You Can Fly Singapore Airlines’ New First Class Suites for (Almost) Free on This One Route (Video)

You don’t have to be rich to fly Singapore Airlines’ opulent first-class suites. You just need some airline miles and this simple strategy.

Singapore Airlines currently flies Airbus A380s with the new suites aboard certain flights from its hub at Singapore Changi to Hong Kong, London Heathrow, Shanghai Pudong, Sydney, and Zurich. Unfortunately, saver-level award tickets (those that cost the fewest amount of miles) are non-existent on almost all of these flights. Almost.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find award tickets on the longer-haul routes, like those to London and Sydney. Flights with the new suites do not even show up on most award searches. However, there is one route where you can find saver-level space nearly every day of the week.

That route is from Shanghai to Singapore. Singapore Airlines operates four flights in each direction on this route daily, so before you book, you need to make a note of the following flight numbers and times, which are the only ones with the new suites on them.

Singapore Airlines flight SQ830 departs Singapore Changi at 9:45am and arrives at Shanghai Pudong at 3:05pm. (Note: This flight’s scheduled time will shift slightly starting on October 28, but the flight number remains the same.)

Singapore Airlines flight SQ833 departs Shanghai Pudong at 4:50pm and arrives in Singapore at 10:20pm.

You will need 50,000 Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles to book a one-way award. Don’t let that number scare you, though, since there are plenty of ways to rack up those miles quickly.

How to Search and Book a Singapore Airlines Award Ticket

In order to book an award in a suite, you will need to use Singapore Airlines’ award search engine and its own KrisFlyer frequent-flier program miles. If you do not have a KrisFlyer account, sign up for one here. It only takes a minute.

You should sign up for KrisFlyer anyway because the program is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards. If you have any number of credit cards that earn these three types of points, you will be able to transfer them into your KrisFlyer account when you want to book an award on Singapore Airlines or its other airline partners.

When you are ready to search for awards, go to Singapore Airlines’ website and log into your account. Under the “Book a trip” tab, click “Redeem flights,” then enter your search airports and dates.

Some dates might not have any saver-level award availability on the specific flights with suites, and some might have only “Waitlist” space. Don’t get discouraged. I found plenty of awards in October-January, then in March and beyond. I suspect that February has less award availability on this specific route because of the Chinese New Year when many people tend to be traveling.

Interestingly enough, there is a lot more award availability in the direction from Shanghai to Singapore than from Singapore to Shanghai. So if you have plans that take you to China, or you want to take advantage of the country’s visa-free transit policy in Shanghai where you can stop over for up to 144 hours before continuing on to a third country, this might be just the opportunity you need to book a Singapore Airlines award.

KrisFlyer will charge you 50,000 miles in each direction plus 90 RMB ($13) from Shanghai, or $47 SGD ($34) from Singapore. That might seem like a lot of miles, but for this level of luxury on a flight that lasts over five hours, it’s an amazing value. Especially considering that paid airfares for the new suites currently range anywhere from $2,500-$7,500 one-way depending on the date and the route that you book.

If you do find an award that works for your travel schedule, you should transfer points from one of your linked accounts with Amex, Chase or Citi immediately since transfers can take 12-48 hours to go through.

Why You'll Want to Fly in Singapore's First Class Suites

Still having doubts? Here’s a reminder of what’s in store if you do end up booking a suite.

Singapore Airlines unveiled the new suites last November as part of a redesign of all the cabins aboard its Airbus A380s. Each jumbo jet has just six of these private sanctuaries total located in the front cabin of its upper deck. Suites are 50 square feet – palatial by in-flight standards – and have closing door for the utmost privacy. However, the first two suites in each row can be combined into doubles in case you are traveling with a companion.

Courtesy of Singapore Airlines

The suites were designed by Pierrejean Design Studio, Paris, and contain not only sleek Poltrona Frau leather armchairs, but also separate twin-size beds (27 inches by 76 inches, to be exact) that stow into compartments when passengers are not using them.

Side consoles hide an oversize dining table that doubles as a work desk, a lit vanity mirror for primping pre-landing and a touchscreen tablet that passengers can use to adjust the suite’s lighting call for service. Those not working can enjoy a range of entertainment options on their own 32-inch, high-definition screen and linger over a leisurely meal created by the airline’s International Culinary Panel of celebrity chefs.

Courtesy of Singapore Airlines

The amenities are provided by storied French luxury brand Lalique, including plush linens and duvets, pajamas, skincare products, and the cut-crystal glasses used for meal service, though the fine china is by Wedgwood.

Suites passengers have two large, spa-inspired lavatories to themselves, one of which has a sit-down vanity counter stocked with more Lalique products such as citrus-scented facial mist and body lotion.

10 Easy Ways to Make Your Economy Flight Feel Like First Class (Video)

Splurging on a first class ticket isn’t the only way to guarantee a pleasant flight. In fact, getting a luxury experience from an economy reservation can easily be done. Though it’s going to take some effort to mimic the premium dream, these life hacks will make all the difference. Before packing those bags, study our tips for making the most out of your budget-friendly moment in the sky.

Food, first

Just because a meal is included with your economy fare, it doesn’t mean you have to settle for mediocre airplane food. Do yourself a favor and purchase your favorite foods prior to boarding. Whether it’s a sweet treat or a yummy cheeseburger, eating something you actually want will instantly put you in a good mood. Don’t believe us? See what Anthony Bourdain had to say about airplane food.

