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Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN

  • Business
Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN

Note9.6/10

Flight Carrier
Singapore Airlines
Departing Airport
O. R. Tambo International Airport
Arrival Airport
Singapore Changi Airport
Flight Number
SQ481
Duration
10:20
Aircraft
Airbus A350
Cabin Class
Business Class
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Singapore Airlines’ business class

On our family trip around the world, we used our Aeroplan Miles to book our long-haul flights.

After a trip from Montreal to Johannesburg through Zurich, and 3 weeks in South Africa, it’s time for us to fly to Singapore from Johannesburg!

Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - Singapore A350 Audrey Jean Maximilien

I must admit I was lucky to find four business class seats on this flight on board an Airbus A350, as Singapore Airlines usually has few seats available on this type of flight.

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At Johannesburg Airport

After a trip to the Aspire Lounge, offered to passengers traveling in business class or American Express Platinum CardMD holders, we were on our way to our gate.

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One area is dedicated to business class traveling.

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The crew had not yet boarded the aircraft, which meant a delay in the schedule.

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So we enjoyed the views of the tarmac with the children.

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Boarding

After a 30-minute delay on the schedule, we finally boarded. Fortunately, because the children are getting tired (it’s about 10:30 pm), but still happy to take some pictures!

We entered the cabin through the first door, as the economy class passengers use another gangway.

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The Business cabin

What stands out when you enter this cabin is the luxurious and chic look thanks to the colour scheme chosen by Singapore Airlines.

Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - Singapore Airlines A350 Business Class 09
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In this festive season, the cabin is decorated for Christmas.

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The choice of seats

The 1-2-1 layout of the cabin is ideal as it gives everyone direct access to the corridor.

However, for passengers traveling with young children, this type of configuration can be problematic (especially since to move from one aisle to the other, you have to go to the back or front of the cabin).

However, we had taken a chance and put both children in an individual seat, us adults sitting in the middle seats. So we each had a child across the corridor.

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Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - business class-24

The seat

In normal mode

The seat is particularly comfortable and wide! Of course, if you are traveling alone, you will prefer the individual seats at the portholes.

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Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - business class-12

But the central seats are not unpleasant either (especially since it is possible to partition with a retractable wall).

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On the other hand, it is not really easy to communicate from one seat to another, the space being quite wide!

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Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - business class-77

What we particularly liked: the amount of storage space! Be sure to check them all when you leave the plane.

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All the sockets are of course present and you can even connect your mobile device to your TV (and if you are a frequent Singapore Airlines traveller, you can even pick up your programme from where you left off on your previous flight!)

A headset with ambient noise reduction is also included.

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Several lights are integrated into the seat:

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All seat-related functions are conveniently located on the edge under the armrest:

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What’s nice about the center seats: the lack of a luggage compartment above them. This gives a spacious feeling to the cabin.

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In bed mode

To convert the chair into a bed, the backrest must be folded forward. A rather unusual process from a passenger’s point of view, but one that the crew members can do in the blink of an eye.

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As you might expect, this is a rather wide bed in terms of the backrest. However, you’ll have to get used to sleeping diagonally! Because of the seats’ configuration, your legs will have to fit in the space between the two front seats.

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It’s a bit of an odd position to be in, but we got used to it pretty quickly. Note that the seats in the front of the cabin have much more legroom (but are often reserved for the company’s frequent flyers).

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Of course, no problem for the children who slept 7 hours!

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As for me, I slept exactly 6 hours (having the habit of taking a picture of the position before / after sleeping).

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Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - business class-83

The screen

The screen is a comfortable size with an interesting choice of movies.

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However, it is surprisingly not a touch screen! So you have to use the remote control to access the different functions.

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Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - business class-14

Wi-Fi on board

This aircraft has a Wi-Fi internet connection on board. It is not free.

Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - Singapore Airlines Wifi Options

But thanks to my HSBC World Elite Mastercard and its included unlimited subscription to the Boingo service, I can connect for free!

Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - Singapore Airlines Wifi Boingo
Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - Singapore Airlines Wifi Connected

In addition to charging no conversion fees for foreign currency purchases, my HSBC World Elite Mastercard is a real asset as a traveller.

