Singapore Airlines non-stop Newark flights join the VTL

Back in January we exclusively revealed that Singapore Airlines will be launching triple daily flights to and from New York for the first time in its history, with a restart of Airbus A350 ULR Newark services on 27th March 2022, right from the start of the airline’s summer schedule.

That date also coincides with the relaunch of Airbus A380 flights to and from New York JFK via Frankfurt, while daily non-stop JFK flights using the A350 ULR, which first launched in November 2020, will continue to operate.

Aside from triple daily service for ‘the big apple’, it means there will be two daily non-stops on the route for the first time, with both morning and midnight departures in both directions.

Newark goes VTL

When the Newark comeback was first confirmed by SIA, Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) status for the daily non-stop flights had not been secured, with the airline advising Mainly Miles that “details will be announced when available”.

Luckily as part of Singapore’s recent increase in the daily VTL cap the carrier has been able to confirm that all its Newark – Singapore flights from 28th March 2022, the day of the first Changi-bound flight on the route, will be VTL designated.

“From 27 March, SIA will operate daily flights between Singapore and Newark Liberty International Airport in New York. SQ21 will operate as the designated VTL flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Singapore.”

Singapore Airlines

SIA’s schedule page and booking engine already reflects the all-important VTL status on these flights.

While it seems a long time ago, Newark was SIA’s original choice when non-stop flights to New York from Singapore were launched in June 2004 using Airbus A340-500s, then again when they were restarted in October 2018 with the Airbus A350 ULR, so it’s great to see the route back again.

Newark is also an ideal airport for Star Alliance connections with SIA’s partner United Airlines, which has a large hub at the New Jersey airport, enhancing options for many travellers flying to and from other East Coast cities.

Late last year the two carriers signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which SIA said signalled “the start of a deeper partnership between both airlines, which could offer enhanced options and benefits for customers”.

Aside from this Newark reinstatement, United recently started non-stop Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flights from San Francisco to Singapore, introducing its brand new Polaris Business Class cabin on the route for the first time.

VTL schedule

Here’s how the non-stop Newark – Singapore designated VTL flight schedule looks from 28th March 2022, with a morning departure offering early evening arrival into Changi the following day, after a mammoth 18-hour 45-minute journey.

28th March 2022 - 31st March 2022

			Days
			M	T	W	T	F	S	S
	SQ21 A350 ULR
EWR 10:25		SIN 17:10*

* Next day

Important

From 1st April 2022, there will be no more designated VTL flights to Singapore.
All fully vaccinated travellers can enter quarantine-free on any flight operated by any airline on any route.

Award redemptions

Here are the KrisFlyer award rates for the Newark – Singapore route.

KrisFlyer Redemption (one-way) Singapore ⇄ New York
	Saver	Advantage
Premium Economy	73,000	n/a
Business	99,000	140,000

Economy Class and First Class are not offered on the A350 ULR.

Award space looks quite healthy when we checked availability for April, so it could be a good time to lock in a redemption soon if you’re planning a New York trip this summer.

Newark lounge

Prior to the pandemic, eligible passengers travelling on SQ21 from Newark non-stop to Singapore were invited to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at the airport prior to departure.

That facility has now closed, since Virgin has chosen to consolidate its New York operations at JFK Airport.

Singapore Airlines has not yet revealed which lounge its SQ21 passengers will be able to use once the service restarts at the end of March.

While those flying in Business Class on this flight can access the United Polaris lounge, it is in Terminal C, which means quite a convoluted (but not impossible) process to reach the lounge after checking in, and then return to the departure gate at Terminal B.

All USA – Singapore VTL flights

With the recent news of double-daily non-stop VTL flights from San Francisco in addition to this latest VTL approval for Newark, Singapore Airlines will be offering an incredible 57 VTL flights per week from the USA to Singapore, matching its pre-COVID flying schedule in total terms.

Here are all the confirmed VTL flights from the USA to Singapore, bookable at the time of writing (click to expand):

  Full list of all VTL Flights

Remember there’s even a new A380 Suites and Business Class option from New York JFK each day starting on 27th March, via Frankfurt, the first time these cabin products have been used in regular service to and from the US.

There will soon be 57 weekly Singapore Airlines designated VTL flights from the USA to Singapore to choose from, including an incredible 21 weekly options from New York, with the upcoming Newark restart also getting the green light from authorities to be part of the scheme.

Award availability looks decent, so it’s probably not a bad time to try and lock in a redemption or two if you’re planning a US trip this summer.

(Cover Photo: The Points Guy)