KoreanSingapore Airlines SQ322 — Incheon to Singapore to London Economy Review
Today I’m writing about my journey on Singapore Airlines from Incheon through Singapore all the way to London.
Incheon International Airport
My Singapore-bound flight departed at 1 PM, which ruled out an early morning train. Instead, I took an overnight express bus from Dongdaegu Station to Incheon — a journey I expected to take five hours, which turned out to be just three and a half. I arrived wide awake with over six hours to spare, but with plenty of plane-watching to keep me occupied, it wasn’t a bad way to pass the time.
The counter hadn’t opened yet, so I stepped outside despite the below-freezing temperatures for a good look at the aircraft on the apron. Once back inside, I sorted out my travel insurance and settled in. Before long, the announcement came: Singapore Airlines check-in was open.
Check-In and Boarding
This was my first time flying a connecting itinerary, and it turned out to be simpler than expected. Baggage was checked through from Incheon all the way to London, and all I had to do was wait at Changi for the connecting flight. I received two boarding passes — one for Incheon–Singapore, one for Singapore–London — and made my relaxed way through security.
Nothing in duty-free caught my eye. Skipping the airport meal in anticipation of Singapore Airlines’ inflight food, I camped near the gate and spent my time watching aircraft.
Not long after, the A350-900 that would take me to Singapore pulled into the gate.
Boarding began for SQ611 to Singapore.
Korean airports feature glass-walled jet bridges that turn every boarding into a mini airshow — always a joy.
Incheon → Singapore (SQ611 / A350-900)
The first meal arrived the moment the seatbelt sign went off after takeoff: galbi (braised short ribs) with potatoes and a side of bellflower root kimchi — the best inflight meal of the entire trip.
One of Singapore Airlines’ biggest draws is complimentary Wi-Fi across all classes. It’s a rare enough perk, and the fees on airlines that charge for it can be steep. Singapore Airlines offers it free in exchange for crediting miles to your KrisFlyer account — though as far as I know, it isn’t available if you’re crediting to a partner airline like Asiana.
Connected throughout, I spent the Incheon–Singapore leg browsing online. Grabbed a beer and some snacks from the galley and nibbled away. Total flight time: approximately 6 hours 30 minutes.
Singapore Changi Airport Layover
Arrived at Changi, consistently ranked among the world’s best airports. Efficient transit flows, extensive shopping and dining, spotless facilities — it’s hard to find fault. The one concession: Singapore’s heat and humidity occasionally makes the terminal feel a little sticky, which is unavoidable.
With a 5-hour layover, I’d gotten an immigration pass in advance and briefly headed outside — only to be chased back in almost immediately by 30°C heat at 90% humidity.
Instead, I made a beeline for kaya toast — a Singapore must. Set number one: butter kaya toast, soft-boiled egg, and black coffee. An absolutely unbeatable combination.
The brief outdoor excursion had left me drenched in sweat, so I went searching for a shower. Found three or four options in the terminal; ended up at HUB & SPOKE, which was open and reasonably priced. Paid at the counter, got a QR code, grabbed a towel from the vending machine next to it, and for the equivalent of about 10,000 KRW, got a proper shower.
Refreshed and ready, it was time to catch the London flight.
Singapore → London (SQ322 / A380)
Standing at the London departure gate, it finally hit me: I was actually going to London. The passengers around me were almost entirely British.
Boarding began, and I finally stepped onto the A380 I’d been wanting to fly for so long. Up close, it resembled an apartment block more than an aircraft. The interior staircase was a novelty in itself. Seat 44K.
Generous seat width, universal power outlet, pillow, blanket, and an amenity pouch with earphones, toothbrush, and eye mask. The wide gap between window seats and the fuselage — an A380 hallmark — is ideal for wedging a pillow and sleeping against on long hauls. The headrest folds to fit different builds.
Meals out of Singapore were equally impressive. The menu was available to browse via the app in advance, and economy passengers received unlimited wine — a detail that still surprises me.
Headwinds pushed the Singapore–London sector to over 14 hours. I ate, slept, stretched my legs, and before I knew it we were crossing French airspace.
After that long flight, we touched down at London Heathrow.
Arrival — London Heathrow
“Welcome to the UK” greeted us at Heathrow. Korean passport holders can use the automated eGates, and despite 400-plus passengers disembarking, immigration was cleared in under 20 minutes.
It was a long journey to London, but the Singapore stopover broke it up nicely. And getting to fly Singapore Airlines on a Europe round trip for under 800,000 KRW? If your schedule allows, there’s really no reason not to book the connection.
Summary
- In-flight meal quality is well above average, even in economy
- Cabin crew service is consistently warm and attentive
- Newer aircraft fleet keeps the cabin environment fresh and comfortable
- Generous seat pitch and comfortable seats throughout