How I Celebrated my BIRTHDAY inside Singapore Airlines First-Class Suites Airbus A380 New York (JFK) – Frankfurt (FRA)

When FIRST CLASS Suites is mentioned, there are few airlines that comes to mind first before others. Singapore Airlines is no doubt one of those few. Being one of the most luxurious way to travel in the air, the thought of celebrating my birthday in one of those suites came to my mind.


On February 5, 2018 I was able to waitlist on a saver award ticket on Singapore Airlines. With the hope that the waitlist would clear for confirmation. Did it clear? Keep reading…

I waitlisted for the flight using 76,000 miles from my KrisFlyer account. That was a really great redemption I must say. A standard award redemption would have cost me 120,000 KrisFlyer miles. The cash-price of the ticket is $6,500

I have been eyeing that Singapore Airlines First-Class Suites for some time now. And since the only Singapore Airlines flight that offers the First-Class suites is the Airbus A380 that goes from JFK to FRA (New York – Frankfurt).

The plan was for me to celebrate my birthday onboard, in my own First-Class Suites. It was a perfect plan as Singapore Airlines did not disappoint.

I was surprised to have received an email from Singapore airlines on March 2018 stating that “my waitlisted flight was available for confirmation”. In the email, it was stated that the waitlisted flight will be cancelled if no confirmation is received within approximately 72 hours (3 days). 

Flight available for confirmation

I did not waste any second further. I confirmed the flight right away. Again, if I was to pay cash for the flight, I would have coughed out a whopping $6,500

Miles Redemption

Fast-forward to 3 hours before the flight, it was time to check-in. Or better yet, I should say it was time to get hold of the golden boarding-pass.

I walked majestically on the red-carpet to the check in counter. Checking in was quick, and by this time I was holding the golden boarding-pass in my hand.

Boarding Pass

The lady at the check in counter was very courteous. She told me what time boarding will starts, and she also told me that “As a First-Class passenger, I am invited to the Virgin Atlantic ClubHouse Lounge”. 

While at the Virgin Atlantic ClubHouse Lounge, I was not so hungry and since I needed to make enough room available for all the food onboard. But one thing that interest me was the Sleeping Pods at the Virgin Atlantic ClubHouse Lounge. After getting a drink from the bar, I got comfortable inside one of the sleeping pods as you can see below:

Sleeping Pod at the Virgin Atlantic ClubHouse Lounge

After a good nap at the lounge, it was now time for boarding. The boarding gate was just a few steps away from the lounge. Right from the jet bridge, I was greeted by one of the Singapore Girls (as they are called) saying “Good afternoon Mr. Lemo”and escorted me to my suite (Suite 2F).

Shortly after take-off, while I was still trying to settle in and get used to the atmosphere, I was approached by one of the First-Class cabin flight attendants saying “Mr. Lemo, would you like a glass of Dom Perignon or Krug”?I don’t drink alcohol so my answer was “No, but can I get a picture of the two”? He replied, “Absolutely!”. The next minute, I was presented with a bottle of Dom Perignon Vintage 2006 and a Krug 2004. 

Dom Perignon

Krug

I was then presented with a glass of Orange Juice (as per my request) paired with a bowl of warm gourmet nuts.

At this moment, I really still couldn’t believe I was in First Class cabin. I mean, Singapore Airlines First Class Suites for that matter. So far, it’s been nothing but Absolute Luxury”. 

Looking on the bright side of life

Moments later, the First-Class cabin crew came to personally introduce themselves to me one after another. At this point, I was feeling like “a president in my own little island”.

Moments later, the inflight royal treats began. The first-course was Caviar, paired with garlic bread.

Elegantly served Caviar, accompanied with Garlic Bread

Caviar is one of the oldest and most expensive delicacies in the world. Exquisite in flavor and texture, these luxurious tiny fish eggs (salt-cured eggs) from sturgeon fish tastes better at 35,000 feet above sea level.

