My husband and I are considering using miles in economy class for our first trip to Asia. We will start our travel in Charleston SC with a non-stop (2:29pm to 4:09 pm) to Dulles (Washington DC); Leave Wash Dulles at 5:55pm for overnight flight to Zurich (arr 8:00 a.m.)
connect with Singapore Air at 10:55 am. for long haul (almost 12 hours) to Singapore, arr 5:45am. Are we crazy for considering this??? We've thought of overnighting in Zurich, which is an option. My husband thinks breaking up the longhaul from the east coast is the way to go to avoid a 19 or 20 hour flight in economy class.

It is not crazy, and whether you want a layover in ZRH is simply about personal preference. Do you have the time to do so, do you mind the high cost of a hotel at ZRH, etc. Going straight is totally doable and plenty of people fly 20+ hours to get from one place to another without overnighting.

You are very kind to try to help. It's the economy part for that many hours that is worrisome. What can we do for all those hours???? You are right about the high priced Zurich hotels. The Zurich Singapore segment is on that huge two level airbus. Have you done 20 hours in economy?

I fly between Hong Kong and Houston about twice a year, all in coach. About 19 hours in coach, if one-stop; 20+ if two-stops.

SQ's has the best onboard entertainment in the industry. Big 9" screens, hundreds of movies. You definitely won't be bored for your ZRH-SIN flight. And you should be getting some sleep on your trans-Atlantic segment as well.

There are much worse ways to get to Singapore than your option.

Thank you for sharing your experience! I am looking forward to our trip. Flights home also broken up from Hong Kong to San Francisco then SFO to Washington Dulles and then Wash DC to Charleston. I am feeling better about our options. Thank you again

Your trip sounds very do-able to me! Wow... around the world!

I fly to Bangkok several times a year from OHare. This is at least 19 hours in the air, plus layovers, so a good 24 hours to reach my destination. Granted, I TRY to do it in business class instead of coach.. if I can upgrade. Luckily for me, I'm upgraded to biz on Apr 18.

Have a super time. Will you be going to other countries in Southeast Asia?

Oh, and I love Zurich airport!!!! I fly to ZRH twice a year and always enjoy the shopping.

With an itinerary like this, I would highly suggest you buy the USAirways Club membership, which is currently $259 for the year. Since you're flying on Star Alliance airlines for all your segments, both you will get lounge access in basically all airports (except Charleston, which they don't have a club, I don't think).

To me, having access to a lounge makes flying longhaul coach a lot more bearable.

>>>SQ's has the best onboard entertainment in the industry.<<<

(Oh, that warms this SIA loyalist's heart...that SQ 'hard product' - and don't forget that all-time cherished 'soft product' with those sensational Singapore Girls - always seems to delight, short and long-haul flights alike.)


Now, warm greetings IrtayIoe, and warm congrats in advance for flying on a fine SQ A380 with those Girls. I've flown SQ's 380s (up and downstairs) on SIN-HKG and SIN-NRT round-trips, and it's a rather delightfully serene experience. If so inclined, SQ does offer 'preferred seats' (for an additional fee) for those flying economy. Various rules and regs always changing, so research more via singaporeair.com/ (For those couples flying Y, would suggest the upstairs pairs seating.) And, special meals available in Y, and for a SQ flight of your duration, the always appreciated SIA economy-class amenities. (I have a feeling you're going to be rather pleasantly surprised.)

Do you have Singapore hotel plans? Can't give you any recent reviews as we now have a little home in SIN, but will still give a heartfelt promo to my old SIN business travel haunt, the Four Seasons. Wonderful staff and joyous in-room massage treatments to make any long-haul aches and pains a distant memory.

Have fun - and savour your rides.

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

Oh My-I do hope you are young. We used to use our FF miles for plane tickets-Now our miles go only for upgrades. We will be in Charleston this year-Hi!!!!
Next year Singapore-Malaysia & Phuket.

I have flown 20+ hour flights in economy many, many times. I read, try to watch a movie or two, but mainly just block out the world with headphones and my ipod music. I use Ativan to relax, so I tend to sleep a lot.

Main thing on those really long flights is to get up and walk to the bathroom a few times, or do little leg exercises to keep your circulation flowing!.