I have a different opinion:
I know a few current and ex SQ flightcrew - and based on what they have told me - I do not let my family travel on SQ - regardless of the quality of service.

There are serious training and flightcrew resource mgmt issues. SQ has had numerous "incidents" that have not been reported in the media nor investigated by Singapore's aviation authority.

While it is true that all airlines have had accidents and mishaps, the difference between say UA, BA, CX, and SQ is that the US, UK, HK and other countries are somewhat effective at policing their airlines.

eg: SQ had an Airbus that did "aerobatics" on a SIN-MAA flight - and resulted in fairly serious damage to flight controls. Nothing was reported, and the airplane operated the return sector in what was a potentially unsafe condition. The only mention of this anywhere was in one local newspaper article in Madras/Chennai with passengers describing the 'aerobatics'. Singapore's aviation authority has no record of this - so apart from SQ006 which would be hard to cover up - the other incidents aren't easy to find.
- undeclared engine failures to protect ETOPS capability.
- flying SIN-PER with B777 using routings that pay no regard to ETOPS and single-engine diversion airport availability.
- until recently, using in-flight relief pilots on long-range trans-Pac routes who are not appropriately qualified etc etc.

I can go on, but I'll save you the boring details (including SQ's fuel policy - that makes for good operating profits, but borders on unsafe)

Unfortunately, most pax who scream about UAL because the FAA fines them for going a bit too far with speedtape, happily enjoy the wine on SQ - oblivious to the fact that there is no equivalent oversight on SQ.
There are advantages to being the "national" airline, being part of Singapore Inc., and supported by a not-so-open govt.

As for me - I try to maximize my chances of staying alive, even if it means braving the matrons on UA or AA..

[This message has been edited by CTPremEx (edited 03-13-2003).]