Singapore Airlines increases First Class capacity to Hong Kong

Singapore Airlines is progressively increasing its flight schedules to and from Hong Kong over the coming months, as restrictions begin to ease in the city-state, and in anticipation of increased demand from both transit and point-to-point travellers on the route over the coming Chinese New Year holiday season and beyond.

On 1st December 2022, Hong Kong became the eighth city on the SIA network to have Airbus A380 service reinstated following the COVID-19 pandemic, in the form of SQ894/895, though it actually swapped places with Delhi, which reverted to smaller aircraft types the previous day.

It is therefore the only regional option on the network currently offering the carrier’s latest Suites and Business Class cabin products, first revealed in 2017 and still yet to be experienced by some of our readers.

Recent schedule changes

On 15th December 2022, the SQ882/883 service was reinstated, and despite being initially programmed using the Airbus A350 Long Haul variant, this morning flight was upgraded to the four-class Boeing 777-300ER before it even started, also adding more First Class capacity on the route.

More flights from January 2023

Finally from 15th January 2023, the SQ892/893 flight will make a return as a third daily service, using three-class Airbus A350 Long Haul aircraft.

Here’s how SIA’s schedule looks for the rest of the northern winter season on this route, once this third flight is up and running, including which First and Business Class seats you can expect to find on board.

SIA Hong Kong Seat Types
First Class
2013 F	2017 R
Business Class
2013 J	2017 J

Singapore Airlines
Singapore Hong Kong
(15th January 2023 – 25th March 2023)

			F Seats	J Seats
	SQ882 777-300ER		2013 F	2013 J
SIN 08:25		HKG 12:25
	SQ892 A350 Long Haul		None	2013 J
SIN 09:55		HKG 13:55
	SQ894 A380		2017 R	2017 J
SIN 13:05		HKG 17:05

All flights operate daily

Singapore Airlines
Hong Kong Singapore
(15th January 2023 – 25th March 2023)

			F Seats	J Seats
	SQ883 777-300ER		2013 F	2013 J
HKG 14:10		SIN 18:10
	SQ893 A350 Long Haul		None	2013 J
HKG 15:55		SIN 20:00
	SQ895 A380		2017 R	2017 J
HKG 18:50		SIN 22:50

All flights operate daily

Both SIA First Class products are now flying to Hong Kong

The reintroduction of the Boeing 777-300ER on SIA’s Hong Kong route alongside the A380 each day means that both the 2013 First Class seat and 2017 Suites products are options on the four-hour flights between the two major Asian financial hubs again, for the first time since March 2020.

In total, there are now 10 First Class and Suites seats on the route daily in each direction (four 2013 First Class and six 2017 Suites), making the Hong Kong third on the list of First Class capacity for the airline, after London (16/day) and Jakarta (12/day), coming in joint third with Sydney (also 10/day).

Though it’s the poorer cousin to Suites, we don’t think you should discount travelling in the 2013 First Class. We most recently tried it out in September 2021 on the inaugural VTL flight from Germany to Singapore, and we were happy to report that the experience hasn’t lost its shine, despite a few COVID restrictions still being in place at the time.

See our comprehensive review for a full rundown on our experience.

Meanwhile here’s our earlier review of the Suites cabin (including the double bed), on this very route from Singapore to Hong Kong.

We also have an earlier review of the 2013 First Class seats on a San Francisco – Hong Kong – Singapore flight in 2018, including the kind of service and catering you can expect on the shorter HKG-SIN sector.

Award pricing

Here’s a reminder of the latest one-way KrisFlyer award rates you’ll pay for the Singapore – Hong Kong route.

KrisFlyer Redemption Singapore ⇄ Hong Kong
	Saver	Advantage
Economy	16,500	30,000
Premium Economy	26,500	n/a
Business	34,000	50,000
First / Suites	45,000	73,000

Hong Kong is on January’s Spontaneous Escapes

There’s more good news for those looking to head to Hong Kong in the new year, with redemptions in Economy Class, Premium Economy Class and Business Class discounted by 30% from the usual saver levels, as part of the latest Spontaneous Escapes promotion.

