Singapore Airlines flies the world's longest flight at over 18 hours. Here are the 5 things that impressed me most in business class.

Taylor RainsMar 8, 2023, 17:24 IST

Taylor Rains/Insider

Singapore Airlines operates the world's longest flight, using an Airbus A350 to connect Singapore and New York.
I took the 18-hour journey in business class and thought it was an easy way to cross the globe.

As a travel and aviation enthusiast, I have flown on dozens of international carriers and experienced a handful of cabin products.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

This includes things like the crammed 16-inch-wide seats on French bee's Airbus A350…

French bee 10-abreast A350 with 16-inch seats.Taylor Rains/Insider

…Air New Zealand's innovative Skycouch in its economy cabin, which converts into a bed…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…and United Airlines' Polaris Plus cabin, which features the regular bells and whistles of premium economy, like a leggiest, footrest, and premium food.

United Airlines' Polar Plus cabin on its Boeing 787.Taylor Rains/Insider

However, like many other travelers, I love to fly in business class when I can.

The author flying Air New Zealand in business class in September 2022 on the inaugural nonstop flight from New York to Auckland.Taylor Rains/Insider

While I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience in almost every business class product, I was particularly impressed with the one on Singapore Airlines' Airbus A350.

Singapore Airlines A350 business class.Sorbis/Shutterstock

I experienced the cabin on the world's longest flight in January, which covers over 9,500 miles between Singapore and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport — here are the five things that impressed me the most.

Singapore Airlines A350-900.KITTIKUN YOKSAP/Shutterstock

I experienced the cabin on the world's longest flight in January, which covers over 9,500 miles between Singapore and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport — here are the five things that impressed me the most.

1. The lie-flat seat was so big, I could sit crisscrossed or lay on my stomach.

The bulkhead seats have even more legroom.Taylor Rains/Insider

According to SeatGuru, Singapore's A350-900 business class loungers are 28 inches wide with 60 inches of pitch, meaning there is a significant amount of space to sprawl out.

Taylor Rains/Insider

According to SeatGuru, Singapore's A350-900 business class loungers are 28 inches wide with 60 inches of pitch, meaning there is a significant amount of space to sprawl out.

At only 5'3," I could stretch my legs all the way out…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…and I could even sit criss-cross on the seat, which is the most comfortable for me.

Taylor Rains/Insider

But, I was most impressed when the lounger was converted into a lie-flat bed. Instead of a skinny bed as seen on many US and European carriers…

La Compagnie's seat in lie-flat mode.Taylor Rains/Insider

…the seat is folded down to create a long, square-shaped area to sleep.

Taylor Rains/Insider

It was like folding seats down in a car, but I will admit it is a little less convenient than using a button to make the lounger lie flat. The flight attendants had to manually help passengers convert it back and forth.

Taylor Rains/Insider

It was like folding seats down in a car, but I will admit it is a little less convenient than using a button to make the lounger lie flat. The flight attendants had to manually help passengers convert it back and forth.

However, the minor con was easily ignored by the size of the final product. The space is big enough to lay on my stomach with my knee kicked out, which is how I sleep at home.

Taylor Rains/Insider

However, the minor con was easily ignored by the size of the final product. The space is big enough to lay on my stomach with my knee kicked out, which is how I sleep at home.

I didn't feel crunched up, and I liked that the tray table was stowed out of the way of the bed.

The bed went all the way into the corner foot nook, stretching 78 inches at its longest.Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, the airline gave me two fluffy pillows, and I thought the mattress pad softened the bed. I ended up sleeping for about eight of the 18 hours from Singapore to New York.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, the airline gave me two fluffy pillows, and I thought the mattress pad softened the bed. I ended up sleeping for about eight of the 18 hours from Singapore to New York.

2. I had more storage space than I needed.

Taylor Rains/Insider

One of the things that I look for in a good business class is the storage. I like to have everything I need for the flight with me so I don't have to get up and retrieve stuff from the overhead bin.

Taylor Rains/Insider

One of the things that I look for in a good business class is the storage. I like to have everything I need for the flight with me so I don't have to get up and retrieve stuff from the overhead bin.

These include things like a change of clothes, my laptop, my water bottle, a book, chargers, and toiletries, among other random items.

Taylor Rains/Insider

What I loved about Singapore's A350 business class was that I could fit everything easily, with room to spare. There was a large toiletry cubby next to the TV…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…a nook under the footrest, which had a ridge so things couldn't escape…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…a shelf for books or a laptop to the left of the seat…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…storage inside the armrest…

The noise-cancelling headphones and a water bottle were already inside when I got to my seat.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a second shelf under the cubby.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The pillows and blankets are stored in the space behind the lounger, so they are out of the way. The smaller pillow found on the seat during boarding can also fit there.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The pillows and blankets are stored in the space behind the lounger, so they are out of the way. The smaller pillow found on the seat during boarding can also fit there.

Singapore's generous storage space made it feel less cramped and messy inside my private cocoon.

