Last Updated: August 19, 2023
Singapore Airlines Economy vs Premium Economy (Worth It?)
Singapore Airlines is known for its exceptional service and luxurious amenities, making it a popular choice for travelers. And with the addition of Premium Economy in recent years you now have a bigger choice to make – Economy or Premium Economy?
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While economy class offers a more affordable option, premium economy provides additional benefits you might be willing to pay a higher price for. I have recently had to book a flight from Switzerland to Australia and decide between these two classes, and this is what I found…
Key Takeaways
- Economy class provides reasonable seats, meals and in-flight entertainment
- Premium Economy offers extra space, storage, charging options
- Also better screen, headphones and meal & wine options
Overview of Singapore Airlines Economy Class & Premium Economy
From my many years flying with Singapore Airlines I can tell you that Economy Class offers a comfortable flying experience at an affordable price.
The seats provide quite reasonable legroom and are equipped with personal entertainment screens. Singapore was one of the first to provide this kind of service and they also seem to be at the forefront of in-flight entertainment technology.
Passengers can enjoy a wide range of movies, TV shows, and music, along with games and other interactive features. There are also device charging options as well as access to inflight wifi for a price.
Singapore Airlines always offers a variety of options to cater to different dietary requirements. And I am always jealous of those that get served first as a result. You can choose from
- standard, which often comes with a choice of mains
- vegetarian
- religious meals like Kosher or Hallal
- other dietary requirements
- kids’ menu is also available.
Standard economy tickets also include a 23 kg checked bag as well as one piece of cabin luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. Although to be honest, I always see people coming on board with a second personal item as well as duty-free items. So, there is some leeway in these cabin bag rules!
Seat Comfort: Economy vs Premium Economy
Singapore Airlines Premium Economy Seats
Singapore Airlines Premium Economy Class seats are where one of the biggest differences. They are designed to be more comfortable and spacious than Economy Class.
Here is a quick seat comparison:
| Economy | Premium Economy | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Width | 18 inches | 19.5 inches |
| Seat Pitch | 32 inches | 38 inches |
| Seat Recline | 6 inches | 8 inches |
Note: Seat pitch is the distance between the back of one seat and the front of the next (ie. how much legroom you have)
Singapore Airlines Premium Economy charging options & lamp
The Premium Economy seats also have more stowage space between them, as well as 2 USB plugs and a power socket for charging. There are usually a few USB ports next to the screen in front of you in Economy, but rarely a power socket.
There is also a dedicated flexible reading light like they often have in Business Class, instead of that distant one you have above you in Economy.
Not only is the seating layout usually 2-4-2 instead of 3-4-3, but the cabin is also located up the front of the Economy Class and is separated into a small sections. It feels more exclusive, with fewer seats and a more spacious layout.
Keep in mind, Singapore Airlines Economy Class seats already have quite high standards with a comfortable design, adjustable headrests and footrests, as well as ample legroom. Especially when you compare them to many American airlines.
In-Flight Entertainment: Economy vs Premium Economy
When it comes to in-flight entertainment, Singapore Airlines offers a wide range of options for both economy and premium economy passengers. However, there are some key differences between the two classes.
| Economy | Premium Economy | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 10.6 inches | 13.3 inches |
| Headphones | Standard | Large noise-cancelling |
Economy Class In-Flight Entertainment
Singapore Airlines Economy Screen
In economy class, passengers can enjoy a selection of over 1,800 entertainment options on a system they call KrisWorld entertainment system, including
- movies
- television shows
- music
- games, and apps
This class only comes with a 10.6-inch touchscreen of reasonable quality. And given how close you are to the seat in front of you, it probably doesn’t need to be that much bigger!
The headphones supplied in Economy have improved over the years, but they are still quite basic.
Premium Economy Class In-Flight Entertainment
Singapore Airlines Premium Economy screens & water
Premium economy comes with the same range of entertainment with a larger 13.3-inch HD-enabled touchscreen monitor. You can see them in the image above and they take up the whole width of the seat in front.
You also get full ear-covering noise-canceling headphones, which provide a more immersive entertainment experience.
So, although it is not quite as great as Business Class, the headphones and screen are a lot better than in Economy.
