The infamous JFK-FRA SQ25 Route
#1156




Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 6,449
Delta flies into T4. Singapore departs out of T4. Took the bus from upper B's to A's by showing SQ BP.
I will provide a detailed report on everything SQ25 tomorrow or the next day.
#1157

Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Virginia USA
Posts: 1,311
Probably because you wrote "No status on DL, but getting in with a mobile BP was just fine for lounge access" which sure makes it sound like you got into a DL lounge (it is pretty common to have DL lounge access with a credit card, which is why I brought it up in the first place in case you didn't realize DL allows used of their lounges as arrival lounges).
#1158


Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Zurich / Singapore
Programs: LH SEN, BA Gold, SQ TPPS, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 1,220
BP will be enough. If I recall correctly, unless they have changed policy they limit you to one lounge so you won't be able to spend time in both.
VA Clubhouse is only open to F and Solitaire status pax. TK and LH lounges are in T1...not sure what the latest T1 entry rules are but at any rate I wouldn't advise with only 4hrs.
VA Clubhouse is only open to F and Solitaire status pax. TK and LH lounges are in T1...not sure what the latest T1 entry rules are but at any rate I wouldn't advise with only 4hrs.
No big deal tbh, but wanted to add dp here, based on your comment.
#1159


Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ TPPS, CX GO, Hyatt Lifetime Glob
Posts: 1,912
As for the lounge, it gets even better. I went to the Flyaway lounge. The agent checking people in said I have access to the Capital One lounge flying SQ and it was way better. So I went there. It was great.
I will provide a detailed report on everything SQ25 tomorrow or the next day.
I will provide a detailed report on everything SQ25 tomorrow or the next day.
#1160


Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Zurich / Singapore
Programs: LH SEN, BA Gold, SQ TPPS, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 1,220
I saw this on reddit too and the milelion TG chat. I don't mind the change, you always felt not quite welcome by the lounge agents at the entrance. Like they were doing you a favor, despite SQ paying them.
#1161


Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ TPPS, CX GO, Hyatt Lifetime Glob
Posts: 1,912
I feel like they have limited to one lounge based on anecdote. Checked in 4 hrs for SQ25 and was early at VS lounge where I was denied entry, highlighting it has to be three hours before your onward connex (this used to be possible previously). The SQ agent escorting me from check-in to lounge was with me and to his credit tried to see if they would budge with SQ station manager at JFK asking VS on my behalf. Alas no dice. I was advised I could not enter AI lounge for a spot of curry as only one allowed, so ended up waiting in the main hall until I was within the three hours for lounge entry and decamped to VS (yes, I could have headed to centurion but couldn't be asked to shlep all the way back there and then back to VS lounge).
No big deal tbh, but wanted to add dp here, based on your comment.
No big deal tbh, but wanted to add dp here, based on your comment.
#1162


Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Zurich / Singapore
Programs: LH SEN, BA Gold, SQ TPPS, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 1,220
That being said, the bar is nice (as in fewer pax seated there), and good for a pre-flight snifter or two rather than the crowded cent lounge
#1163




Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,808
Probably because you wrote "No status on DL, but getting in with a mobile BP was just fine for lounge access" which sure makes it sound like you got into a DL lounge (it is pretty common to have DL lounge access with a credit card, which is why I brought it up in the first place in case you didn't realize DL allows used of their lounges as arrival lounges).
The C1 change is a major improvement. Ive grown accustomed to just visiting the TWA Hotel given the weakness of SQs ground game at T4, then heading over about 70 minutes before boarding. But now I dont have to! Very excited, C1 reviews are very strong. Ill find out in a few weeks.
jamie
#1164




Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 6,449
Probably because you wrote "No status on DL, but getting in with a mobile BP was just fine for lounge access" which sure makes it sound like you got into a DL lounge (it is pretty common to have DL lounge access with a credit card, which is why I brought it up in the first place in case you didn't realize DL allows used of their lounges as arrival lounges).
I think you are confused about what an arrival lounge is. Arrival lounges are post international trips outside customs/security.
Domestic lounges are just lounges.
Exactly. Lets hope OP doesnt work in Air Traffic Control. 😉
The C1 change is a major improvement. Ive grown accustomed to just visiting the TWA Hotel given the weakness of SQs ground game at T4, then heading over about 70 minutes before boarding. But now I dont have to! Very excited, C1 reviews are very strong. Ill find out in a few weeks.
jamie
The C1 change is a major improvement. Ive grown accustomed to just visiting the TWA Hotel given the weakness of SQs ground game at T4, then heading over about 70 minutes before boarding. But now I dont have to! Very excited, C1 reviews are very strong. Ill find out in a few weeks.
jamie