Taylor Rains/Insider

3. The TV was massive and the remote was intuitive and convenient.

Taylor Rains/Insider

While sleep was helpful for passing the time on the 18-hour trek from Singapore to New York, I also relied on the inflight TV to keep me entertained.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Singapore's A350 business class comes with an 18-inch flat screen TV loaded with hundreds of movies, TV shows, games, and music.

Taylor Rains/Insider

It was significantly bigger than the one on Air New Zealand's Boeing 787 business class, which had a tiny screen that left much to be desired...

Taylor Rains/Insider

…and was still competitive with carriers like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, which have business class seats with 18-inch and 16-inch TVs, respectively.

EQRoy/Shutterstock

Moreover, I liked the noise-canceling headphones that came with the inflight system…

You could cover the ears with a protective pad.Taylor Rains/Insider

…as well as the touchscreen handheld remote. The TV itself was not a touchscreen, but the remote made it easy to use because of its size and responsiveness.

Taylor Rains/Insider

And, it is stored on the side of the armrest. Half the time, I didn't even need to take it out to use — I just reached over and tapped the screen to pause, play, or control the volume.

Taylor Rains/Insider

And, it is stored on the side of the armrest. Half the time, I didn't even need to take it out to use — I just reached over and tapped the screen to pause, play, or control the volume.

I listened to music and watched a few movies during my flight and while I worked, like Jumanji II. But, I was a little bummed to see my favorite plane movie — Crazy Rich Asians — wasn't available.

I also appreciated the free and speedy inflight WiFi.Taylor Rains/Insider

I listened to music and watched a few movies during my flight and while I worked, like Jumanji II. But, I was a little bummed to see my favorite plane movie — Crazy Rich Asians — wasn't available.

4. The food was some of the best I've ever had on a plane.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Across the board, nothing compares to business class food, especially Singapore's. My journey across the world came with two multi-course meal services, including lunch and dinner. I was served things like roast beef…

Taylor Rains/Insider

Across the board, nothing compares to business class food, especially Singapore's. My journey across the world came with two multi-course meal services, including lunch and dinner. I was served things like roast beef…

…smoked salmon…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…chicken satay…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…and halibut. There were other meat dishes available, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

Taylor Rains/Insider

For desert, we were given pastries, fruit, brownies, or a "floating island," which is an egg white dome with almonds and vanilla custard.

Fruit was offered for both meals.Taylor Rains/Insider

I was impressed with the diverse menu, and I thought the flavors were incredible. And, it's no surprise.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Singapore's food and beverage director Antony McNeil told Insider he has a $500 million food budget per year to create the intricate meals…

Singapore's global food & beverage director, Antony McNeil, at a tasting event in Newark, New Jersey, in 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and the food is designed to keep passengers full, as well as fight things like indigestion or insulin spikes.

I liked that we were given proper china and silverware for the flight.Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, he said the A350 has a low cabin altitude, meaning taste isn't impacted as significantly in flight, so the meals don't have to be loaded up with salt or other flavor enhancers.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, he said the A350 has a low cabin altitude, meaning taste isn't impacted as significantly in flight, so the meals don't have to be loaded up with salt or other flavor enhancers.

5. The bathrooms have you covered if you forgot much-needed toiletries.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Trekking 18 hours across the globe meant I made a few trips to the lavatory throughout the flight, and I was very impressed with the space.

Taylor Rains/Insider

First and foremost, it was extremely clean and actually pretty big. I had plenty of space to change in and out of my pajamas, and there was enough countertop space for my toiletries when I need to freshen up.

Taylor Rains/Insider

First and foremost, it was extremely clean and actually pretty big. I had plenty of space to change in and out of my pajamas, and there was enough countertop space for my toiletries when I need to freshen up.

But, if you forgot your toothbrush or razor in your checked luggage, then you're in luck. Singapore has toiletries available for free — just grab what you need.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I was also impressed by a few other amenities, like the water temperature that could be adjusted at the touch of a button, and the wood-like finishing that made the space feel homier.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I was also impressed by a few other amenities, like the water temperature that could be adjusted at the touch of a button, and the wood-like finishing that made the space feel homier.

Overall, I think Singapore's A350 business class product is easily one of the best on the market.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The seats are not always cheap, but if the budget allows, I think the upgrade is worth it for ultra-long-haul routes. The food was good and filling, and I slept like a baby.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The seats are not always cheap, but if the budget allows, I think the upgrade is worth it for ultra-long-haul routes. The food was good and filling, and I slept like a baby.

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Singapore Airlines flies the world's longest flight at over 18 hours. Here are the 5 things that impressed me most in business class.

As a travel and aviation enthusiast, I have flown on dozens of international carriers and experienced a handful of cabin products.

This includes things like the crammed 16-inch-wide seats on French bee's Airbus A350…

…Air New Zealand's innovative Skycouch in its economy cabin, which converts into a bed…

…and United Airlines' Polaris Plus cabin, which features the regular bells and whistles of premium economy, like a leggiest, footrest, and premium food.

