This Airline Was Just Named the No. 1 Airline in the World
Updated: Apr. 04, 2023
I can personally attest that even economy class was luxurious.
When I was 19, I booked a solo flight from Seattle to Tokyo. The impulsive decision was born out of an urgent desire to “see the world” and a few too many late nights. In hindsight, a million things should have gone wrong. However, without my explicit understanding, one thing had gone incredibly right: I had more or less accidentally booked my flight on the number one airline in the world.
Here is everything you need to know about that airline, including how you can fly on it yourself. Trust me: if my sleep-deprived, over-eager 19-year-old self can do it, you can too.
Which airline is number one in the world?
For the 27th year in a row, the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have voted Singapore Airlines the number one international airline. This comes as no surprise to me or anyone else who has had the privilege of flying with them—the airline’s standards for service are simply unparalleled. No matter where you’re seated on the Boeing 777 or Airbus A380, you can expect delicious food and outstanding comfort.
What amenities does this airline offer?
Besides its generous rewards program and top-of-the-line airport lounges, Singapore Airlines offers incredible service on board its aircraft. To best illustrate its different amenities, let’s break them down by those offered in First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy. On my shoestring college budget, I flew Basic Economy, and I promise, even this class is a major upgrade.
First Class
First Class on Singapore Airlines is the height of commercial luxury. The airline privileges privacy in its lay-back seating units and first-class suites. Though the suites are only offered for certain routes, such as New York to Frankfurt, they boast 50 square feet of space, a bed, an armchair and sliding doors. Additionally, passengers can preorder gourmet meals designed by globally renowned chefs through the airline’s “Book the Cook” program.
Business Class
Passengers in business class can also take advantage of the Book the Cook program. They will also enjoy wide, fully flat leather seats, all with direct aisle access. However, the seating may require passengers to sleep at a slight angle to use the necessary cutouts for legs and feet. If this is a problem, business passengers can always book bulkhead seats at the front of the Business section.
Premium Economy Class
Premium economy passengers on certain flight routes can also Book the Cook to take full advantage of Singapore Airlines’ exceptional food. Seats in premium economy are a roomy 19.5 inches wide and have personal calf rests and footrests. Additionally, every seat looks onto a 13.5-inch television screen for in-flight entertainment.
Economy Class
Lastly, Singapore Airlines’ Economy Class is nothing to sniff at! Offering fully cushioned seats with four-way adjustable headrests and convenient footrests, the seating is reminiscent of a U.S. airline’s business class. The airline also gives every economy passenger an amenities kit, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, eye shades and socks, and a hot towel service.
For dining, passengers will be treated to full, multi-course meals served with real cutlery and glassware. On a personal note, I have flown once on Singapore Airlines Economy Class and the dining experience was what differentiated the airline for me. I distinctly remember a mouthwatering stewed beef with roasted vegetables and rice, served with a fluffy dinner roll, salad, crackers and condiments. For breakfast, I had an omelet with pork sausage, grilled tomatoes, guava juice, yogurt and more bread and butter. In between, I think they gave me a full croissant sandwich as a snack. The food was flavorful, comforting and above all filling, leaving me satiated and relaxed for the duration of my long flight.
How can I fly on Singapore Airlines?
Singapore Airlines offers more than 75 destinations across five continents. While booking a flight to Singapore is a great way to experience the safe and comfortable airline’s amenities first-hand, you can also fly to some European destinations on Singapore Airlines, such as Frankfurt, Germany and Manchester, England.
Singapore Airlines flies to and from six U.S. cities: New York City (JFK), Newark (EWR), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA) and Houston (IAH). If you live near any of these major cities, check which destinations Singapore Airlines may offer from them for your next vacation.
Sources:
- Travel & Leisure: This Airline Has Been Voted the No. 1 in the World for 27 Years in a Row
- Travel & Leisure: Singapore Airlines Just Opened New Flagship Lounges at ChangiÂ