OTOH you are probably right, I should have spelled it out in more basic simple terms so people that don't fly much understand. Thanks for the tip.
#1165




Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 6,449
Everything You Wanted to Know About SQ25 in Business Class
Everything You Wanted to Know About SQ25 in Business Class
I just completed my first flight on SQ25. Before I went, I had a lot of questions, and many people were kind enough to share their experiences. Thank you to everyone that gave me information and answers to make this a great trip.
So, I thought I’d pay it forward with one post that covers all the details I found relevant/interesting. Keep in mind—this is based on my flight, so others may have slightly different experiences. (Note: I used ChatGPT to clean up my writing.)
SQ25 Prior to Departure...
What is the flight routing for SQ25?
JFK–FRA, FRA–SIN.
What plane is Singapore Airlines using?
Boeing 777-300.
Can you preorder meals?
Yes—and you should! There are more choices than what’s available onboard. Select the Book the Cook option in your reservation.
What are the best seats in business class?
The bulkhead seats. They offer much more legroom.
How do you get the best seats?
At 96 hours before departure, call in (you can’t do it online at the 96-hour mark). Try for a window seat, but even the middle bulkheads have extra legroom.
How about check-in?
Use auto check-in at 48 hours. Make sure your TSA PreCheck number is saved in your profile.
What about boarding passes?
At 24 hours before departure, go online and get your boarding passes. For some reason, I always have to request the boarding pass for my onward flight separately. No big deal—just an extra click.
Will I get one or two boarding passes for SQ25?
One. (There are reports of people requesting separate boarding passes at the check-in counter. See other posts for details.)
What terminal does Singapore Airlines use at JFK?
Terminal 4.
What time does Singapore Airlines check-in open?
It varies a bit. For my 8:55 p.m. flight, it opened at 4:15 p.m. due to predicted congestion. (Singapore emailed the day before.) In general, it opens about four hours before departure.
Does security have a PreCheck line?
Yes. Singapore participates in TSA PreCheck. Just add your Known Traveler Number in your profile, and you’ll see PreCheck on your boarding pass. (Note: I was connecting from Delta, so I did not leave the secure area.)
Do you get lounge access?
Yes. You have three options, but note that you can only visit one lounge.
Which lounge is best?
No debate here. There are two mediocre lounges (Air India and HelloSky) and one excellent lounge (Capital One).
Why the Capital One Lounge?
Do you need a special lounge card to enter?
No. Just your boarding pass—no credit card or elite status required.
How long can you stay in the lounge?
Departing JFK, the limit is three hours, and they do enforce it. If you’re connecting, there doesn’t seem to be a limit. I connected from a separate Delta flight and stayed about five hours without any issues.
SQ25 Boarding at JFK and In-Flight Experience (JFK–FRA)...
When does boarding start?
About 30 minutes before departure. There’s an announcement in the lounge to head to the gate.
How is boarding conducted?
Juice and water (no alcohol).
Is there an amenity kit?
No amenity kit by default (though you might be able to request one). Slippers are provided.
What’s the flight time from JFK to FRA?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes. Even if you depart late, there’s a good chance you’ll arrive on time or early. My flight was about 15 minutes longer than usual—we took off 30 minutes after pushback and still landed on schedule.
Is Wi-Fi free in business class?
Yes. Just enter your last name and seat number.
How are meal orders handled?
Before departure, pre-orders are confirmed, and meal and drink orders are taken.
What happens after takeoff?
Once the crew is up:
KrisWorld is one of the best systems out there, with tons of movies and shows. The interface is a bit outdated, so it can take time to find what you want.
Do the seats have power outlets?
Yes. Every seat has a multi-source plug, HDMI, USB, and the older round iPad/iPod connector.
What about the pre-arrival meal?
About 1.5 hours before landing, the lights gradually come on. You can choose between a hot ham and cheese sandwich with potatoes or a noodle and chicken dish.
Connecting in Germany on SQ25...
