Hi, am going to do sin-lax-sin in decemeber, in first class, but can't decide whether to take CX or SQ. The only thing that lures me to SQ's first is the leather seats, thats about it. What do people think? CX or SQ ? A response would be greatly greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

The seat cushions on SQ F are not covered with leather. They are in cloth.
One thing to consider is that when you take SQ you will fly in F. On CX there seems to be lots of equipment changes on the SIN-HKG-SIN sectors so you might end up on a 2 class aircraft. F products and services on both SQ and CX are equally excellent.

As noted by StarG, just make sure your HKG-SIN sector has first. There are a few 744 flights a day on the route with first which are typically timed to connect with the LAX flights, so just make sure you are on one of those.

As for SQ, I believe the only route to LAX with first is via NRT. The nonstop and flight via TPE (if still 777) only have business as well.

Service on both airlines is alike and excellent, Singapore perhaps a little better. Seats on Cathay are both Longer (I'm 6'5) and more comfortable. You also get down duvets and not some used wool blanket that Singapore gives you. Food on Cathay was more plentiful and I found more options as I like all the dim sum etc. Also Singapore has been flying this product for the last 8 years....it seemed dated and old.

Good luck, it is a good decision to have to make.

On long hauls SQ uses duvet as well plus a similar padding placed on the seat to 'make your bed'. On CX just the duvet.

Both airlines are excellent. There are still some differences:

- I like the layout of the CX cabin better than the SQ cabin. When travelling alone row 2 is ideal. Lots of space to put things along the windows, far enough away from other passengers. When travelling together row 1 is ideal. Even more privacy/quiet, but still close enough to talk. Row 1 os also a good seat on SQ when travelling alone, but it feels less private.
- The CX lounge in HK is far superior to the SQ lounge in NRT. In SIN and LAX the lounges are similar. But: The CX lounges open fairly late - you have to wait up to an hour for the lounge to open when you arrive on the early night flight. Btw: you need to leave the plane at NRT and take your luggage with you.
- CX has 3 flights with F from LAX, SQ only the one via NRT - so it seems to be easier to rebook on CX and also to find a flight which fits your schedule.

But again, marginal differences when compared to other airlines on this route in F.

Having recently flown on both in F, the qualitative difference in seats & service is immaterial. I would therefore make the decision based upon other factors including mileage needs and schedules.

I travel several times a year on this route and most often choose to go in Raffles (J) on the nonstop flight. 15.5 eastbound scheduled hours (usually closer to 13.5 actual) versus 17.5 hours plus the hassel factor of connecting at Narita makes SQ19/20 a compelling choice. The connection at Narita really ruins the whole experience of SG F.