However, like many other travelers, I love to fly in business class when I can.

While I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience in almost every business class product, I was particularly impressed with the one on Singapore Airlines' Airbus A350.

I experienced the cabin on the world's longest flight in January, which covers over 9,500 miles between Singapore and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport — here are the five things that impressed me the most.

1. The lie-flat seat was so big, I could sit crisscrossed or lay on my stomach.

According to SeatGuru, Singapore's A350-900 business class loungers are 28 inches wide with 60 inches of pitch, meaning there is a significant amount of space to sprawl out.

At only 5'3," I could stretch my legs all the way out…

…and I could even sit criss-cross on the seat, which is the most comfortable for me.

But, I was most impressed when the lounger was converted into a lie-flat bed. Instead of a skinny bed as seen on many US and European carriers…

…the seat is folded down to create a long, square-shaped area to sleep.

It was like folding seats down in a car, but I will admit it is a little less convenient than using a button to make the lounger lie flat. The flight attendants had to manually help passengers convert it back and forth.

However, the minor con was easily ignored by the size of the final product. The space is big enough to lay on my stomach with my knee kicked out, which is how I sleep at home.

I didn't feel crunched up, and I liked that the tray table was stowed out of the way of the bed.

Moreover, the airline gave me two fluffy pillows, and I thought the mattress pad softened the bed. I ended up sleeping for about eight of the 18 hours from Singapore to New York.

2. I had more storage space than I needed.

One of the things that I look for in a good business class is the storage. I like to have everything I need for the flight with me so I don't have to get up and retrieve stuff from the overhead bin.

These include things like a change of clothes, my laptop, my water bottle, a book, chargers, and toiletries, among other random items.

What I loved about Singapore's A350 business class was that I could fit everything easily, with room to spare. There was a large toiletry cubby next to the TV…

…a nook under the footrest, which had a ridge so things couldn't escape…

…a shelf for books or a laptop to the left of the seat…

…storage inside the armrest…

…and a second shelf under the cubby.

The pillows and blankets are stored in the space behind the lounger, so they are out of the way. The smaller pillow found on the seat during boarding can also fit there.

Singapore's generous storage space made it feel less cramped and messy inside my private cocoon.

3. The TV was massive and the remote was intuitive and convenient.

While sleep was helpful for passing the time on the 18-hour trek from Singapore to New York, I also relied on the inflight TV to keep me entertained.

Singapore's A350 business class comes with an 18-inch flat screen TV loaded with hundreds of movies, TV shows, games, and music.

It was significantly bigger than the one on Air New Zealand's Boeing 787 business class, which had a tiny screen that left much to be desired...

…and was still competitive with carriers like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, which have business class seats with 18-inch and 16-inch TVs, respectively.

Moreover, I liked the noise-canceling headphones that came with the inflight system…

…as well as the touchscreen handheld remote. The TV itself was not a touchscreen, but the remote made it easy to use because of its size and responsiveness.

And, it is stored on the side of the armrest. Half the time, I didn't even need to take it out to use — I just reached over and tapped the screen to pause, play, or control the volume.

I listened to music and watched a few movies during my flight and while I worked, like Jumanji II. But, I was a little bummed to see my favorite plane movie — Crazy Rich Asians — wasn't available.

4. The food was some of the best I've ever had on a plane.

Across the board, nothing compares to business class food, especially Singapore's. My journey across the world came with two multi-course meal services, including lunch and dinner. I was served things like roast beef…

…smoked salmon…

…chicken satay…

…and halibut. There were other meat dishes available, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

For desert, we were given pastries, fruit, brownies, or a "floating island," which is an egg white dome with almonds and vanilla custard.

I was impressed with the diverse menu, and I thought the flavors were incredible. And, it's no surprise.

Singapore's food and beverage director Antony McNeil told Insider he has a $500 million food budget per year to create the intricate meals…

…and the food is designed to keep passengers full, as well as fight things like indigestion or insulin spikes.

Moreover, he said the A350 has a low cabin altitude, meaning taste isn't impacted as significantly in flight, so the meals don't have to be loaded up with salt or other flavor enhancers.

5. The bathrooms have you covered if you forgot much-needed toiletries.

Trekking 18 hours across the globe meant I made a few trips to the lavatory throughout the flight, and I was very impressed with the space.

First and foremost, it was extremely clean and actually pretty big. I had plenty of space to change in and out of my pajamas, and there was enough countertop space for my toiletries when I need to freshen up.

But, if you forgot your toothbrush or razor in your checked luggage, then you're in luck. Singapore has toiletries available for free — just grab what you need.

I was also impressed by a few other amenities, like the water temperature that could be adjusted at the touch of a button, and the wood-like finishing that made the space feel homier.

Overall, I think Singapore's A350 business class product is easily one of the best on the market.

The seats are not always cheap, but if the budget allows, I think the upgrade is worth it for ultra-long-haul routes. The food was good and filling, and I slept like a baby.