Update – Singapore Swaps A380 on the SFO-HKG Route – UA Award Flights

by Adam

Update –  UA’s website is now displaying the switch from the B777 to the A380 suites on the SQ 1 (SFO-HKG-SIN) and SQ 2 (SIN-HKG-SFO) routes.  You should now see this when logging into and viewing your itineraries:

a close up of a sign

Don’t worry about the Business class designation, R class is indicative of Suite Class in Singapore’s system but UA uses that same designation for upgraded Business. Who else is excited for their suite??  *Unfortunately the equipment change to the A380 is scheduled only until March 24, 2012 for both HKG and NRT, MEL is permanent.*

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Original Post

Great news for those of you who took advantage of the Singapore First Class award booking extravaganza a few weeks ago, Singapore will be putting the A380 on the SFO-HKG-SIN route with twice daily service and will be adding a second A380 on the SIN-NRT route! This is in addition to the additional A380 added on the SQ217 route from SIN-MEL last week. The updates are effective December 28, 2012. The addition comes at the expense of one of the JFK-FRA-SIN routes which will go back to a B777-300ER. If you booked an award on any of these previous B777 routes get ready to be excited, you should now have a Suite Class award on the A380! I had hedged my bet on a change like this by placing a reservation to MEL, hoping that the B777 would get the swap and I’d get to experience Suite Class! United’s website shows that there has been a change to my reservation, though it indicates Business (R):

a screen shot of a flight schedule

However, when checking on Singapore’s website I can see that I’ve been assigned a seat in Suite Class on the A380:

a screenshot of a computer

I know quite a few others had First reservations on at least one of these routes! Note that UA and Singapore have not yet updated their websites with the SFO-HKG and NRT-SIN swaps so you will only see updates on the SIN-MEL route displayed online. Now we just need a swap on IAH-DME-SIN and I think the majority of readers will have a First Class A380 award. Why does Suite Class seem so amazing? Check out this link for full video and pictures. Each individual cabin features sliding doors and window blinds, offering you the freedom to decide on the level of privacy you prefer. While the leather and wood finishes, created in soothing natural hues, enhance the sense of serenity. For the first time ever in air travel, experience the pleasure of sleeping on a distinctively designed, standalone bed; not one converted from a seat. Our signature turndown service, with fine linen and plush, full-sized pillows, ensures a restful slumber. The bed is separate for your seat and whether in our largest seat or on our most comfortable bed, you have countless ways to enjoy this unique, personal space.

a woman making bed in an airplane

a man lying on a bed holding a remote control

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18 comments

marZ July 31, 2012 - 4:25 pm

Kind of unrelated, but is there a reason why Singapore Air is no longer showing up as an option for United rewards redemptions? I’ve tried searching a million different ways and can’t find anything. Thanks!

Reply
adam July 31, 2012 - 4:51 pm

@marZ – UA temporarily blocked all Singapore awards after the Singapore booking party fiasco and they haven’t come back online yet…

Reply
marZ July 31, 2012 - 5:10 pm

@adam – Thanks!

Reply
CDKing July 31, 2012 - 4:58 pm

Based on what I’ve read IAH-DME-SIN is not making money. I just hope it does not get cancelled as its my only F booking on SQ

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adam July 31, 2012 - 5:00 pm

@CDKing – I’ve heard some reduction rumblings but no cancellations hopefully! I’m flying that route and connecting to Bali in F in January.

Reply
Angelina July 31, 2012 - 5:32 pm

Adam all I’m seeing is this:

Depart:
11:50 p.m.
Sun., Mar. 17, 2013
San Francisco, CA (SFO)
Arrive:
12:00 p.m. +2 Day
Tue., Mar. 19, 2013
Singapore, Singapore (SIN)
Travel Time:
21 hr 10 mn
Flight: SQ1
Operated by Singapore Airlines.
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Fare Class: Business (R)
Meal: None

Time change for me, but still boeing 777???

Reply
adam July 31, 2012 - 5:34 pm

@Angelina – Strange that yours is still showing the 777, though your class now indicates R which is a suite. Are you seeing the A380 Suite on Singapore’s website?

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clayd33 July 31, 2012 - 6:12 pm

My Jan 18 is showing suites, I called SQ to confirm as well. AWESOME!

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rob July 31, 2012 - 9:02 pm

im flying june 10 and it still says O and the 777

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adam July 31, 2012 - 9:45 pm

@rob – Unfortunately the equipment change is only until March 24, 2012.

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sil July 31, 2012 - 9:48 pm

Mine has been changed to the A380 for Sin to Sfo. I love the suite with the single seat and windows but will be traveling with my mom so I guess the double seats 3CD (2CD are taken) would be the best. What do you think? Single seats for each one of us or double seats in the middle with no windows?

Reply
adam July 31, 2012 - 9:55 pm

@sil – that’s a tough one! The single seat with the window is very tempting. Though, when traveling with a family member it might be nice to spend time together and create the double bed. I’d probably tell my mom I’d come visit throughout the flight and that we’ll be spending plenty of time together once we land 😉 …then I’d head back to my single seat.

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sil July 31, 2012 - 10:04 pm

Adam- wait a minute…is it not two single beds or is it one double bed?

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adam July 31, 2012 - 10:22 pm

@sil – As per their website, the two middle suites can be converted into doubles for “couples”. I take that as meaning it’s two single beds that can form a double.

Reply
US Airways $19.99 Premium Meals in Coach, Now Available on International Routes - Point Me To The Plane August 1, 2012 - 4:50 pm

[…] Update – Singapore Swaps A380 on the SFO-HKG Route – UA Award Flights […]

Reply
greg August 3, 2012 - 7:47 am

Dear Owner of this blog

i m sure that you are also aware that SQ distinguishes between the F and suites

in case of a plane swap they downgrade F pax to C class on a380

and then you should get the miels difference from the loyalty programme you redeemed miles in

best

greg

Reply
adam August 3, 2012 - 11:22 am

@greg – this is a permanent swap and all first class seats are being honored in suite class. Only A380s will fly the routes and as such first class is the suite class.

Reply
First of Two Singapore First-Class United Glitch Flights this Thursday…and help me pick hotels and a return flight! - Point Me To The Plane January 7, 2013 - 11:21 am

[…] of you who booked Singapore First tickets during the glitch, A380 swaps were also announced on the SFO-HKG-SIN and SFO-SIN-NRT routes effective December 28, 2012. However, the additions came at the expense of one of the JFK-FRA-SIN routes which went back to a […]

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