 or 2 on the Singapore Airlines Airbus A380. Part of our consideration is that on the long-haul flights the A380 serves, the take-off and landing segment is only a small percentage of the total travel time, and the two windows in other rows provide adequate opportunities to see out the windows.

If anyone else feels that the extra window in row 3 provided for better viewing angles not possible from the other suites, we value your opinion and would love to hear of the subtle differences that you may have noticed.

Video screens on Singapore Airlines A380: seat back or swing arm?

The Seat Expert — Tue, 12 May 2009 23:31:24 +0000

It took a bit of searching, but we are fairly certain that the video screen is on the back of 46D instead of on a swing-arm. Here are a couple links of actual on-board photographs for your reference:

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/airpearl2007/qflax06.jpg

http://www.red.sg/2008/06/finally-my-a380.html

Best seat selections for couples flying Singapore Airlines A380-800

The Seat Expert — Sun, 10 May 2009 23:26:14 +0000

In our opinion, the pair of seats in the middle of the cabin is much better for couples traveling together. There is a movable divider between the seats, and opening this divider provides a great setting for quiet conversation and sharing of meals. You do give up the use of storage bins along the side of the fuselage, and the view out the window. However, for the long flights normally served by the A380, the take-off and landing segment of the flight is a relatively small percentage of the total travel time, so we would be happy to give that up if we are traveling with our significant other.

Securing best seats on Singapore A380

The Seat Expert — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:33:11 +0000

If you have elite frequent flyer status on Singapore Airlines’ Krisflyer program, and are paying a full-fare ticket, there is a very small chance that you could be upgraded if the plane is over-sold. Otherwise, the chance to “swing an upgrade” is essentially zero. Singapore Airlines has blocked all mileage award tickets on this plane for all of their Star Alliance partners, except for the Economy cabin. Even if the award redemption is for a Business or First class ticket, the only cabin they will release for Star Alliance partner airlines is the economy cabin.

As for Singapore Airlines own Krisflyer members, redemption in Business is possible, but the members will have to pay double the normal amount, and inventory for these awards are still very limited. Singapore Airlines guards their premium cabins fiercely, since they know they have a world-leading product, and plenty of people are willing to pay a premium for it. There is no need for Singapore Airlines to give the product away. Perhaps it is part mystique and part marketing, but it is clearly working for Singapore Airlines year after year.

The best seat in economy class for the Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 is likely to be 48D, where there is no seat in front of you. This is due to an escape hatch in place of the seat, for the under-deck crew rest compartment during an emergency. 48D has plenty of legroom, although the tray table is in the arm-rest. Otherwise, one of the exit rows is probably your best bet.

Stepping over seats to get to an aisle on Singapore A380

The Seat Expert — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:07:35 +0000

Seat 47E is adjacent to the emergency escape hatch for the below-deck crew rest compartment, and therefore has direct access to the aisle. The hatch is flush with the flooring of the passenger deck, and should not interfere with access with seat 47E at all. There is no need to step over the 47F and 47G to get to the aisle.