When you land in Germany, do you have to get off the plane?
Yes.
Do you clear customs?
No.
Do you clear security?
No.
What lounge options are there in Frankfurt?
Typically 45 minutes to 1 hour.
SQ25 Boarding at FRA and In-Flight Experience (FRA–SIN)...
When does boarding start?
About 40 minutes before departure. There is no announcement in the lounges.
How is boarding conducted?
Same as JFK:
Champagne and juice.
Is there an amenity kit?
No kit, but slippers, socks, and eye masks are provided.
What’s the flight time from FRA to SIN?
Approximately 12 hours.
Is Wi-Fi free in business class?
Yes. Just log in with your last name and seat number. Be aware there are “dead zones” due to country restrictions (India and Turkey, in particular).
How are meals handled?
Same process as JFK–FRA: pre-orders are confirmed, and meal and drink orders are taken before departure.
What happens after takeoff?
About 1.5 hours before landing, the lights slowly come up, and breakfast is served. Choices were:
All in all, this was a very enjoyable routing, and I’d definitely do it again. The plane itself is showing its age a bit, but it’s still a great flight. I highly recommend reserving the bulkhead seats and using Book the Cook for meal preordering.
I just completed my first flight on SQ25. Before I went, I had a lot of questions, and many people were kind enough to share their experiences. Thank you to everyone that gave me information and answers to make this a great trip.
So, I thought I’d pay it forward with one post that covers all the details I found relevant/interesting. Keep in mind—this is based on my flight, so others may have slightly different experiences. (Note: I used ChatGPT to clean up my writing.)
SQ25 Prior to Departure...
What is the flight routing for SQ25?
JFK–FRA, FRA–SIN.
What plane is Singapore Airlines using?
Boeing 777-300.
Can you preorder meals?
Yes—and you should! There are more choices than what’s available onboard. Select the Book the Cook option in your reservation.
What are the best seats in business class?
The bulkhead seats. They offer much more legroom.
How do you get the best seats?
At 96 hours before departure, call in (you can’t do it online at the 96-hour mark). Try for a window seat, but even the middle bulkheads have extra legroom.
How about check-in?
Use auto check-in at 48 hours. Make sure your TSA PreCheck number is saved in your profile.
What about boarding passes?
At 24 hours before departure, go online and get your boarding passes. For some reason, I always have to request the boarding pass for my onward flight separately. No big deal—just an extra click.
Will I get one or two boarding passes for SQ25?
One. (There are reports of people requesting separate boarding passes at the check-in counter. See other posts for details.)
What terminal does Singapore Airlines use at JFK?
Terminal 4.
What time does Singapore Airlines check-in open?
It varies a bit. For my 8:55 p.m. flight, it opened at 4:15 p.m. due to predicted congestion. (Singapore emailed the day before.) In general, it opens about four hours before departure.
Does security have a PreCheck line?
Yes. Singapore participates in TSA PreCheck. Just add your Known Traveler Number in your profile, and you’ll see PreCheck on your boarding pass. (Note: I was connecting from Delta, so I did not leave the secure area.)
Do you get lounge access?
Yes. You have three options, but note that you can only visit one lounge.
Which lounge is best?
No debate here. There are two mediocre lounges (Air India and HelloSky) and one excellent lounge (Capital One).
Why the Capital One Lounge?
- Full bar with bartenders
- Plenty of seating
- Bright, modern space
- Food cooked to order and delivered to your table
- Fresh bagel bar
- Grab-and-go items
- Shower (book early - There is only 1 and the wait can literally be hours. (My wait was 2.5 hours)
- Private bathrooms
- Truly amazing staff
Do you need a special lounge card to enter?
No. Just your boarding pass—no credit card or elite status required.
How long can you stay in the lounge?
Departing JFK, the limit is three hours, and they do enforce it. If you’re connecting, there doesn’t seem to be a limit. I connected from a separate Delta flight and stayed about five hours without any issues.
SQ25 Boarding at JFK and In-Flight Experience (JFK–FRA)...
When does boarding start?
About 30 minutes before departure. There’s an announcement in the lounge to head to the gate.