Here’s how the Hong Kong selection looks, including all three flights in both directions (though remember, SQ892/893 only kicks off from 15th January).

Business Class Deals
(1 – 31 Jan 2023)

Singapore to Hong Kong
Miles	Flights	Aircraft	Seats
34,000 23,800	SQ882 SQ892 SQ894	777-300ER A350 LH A380	2013 J 2013 J 2017 J
Blackout:	25 – 31 January 2023
Hong Kong to Singapore
Miles	Flights	Aircraft	Seats
34,000 23,800	SQ883 SQ893 SQ895	777-300ER A350 LH A380	2013 J 2013 J 2017 J
Blackout:	19 – 22 January 2023

Premium Economy Class Deals
(1 – 31 Jan 2023)

Singapore to Hong Kong
Miles	Flights	Aircraft
26,500 18,550	SQ882 SQ892 SQ894	777-300ER A350 LH A380
Blackout:	25 – 31 January 2023
Hong Kong to Singapore
Miles	Flights	Aircraft
26,500 18,550	SQ883 SQ893 SQ895	777-300ER A350 LH A380
Blackout:	1 – 2 January 2023 19 – 22 January 2023

Economy Class Deals
(1 – 31 Jan 2023)

Singapore to Hong Kong
Miles	Flights	Aircraft
16,500 11,550	SQ882 SQ892 SQ894	777-300ER A350 LH A380
Blackout:	1 – 3 January 2023 25 – 31 January 2023
Hong Kong to Singapore
Miles	Flights	Aircraft
16,500 11,550	SQ883 SQ893 SQ895	777-300ER A350 LH A380
Blackout:	1 – 4 January 2023 19 – 22 January 2023

There are some (relatively obvious) blackout periods during the Chinese New Year holidays, where standard Saver and Advantage rates will be payable, if any award space is offered at all!

Outside that though, this is a great opportunity to try out Singapore Airlines’ newest long-haul Business Class product on the Airbus A380 for 23,800 KrisFlyer miles each way.

Sadly there are no discounts for the First Class or Suites cabin (there never are in Spontaneous Escapes), with most flights in these classes pricing at the higher Advantage rates next month, though immediately confirmable savers in both 2013 First Class and 2017 Suites do appear again from February 2023.

Hong Kong has relaxed its entry requirements

The latest increase in frequency couldn’t have come at a better time for SIA, kicking in just one day after Hong Kong made its most significant relaxation yet for international arrivals.

Those touching down in the city state are no longer bound by the ‘Amber Code’ movement restrictions, instead being free to roam, explore, visit restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues as soon as they have received a negative result from the free on-arrival PCR test.

🇭🇰
Travel to Hong Kong

Eligibility & Vaccination

Non-residents aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated, with the minimum dosage outlined here. Some nationalities require pre-arrival registration or a visa (see here for details). Travel insurance is not mandatory. Tourist stays are limited to 7-180 days, depending on your nationality. Singapore Citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. All international arrivals must complete the e-Health declaration form, up to 96 hours prior to departure.

COVID-19 Tests

Self-swab pre-departure ART test is required (no supervision, clinic visit or certificate is needed). PCR test (throat swab) at the airport on arrival (Day 0), free of charge. Self-administered ART test on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 and Day 5 (if still in Hong Kong on those days). Reporting is optional, regardless of the result, but you are required to keep a photo of each test result. Professional PCR test (throat swab) on Day 2, free of charge.

Restrictions

You must wear a face mask on board flights to and from Hong Kong, except while eating or drinking. Take any mode of transport from the airport to your accommodation. Remain in your accommodation until you receive a negative result from the on-arrival PCR test. Free to roam on receipt of a negative test result. Mask-wearing is required in both indoor and outdoor settings in Hong Kong.

  Hong Kong Entry Requirements

What about the summer season?

Singapore Airlines is still planning three daily Hong Kong flights for the upcoming summer 2023 season, using Airbus A350 Long Haul, Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Beware, however, as there’s a reshuffle in the works.

The A380 with 2017 Suites swaps across to the mid-morning SQ892, returning at lunchtime as SQ893. In turn the Boeing 777-300ER with 2013 First Class seats switches to SQ894/895, while the Airbus A350 Long Haul takes over the SQ882/883 service.

