Six things to think about before booking your next flight

Get your holiday off to a flying start by choosing the right airline for you

(Alamy Stock Photo)

Beyond competitive pricing and speedy travel times, there are other important factors to consider when choosing an airline. From the quality of the service to the baggage allowance, here’s what to bear in mind before you click 'book'.

1. How does the food and wine taste?

In recent years airlines have upped their games significantly to please the palates of discerning passengers. Singapore Airlines prides itself on sourcing seasonal local produce and employing skilled sommeliers to select the finest vintages. In fact, the carrier goes the extra mile to ensure dining is en pointe. Its International Culinary Panel – a team of eight celebrated chefs from around the world – harnesses culinary creativity to devise a constantly evolving array of delicious dishes inspired by different cultures and food traditions.

2. How comfortable will I be during the flight?

Relaxation is key to an enjoyable flight – especially on longer journeys. From the elegant finishing, sleek sleeping surfaces and judicious use of space in its premium cabins, to the 34-inch seat width – the world’s largest – in business class, and more comfortable seats in premium economy and economy classes, Singapore Airlines understands just how important it is to feel at ease. In the carrier’s premium cabins, seats are crafted with leather chosen for its softness. Its low-density A380 configuration, meanwhile, means more personal space for passengers.

3. How generous is the baggage allowance?

When travelling to an exciting destination, there’s a chance you will want to pick up some unique souvenirs. Therefore, it’s important to guard against having to pay extra for additional baggage. Singapore Airlines is aware that little things add up, which is why it has increased its free checked-in baggage allowance by 10kg across all classes, ranging from a generous 30kg in economy to 50kg in first class.

4. How good is the service?

Friendly service can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying a pleasurable flight, especially on long-haul trips. Singapore Airlines has become known for its hospitality excellence over the years, winning numerous awards for its attentive and friendly staff.

5. What will my connection experience be like?

Flying long haul can mean at least one connection. So, in light of that, it is important this experience is as convivial as possible. Direct flights from London to Singapore with Singapore Airlines mean passengers can get the bulk of their travel done in one easy go. What’s more, connecting to a flight at Singapore’s acclaimed Changi Airport is easy and enjoyable with ultra-efficient service and world-class facilities such as restaurants, shops and leisure options for children.

6. What’s the in-flight entertainment like?

Nothing beats kicking back on a flight and settling down to watch a great movie or TV show or listen to some music. Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system offers up to 285 movies, more than 470 TV programmes and in excess of 450 albums each month. The airline is raising the experience to another level with the introduction a new ‘companion app’ that will allow passengers to use their personal electronic device as a second screen on the aircraft. It also lets passengers preview in-flight entertainment content, create favourites and even control their seat-back monitors.

Singapore Airlines — the world’s most awarded airline — and its regional wing SilkAir, operate flights to 99 destinations in 34 countries. Fly to Bali from £495pp, Sydney from £660pp, Vientiane from £590pp, book before 30 September and you could win your flights for free - singaporeairgetaway.com Terms & conditions apply.