Singapore Airlines edges out Emirates due to its younger fleet, reputation for exceptional customer service, and generally positive reviews regarding value for money. However, both airlines have areas for improvement, particularly in on-time performance and baggage handling. Emirates stands out with its ICE entertainment system and luxurious lounges, making it a strong contender for passengers prioritizing these aspects.
| Attribute | Singapore Airlines | Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| On-time arrival rate | Generally solid, but some reviews mention flight disruptions and delays. | Emirates claims a 99.9% success rate for baggage arriving on time. Some customer reviews indicate issues with delays. |
| Baggage allowance and fees | Economy: 30 kg check-in. Carry-on exceeding 7kg might be strictly checked. Some reviews mention issues with baggage handling, including lost or delayed luggage. | Details vary depending on ticket type. Skywards+ members may receive an additional 10 kg allowance. Passengers traveling to/from the US who report missing baggage are offered Interim Relief (IR) compensation. |
| Seat comfort (legroom, width) | Economy: ~32 inches pitch. Width: A380 - 18.5 inches (47 cm), other aircraft may have 17.3 inches (44 cm). Some find seats comfortable, others cramped (especially on A350-900). | Economy: Seat pitch is up to 33 inches, with a seat width of 17.05 inches on Boeing 777 and 18 inches on Airbus A380 aircraft. Premium Economy: Offers a 40-inch pitch and 19.5-inch width with an 8-inch recline. |
| In-flight entertainment options | KrisWorld system is highly rated, with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Touchscreen interface is generally crisp and responsive. | Emirates' ICE system offers over 4,500 channels of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Live TV is also available. |
| Food and beverage quality and selection | High-quality food, complimentary meals, wide selection of drinks. Special meals can be pre-booked. Some reviewers have found the food delightful, while others found it not delicious. | Emirates provides menus with global dishes made from quality ingredients. Some reviews mention limited options or basic food quality compared to other premium airlines. |
| Cabin cleanliness and maintenance | Generally clean and fresh. Some reviews mention spotless cabins, but some passengers have reported dirty seat areas. | Some reviews mention aircraft appearing overused, with broken features or unusual smells. |
| Customer service (ground and in-flight) | Known for exceptional customer service. Cabin crew is generally warm, attentive, and courteous. Some reviewers have reported issues with ground staff being rude or unhelpful. | Some reviews indicate unfriendly or unhelpful ground staff. Other reviews praise the attentiveness and hospitality of the cabin crew. |
| Frequent flyer program benefits | KrisFlyer program offers miles accrual, lounge access, and priority services. KrisFlyer Elite Gold provides lounge access and Star Alliance Gold benefits. | Emirates Skywards offers benefits like priority boarding, lounge access, and free flights/upgrades. |
| Ticket change and cancellation policies | Generally flexible, but some reviews mention difficulties in getting refunds or assistance with ticket changes. | Emirates offers a 24-hour cancellation policy for bookings made at least 7 days before departure. Change fees and refund eligibility depend on the ticket type. |
| Aircraft age and technology | Young and modern fleet. As of March 2025, the average fleet age is approximately 7.6 years. Fleet includes Airbus A350s, A380s, Boeing 777s, and 787s. | As of March 2025, the total fleet count was 260 units, with an average fleet age of 10.7 years. |
| Lounge access and amenities | Lounge access for eligible passengers. Lounges provide comfortable seating, food and beverage options, and other amenities. | Emirates operates luxurious lounges in major airports. Access varies based on class of travel and Skywards membership tier. |
| Overall value for money | Generally considered a good value for money. Some reviewers feel it is worth the extra cost for the level of service and comfort provided. | Some reviews suggest that the experience does not represent value for money. |