High Flyer: Singapore Airlines Business Class on SQ291

The cabin

This flight was on the older Boeing 777-200 – the business class cabin had 38 seats in the 2-2-2 layout and somewhat lacklustre interiors, but was comfortable enough for this short daytime hop across the Tasman.

The Seat

Standing at less than 160 centimetres, I felt tiny in this spacious seat. It was 56 centimetres wide and 193 centimetres long with an eight-degree incline when in flat-bed mode. Positioned in the middle aisle, my neighbour and I both had direct aisle access. There wasn’t much storage space but the massive amount of legroom more than made up for it.

The Service

Is 10am too early for champagne? I decided it wasn’t when the option between bubbles and orange juice was offered before take off. A flight attendant also came around with a selection of magazines and newspapers prior to departure and the delightful service continued throughout the flight.

The food

A “light” (three-course) lunch was served on board starting with a seared yellow fin tuna nicoise salad that I followed with a braised barramundi fillet in garlic chilli sauce served with vegetables and egg noodles, and a glass of 2015 Mud House Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. There was a good selection of Australian and New Zealand wines and I was almost tempted by the Singapore Sling on the cocktail menu. Dessert was an option of strawberry tiramisu cake or an assorted cheese and fruit plate.

The entertainment

There was no way I could get through the 1000-plus entertainment options on this short flight. I put on my Phitek noise-cancelling headphones and settled in to watch Allied (starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard) on the 39.1-centimetre screen.

The highs

The lows

Maybe due to the short flight, the entree and main course were not up to Singapore Airlines’ usual standard.

Baggage

40kg plus two carry-on items up to seven kilograms each.

Loyalty program

KrisFlyer

Wifi, pyjamas, amenities kit

Unavailable