Head to Head: Singapore Airlines Suites vs Emirates Airways First

[Dr Bob]

I'm in. I loved SQ business last year but a recent suites trip to London blew me away. How on earth will I ever go back?

 

[kevinkhchan]

We landed earlier than scheduled, it was a 7 hour transit - but enough time for me to go into the City to meet my sister and her family for dinner - and enjoy my birthday cake. You see, it was my birthday too so another reason to celebrate. Next up, more Singapore Airlines.

Would have loved to catch up with you that day Alanslegal!

 

[lmere12]

Enjoying your report, prepping for our trip on Monday then EK F home. c

 

[Alanslegal]

So you are off the market now, Alan ? Congratulations!

It took a while - to build up the courage and take the plunge

Singapore - Singapore?

I presume you meant Sydney somewhere.

Ahhh yes, I saw my mistake.

Would have loved to catch up with you that day Alanslegal!

Next time mate, enjoying your Bali TR btw!

 

[Alanslegal]

Kind of off topic but I had to put in the best part - We got married!

Everyone expected a drive-through chapel and a look-a-like Elvis celebrant but that was never to be, yes that is typical Vegas but there are many other options out there. We originally planned for a dry lake / dessert wedding (you can google that) but with temperatures easily hitting well over 40 degrees, probably 50 out in the desert – we had to discharge that idea. We ended up with an intimate mid-morning ceremony in front of a dozen of our friends in the beer garden of Park on Freemont gastropub, champagne brunch straight after, a bit of rest before a private dining area at The Wicked Spoon buffet - best buffet in Vegas in my experience. Then more champagne up high in The Cosmopolitan Resort overlooking the Vegas strip, the day was way better than we had expected!

Some candid photos of the day:-

 

[Alanslegal]

New York – Dubai | A388 | Emirates Airways First

I have always wanted to fly an Emirates A380 purely because of the showers on-board and have had it on my bucket list for several years now. So when Qantas became best friends with Emirates in 2013 this became possible – use Qantas points for Emirates flights.

I wanted a long flight to make the most of the whole experience and something that fitted into my RTW itinerary. Emirates fly to several mainland USA cities so the options were quite open especially at eight months out. Departing New York to Dubai, the planned 12hr 30minute flight, cost 126,000 Qantas points and a jaw-dropping US$730 taxes per person, but sometimes you just have to cop it on the chin and pay whatever taxes they throw at you so you can fulfil an item off your bucket list.

Emirates offer complimentary chauffeur service at both origin and destination so this service makes the whole travel process a little bit more comfortable. Our car, a shiny black Cadillac ATS, was waiting in front of our hotel at our nominated time and a quick drive to JFK.

One of the biggest benefits from flying premium is the lack of queueing, and again, it is demonstrated at JFK where we are checked in within moments of arriving, and then through expedited security and straight to the Emirates Lounge. The lounge is spacious and airy. The buffet spread is acceptable but short of being over the top like what Emirates is expected to be.




When it’s time for boarding, you access the aerobridge from the lounge and straight onto the plane but before you board - this is for the Mens - a quick detour to the bathroom might be a good idea where you can do men’s business and have a final look at the tarmac.

 

[Alanslegal]

I have read quite a few reviews of the Emirates service and how it can be a hit or a miss. We were welcomed on board warmly and professionally and then lead to our suite – we were also given a quick tour of the cabin and explained some of the key features. Pre-departure champagne was served and we quickly settled into our seats. Lots of ‘bling’ in the cabin – wood, gold inserts, the drinks filled non-chilled mini-bar, star inspired ceiling. The suite felt much narrower than Singapore Airlines equivalent offering however. Pyjamas, Bvlgari branded amenity bag, slippers and eye shades are offered on this long haul flight, presented inside an Emirates tote bag.




The crew were of 18 different nationalities and 21 different languages so definitely a typical multicultural crew that Emirates regularly boasts about. Our flight departed on time and thankfully it was not too long before we were airborne. We were served our drinks and the cabin manager, an UAE born and raised national as we learned, brought to our attention that if at any time we felt like eating, then we could order anything from the menu, at any time we wanted to. It felt weird that I could order anything and in random order as I am quite accustomed to the standard First class dining experience usually of caviar, soup, salad, main course, dessert, cheese and coffee, so I ordered my lunch meal to that replicate a typical meal service. After that, another crew member came around and asked us if we wanted to reserve a time for our in-flight shower. For a 12hr 30 minute flight, we asked for a shower at 2hr 30 minutes prior to arrival, so we could freshen up and then have a light meal before landing.