How is boarding conducted?
- Wheelchairs board first
- Then First Class
- Pre-boarding for families with small children
- Business Class
- Then Economy
Juice and water (no alcohol).
Is there an amenity kit?
No amenity kit by default (though you might be able to request one). Slippers are provided.
What’s the flight time from JFK to FRA?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes. Even if you depart late, there’s a good chance you’ll arrive on time or early. My flight was about 15 minutes longer than usual—we took off 30 minutes after pushback and still landed on schedule.
Is Wi-Fi free in business class?
Yes. Just enter your last name and seat number.
How are meal orders handled?
Before departure, pre-orders are confirmed, and meal and drink orders are taken.
What happens after takeoff?
Once the crew is up:
- Drinks and warm nuts are served
- Appetizers follow with drink refills
- Main courses are served when you’re ready
- Dessert comes afterward
- Drinks are available anytime.
KrisWorld is one of the best systems out there, with tons of movies and shows. The interface is a bit outdated, so it can take time to find what you want.
Do the seats have power outlets?
Yes. Every seat has a multi-source plug, HDMI, USB, and the older round iPad/iPod connector.
What about the pre-arrival meal?
About 1.5 hours before landing, the lights gradually come on. You can choose between a hot ham and cheese sandwich with potatoes or a noodle and chicken dish.
Connecting in Germany on SQ25...
When you land in Germany, do you have to get off the plane?
Yes.
Do you clear customs?
No.
Do you clear security?
No.
What lounge options are there in Frankfurt?
- Lufthansa Business Lounge
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge (if you have Star Alliance Gold)
- Air Canada Lounge
Typically 45 minutes to 1 hour.
SQ25 Boarding at FRA and In-Flight Experience (FRA–SIN)...
When does boarding start?
About 40 minutes before departure. There is no announcement in the lounges.
How is boarding conducted?
Same as JFK:
- First Class
- Business Class
- Economy
Champagne and juice.
Is there an amenity kit?
No kit, but slippers, socks, and eye masks are provided.
What’s the flight time from FRA to SIN?
Approximately 12 hours.
Is Wi-Fi free in business class?
Yes. Just log in with your last name and seat number. Be aware there are “dead zones” due to country restrictions (India and Turkey, in particular).
How are meals handled?
Same process as JFK–FRA: pre-orders are confirmed, and meal and drink orders are taken before departure.
What happens after takeoff?
- Drinks served with chicken satay
- Appetizer course and drink refills
- Main meal when you’re ready
- Dessert afterward
Drinks are always available.
About 1.5 hours before landing, the lights slowly come up, and breakfast is served. Choices were:
- Omelet with sausage on the side
- German breakfast with assorted meats, fruit, and cheeses
All in all, this was a very enjoyable routing, and I’d definitely do it again. The plane itself is showing its age a bit, but it’s still a great flight. I highly recommend reserving the bulkhead seats and using Book the Cook for meal preordering.
#1167


Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ TPPS, CX GO, Hyatt Lifetime Glob
Posts: 1,912
Yes, the 77W fleet is showing some age. On a recent flight the tray table at my seat needed to be taped into stowed position after each use due to a broken locking mechanism. The crew apologized in advance. It was row 11 too...
As for wifi, the 77W fleet has some aircraft equiped with Panasonic. That system has no "dead zones"...also includes a few live TV channels. Luck of the draw as to when you get that 77W type though.
As for wifi, the 77W fleet has some aircraft equiped with Panasonic. That system has no "dead zones"...also includes a few live TV channels. Luck of the draw as to when you get that 77W type though.
#1168




Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,808
[QUOTE=epigram;37188429]Wonderful that C1 is now an option. From recollection it gets very crowded - unless C1 has now removed Priority Pass entry.[/
C1 hasnt even been open for a month, and in that short time has never been affiliated with PP.
C1 hasnt even been open for a month, and in that short time has never been affiliated with PP.
#1169


Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 855
[QUOTE=jamienbaker;37188632]oh sorry! i got it confused with the chase lounge.