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
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With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
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We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

For children

Of all the flights we were able to take with our children, Singapore Airlines is without a doubt the one that amazed us the most.

Indeed, as soon as we arrived on board, a hostess literally took charge of each of our children.

Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - business class-23

While it is often difficult to reason with a child as a parent (especially at 11pm), it is amazing how easy it is for other people to « coax » them!

Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - business class-25

And that’s without counting the many attentions Singapore Airlines has thought of for children:

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It’s quite simple: we hardly had to take care of our children during the 10-hour flight. « Miss Alexandra » and « Mister Arthur » were in good hands, allowing us to relax and really enjoy our flight.

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If you travel with children, we highly recommend this airline. Bravo Singapore Airlines!

The service

As with everything else, the service on board Singapore Airlines is excellent. Flight attendants call you by your last name, and all your meal – and flight (bedtime/wake-up) preferences are respected.

Perhaps the quality of the food could have been a little higher, but it was very satisfactory for a flight not departing from the company’s Hub.

The shelf is particularly wide:

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Shortly after take-off, champagne is served.

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There is a special spot next to the screen to place your glass or cup:

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Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - business class-68

Here were our different dishes from my side:

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Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - business class-85

And on Audrey’s side:

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And the second service shortly before landing:

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Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - business class-87

Arrival in Singapore

After a little more than 10 hours of smooth flight, the windows are opened to let the daylight in.

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Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - business class-92
Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - business class-93

We arrived 20 minutes late, as favourable winds allowed us to make up part of the one-hour delay at take-off.

We disembarked first, without forgetting a souvenir photo for Alexandra who thought that the hostesses were wearing « princess dresses »:

Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - Singapore Airlines Hôtesses Alexandra

The Airbus A350 is an aircraft that I particularly appreciate, having had the chance to travel on it on:

But I must say that of all of them, I was most satisfied with the experience on board Singapore Airlines, with Air France coming second and Lufthansa last.

I can’t wait to try the Qatar Airways one with its famous Qsuites soon!

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Review: Singapore Airlines A350 | Business Class | JNB-SIN - Singapore Airlines A350 Business Class 97

Bottom line

A great flight on Singapore Airlines. This airline is a safe bet if you are travelling to Asia.

Using Aeroplan Miles to travel on it is particularly wise given the quality of the services provided. We highly recommend it!

Featured
Annual fee
$0 $139
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$1,139
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Annual fee rebated$139Total$1,139Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 50,000 points
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
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on TD's website

With this offer for the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you can get up to 50,000 Aeroplan points as well as an Annual Fee rebate for the first year.

  • Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card
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  • Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening

This card also allows you to enjoy travel benefits, such as a free first checked bag for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation, as well as a rebate on the NEXUS program application fee (up to $100 CAD per eligible cardholder) every 48 months.

With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on:

  • Grocery purchases
  • Gas and electric vehicle charging purchases
  • Purchases made directly with Air Canada® (including Air Canada Vacations®)

You also earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases made with your card.

Annual fee

Primary card$139
Additional card$75

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 1.5xGas & EV
  • 1.5xGroceries
  • 1.5xAir Canada flights
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,714
2nd Year Value$425

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 4 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Our featured card

Featured
Annual fee
$0 $139
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$1,139
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Annual fee rebated$139Total$1,139Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 50,000 points
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Apply Now

on TD's website

With this offer for the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you can get up to 50,000 Aeroplan points as well as an Annual Fee rebate for the first year.

  • Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card
  • Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of Account opening.
  • Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening

This card also allows you to enjoy travel benefits, such as a free first checked bag for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation, as well as a rebate on the NEXUS program application fee (up to $100 CAD per eligible cardholder) every 48 months.

With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on:

  • Grocery purchases
  • Gas and electric vehicle charging purchases
  • Purchases made directly with Air Canada® (including Air Canada Vacations®)

You also earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases made with your card.

Annual fee

Primary card$139
Additional card$75

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 1.5xGas & EV
  • 1.5xGroceries
  • 1.5xAir Canada flights
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,714
2nd Year Value$425

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 4 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Our editorial integrity

Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.