My dining table was prepared with the usual white linen and proper chinaware; the crew told me of a special seat function that could lower my seat and arm rest down so that I could get out of my seat without needing to adjust the dining table.

My lunch consisted of: Caviar, Carrot & Corriander Soup, Traditional Arabic Mezze, Seared Beef Tenderloin




The caviar and soup were as expected, the mezze was probably a bit too traditional for me and the beef tenderloin was overcooked and tough. I sent the beef back and ordered another main meal and my dessert. The Roast Fillet of Sea Bass, White Chocolate and Bread Pudding:-



Thankfully, the Sea Bass was much more edible.

 

[cove]

Congratulations Alanslegal. Las Vegas spent about a trillion just for you two.

 

[Alanslegal]

There is an on-board bar at the rear of the plane where a host serves drinks and light snacks. It was often busy with other passengers who just wanted to spread their legs, waste some time or both. One of the First Class crew member saw us at the bar area and brought back a bottle of Dom Perignon 2004 for us. It was kept hidden away though as the standard drink for business class was Veuve Clicquot.

The bar concept is similar to what is offered on the Korean Airlines A380, and here is my past review of that flight:-

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/trip-reports-and-trip-photos/korean-airlines-a380-first-class-48226.html

There is more standing room than seats, so when there is turbulence and the seat belt sign comes on, the passengers either have to find a spare seat and strap in or are asked to go back to their seats.

Me @ the bar area:-



Surprisingly we finished a bottle and went back to our prepared beds for some rest:-

 

[infinity]

Loving the TR and congratulations
Have only done R/F on SG, F on EK and TG (a380&747) so can relate to what u are expecting
Always feel privileged to be a passenger at that end of the plane
Keep up the good work
I'm doing EY first apartments in 10 days do will add that as TR as well
Have fun

 

[Sprucegoose]

SQ please. Wouldn't compare to EK. Asians have a service discipline whereas EK need to recruit!

 

[Pushka]

SQ please. Wouldn't compare to EK. Asians have a service discipline whereas EK need to recruit!

I would have said the same until our last SQ flight. But that service is very hit and miss also. After a few EK flights now, EK for me.

 

[infinity]

Must say that my TG F on A380 was outstanding. Better than EK but SG superior hard product

 

[Sprucegoose]

I would have said the same until our last SQ flight. But that service is very hit and miss also. After a few EK flights now, EK for me.

Having said that I am always happy to be proved wrong!!

If it's a consistent lapse it's a serious business fail. Let's hope we have the opportunity to test these propositions !

Flew EK EZE to Rio recently. I must say quite good. I enjoyed the separate immigration and security.

 

[Flying mermaid]

The suite felt much narrower than Singapore Airlines equivalent offering however. .

Apart from being narrower, what did you think of bed comfort vs SQ bed? I found that Qf's bed was much more comfortable than EK, so interested in the comparison with SQ.

 

[Pushka]

Let's hope we have the opportunity to test these propositions !

Amen to that.

 

[Alanslegal]

Apart from being narrower, what did you think of bed comfort vs SQ bed? I found that Qf's bed was much more comfortable than EK, so interested in the comparison with SQ.

SQ wins hands down there. It is a proper fold down bed ie u need to get out of your seat for the seat to be prepared into a bed - other seats just press the button until it goes flat.

 

[R36snowbound]

Congrats on the big day Alanslegal, it looks like you have had a great trip and thank you for the TR.
I agree, SQ trumps EK in F hands down. IMO, EK needs less bling and more substance.

 

[Pushka]

SQ wins hands down there. It is a proper fold down bed ie u need to get out of your seat for the seat to be prepared into a bed - other seats just press the button until it goes flat.

Its interesting. That was the bit I didn't like. I much prefer being able to lie my seat flat myself then slightly change the angle when finished. But the chair in seated position didn't allow much angle. And when in the seated position the foot incline was acute (ie didn't raise much) and I found to get my legs raised I didn't know where to put my feet except crammed in this space near the TV which I didn't think was right.
Where the magazine is here.


No amenities pack was disappointing.

Oops. Just realised you were talking F. BIG difference.

Having been in Emirates F twice I cant imagine how good SQ must be to beat it.

 

[Flying mermaid]

SQ wins hands down there. It is a proper fold down bed ie u need to get out of your seat for the seat to be prepared into a bed - other seats just press the button until it goes flat.

Thanks - going to be interesting to try SQ. there was a lot I preferred with Emirates vs QF, but did find the bed much more uncomfortable.