Premium Economy Singapore Airlines Review From LAX to NRT
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The last time I flew with Singapore Airlines was when I was living in Singapore (about 10 years ago) and Premium Economy didn’t even exist at the time. After waiting three years to visit my family in Japan, I finally booked a flight from LAX (Los Angeles Airport) to NRT (Narita International Airport).
I usually fly with either JAL or ANA, but when I started searching for flights, Singapore Airlines had the best prices. I was able to purchase a premium economy seat for the same price as what JAL or ANA was selling for their economy seat.
Singapore Airlines ranks as one of the top airlines in the world and ranked 5th in the world this year (2022), so I didn’t hesitate to book my ticket with them. My overall experience was great, but there was one thing that really irked me which made me reconsider if I will ever fly internationally with them again.
Reserve Meals with “Book the Cook”
My perks with purchasing Premium Economy started prior to my departure. A week before my flight’s scheduled take-off, I received an email to select my meals online. I had the option of selecting from the regular menu or from their “Book the Cook” menu.
Book the Cook Premium Economy Menu
I had a variety of options and many of them were Japanese dishes which I prefer since they all came with rice. I highly recommend selecting your meals ahead of time so that you can get those extra entrée options from the “Book the Cook” menu.
Special Check-in Counter & Priority Baggage Handling
When I arrived at the Singapore Airlines counter, I had access to a special counter and I didn’t have to wait since there was no one in front of me.
Everything was going great until I was advised that my carry-on baggage allowance was too heavy. I did not realize that the weight limit, specifically for US travelers, was only 7 kilos (15.4 pounds). I was shocked at how low this weight limit was especially for an international flight.
Singapore Airlines check-in counter at Narita International Airport
I’ve never run into an issue with an international flight weighing my carry-on luggage, so this was an unwelcome surprise to learn at check-in. Granted it’s my responsibility to check the weight requirements, but I assumed only the luggage size would be monitored and not its weight.
Even having a premium economy ticket, the weight limit was the same as an economy class ticket and the agent was not budging at all. I basically took things out and shoved them into my check-in luggage and my bookbag and repeated the process three times.
Priority luggage tags
This may not be a big deal for most passengers, but it was for me. I always carry my heavy camera, extra lenses, and a laptop which together weigh about 10 pounds, so this plus the weight of my suitcase put me over the limit.
On a positive note, my checked-in bags received a priority baggage sticker. This meant that my luggage came out first at baggage claim. It was nice that my luggage was already off the belt and waiting for me by the time I got to the baggage claim area.
Lounge Access
Unfortunately, my ticket did not have lounge access at either Los Angeles Airport or Narita International Airport. When I flew with Premium Economy on JAL, my ticket included lounge access in Japan which was superb, so it was a little disappointing that Singapore Airlines didn’t offer anything at either airport.
Priority Boarding
When the aircraft was ready for boarding, I didn’t have to wait long to settle into my seat. After First Class and Business Class boarded, Premium Economy was next, so I waited no more than five minutes to board my flight.
Premium Economy boarding sign
Once I was settled into my seat, one of the cabin crew members came and confirmed my dinner and lunch options that I selected online with “Book the Cook”.
Enhanced Comfort Seating
There were a total of twenty-eight premium economy seats on the Boeing 777-300 ER (77W). My seat was spacious and had a wide center console which definitely made it feel like I had more personal space.
Economy Cabin
Premium Economy Cabin
The seat pitch was 38” which gave me plenty of room to stretch my legs. My seat included a calf and footrest which gave me a better snoozing position when I reclined my seat. There were two USB ports, a fully adjustable reading light, and a power supply that were all within reach.
Plenty of leg room
Adjustable reading light and USB ports
There was a drink rest at the end of the armrest, which is so much better than having to pull out the table. There was also a little hook in front of my seat to hang my coat, but the coat ended up getting in the way, so that was pretty much useless.
Inflight Amenities
I was a bit disappointed that there was no amenity kit. Several other major airlines provide an amenity kit to their premium economy customers, which usually includes a toothbrush set, earplug, eye mask, and lotion.
Adjustable touchscreen monitor
Plush pillows
The only inflight amenity I received was a noise-canceling headphone. Unfortunately, the one I received was pretty beat up and falling apart. One of the ear pieces fell off so I spent about five minutes putting it back on. It was not the best headphones in my experience.
Noise canceling headphones
The pillow was plush and the blanket was large and fluffy, so I was pleased with that since having a nice blanket is a huge plus for me. There was also bottled water in a cubby at the bottom of my armrest.
Inflight Meals
I definitely have had tastier dishes on other airlines, but for the most part, I enjoyed my inflight meals. I highly recommend booking your meals ahead of time if you want your meal served before everyone else.
Inflight Menu - Japanese Style Chicken Curry
Book The Cook - Grilled Jidori Chicken Thigh
All my meals came at least 10-15 minutes before everyone else started getting their meals served. By the time I was finished with my meal, everyone was just starting theirs so this was a great time for me to get up and use the bathroom.
Book The Cook - Pork Loin with Yuzu Pepper Teriyaki
Inflight Menu - Chicken Yakitori Domburi
Haagen-Dazs ice cream for dessert
Bathroom
The Premium Economy cabin didn't have a designated bathroom in their section. The closest lavatory was in the economy cabin and it was surprisingly spacious. Also, every time I used it, it was clean and the trash bin was never overflowing with paper towels.
Clean bathroom counter top
Spacious airplane lavatory
Conclusion
Overall, I had a pleasant experience once I boarded my flight. The cabin crew was all very courteous and cheerful. I’m so used to experiencing flight attendants being annoyed by the slightest requests or not wanting to be bothered. I didn’t witness any of this with Singapore Airlines flight attendants.
My only gripe is the baggage allowance and after looking more closely into it, apparently, certain flights that begin and end in the United States have different baggage rules.
Singapore Airlines Premium Economy Check-in Counter
Actually, I almost forgot that when I checked into my return flight, I was told that my seat may change but was given no reason as to why they may have to do this. I was advised that this might happen and that I would be informed at my gate closer to boarding.
Luckily, it didn’t happen, but I was not happy that my seat was not 100% confirmed. Due to my carry-on baggage allowance being so low and not having my confirmed seat number until the last minute, I’m not sure if I would fly with Singapore Airlines again if other options were available for the same price.
