An editorial comparison of Qantas and Singapore Airlines First Class. We examine the 'Skyroom' suites and the legendary 'Book the Cook' service.
To fly First Class on Qantas or Singapore Airlines is to experience two of the most refined expressions of long-haul travel. Qantas, the 'Spirit of Australia,' offers a product that is grounded in understated luxury and effortless comfort. Singapore Airlines, the standard-bearer for Asian hospitality, offers an experience of legendary precision and opulence. At Peters Signature Travel, we find that the choice often comes down to a preference for Australian 'cool' versus Singaporean 'perfection.'
Singapore Airlines’ A380 Suites are essentially small bedrooms. With a separate swivel chair and a standalone bed that can be combined into a double bed for couples, they set a benchmark for space that few can match. The doors are tall, the storage is ample, and the materials—leather by Poltrona Frau—are of the highest caliber. It is a monumental achievement in cabin design.
Qantas First Class, found on their A380s, offers a 'Skyroom' design. While it lacks the full-height doors of Singapore Airlines, it provides an exceptionally comfortable, swivel-seat layout that feels like a cozy, high-tech den. The seat is wide and the bedding, featuring a Sheridan memory foam mattress, is arguably some of the best in the sky. Qantas focuses on ergonomics and 'touch' rather than sheer square footage. Our team finds that while Singapore wins on 'wow factor,' Qantas often wins on the actual quality of sleep.
Singapore Airlines is famous for its 'Book the Cook' service, allowing passengers to pre-order from an extensive menu of gourmet dishes weeks before their flight. Whether it is Lobster Thermidor or Singaporean Chicken Rice, the execution is flawless. Their wine cellar is equally heralded, often featuring both Krug and Dom Pérignon, alongside a selection of highly-rated Bordeaux.
Qantas has a long-standing partnership with chef Neil Perry of Rockpool fame. The focus here is on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a 'modern Australian' sensibility. The steak sandwich is a cult favorite, as is the salt and pepper squid. The Qantas wine program is particularly special, focusing heavily on premium Australian labels—Penfolds, Henschke, and Vasse Felix—giving travelers a true taste of the country’s world-class viticulture. Singapore is the choice for international variety; Qantas is the choice for ingredient-led simplicity.
The Qantas First Lounge in Sydney is an architectural masterpiece designed by Marc Newson. It features a vertical garden, a full-service restaurant, and a design language that is both futuristic and warm. It is widely considered one of the three best lounges in the world.
Singapore Airlines’ 'The Private Room' at Changi Airport is a more traditional, exclusive enclave. It is hidden within the First Class lounge and offers a quiet, sit-down dining experience with premium ingredients like wagyu and truffle. While it is undeniably exclusive, it lacks the expansive, airy feel of the Qantas flagship in Sydney. Our team prefers the Qantas lounge for its sheer aesthetic brilliance and its energetic, yet refined, atmosphere.
Qantas crew members are known for their 'no-fuss' professionalism. They are warm, often humorous, and treat passengers with a familiar yet respectful tone. It is a very Australian form of luxury—accessible and unpretentious.
Singapore Airlines crew, the 'Singapore Girls' and 'Singapore Boys,' are trained to a level of precision that is unmatched in the industry. Every movement is choreographed; every word is considered. It is a formal, highly structured service that leaves no detail to chance. For the traveler who wants to feel completely taken care of with zero friction, Singapore is the clear choice. For the traveler who enjoys a more relaxed, human interaction, Qantas is a delight.
Singapore Airlines remains the choice for the traveler who wants the superlative—the biggest bed, the most options, and the most precise service. Qantas is the choice for the discerning traveler who values comfort, exceptional bedding, and a world-class lounge experience above all else. Both represent the pinnacle of the art of flight.
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