Flight Review: Singapore Airlines First Class Review 777-300ER | LAX to NRT
Introduction
Experience the ultimate in transpacific luxury with Singapore Airlines’ First Class service on the Boeing 777-300ER from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo Narita (NRT). This "fifth freedom" route remains my favorite for its exclusive four-seat cabin, providing an intimate atmosphere that feels more like a private jet than a commercial flight. Passengers are treated to the legendary "Book the Cook" service, featuring gourmet dishes like lobster thermidor and Suzanne Goin's California-inspired cuisine, all while being pampered by a world-class crew that consistently sets the gold standard for hospitality. Whether you are lounging in the expansive 35-inch wide leather seats or enjoying the perfectly timed turndown service, the journey to Japan becomes as memorable as the destination itself.
Following the mid-2025 program updates, redemption rates for this prestigious route in 2026 reflect the airline’s latest award chart adjustments. To secure a one-way Saver Award in First Class between LAX and NRT, you will now typically need 97,000 KrisFlyer miles, while Advantage Awards—which offer better availability and stopover flexibility—command roughly 143,500 miles. While these rates represent a modest increase from previous years, the value remains high given that taxes and surcharges are kept exceptionally low compared to other global carriers. For those looking for a deal, the "Spontaneous Escapes" promotions occasionally feature this route at a 30% discount, though these seats are rare for the First Class cabin and usually require booking on very short notice.
Design & Seat | Singapore Airlines
The First Class Suite on Singapore Airlines’ 777-300ER from LAX to NRT prioritizes serene privacy and classic luxury over gimmickry: a fully enclosed suite with a sliding door, a wide, deeply cushioned seat that converts into a fully flat, long bed with generous under-seat storage and an extendable ottoman. Ergonomically the seat balances firm lumbar support with plush padding; intuitive controls let passengers fine-tune recline, lumbar, and legrest independently, while a well-placed reading light, ample armrest space, and a large fold-out table make dining and work effortless. Sightlines are excellent — direct aisle access without stepping over a neighbor — and acoustic insulation plus thick side panels create a quiet cocoon ideal for rest on the transpacific sector.
Design and features reflect Singapore Airlines’ restrained elegance: cream leather, dark wood veneer, and brass accents give a timeless, hotel-like feel rather than a tech-showcase. The suite includes a large high-resolution IFE screen, multiple charging ports (including universal and USB-C), a noise-reducing headset, and generous personal storage pockets and hanging space for garments. Practical touches reviewers note are the dedicated amenity kit and bedding quality, stellar cabin service that enhances the in-suite experience, and thoughtfully placed vents and temperature controls that keep the microclimate comfortable during the long overnight flight.
Dining | Singapore Airlines
Dinner aboard Singapore Airlines flight SQ 12 (LAX–NRT) in First Class presents a refined dining sequence—start with a delicate amuse-bouche and seasonal hors d’oeuvre, then move into the Kyo Kaiseki option if selected. The Kyo Kaiseki is a composed, multi-course Japanese tasting that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and elegant presentation: chilled sashimi, a clear soup, simmered and grilled seasonal fish, and a light rice course with pickles, finished with a subtly sweet wagashi. Alternatives include classic Western plated mains (seared beef or seafood with rich jus and composed sides), a contemporary Singaporean-influenced option, or an à la carte selection from the Book the Cook menu; all dishes are served on fine tableware with paired wines and thoughtful palate cleansers between courses.
The cabin crew are consistently friendly, impeccably professional, and proactively attentive—anticipating needs without being intrusive. From offering pre-flight refreshments and warm greetings to remembering beverage preferences and timing courses to passenger rest patterns, their service rhythm elevates the meal from merely excellent to genuinely memorable. Small touches—a perfectly timed rewrite of cutlery between courses, discreet follow-ups on dietary requests, and personalized dessert presentations—underpin a luxury experience that feels both polished and sincerely hospitable.
We were the only two first-class passengers on the Singapore Airlines LAX–NRT flight, which quickly turned the cabin into our private dining room: the crew presented the full a la carte menu as if it were a tasting menu, starting with generous servings of caviar and moving through all the champagne we could drink (and not pass out). Lobster thermidor arrived perfectly cooked and decadent, interspersed with other indulgences from the galley, and a parade of desserts—too many that I lost track—kept appearing as if by magic of the Chief Stewardess and her team. The service was unhurried and attentive, each course accompanied by thoughtful wine pairings and warm smiles, so every bite felt celebratory; between courses we lingered over top-ups of bubbles and traded recommendations for restaurants and hotels like old friends plotting an ideal itinerary.
