Hello safra1,

I've flown a lot of SQ and CX Economy, both within Asia, and to North America.

On their newer 77W (i.e. 777-300ER) aircraft, both SQ and CX have an excellent Y hard product. The seats and IFE are excellent. Most importantly, both SQ and CX have their 77W's configured 3-3-3 (i.e. 9-abreast) and not 10-abreast, which airlines such as Emirates are doing these days. SQ also has an ultra new Y seat on the 777-300ER (Designated 77WN) which is even slicker than the 77W Y, but it is only available on selected routes, and the 77W Y seat is still excellent in its own right.

SQ has an excellent Y hard product on their A380's and A330's as well.

On SQ's older 772's and 773's, the hard product is refurbished Y, and not up to the same standard as SQ's latest Y (seat less comfortable, IFE has a smaller screen and fewer programs), but at least the 772/773's are still 9-abreast.

Cathay has various A330, 777 and 747 (Not sure if they still fly many of these) Y products. Some of the A330's should have the new CX Y as well, although many of their plans have an earlier generation fixed-shell Y seat that I personally find quite uncomfortable to rest or sleep in, as they don't recline in a comfortable way. I believe these are used mainly on regional routes.

In terms of Y catering, my personal view is that SQ's catering is slightly superior for long haul, and quite noticeably superior in short-mid haul. For example, on SIN-HKG, CX provides cut fruit as a starter, choice of main, and dessert, whereas SQ provides a proper starter (e.g. salad) along with choice of main, and dessert. The quality of the mains also seems to be higher on SQ Y.

In terms of cabin service, both are good, and I have never received poor service in Y on CX, but having flown SQ countless times in Y, I can vouch for the quality and consistency of SQ cabin service in Y, especially on routes to North America. You are pampered on SQ, even in Y.

If you are Star Gold or Oneworld Sapphire (or the equivalent FF status in SQ and CX's own FF programs), you would have access to their lounges when travelling in Y. In HKG, CX's lounges are superior to the SQ lounges in Changi. Also, an SQ Krisflyer Gold member flying Y is not allowed into SQ's Silver Kris Lounge -- there is a separate Krisflyer Gold lounge, which isn't that good.

For a taste of what SQ offers in Y on the A380 SIN-FRA-JFK, check out this TR on SQTalk.

For CX Y on the SFO-HKG sector on the 77W, see this TR.

For more on the CX fixed shell Y seat, which I find quite uncomfortable on longhaul flights and red-eyes, see here.

Overall, both are excellent airlines and I don't think you can go wrong with either flying from North America to Asia. I would want to avoid the fixed-shell Y seats on CX if possible, though. And if you are keen to try out the A380, which is a wonderfully quiet, smooth an spacious aircraft to fly in, then flying SQ from JFK-FRA-SIN is a great choice.