5 Best Airlines for Business Class Singapore to Taiwan: Travel from Singapore to Taiwan on business or holidays is a short but regular journey for most, and business-class flying can make the trip comfortable and productive. The flight takes only 4.5 hours, but a superior experience can set the tone for your holiday.
After conducting recent reviews, airline services, and customer feedback, the following are the top five airlines that provide the best business class experience on this route, as per comfort, service, cuisine, and value.
1. Singapore Airlines
Why It Stands Out
Singapore Airlines is usually the gold standard in business class, and their performance on the flight from Singapore to Taiwan is not an exception. Praised for its world-class hospitality, Singapore Airlines is always among the top-rated airlines in the world. Their business class cabins are tailored specifically for the traveler, combining luxury, intimacy, and practicality.
Seating and Comfort
Singapore Airlines uses Airbus A350-900 or Boeing 787-10 planes on this route, with their iconic business class seats. These turn into flatbeds, which may feel like overkill for a short flight but are absolutely worth it if you need to doze off or just relax completely. They come with a width of roughly 28 inches and lots of legroom with a pitch of as much as 60 inches.
The 1-2-1 design provides each passenger with direct access to the aisle, ideal for business travelers who appreciate privacy and convenience in movement. The seats also have ample storage capacity, USB ports, and electrical sockets to ensure your devices remain charged.
Dining Experience
The dining experience is a treat, with Singapore Airlines' "Book the Cook" service enabling you to order gourmet meals in advance before your flight. Options range from local Singaporean dishes like Hainanese chicken rice to international favorites like grilled beef tenderloin.
Even on this short route, you’ll get a multi-course meal served on fine china, paired with a selection of wines and champagne. Passengers often praise the quality and presentation, which feels more like a fine-dining restaurant than an airplane.
Service and Amenities
The crew’s attentiveness is legendary, with staff addressing passengers by name and anticipating needs. You’ll receive a high-quality amenity kit with essentials like lip balm, hand cream, and an eye mask. The KrisWorld entertainment system offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music on a large, high-definition touchscreen. Wi-Fi is available, though it’s not always free in business class, so check your fare details.
Why Choose Singapore Airlines?
For passengers flying out from their home base in Singapore, Singapore Airlines provides a uniformly premium experience. It's perfect for those who desire a smooth, high-end travel with exceptional service and cuisine. The only drawback could be the high price, but to many, the experience is worth it.
2. EVA Air
Why It Stands Out
EVA Air, Taiwan's flagship carrier, is a solid business class contender on this route. A Star Alliance member airline, it provides a refined product equal to Singapore Airlines, with an emphasis on Taiwanese service and detail. EVA Air is the choice of travelers seeking a mix of luxury and affordability.
Seating and Comfort
EVA Air generally operates Boeing 787-9 or 787-10 planes on Singapore to Taipei flights. Their Royal Laurel Class seats are in a 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access and flat beds. Seats are 26 inches wide with as much as a 77-inch pitch and plenty of room to spread out.
The interior is streamlined, featuring dividers for privacy and adjustable mood lighting to provide a soothing ambiance. There are power outlets, USB ports, and a large table space for work or dining.
Dining Experience
EVA Air's cuisine stands out, with a menu of Taiwanese and international flavors. Meals such as braised beef noodle soup or lobster thermidor may be pre-ordered, accompanied by fine wines or Taiwanese oolong tea.
The meals are garnished attractively, and passengers tend to laud the fresh and authentic quality of the dishes. The meal service is surprisingly good for a short flight, with the emphasis on quality rather than quantity.
Service and Amenities
EVA Air cabin staff is friendly and professional, making you feel pampered. The amenity kit, which has been designed by brands such as Rimowa or Salvatore Ferragamo, features high-end skincare products and other essentials.
Inflight entertainment is an adequate collection of movies and TV shows, though it's not as comprehensive as that of Singapore Airlines'. Wi-Fi is accessible but might be subject to charges based on the fare you pay.
Why Choose EVA Air
EVA Air provides an almost-equal experience to Singapore Airlines at a lower price point, making it an excellent option for those looking for luxury without paying through the nose. The Taiwanese touches in food and service provide a distinctive charm, particularly for passengers traveling to Taipei.
