Trip Report: Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ802 A380-800 - SIN to PEK (Singapore to Beijing)
Airline: Singapore Airlines | Aircraft: A380-800 | Class: Business | Flight: SQ802 (SIN-PEK)
I try to spend time away from Singapore before the end of the year and so I decided to spend some time in my favourite city in China this year. There are plenty of things to do in Beijing and if you do not know where to start, check out my Beijing travel guide for a sample itinerary! While Air China does operate a direct flight between Singapore and Beijing, I personally prefer flying on Singapore Airlines as the food and drink options are better (and obviously, there is no better way to start a trip than with copious amounts of Champagne).
Laksa
SilverKris Lounge (Terminal 3) - Singapore Changi Airport
Since I was traveling in Business Class, I had access to the SilverKris Lounge in Changi Airport - the lounge will undergo renovations in the year ahead before a brand new lounge (including The Private Room) is unveiled. Fortunately for me, the SilverKris Lounge was still fully-functioning and so a customary bowl of laksa before the flight was necessary.
Business Class Cabin
Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ802 A380-800 - SIN to PEK
The A380-800s that are operating between Singapore and Beijing have not been retrofitted with the 2017 J cabin products yet. However, as dull as the 2006 J products look, they are actually incredibly comfortable and they remain to be one of my favourite Business Class products in the air. As you should already know, the Business Class cabin features a 1-2-1 cabin layout so every seat in this cabin has direct aisle-access. I have flown on SQ802 from Singapore to Beijing on numerous occasions in Business Class (2006 J) as well as in Suites (2006 R) and the timing of this flight is fantastic - you don't have to get up at an unearthly hour and you actually get into Beijing before 3:00PM.
Slippers, Socks and Sleeping Mask
Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ802 A380-800 - SIN to PEK
Even though this is a day-time flight. slippers, socks, as well as a sleeping mask were provided - these were already placed in my seat by the time I have arrived. While amenities like that do not sound like much, it is something that I have grown to appreciate over the years (especially since I had to bring my own slippers on a Business Class flight on Emirates to the US last year).
Business Class Seat
Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ802 A380-800 - SIN to PEK
Located in front of the seat is a 15.4" in-flight entertainment (IFE) screen which is not touch-enabled. Singapore Airlines has one of the best IFE systems in the region and they are usually pretty current with new movies and TV series - check out the Singapore Airlines app to see what is available on your upcoming flights (so you can strategise what to watch!).
Power Outlets
Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ802 A380-800 - SIN to PEK
Directly to the side of the IFE Screen are two USB charging ports and a universal power outlet that you can use to power your laptop or mobile devices. The A380-800s are also WiFi-enabled as you would imagine (yes, I am taking a cheap shot at Qantas) and if you are sitting in Business Class, you will get to enjoy the first 100MB of data free (simply log-in with your seat number and last name!).
Seat Controls
Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ802 A380-800 - SIN to PEK
To the side of your seat is where you will find a couple of buttons that control the recline and position of the seat. If you do wish to convert your seat into a flat-bed, you will have to first return the seat into its original position before lifting the latch behind to flip it over (or just ask a friendly cabin crew to assist you). I did not bother sleeping since this was a day flight but these seats are actually really comfortable and there is plenty of space in the footwell for you to find the right angle for sleeping.
Sliced Fresh Fruits
Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ802 A380-800 - SIN to PEK
Shortly after the seatbelt sign was turned off, the cabin crews made their way through the Business Class to offer passengers a choice of beverage. Keeping in mind that this was probably 9:00 AM or so, most of the passengers opted for a caffeinated beverage - I went straight for a glass of Champagne (obviously) and decided to stick with it through the meal service. A selection of sliced fresh fruits was first served alongside a selection of fresh bread rolls - unfortunately, no garlic bread for a morning flight! I skipped the cereal and yogurt course because dairy doesn't mix well with alcohol, right?!
Keisuke Tonkotsu Ramen (Book The Cook)
Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ802 A380-800 - SIN to PEK
Now, when I learned back in September that Ramen Keisuke specialty dishes were available on rotation as part of the Book the Cook menu, I knew I had to order it for this flight. After looking at the in-flight menu, I decided to pre-order the Keisuke Tonkotsu Ramen from the Book the Cook menu. This iconic dish features a creamy and rich pork broth which is also served alongside sliced pork (literally, one slice), cloud ear fungus and plenty of spring onions. Personally, the broth was way too robust for my liking but there is definitely some kind of novelty with this dish. If you are interested, other main courses offered on this flight include a selection of dim sum, fish ball kway teow soup, and cheese omelette.
Coconut and Pandan Crème Brûlée
Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ802 A380-800 - SIN to PEK
After finishing my main course, I was offered a Coconut and Pandan Crème Brûlée with a jackfruit compote for dessert - nothing much to shout about.
Business Class Cabin
Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ802 A380-800 - SIN to PEK
The A380-800s that are fitted with the latest 2017 J products are expected to be deployed on the Singapore-Beijing route next year but I will definitely miss this product when that happens. While the newer product looks fantastic, it does not offer the same level of comfort as the 2006 J seat - the foot well is also considerably narrower which makes it harder for me to get to sleep on longer-haul flights.
Business Class passengers now enjoy complimentary inflight Wi-Fi when traveling on Cathay Pacific.