I've been on CX and SQ, only been on an A350 once with CX. The premium economy seats on both airlines are similar, but the business class seats are quite different. If you want to go PE, SQ has better food and better service, but you have to have a layover (you're planning to see the city anyway so that's not a problem). In J however, I'd take CX. The SQ seats are quite weird imo; they're extraordinarily wide, but have a very small footwell. In order to sleep, you have to flip the mattress over, which can be a nuisance since you also can't recline very far on the SQ seat, and then you have to angle yourself to squeeze your feet in a small hole. It's like they invested in this beautiful massive seat but spoiled it with the sleep comfort. The CX meals I've tried recently are better than they were, say a year ago, but I've never tried MEL-loaded catering so it could be different.
I've done both PE and J flights on CX (not sure if the A350 but don't think it changes too much between config) and SQ.
For PE, SQ wins hands down. Newer/better seats, far superior IFE, and just generally well designed convenience factors (in seat storage etc.).
CX PE feels more aged even if not necessarily so, IFE very average and I recall the food being disappointing.
For J however, I agree that CX trumps SQ, if not for anything else but that stupid tiny footwell in SQ J seats. I don't have the biggest feet at EUR 46 but I can already feel the crampedness so I can't imagine how it must be for others.
Changi/SGP is one of the best spots for a stopover. And if you're taking SQ with a stopover, I think you get some spending vouchers to use as well ($40 each I think).
MRYJDrake
MRYJDrake
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
Member since 31 Oct 2016
Total posts 206
Thank you all very much for the input.
boeingmannn
boeingmannn
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
Member since 01 Jun 2016
Total posts 5
I've been on CX and SQ, only been on an A350 once with CX. The premium economy seats on both airlines are similar, but the business class seats are quite different. If you want to go PE, SQ has better food and better service, but you have to have a layover (you're planning to see the city anyway so that's not a problem). In J however, I'd take CX. The SQ seats are quite weird imo; they're extraordinarily wide, but have a very small footwell. In order to sleep, you have to flip the mattress over, which can be a nuisance since you also can't recline very far on the SQ seat, and then you have to angle yourself to squeeze your feet in a small hole. It's like they invested in this beautiful massive seat but spoiled it with the sleep comfort. The CX meals I've tried recently are better than they were, say a year ago, but I've never tried MEL-loaded catering so it could be different.
jediweelum
jediweelum
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 14 Dec 2016
Total posts 7
I've done both PE and J flights on CX (not sure if the A350 but don't think it changes too much between config) and SQ.
MRYJDrake
MRYJDrake
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
Member since 31 Oct 2016
Total posts 206
Thanks very much for that!