Etihad or Singapore business class? Sydney to Paris

[Anastascia]

Hello everyone,

I am trying to decide between Singapore and Etihad for my upcoming trip to Paris in March 13 and would really appreciate any advice.

I will be flying business class and have found flights on the days I need with EY and SQ, both at around $7400 return with similiar fare conditions (both $200 to cancel if needed). As I am Platinum Velocity member, I will earn more points if I book through Virgin Australia on the codeshare flights with EY. The EY flight would be a 777-300ER SYD-AUH and the other legs on a A340-600. The SQ flights would all be on the A380. The other factor for me is that I am a very nervous flyer and EY looks a little cramped. Is that accurate? I recently returned from a trip to SE Asia on SQ in Y and found the A380 and SQ very good.

The points situation would look something like this:

EY booked through VA

Approx 22,000 miles return in Business Class 'I' fare at 1.5 points per mile, so 33,000 points. As a Plat member, I think I would then recieve a 100% bonus bringing the total to 66,000 points. As I will be paying on a Plat Velocity Amex, I would then rec a further 22,000 points. So total 88,000 points.

On SQ, I would receive a total of 27,500 points for the same trip plus 11,100 from Amex, giving a total of 38,600.

Is it worth forgoing a possible extra 50,000 points to fly SQ? Which airline offers the better business class? I need to fly to Europe in September as well so the extra points would be handy for a possible reward flight but I have always wanted to fly SQ A380 business and think I might be less nervous on that. Thoughts?

Thanks and merry christmas

 

[mella2007]

I have flown EY and have been happy with the service, food and the seat (and points and status credits) that I get.
However I have heard nothing but rave reviews about Singapore's business class offering, especially on the A380. Their entire service is supposed to be one of the best around.
If points and status credits matter to you, go with EY...if you want a better product go with SQ (and you will feel less claustrophobic on the A380 also...as the EY seat is quite tight...and if you end up in a middle seat you will be very very close to the next pax)

Merry Christmas!

 

[Anastascia]

Hello Mella2007,

Thanks for your reply! From the trip reports I have read, EY does look a little tight which I suppose makes sense as they are smaller aircraft. It just looks a little cluttered in their J cabin.

Status credits will be the same regardless of which airline but 50,000 points seems something to consider. I am now leaning towards SQ though due to the A380 factor.

 

[RWJ777]

I have flown EY in J twice on the SYD-CDG route. They were good to ok. A friend of mine flew SQ and sent they were just excellent. A 50,000 point differential is indeed a large one, however what point points if not to enjoy yourself and I suspect you'd enjoy yourself much more on SQ. Also, if you are a somewhat nervous flyer, the extra space on SQ might be calming.

And a Merry Christmas to you too!

 

[legroom]

I have flown EY in J twice on the SYD-CDG route. They were good to ok. A friend of mine flew SQ and sent they were just excellent. A 50,000 point differential is indeed a large one, however what point points if not to enjoy yourself and I suspect you'd enjoy yourself much more on SQ. Also, if you are a somewhat nervous flyer, the extra space on SQ might be calming.

And a Merry Christmas to you too!

Indeed !

That's the whole point.

A380: quieter plane, larger seats plus a service you would hear only positives about.

I'm biased here: flying SQ to CDG in Jan in paid F !

Look forward to it - not only the flight, but mostly the F part

Plus BTC, my friend (Book The Cook)

Lots of positive comments on the Lobster Thermidor from AFF posts so you may just sample that as well.

 

[Anastascia]

Hi legroom,

Thanks! Enjoy your trip in F to Paris!

Any other thoughts before I make my booking?

 

[malmacdowall]

Both have excellent service . I've flown both regularly and enjoyed service on both.

I also faced this dilemma re points earning. If you don't need the points for maintaining status or requal then try the A380. I did the same thing recently to Italy and loved it .

The space on Etihad is still really good in business. The 777 is staggered seating and sitting in a window seat is quite private .
Both have great sleeping setups.

Food and service on both is excellent . Book the cook is a great treat though.

The A380 seats are very wide (which I loved being a Big fella ) but some people find them too large and don't feel well supported.

But as per my first suggestion , if you don't desperately need the points, try the A380...

 

[MYT105]

You made one calculation error, the platinum 100% bonus is on the base miles, i.e. 22,000 not 33,000. So it might make a difference to your consideration.

I flew to London with EY in J and was happy with them, you do get your own seat with access to the aisle from all seats without stepping over anyone, but it does mean you are in your own cubicle and don't really see anyone else if you have a window seat.

Haven't flown SQ so can't comment on them.

 

[chrism007]

Hi Anastascia,

I've flown Etihad Business to Paris twice now and London on the Singapore A380 once.

The service on Singapore Airlines is sensational, you really won't experience anything better.

The seats on the Singapore A380 look wide but are very close together. When it converts into a bed you have to lie on this strange diagonal angle with holes for your head and feet. I really didn't think it was all that comfortable and struggled to sleep.

With Etihad on the otherhand i've always had excellent food and found the seats to be very comfortable. Service is good but not in the same league as Singapore.

Singapore Airlines were also serving Bollinger Champagne last time I was on board

If the prices are same, I would probably pick Singapore just for the overall experience.

I usually end up flying Etihad myself just because of the value for money ... Singapore is usually a good $2000 dearer.

Hello everyone,

I am trying to decide between Singapore and Etihad for my upcoming trip to Paris in March 13 and would really appreciate any advice.

I will be flying business class and have found flights on the days I need with EY and SQ, both at around $7400 return with similiar fare conditions (both $200 to cancel if needed). As I am Platinum Velocity member, I will earn more points if I book through Virgin Australia on the codeshare flights with EY. The EY flight would be a 777-300ER SYD-AUH and the other legs on a A340-600. The SQ flights would all be on the A380. The other factor for me is that I am a very nervous flyer and EY looks a little cramped. Is that accurate? I recently returned from a trip to SE Asia on SQ in Y and found the A380 and SQ very good.

The points situation would look something like this:

EY booked through VA

Approx 22,000 miles return in Business Class 'I' fare at 1.5 points per mile, so 33,000 points. As a Plat member, I think I would then recieve a 100% bonus bringing the total to 66,000 points. As I will be paying on a Plat Velocity Amex, I would then rec a further 22,000 points. So total 88,000 points.

On SQ, I would receive a total of 27,500 points for the same trip plus 11,100 from Amex, giving a total of 38,600.

Is it worth forgoing a possible extra 50,000 points to fly SQ? Which airline offers the better business class? I need to fly to Europe in September as well so the extra points would be handy for a possible reward flight but I have always wanted to fly SQ A380 business and think I might be less nervous on that. Thoughts?

Thanks and merry christmas

 

[lovestotravel]

Singapore Airlines

No question about it

Just make sure you pick A380 flights or 777-300ER flights

 

[DJSYD81]

There has been times where I have found Etihad first class for around the same as Singapore business class to Europe so I have flown with Etihad in those cases, but usually I would choose Singapore business over Etihad business.