First - I *have* read the extremely lengthy thread in this forum about the Singapore Airlines RTW fare structure. The questions I have don't relate to the matters discussed in that thread.

I have always had a fantasy of taking a long trip where I never have to deal with west ---> east jetlag. In planes which have lie flat seats (I'm a stomach sleeper ). I think I can put together a trip like this using the Singapore Airlines RTW fare. But I want to make sure. I have never been on Singapore Airlines before. I understand that if I book a FC RTW trip - I cannot get an A380 suite (nor - apparently - do I want to be on an A380 with suites - because then I will wind up in economy class unless I pay extra to upgrade). Doesn't seem to be a problem on the flights I'm considering.

So what is first class like in general on long-haul flights on Singapore Airlines? Really nice? Do all the planes have "lie flat" seats - or just some of them (IOW - do I have to check out the aircraft servicing a particular flight)? Note that except for one trip on Virgin Atlantic a long time ago - I have never flown first class on a 3 class airline. Usually - for a long trip - it's businessfirst or similar on a 2 class US airline.

If you buy a RTW first class ticket - do you get to use the first class lounges?

Finally - although this is not really a Singapore Airlines question - I assume most of you travel in Asia a lot. I went to Asia for the first time a few years ago and spent a fair amount of time in Tokyo. So I want to use another "gateway city" - either Seoul or Hong Kong. Based on your experiences - which city would you recommend for someone who has been to neither (IOW - which do you like better)?

FWIW - my itinerary would be something like west coast North America to Seoul or Hong Kong to Singapore to Moscow to Houston. Booking the US flights separately. There is also a possibility of adding in Dubai (to take a side trip to Israel to visit family).

BTW - the fellow I spoke with in India from Singapore Airlines was quite pleasant. Then again - I was just asking general questions - not trying to buy a ticket. Thanks for any help you can give me. Robyn