I've flown on Singapore's world's longest flight in business class. It was nice, but the new seats will be a game changer.

09.11.2024 - 10:59 / insider.com / Choon Phong

In early 2023, I flew Singapore Airlines on the world's longest flight to experience what is considered a top-tier business class.

It was one of my first long-haul trips at the front of the plane, so I was easily impressed by the lie-flat bed, the amenity kit, business-class lounge access, and other posh perks of premium flying.

One thing it lacked, however, was a sliding door. Instead, the seat had large privacy wings intended to cocoon travelers. At the time, I was less bothered by the lack of privacy and was just happy with the bed and gourmet food on the 18-hour journey.

Since then, I've flown in door-equipped business class on Japan's All Nippon Airways and British Airways. I've joined the club of people who prefer the coziness of a fully enclosed pod, which proved to be a night-and-day difference in privacy.

I could sleep and work without feeling like wandering eyes were looking over my shoulder. I was also less disturbed by the noise from the galleys and bathrooms, and I didn't have a neighbor's light annoyingly glaring into my space when the cabin was dark.

Although it has taken some eight years to announce a significant upgrade to its high-dollar seat, five-star Singapore is finally jumping on the door trend.

The carrier announced plans in November to retrofit 41 Airbus A350 planes with a new door-equipped business class. It will also be on Singapore's future Boeing 777X aircraft. The first retrofitted plane is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2026.

CEO Goh Choon Phong said in a press release that the change was a result of its customers' "evolving preferences and expectations."

It is too early to say what exactly Singapore has on deck for the new premium cabin, but the single rendering mirrors the hotel-like suites found on All Nippon Airways and British Airways offer.

Considering the door was the only feature included in the rendering, Singapore clearly wanted to emphasize its addition.

I hope Singapore will also retain its other favored business-class amenities, like the food, extra-wide seats, and plentiful storage, that make it one of the world's best airlines.

Regardless, the new and improved business class cabin will be a welcomed change for me and likely for other travelers who may have once pondered a competing airline for long-haul travel simply for the more private experience.

Plus, the country is known for luxury, so having a business class to match will lure in more high-dollar elites and help Singapore better keep up in the highly-competitive market — especially after it lost out to five-star Qatar for Skytrax's world's best business class in 2024.

Air India launched its new pod-like business class in January as it completely overhauls its brand.

I toured the cabin