- Mr Plane Guy

- Mar 17, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 8, 2025

Singapore Airlines A350 Business Class Review: How I Flew for Under £200!
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Flight Details
Aircraft: A350-900 (MSN 116 | 9V-SMO)
Seat: 22K
Configuration: 42 Business Class (1-2-1) | 24 Premium Economy | 187 Economy
Flight Time: 1hr 25min
Route: SQ378 Milan (MXP) - Barcelona (BCN)
Booking & Itinerary
Outward:
Departs Singapore: 23:45
Arrives Milan: 05:55 (+1 day)
Departs Milan: 07:15
Arrives Barcelona: 08:50
Return:
Departs Barcelona: 10:10
Arrives Milan: 11:50
Departs Milan: 13:10
Arrives Singapore: 08:05 (+1 day)

OK OK let me be clear this was a 2 hour flight between Milan (MXP) and Barcelona, but what a great way to see a few different amazing cities in Europe! so yes the fare was £197 for business class! No special offer, no using millions of flying miles, just bought through good old Skyscanner.
Before my flight, I took the opportunity to enjoy a mini city break in Milan, flying in with a budget airline before hopping onto Singapore Airlines Business Class for the next leg of my trip to Barcelona.
Singapore Airlines Fifth Freedom Flight
This particular flight between Milan and Barcelona is what’s known as a fifth freedom flight.
Fifth freedom flights exist thanks to air traffic rights first set at the Chicago Convention of 1944, which established international aviation rules. A fifth freedom route allows an airline to operate between two foreign countries as part of a longer journey originating or ending in its home country. In this case, Singapore Airlines operates between Milan and Barcelona on its way to and from Singapore.

Fifth freedom flights can be an excellent way to experience top-tier international airlines on shorter routes, often at a much lower price than their long-haul legs.
Is Singapore Airlines Business Class Good?
Absolutely! Even on this short sector, the experience was top-notch. From priority check-in and lounge access to a lie-flat seat, it was a luxury experience.
However, check-in at Malpensa Airport was very low-key, with only about 11 passengers booked in Business Class on this leg. The perk? I was given fast-track security access and lounge entry. The lounge, though, was underwhelming, dim lighting, outdated seating, and a bit lifeless! Also, post-pandemic catering adjustments meant disposable crockery.
Blog Post: Why Singapore Airport Is the Best Airport in the World
Boarding Singapore Airlines A350 Business Class
Even though the aircraft was connected to a jet bridge, Business Class passengers were bussed from the gate to the aircraft, quite an odd experience.

The Seat: Singapore Airlines Business Class A350
I was seated in 22K, the last row of Business Class. However, if you’re looking for the best seat, I strongly recommend trying to secure row 19 (bulkhead seats), which have larger footwells and better legroom. These seats are usually reserved for top-tier status holders and families with infants until closer to departure.
Most non-bulkhead seats on the Singapore Airlines A350 have smaller footwells, and you have to sleep at an angledue to the seat design. (Yes, a first-world problem!)
The seat itself offers ample storage, a personal vanity mirror (perfect for fixing my quiff!), and a 1-2-1 configurationensuring direct aisle access for every passenger.

Does Singapore Airlines Have Lie-Flat Seats?
Yes! All Business Class seats on the Singapore Airlines A350 are fully lie-flat. Although I didn't need to use it on such a short flight, it’s a game-changer for longer journeys.
If you want more privacy, opt for a window seat at the front of the cabin. Traveling as a pair? The middle seats are great for couples.I would recommend a bulkhead seat rows 19 onboard the A350. These are usually locked in until a few days before departure to be available to families with infants and top status card holders. As all of the other rows on the Singapore Airlines A350 non-bulkhead seats have smaller footwells and you are required to sleep at an angle.
(yes third world problems!) but row 19 comes with much better leg space!
Plane Tip: On the Singapore Airlines A350, Row 19 (bulkhead) in Business Class is the seat to grab, bigger footwell, way more legroom. They’re usually locked until a few days before departure, so check back.

So much handy storage on Singapore Airlines A350 Business Class seat, was great to have a little vanity mirror for fixing my quiff!
Singapore Airlines Business Class In-Flight Service
Even on this short hop, the cabin crew were incredibly warm and attentive, addressing me by name several times. It’s these small touches that make Singapore Airlines a world-class airline.
The meal? A cute little afternoon tea cakes selection served with a drink. Perfectly fine for a quick hop, but of course, not the full dining experience you’d get on a long-haul flight.

What Airline Has the Best Business Class?
Singapore Airlines is consistently ranked among the top Business Class experiences in the world, thanks to its spacious seating, outstanding service, and high-quality catering. While competitors like Qatar Airways’ QSuite or Emirates’ Game Changer suites have raised the bar, Singapore Airlines still holds its own as one of the best options, especially on the A350 and 777 aircraft.
Singapore Airlines Business Class Baggage Allowance
A Business Class ticket on Singapore Airlines comes with generous baggage allowances:
Checked baggage: 40kg (weight concept) or 2 pieces up to 32kg each (piece concept, depending on route).
Cabin baggage: 2 carry-on bags up to 7kg each, plus a personal item (such as a laptop bag or handbag).
Always check your specific ticket rules, as baggage allowances may vary based on fare class and route.
Should You Try Singapore Airlines Business Class?
Without a doubt! If you’ve never flown Business Class before and want to treat yourself without breaking the bank, a short-haul fifth freedom flight like this is the perfect way to experience it.
For less than £200, I enjoyed a taste of Singapore Airlines' premium experience, a lie-flat seat, priority boarding, and exceptional service. Just beware, once you fly Business Class, it’s hard to go back to Economy!
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So yes a great flight and experience, if you have never flown business class before give this a go its lovely little treat to give it a try! Trust me though you won’t want to fly economy again!And thats how I flew with Singapore Airlines in Business for less than £200!
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Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Singapore Airlines A350 Business Class Review: How I Flew for Under £200!

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