This is an important change, especially if you have (or intend to book) a First Class or Suites flight, given the significant difference in product offered.

In essence, to get Suites on the Hong Kong route from 26th March 2023 onwards you’ll need to be looking at SQ892/893, not SQ894/895!

There is also one additional daily flight loaded from 1st October 2023, for a total of four daily services in each direction, which will use the Airbus A350 Medium Haul variant, providing afternoon service from Singapore to Hong Kong and a later evening departure option from Hong Kong back to Changi.

Here’s how the summer schedule looks.

SIA Hong Kong Seat Types
First Class
2013 F	2017 R
Business Class
2013 J	2017 J	2018 RJ

Singapore Airlines
Singapore Hong Kong
(26th March 2023 – 28th October 2023)

			F Seats	J Seats
	SQ882 A350 Long Haul		None	2013 J
SIN 08:40		HKG 12:40
	SQ892 A380		2017 R	2017 J
SIN 09:40		HKG 13:55
	SQ894 777-300ER		2013 F	2013 J
SIN 13:05		HKG 17:05
	SQ896 A350 Medium Haul		None	2018 RJ
SIN 14:30		HKG 18:40
			From 1st October 2023

All flights operate daily

Singapore Airlines
Hong Kong Singapore
(26th March 2023 – 29th October 2023)

			F Seats	J Seats
	SQ883 A350 Long Haul		None	2013 J
HKG 14:25		SIN 18:20
	SQ893 A380		2017 R	2017 J
HKG 15:40		SIN 19:35
	SQ895 777-300ER		2013 F	2013 J
HKG 18:50		SIN 22:40
	SQ897 A350 Medium Haul		None	2018 RJ
HKG 19:55		SIN 23:50
			From 1st October 2023

All flights operate daily

With 49 flights per week in each direction on the Singapore – Hong Kong route pre-COVID, additional flights frequencies on this key city pair are inevitable, with more announcements likely to come.

What about the Hong Kong SilverKris Lounge?

Singapore Airlines has yet to announce a reopening of its temporarily-shuttered SilverKris lounge in Hong Kong, which includes a dedicated First Class section.

The airline’s latest lounge reopening in Bangkok initially covered only three daily departures, so there’s definitely scope for a Hong Kong SKL reopening early next year in our view, as flight volumes increase from mid-January.

Until then, SIA passengers are directed to the Plaza Premium Lounge at HKIA, on Level 6 near Gate 1, a rather underwhelming alternative, so it may be better to redeem or book a First Class trip in the Singapore – Hong Kong direction, where you’ll then benefit from the latest remodelled lounges at Changi T3, including The Private Room.

Those flying First Class or Suites from Hong Kong to Singapore will also be able to access The Private Room on arrival at Changi, if they wish.

There’s also the reopened First Class check-in facility and private immigration clearance at Changi T3 to look forward to, so a full experience now awaits once again for those flying in the carrier’s most premium cabins from home base.

Which other routes have SIA First Class and Suites?

The following SIA routes currently offer a First Class or Suites option (or both) on selected flights.

Simply click the city name below to expand the list of applicable flight numbers and seat types, valid through to the end of the winter season in late March 2023.

To and from Singapore

“Fifth freedom”

Prior to COVID-19, Singapore Airlines was flying 22 First Class and Suites seats to and from Hong Kong each day.

That total might never be seen again, with the cabin disappearing from many aircraft types in recent years, but a reinstatement of 10 seats per day at this early stage of reopening is a good sign that the carrier’s flagship products are here to stay on this important intra-Asia city pair.

We’ve been surprised at the number of readers who have told us they are now planning travel to Hong Kong given the latest eased entry requirements, even with PCR testing and the threat of five days isolation lurking in the background!

Though it’s no use for First Class awards, the latest Spontaneous Escapes award sale is a good way to travel to and from the city in January for a discount in Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class, including on the popular Airbus A380.

Be sure to pick the right flight numbers to experience the latest Suites product on the Hong Kong route, and beware – there’s a change coming there from 26th March 2023!

(Cover Photo: Agent Wolf / Shutterstock)