Flying Like the Rest of Us: A Real Economy Experience from London to Singapore
These days, every travel vlog seems obsessed with business lounges, flat beds, champagne towers, and cabins that cost more than my monthly rent. But what about the rest of us—the millions of travelers who fly economy? What happened to showing the real travel experience?
On this trip, we set out to document exactly that: what it’s actually like to fly economy from London to Singapore on Singapore Airlines. No fancy priority lanes, no business class lounges—just the good old cattle class that 90% of the world knows and loves.
Let’s get into it.
Self Check-In: The “Privilege” of Modern Travel
It seems we didn’t pay quite enough to warrant a human checking in our bags, so we joined the ever-growing group of passengers scanning, printing, and tagging their own luggage. A skill, I suppose, once reserved only for the rich and famous… or not.
Honestly, it’s fine. Efficient even. But nothing says “economy” like wrestling your own bag onto the conveyor.
Pre-Flight Fuel: Leon Saves the Day
Airport food options were plentiful, but we settled on Leon. And let me tell you—this was bangin’.
Crunchy Korean chicken wrap
Moist and crispy chicken
Great flavor all around
I’m no food reviewer, but good food is good food, and this hit the spot. Add in some meatballs on the side and you’ve got yourself a surprisingly decent economy-class meal… before the actual plane meal.
A Quiet Late-Night Airport
Our flight was around 10 PM, and the airport felt like a completely different world—quiet, calm, and peaceful. We casually walked to our gate while watching other passengers sprint to theirs. The walk to the terminal is no joke though—about 15 minutes. But we took our time and strolled.
Vacation mode slowly activating…
Onboard: Economy Class Setup
We lucked out with an empty V-row seat beside us, which already makes the flight feel a bit more premium.
Here’s what the Singapore Airlines economy seat offered:
Personal screen with touchscreen controls
Storage compartments
A cup holder
Decent legroom (even some room to the side)
Blanket, pillow, and free headphones
Not bad at all for economy.
We asked about upgrading, but let’s just say… it wasn’t happening. Still, the airline promised a “surprise.” More on that later.
Dinner: Surprisingly Fancy Cutlery
Let’s talk food.
The main meal included:
Chicken fillet
Potatoes
Greens
A mysterious turkey-and-mash creation
Apple blackberry crumble with custard
Crackers, butter, water
And, of course, wine
The standout? Real metal cutlery.
With the Singapore Airlines emblem engraved. That felt oddly luxurious for economy.
The food itself? A solid 4/10. Not terrible, not great. The kind of meal you wash down with two glasses of wine to forget the mid-flight sadness.
The Hidden Tray Table Surprise
The tray table looked normal until—surprise—it doubled as a mirror.
A mirror.
On a tray table.
On a plane.
Unexpected. Slightly concerning. Weirdly entertaining.
Breakfast: Lighter but Good
About two hours before landing, breakfast showed up:
Orange juice
Yogurt with oat cream
Mango crisp
Fruit
Bread roll
Light, refreshing, and honestly better than dinner.
A Sweet Surprise from the Cabin Crew
Remember that “surprise” the staff mentioned earlier?
They delivered.
The crew gifted us:
Singapore Airlines teddy bears
Champagne
A handwritten card from the staff
It was an unexpectedly wholesome moment and genuinely elevated the experience. Massive respect to the Singapore Airlines team—economy or not, they made us feel special.
Touchdown in Singapore
Baggage claim was oddly peaceful—no chaos, no lines. At one point the lighting even felt like a mini disco. After collecting our bags, we headed out into the warm Singapore air.
Vacation mode? Fully activated.
After a shower and a moment to breathe, it hit us:
We made it.
We’re in Singapore.
And despite the long 13-hour economy flight… we were ready for the adventure.
