Singapore Air Executive Economy worth it?
 

I will be traveling to Indonesia through Singapore in November. I have the choice of taking the Singaport air route with the "pit stop" in Frankfurt (SQ25/26) or the executive economy non-stop from EWR (SQ21/22). Quoted price difference is about $450. Anyone out there who can give a reasonable value comparison? Taking the non-stop back will cause me to have a longer layover (about 12 hours longer) in Singapore as well. I flew the SQ25/26 route last year and felt a bit cramped, though it wasn't absolutely horrible . . .

Thanks

It's really a personal thing on the value for money side. If you take the non stop it's nopn stop so youwill get there quicker, so that's one thing of value. Secondly the A 345's have only 7 seats abreast in a 2 x 3 x 2 configurations so seats are wider, plus you have more legroom. I have not flown on this aircraft but all accounts are that as the non stop only offers Business and the Ececutive Economy you also get a pretty good enhanced service in coach/economy.
Let's put it this way, if you feel you can afford the extra $ 450 then enjoy the journey, if you are on a budget or the $ 450 will eat into your trip costs have a re-think.
If I could 'easily' afford to part with $ 450 then I would say it's worth it, I am sure you will get more comments and I am certain that there have been reviews of these flights, perhaps do a search and they will come up.

I agree that its a personal thing - but more so for comfort. I have flown many times from Newark to Singapore on various airlines, but for me a non-stop flight would be uncomfortable as I don't sleep much and I like to get off the plane for some fresh air and walkabout.

If you are a big sleeper, take the non-stop.

Time save on the outbound is minimal. It probably just mean sitting around EWR a little longer. Inbound is more significant, but you may not appreciate the long layover in Singapore as well.

So, it's all about the seat. I think JamesA has it right. It's how you see the $450 extra. If it's no big deal, then take the non-stop, and just think how much $$$ you just save by not flying Raffles Business, and how much more comfortable it is compared to regular coach.

A long layover in Singapore is no problem. If you have star alliance executive premier mileage card, you can use the lounge there... showers and all. There is also a mini hotel in the Sing airport, so you can rent a room for a few hours and snooze, laying down. There are massage and hair cutting services and free internet (with webcams) for everyone, regardless of mileage status or affiliation.. it's just outside that lounge. And, check out Sing airs web page about getting a Singapore stop over (needs to be booked at time of booking). For one low fee (like $30?!!!) you get a free night hotel, airport transfers and admission to the zoo, bird safari and other attractions. Maybe you want to make the return with a day PLUS the 12 hour stopover.

As for the executive economy, check how far the seats recline. And how many rows of Executive economy there are. If half the economy section is this "executive" class, it may be little more than a way to give an extra 2" leg room and charge more. if the seats recline more than usual, and more than 2" more, it would be worth it to me.

I usually do business class for the long hauls but last time I did United's economy extra. The price difference wasn't as much, and I got the bulkhead seat...my legs couldn't even reach the bulkhead, that's how much room there was...but the seat didn't recline more than 2" more than usual economy, and I wished I were able to lie, atleast 140-150 degrees.

I'd go non stop. It's a newer plane. But I would check the recline degree.

The aircraft operates with Raffles Class and Executive Economy only

http://img.singaporeair.com/images/e...s/A345-500.gif

If you really want to know the difference between the flights/classes of service, visit www.flyertalk.com. Go to the Airlines forums and post your question in Singapore Airlines.

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