Check-in early

A mobile boarding pass will make you feel more like a VIP than you think. Not only will it get you through security faster and keep you out of long check-in lines, being one of the first to check into a flight increases your chance of ending up with a better seat. If you wait until you arrive at the airport, most of the seats may have been assigned, leaving you with way less options and the chance to be stuck in the dreaded middle seat. 

A better amenities kit

Instead of fretting about not being offered in-flight essentials, why not put together your own? Pamper yourself with a pair of slipper socks, a toothbrush, high-end skincare products, and more in a convenient and sleek pouch. Trust us, these little details go a long way. For a simpler solution, you could opt for the premade Aria travel kit that includes everything you need to relax and unwind on your next flight.

Extra leg room is key

From landing an exit row to stuffing your personal item into an overhead carry-on, it’s important to have as much space as possible. Make sure to keep an eye out for empty rows or window seats and then ask a flight attendant to move once everyone is seated.

Bring your own alcohol 

Free wine and beer on long-haul flights may be nice, but nothing beats your go-to beverage. Though it's technically illegal to drink alcohol brought onboard yourself, there's a loophole: a flight attendant can serve you your alcohol if presented to them at the beginning of the flight. Not all airlines will do this, but if you find yourself on a JetBlue flight, don't hesitate to ask. If you don't want to deal with the hassle, just stop in the airport and get yourself your favorite Starbucks drink or a healthy smoothy to relax. And whatever you do, don't forget to bring a bottle of water. 

It’s all in the loungewear

Even though plenty of first class passengers wear suits and heels, many of them change into more comfortable clothing shortly after boarding. The trick is to look the part before takeoff, but be a travel-pro by packing luxe pajamas or chic athletic wear for a smoother flight.

Soundproof your space

Complimentary economy earbuds are no match for the noise-canceling headphones included in first class. However, even that luxury amenity isn’t comparable to investing in your own high-quality pair. Plus, being able to tune out a crying baby or chatty seatmate is priceless.

Go to a lounge

Regardless of your seat number, you can pay to have access to an airline lounge. Being able to eat, drink, and shower ahead of a flight or during a layover takes things to a new level. Look to apps such as Priority Pass or Lounge Buddy for discounted prices.

Upgrade the entertainment

Having movies or TV shows downloaded from a streaming platform on your tablet or laptop can make time fly. They might even be a step up from the available programming on the plane.

Try to get some sleep

Forget the flimsy blanket and tiny cushion provided. Give yourself more of a chance to fall asleep with a memory foam travel pillow and a soft, lightweight comforter for a true first class experience.

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What It's Really Like Flying Business Class on Emirates

Many years ago, when I flew Emirates for the first time—to India via Dubai—my experience was a revelation. This was the early days of the Middle Eastern carrier’s expansion, and it hadn’t yet entered entered into the global consciousness as a world-class brand. Yet here was a thoroughly modern experience: brand-new aircraft product; a sophisticated, international flight crew; some of the best entertainment, dining, and amenities in the air.

On that trip, I flew both in business and in first class—first was especially noteworthy, with semi-enclosed cabins which at that time were a totally new phenomenon—and both were exceptional experiences. I felt I had definitely experienced an airline on the up and up, an assessment that proved correct.

Fast forward to today and, despite that positive early experience, I haven’t actually flown Emirates too much over the years. Although the airline’s rapid expansion of routes and fleet—including its enthusiastic and early embrace of the Airbus A380—make routing through its Dubai hub easy, for those of us who guard our status in one alliance or another, the inability to earn miles/points from Emirates flights on most of the major carriers serves as a not insignificant deterrent. (If you’re a loyalist of Alaska, Virgin America, or JetBlue, or a handful of international carriers like Korean Air, Quantas, and Japan Airlines, then you’re in luck, but those with status on American, United, or Delta won’t accrue points from Emirates flights—no matter how long.)

So a few months ago, when Emirates offered to fly me in business class to the Seychelles via Dubai—the carrier has some of the easiest connections to the Indian Ocean nation—I decided to give it a go, to evaluate whether it’s worth it for most travelers to forego the miles in exchange for what is meant to be an exceptional experience.

My conclusion is that Emirates, at least in business class, still stands out relative to other carriers in certain aspects and is on par with top-tier competitive products in most others, and it’s therefore well worth considering, particularly in instances where direct flights from the U.S. to your final destination are not an option and the routing through Dubai provides a convenient connection.

Read on for a step-by-step description of the experience on one leg of my journey: flying home to New York from Dubai on an A380.

10 of the Most Over-the-Top Flight Amenities Available in First Class

Airlines are one-upping each other in order to attract first and business class passengers who demand one-of-a-kind inflight service, high-end amenities, and cuisine from award-winning celebrity chefs. And that’s just the beginning.

Take Etihad, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates. For travelers with deep pockets, it offers The Residence, a three-room suite including a living room, a separate bedroom with a double bed pristinely tucked in Pratesi fine linens, and a private bathroom complete with an en-suite shower. If that weren’t enough, the cabin comes with your very own personal chef—meals will be served on 24-karat gold-plated tableware as well as crystal glassware designed by Vera Wang for Wedgwood—and a dedicated butler. Said butler will be in constant contact with a concierge team on the ground that can book tables at top restaurants in London or hard-to-get theater tickets in New York City. If you’re traveling with kids, the Flying Nannies program—entertaining kids with crafts, magic tricks, and more—is sure to appeal.

Read on for 11 more airlines that make flying something to be enjoyed, not just endured.