Conversation flowed as freely as the champagne, and the real highlight was the lovely cabin crew themselves: down-to-earth, curious, and full of stories about life on the line. They told us about the long days and strange time zones, the rituals that keep them grounded, and the unexpected friendships born between layovers, and we reciprocated with our own travel tales and questions about their favorite destinations. Those exchanges—equal parts candid and affectionate—turned a luxurious meal into a rare, human connection at 35,000 feet, making the flight unforgettable not just for the food and drink but for the warmth and honesty of the people who made it all possible.
At this point, I was so full that I just wanted to knock out….
Amenities | Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines’ exclusive Lalique amenity kit is a study in refined sensory restraint: the Neroli scent—bright, green, and quietly floral—threads through each element with elegant consistency. The soap arrives wrapped in the same muted palette as the kit, a compact block that lathers cleanly without overpowering, leaving a lingering citrus-floral clarity on the skin. The petite candle, housed in a frosted vessel embossed with Lalique’s emblem, releases a soft, spa-like warmth when lit in the privacy of the suite, transforming cabin light into a calm, scented pause; it’s a thoughtful nod to at-home ritual rather than a flight novelty. The body lotion is silky and absorbent, a balm of light hydration that preserves skin comfort at altitude without stickiness, while the lip balm is richly emollient—subtle Neroli notes briefly surfacing as it restores moisture, rounding out a cohesive, travel-ready grooming set that feels genuinely luxurious rather than gimmicky.
Beyond the kit itself, the cabin crew elevated the experience with personal touches that spoke to genuine hospitality: two Singapore Airlines teddy bears presented as keepsakes, a signed card expressing warm wishes, and an assortment of other little goodies to take home. These gestures—seemingly small—felt considered and sincere, turning a premium product into a treasured memory. The combination of a meticulously curated Lalique collection and the crew’s attentive extras created an overall impression of care that extends well past in-flight comfort into something more intimate and enduring.
Cabin Service | Singapore Airlines
This cabin crew was an absolute masterclass in hospitality, largely because the 1st Class Crew seemed to hilariously outnumber us 2:1, making the service feel entirely bespoke to just my wife and me. From the moment we leveled off, the crew was incredibly proactive, anticipating our needs before we even had the chance to voice them. The dining experience was a seamless ballet of precision, with each course delivered with an elegance that rivaled a Michelin-starred restaurant. We were able to utilize all four seats to our liking, with the two middle seats being where we had our dinner and breakfast, and the other two as our bed. Talk about flying in such a royal treatment!
Having exclusive access to two forward lavatories immediately elevates the onboard experience. The crew ensure these facilities remain immaculately maintained throughout the flight and they are consistently replenished with Lalique toiletries, underscoring Singapore Airlines’ attention to detail.When it came time for the turndown service, the crew transformed our suites into a sanctuary, meticulously preparing our bedding with such care that it felt like a luxury hotel in the sky. Their warmth and relentless attention to detail truly made this journey one of the best we’ve ever experienced, turning a long-haul flight into a highlight of our trip.
Curated for Class?
Stepping into the Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class cabin feels less like boarding a plane and more like checking into a boutique hotel that just happens to be cruising at 35,000 feet. With only four suites in a 1-2-1 layout, the "refined restraint" of the design is a breath of fresh air; think creamy neutrals, warm wood, and a residential glow that instantly lowers your heart rate. The suite is a masterclass in space management—your plush, oversized leather throne converts into a dreamy, fully flat bed, while the ottoman doubles as a companion seat for a high-altitude date night. Every detail, from the tactile metal finishes to the hidden storage nooks, whispers "quiet luxury" rather than shouting for attention. Even in 2026, the seats themselves still hold up very well against competition.
The service on this transpacific hop isn't just a job; it’s a choreographed performance of pure grace. The cabin crew has an almost psychic ability to appear exactly when you’re craving a refill of Krug or a warm croissant, balancing old-school professionalism with a genuine, warm smile. The dining is a literal feast for the senses, where "Book the Cook" classics meet modern Asian flair, all served on fine china with the precision of a Michelin-starred kitchen. Whether you’re diving into a bowl of perfectly spiced laksa or tucking into your duvet for a deep sky-high slumber, the experience is a seamless blend of world-class engineering and a human touch that makes the long haul to Tokyo feel far too short.
Curated for Class Final Score | 37/40
This may be a older 1st Class Suites cabin on Singapore Airlines, but like a classic Porsche 911, this has all the highlights and professionalism to make anyone’s flight one of their most memorable one. This was easily one of the best 1st Class Cabin Crew, along with one of the most outrageous settings we had from our flight to Japan.
Ambiance: 9/10
Seating: 9/10
Food & Beverage: 9.5/10
Cabin Service: 9.5/10