Both Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines offer premium travel experiences with their own strengths. Qatar Airways stands out for its on-time performance and in-flight entertainment, while Singapore Airlines excels in customer service and fleet age. The choice depends on individual priorities, such as schedule reliability versus service quality.
| Attribute | Qatar Airways | Singapore Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| On-time performance | Ranked among the top 5 globally in 2024, with an on-time arrival rate of 82.83% from 99.30% tracked flights. As of February 2025, secured third place globally with 87.24% on-time performance. | 78.67% in 2024; third most punctual in Asia-Pacific; cancellation rate of 0.08% in 2024 |
| Baggage allowance and fees | Carry-on: Economy class passengers are allowed one carry-on bag up to 15 lbs (7 kg). First and Business class passengers can bring two carry-on bags with a combined weight of 33 lbs (15 kg). Checked baggage: For flights to and from Africa and the Americas, Economy Class generally includes 2 checked bags up to 50 lbs (23 kg) each, while First and Business Class include 2 bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each. Flights to other destinations use a weight concept, with Economy allowances typically ranging from 44 lbs (20 kg) to 77 lbs (35 kg). Excess baggage fees: These vary depending on the route and are calculated per kilogram. Purchasing additional baggage in advance can save costs. Online, an extra piece (up to 50 lbs) costs $200 USD, while at the airport, it costs $255. | Carry-on: Economy/Premium Economy - 1 bag up to 7 kg; Suites/Business/First - 2 bags up to 7 kg each; Checked Baggage (Weight Concept): Economy - 25-30 kg, Premium Economy - 35 kg, Business - 40 kg, Suites/First - 50 kg; Checked Baggage (Piece Concept): Economy/Premium Economy - 2 bags, 23 kg each, Business/Suites/First - 2 bags, 32 kg each; Excess baggage fees apply; PPS Club members get 100% more free baggage allowance |
| Seat comfort (legroom, width, recline) | Economy: Seats on long-haul flights may be narrow but offer decent pitch and recline. The standard pitch in Economy is 31 inches. Business: Qatar Airways' Business Class, particularly the Qsuite, is often described as exceptional, offering privacy with doors and dividers. | Economy Class: 32-inch pitch, 17.3-18.5 inch width; Business Class: Bulkhead seats on A350-900ULR provide amazing legroom; Suites Class: 28-inch width; A350-900 Long Haul seats have thick padding |
| In-flight entertainment (selection, screen quality) | Oryx One system offers a wide selection of movies, documentaries, music, and games. Economy class passengers have access to the same entertainment options as those in business class, with over 8,500 options. The touch screens are responsive and easy to navigate. | KrisWorld offers movies, TV shows, music, and games; Touchscreen is responsive; Wi-Fi available on most aircraft, free for KrisFlyer members depending on tier and booking class |
| Food and beverage quality and variety | Offers a dine-on-demand service in Business Class. In Economy, menus are provided, and unlimited drinks, including premium spirits, are available. | Well-balanced meals, hot, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options; main course, salad, dessert, bread roll, and a drink (alcoholic options included) |
| Cabin cleanliness and maintenance | Aircraft are generally described as modern and immaculately clean. | Cabins are kept clean and fresh; enhanced cleaning procedures; HEPA filters remove 99.9% of microbes; headsets, headrest covers, pillow covers, bedsheets, and blankets are washed and replaced after every flight |
| Customer service (check-in, in-flight, post-flight) | Check-in: Some passengers have experienced smooth and well-organized check-in processes, while others have reported slow check-in, even after completing online check-in. In-flight: Cabin crew are often described as warm, attentive, and professional. Post-flight: Some reviews mention slow customer service regarding compensation, flight changes, and baggage issues. | Courteous and helpful ground staff; attentive, graceful, and warm cabin crew; cabin crew wear masks and gloves during meal service |
| Frequent flyer program benefits | Privilege Club, which uses Avios as its currency. Members can earn and redeem Avios on flights with Qatar Airways and partner airlines. Privilege Club offers Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, with increasing benefits such as lounge access, extra baggage allowance and preferred seating. | KrisFlyer offers miles for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals; KrisFlyer Silver status offers priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and priority boarding; KrisFlyer Elite Gold includes lounge access, increased baggage allowance, and Star Alliance Gold status |
| Lounge access and quality | Provides lounge access to First and Business Class passengers, as well as eligible Privilege Club members. Lounges, particularly those in Doha and London, are noted for their cleanliness, amenities, and food selection. | KrisFlyer Elite Gold members can access Singapore Airlines' SilverKris Lounges and Star Alliance Gold lounges worldwide; enhanced cleaning and a la carte meals are available |
| Aircraft age and condition | Known for maintaining a modern fleet with state-of-the-art technology. | Maintains a young fleet, typically retaining aircraft for around 15 years; average fleet age was 7.6 years as of March 2025; oldest passenger aircraft is 18.4 years old |
| Route network and destinations | Connects numerous international destinations across the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia. | Flies to over 120 destinations in 46 countries; main hub is Singapore Changi Airport (SIN); destinations cover Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America |
| Ticket change and cancellation policies | Offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy. Change fees start at USD 25. Changes are permitted up to the flight's departure, but last-minute changes may incur higher fees. | Flexible cancellation policies vary depending on fare type, route, and timing; cancellation fees depend on the ticket type; full refund for cancellations within 24 hours of booking if the booking was made at least 7 days before departure; changes are subject to availability and fare differences; name changes are typically not allowed |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Overall comfort of seats on long-haul flights: Mixed reviews. Satisfaction with in-flight entertainment: Generally positive. Quality and variety of food and beverages: Mixed reviews. Efficiency and friendliness of the check-in process: Inconsistent. Helpfulness and attentiveness of cabin crew: Generally positive. Cleanliness and maintenance of the aircraft cabin: Mostly positive. Value for money compared to other airlines: Mixed reviews. Experience with airline's customer service representatives: Mixed reviews. | Not available |