For travelers flying from India to the West Coast of the USA, the journey is a long one. One of the most civilized and comfortable ways to do it is with Singapore Airlines, connecting through their world-class hub at Changi. I recently flew this exact route, from Mumbai (BOM) to San Francisco (SFO) via Singapore (SIN), in their acclaimed Business Class. Was it worth the premium? Here’s my detailed, end-to-end experience
Part 1: Mumbai (BOM) to Singapore (SIN)
Flight: SQ423
Part 2: The Transit at Changi (SIN)
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900
At the Airport: Check-in at Mumbai’s T2 was a breeze with the dedicated Business Class counters. As a Singapore Airlines passenger, I had access to the magnificent GVK Lounge, which is always a relaxing start to a journey.
The Seat: The Business Class seat on this aircraft is the 2013 long-haul version. It’s incredibly spacious and private. While it’s not the very latest product, it’s still one of the best in the sky, converting into a very comfortable fully flat bed. For the 5.5-hour flight to Singapore, it was perfect for getting some rest.
Food & Service: This is where Singapore Airlines excels. Even on this medium-haul flight, the service was impeccable. I used the “Book the Cook” service to pre-order a delicious Indian dish, which was served restaurant-style. The cabin crew were proactive, friendly, and lived up to their world-class reputation.
My layover was about 3 hours, which is the perfect amount of time to enjoy Singapore Changi Airport. I headed straight for the SilverKris Business Class Lounge. It’s a huge, beautifully designed space with a wide variety of food (including delicious Laksa), a full bar, and excellent shower suites to freshen up before the next long flight.
Part 3: Singapore (SIN) to San Francisco (SFO)
Flight: SQ34
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR (Ultra Long Range)
The Aircraft: This is one of the world’s longest flights, at nearly 16 hours. The A350-ULR is specially configured with only Business Class and Premium Economy, making the cabin feel very exclusive and spacious. The higher humidity and lower cabin altitude of the A350 really do make a difference on a flight this long.
The Experience: The service was elevated even further on this flagship route. The crew were incredible, pacing the meal services perfectly to allow for maximum sleep. I pre-ordered another “Book the Cook” meal and then settled in to watch several movies on the excellent KrisWorld entertainment system. The lie-flat bed was extremely comfortable, and I managed to get a solid 7-8 hours of sleep, which is a game-changer on a flight of this duration.
Final Verdict
Flying from India to the USA is a marathon, but Singapore Airlines turns it into a genuinely pleasant experience. The combination of a comfortable and private seat, exceptional food, flawless service, and a seamless transit through the world’s best airport makes it my top choice for this route. It is, without a doubt, one of the finest ways to travel the globe.