After clearing the plate of that caviar, I then realized that Singapore Airlines had missed my “book-the-cook” order due to technical issue (so they said). I had ordered “Lobster Thermidor with Buttered Asparagus, Slow-Roasted Vine-Ripened Tomato, and Saffron Rice” 48 hours before my flight as my main course, but since the order was missed, I settled for the “Angus Steak”.

But one thing that amazed me was when one of the First-Class cabin crew went over to Business Class to go check if anyone in business class ordered the same lobster thermidor. They were ready to do almost anything to satisfy you, in First-Class Suites. In the meantime, while they were trying to figure out my book-the-cook order, I took some time to explore the amenities in the First-Class suites. Amenities includes Noise Cancelation Headphone, Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kit (consisting cologne, lip-balm, & shave balm). Not forgetting that First-Class Pajama with eye mask and slippers. 

Noise Cancelation Headphone by Bose

After the caviar, I had a cup of soup, then a bowl of salad, then the famous angus steak, followed by dessert.

Some Angus Steak tastes better at 35,00 feet

Dessert

After the 5-course meal, plus another bowl of fruits and a cup of coffee, I was so stuffed at this point, and I decided it was time for me to get a royalty sleep.

There were 5 other passengers in First-Class suites, and I could tell majority of them were already asleep. I decided to take a tour of the “King of the Skies”. I walked up the stairs all the way to Business Class, but I came back to my suites right-away so I could get a video of how the bed is being prepared. 

It feels like being in your hotel room at 35,000 feet up in the sky

Passengers in First-Class suites gets 100MB internet. (Now WiFi is unlimited in First Class). Although I did not run a speed-test, but the speed was quite okay. I was able to chat and upload a few pictures on social media.

Getting some privacy, while flying above Atlantic Ocean

While in bed, I decided to explore the entertainment system. The 23 inches TVin the suites was big enough for me. I decided to watch “Black Panther”. Perfect choice for that perfect moment. I slept off about half an hour later.

After 3 hours of a very good sleep, I woke up feeling awesome in that First-Class Pajama hahaha. The bed was comfortable, so is the pillow. 

I woke up feeling awesome in that first-class pajama

Although there was no shower onboard, but the lavatory was sparkling clean and spacious enough to brush your teeth and do your other business. There are Lalique amenity kits in the lavatory.

As aforementioned, the main purpose of this flight was for me to celebrate my birthday in the First-Class Suites onboard the Singapore Airlines A380. It was now officially “The Big Day”. 

For breakfast, I opted for some fruits from the Continental Breakfast option.

Breakfast Menu

Breakfast

Exactly an hour before arrival, it was now time to party. I stepped out of my suites while the cabin crew prepare the suites for the party. Apparently, Singapore Airlines has a special way of bringing in the birthday cake. There was an artificial smoke coming out from a glass like fireworks. It was epic, it was spontaneous, I was short of words. I loved every moment.

Birthday cake, accompanied by a special birthday card and Singapore Airlines 70th anniversary teddy bears

The birthday cake was also accompanied by a birthday card signed by the crew of SQ25 JFK – FRA. The card stated, “Singapore Airlines is pleased to join you in celebrating your special day”.

I think that was another great touch from Singapore Airlines. What a great way to fly!

Special Birthday Card from the crew of SQ25

And since it was a “Special Occasion”, the I was also presented with 2 Singapore Airlines 70 years celebrations teddy bears. A His-n-Hers collection, as you can see from the picture above. What “a great way to fly”.

Before we deplane, it was time for some group pictures with the cabin crew.

Bottomline:

I would like to say my experience in the Singapore Airlines First-Class Suites was spontaneous, amazing, and unforgettable. The customer service, checking in, boarding, the pre-flight welcome, the food, the drinks, the bed, and the cabin generally and everything in between blew my mind. Again, Singapore Airlines would go above and beyond to satisfy you in First-Class Suites. Excellent Customer Service!

Thank you Singapore Airlines for the excellent services. I came out of that plane with a very-high taste hahaha.