Food and Beverage: Economy vs Premium Economy
Singapore Airlines Economy Meals
- Water waiting for you on arrival
- Premium Economy gets more meal options
- Book the Cook is available up to 24hrs before boarding
- Premium Wines available
Singapore Airlines is renowned for its exceptional onboard dining experience, and this has always been the case in the Economy too.
However, there are some differences in the food and drink offerings between the two classes.
First, there is a specific spot for a large bottle of water in front of you between the seats. No more asking for a tiny cup of water to be refilled or replaced!
Singapore always gives you a menu when you take your seat and you can have a look at what options are available for each meal. The main choices are in the main meals, as the starter, snack, and dessert are typically standard across all meals.
You can expect all meals to be served on a tray with proper cutlery and crockery. And as I mentioned at the start of the article, you can pre-order special meals with your ticket (vegetarian, allergy, etc).
There is a range of drinks available from soft drinks to wines and even spirits. Such is life on board an international airline.
Premium Economy Differences
In the Premium Economy class, you get a slightly wider range of meal options.
First, you can choose between three instead of two meal alternatives.
Also, you can book a meal ahead of time, just like in Business Class, using a service Singapore Airlines calls Book the Cook. This enables you to choose from a wider digital menu up to 24 hrs prior to boarding and book a specific meal, which is often way better.
There is also a wider selection of premium wines available in this class.
Baggage Allowance: Economy vs Premium Economy
When it comes to baggage allowance, Singapore Airlines offers different limits for Economy and Premium Economy passengers. Normally Economy Class gets a 23kg limit unless you are flying to Northern America where the limits are usually higher.
Premium Economy typically gets 5 kg more checked bag allowance than normal Economy. But check your specific flight to be sure.
Price Difference: Economy vs Premium Economy
From my experience choosing my seats to Australia, Singapore Airlines Premium Economy is anywhere from 20-% to 100% more expensive. More often than not, it seems to be closer to double the price from all the searching I have done.
The trick I found to find the best price is to be flexible and then use their 7-day grid to move around in the arrival and departure dates until you find the sweet spots. There are often just a few days in each week for arrival and departure that are cheaper.
BUT, be careful, the prices displayed are often not attainable or reasonable in any way. They are often with long layovers, or using a combination of classes or using Scoot – Singapore’s cheaper airline.
ANyway, it still helps to use the 7 day table to find the best times to fly and then go from there. I took me quite a few hours to find the best flights, but I saved thousands of dollars for the two of us on Singapore Premium Economy!
Here are some quick examples I found on the Singapore Airlines website:
Singapore to London
Premium vs economy – London – Singapore
Frankfurt to Singapore
Premium vs Economy – Frankfurt to Singapore
Singapore Airlines Economy vs Premium Economy prices – Frankfurt to Singapore
Who Should Choose Economy Class?
Economy class is the best option when you are looking to save money on airfare. I flew economy for years, until I got a little older and less comfortable sitting in seats for 20 hours to Australia!
Here are some factors to consider:
- Price: You could save 50% – 100% on the cost
- Travel Time: If the flight is short, then economy class is a great choice.
- Amenities: If you do not need the extra amenities or a larger screen and headphones, then maybe the price is not worth it.
Who Should Choose Premium Economy Class?
Premium economy class is a great option for travelers who want a more comfortable and enjoyable flight experience without breaking the bank. It can cost significantly more than Economy but still way less than Business class in my experience.
Business Travelers
Business travelers who need to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to work may find that premium economy is worth the extra cost. With more legroom, wider seats, and enhanced meal options, Premium Economy can help the typical business traveler feel more comfortable and productive during their flights.
Long-Haul Travelers
For long-haul flights, the extra space and amenities provided by Premium Economy can make a big difference in comfort. With more legroom and wider seats, you can stretch out and relax during a long flight. Additionally, premium economy includes better meal options and additional amenities, such as noise-canceling headphones and extra pillows and blankets. The premium economy zone is also smaller and quieter than the larger economy zones in the back
Travelers with Elite Status
If you have flown enough to earn elite status with Singapore Airlines or another Star Alliance airline, you may be eligible for additional benefits when flying in premium economy. I might consider using my miles for upgrades in the future as it is getting hard to use them to find a seat otherwise!
Overall, Premium Economy can be a great option for you if you want a more comfortable and enjoyable flight experience without paying top dollar like on business or first class. Just shop around on the Singapore website to find the best deal, and it might not even cost you as much as you think.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
