BACKGROUND: Singapore Airlines usually deploys its A380 aircraft on its daily night service between Mumbai and Singapore. On the day I took this flight, due to operational reasons, the airline deployed its plush B777-300ER aircraft, with minor differences in the overall configuration between the aircraft. The Premium Economy seat that I experienced is standard on both the A380 and B777-300ER aircraft.
THE LOUNGE: All airlines operating out of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport use the plush GVK Business Class lounge, which gets my vote for being one of the most luxurious and well-appointed lounges in the world. Gorgeous decor, lots of private seating areas, a large bar serving champagne and whisky, a buffet area and even a 15-minute express spa are just some of the perks you can expect at this lounge.
BOARDING: Singapore Airlines’ Mumbai ground staff carried out the boarding process in a most systematic manner. Priority queues for Premium Economy are right next to the boarding queues for First and Business Class. (This is in addition to the priority check-in queues)I boarded from the 2 Left door and turned right towards the Premium Economy cabin, after being warmly greeted by the airline’s iconic Singapore Girls.
THE SEAT: The cabin is laid out in a generous 2-4-2 configuration. The seat features a 38-inch pitch, an 8-inch recline and a 19.5-inch seat width, considerably more spacious than the standard economy class seat.
In addition to the recline, there is a leg rest that you can raise, for extra comfort. The seat also features 2 USB ports for charging your devices and handy storage areas for a water bottle, phone and laptop.
WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE: I chose a window seat in Row 32, the second of three rows. I did enjoy the extra support of the cabin wall to sleep on the overnight flight.
THE FLIGHT: Singapore Airlines’ world-famous inflight service delivered excellently on every count on this 4.5hour hop between Mumbai and Singapore. A drinks round — including champagne — was offered before the meal service, which included a three main course options Oriental and Indian, vegetarian-friendly option. Interesting to note that the airline has now introduced its Book the Cook option for Premium Economy passengers from selected destinations (not available for flights ex-Mumbai, however). In terms of entertainment, each passenger enjoys premium-quality noise-cancelling headphones in addition to the 13.3-inch HD touchscreen packed with the airline’s impressive KrisWorld entertainment system. The flight went by quite smoothly — on-time departure from Mumbai and a 15-minute ahead-of-schedule arrival into Singapore Changi’s T3.
VERDICT This is one of my favourite Premium Economy products in the skies, with perks that are truly “premium”.
CONTACT