3. Cathay Pacific
Why It Stands Out
Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific is another great choice for business travelers on this route, commonly with a brief stopover in Hong Kong. Being a member of the Oneworld alliance, it offers an upscale experience with an emphasis on contemporary design and great service.
Seating and Comfort
Cathay Pacific usually operates this route with Airbus A330 or A350 aircraft. Their business class seats come in a 1-2-1 pattern, providing fully flat beds with a width of approximately 21 inches and pitch of up to 45 inches.
The seats are privacy-oriented, complete with high dividers and an arrangement ensuring direct aisle access. Though a bit smaller than Singapore Airlines or EVA Air, the seats remain cozy for a brief flight, with soft bedding and variable lighting. There are also power outlets and USB ports for your convenience.
Dining Experience
Cathay Pacific's meals draw on Hong Kong cuisine, providing a combination of Cantonese, Asian, and Western food. Dim sum or a grilled salmon fillet accompanied by a glass of wine or their special Hong Kong milk tea may be to your liking.
The meal service is prompt, which is important on a short flight, and the food is always high quality. The attention to detail is appreciated, such as warm towels prior to meals.
Service and Amenities
The staff are attentive and professional, although some critiques mention they're a bit less personalized compared to Singapore Airlines. Amenities include products from Bamford, such as moisturizer and a sleep mask.
The StudioCX entertainment system has a good range of movies, television shows, and music, and there's an optional fee for Wi-Fi. Cathay Pacific's lounge at Singapore's Changi Airport is an added bonus, providing a comfortable area in which to rest before your flight.
Why Choose Cathay Pacific?
Cathay Pacific is a great choice if you’re okay with a stopover in Hong Kong, as it adds a bit of time but often comes with a lower fare. The modern cabin design and excellent dining make it a strong contender for business-class travelers.
4. China Airlines
Why It Stands Out
Taiwan's other full-service carrier, China Airlines, has a good business class product on this Singapore-Taiwan route. Though it cannot compete with Singapore Airlines and EVA Air in terms of global reputation, it does offer a comfortable and solid experience with a local twist.
Seating and Comfort
China Airlines generally flies Airbus A350-900s on the route, with business class seating in 1-2-1 format. The seats flat bed out to approximately 22 inches in width and 78 inches in pitch.
The interior design is all about privacy, featuring sliding doors on certain seats as well as ample personal space. There are power outlets, USB ports, and a spacious table for working or eating. The cabin itself is clean and fresh, though some travelers mention it's not as luxurious as that of EVA Air.
Dining Experience
China Airlines' meals are all about Taiwanese and Asian meals, such as braised pork rice or seafood congee. The food is presented well, and you can accompany it with a wine list or Taiwanese teas. The menu is not as varied as that of Singapore Airlines', but it is satisfactory for a brief flight, and the passengers enjoy the local taste.
Service and Amenities
The staff is courteous and effective, although some feedback indicates the service depends on the flight. The amenity kit contains minimal items, and the onboard entertainment system provides a good range of films and television programs. There is Wi-Fi, although this may not be complimentary. The China Airlines lounge at Changi Airport is relaxing, and food and beverage choices are excellent.
Why Choose China Airlines?
China Airlines is a great option for travelers looking for a cost-effective business class experience with a focus on Taiwanese culture. It’s a solid choice if you’re prioritizing value without sacrificing comfort.
5. Starlux Airlines
Why It Stands Out
Starlux Airlines, the newer Taiwanese airline, has made its name with its boutique-style business class offering. Based in Taipei, Starlux presents a brand-new, contemporary experience that rivals more established airlines on this route.
Seating and Comfort
Starlux uses Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. The seats are 22 inches wide, convert to fully flat beds, and offer a pitch of up to 80 inches. The design is sleek, with privacy dividers, mood lighting, and a spacious feel.
You’ll have access to power outlets, USB ports, and a large touchscreen for entertainment. The seats are comparable to China Airlines but feel more contemporary.
Dining Experience
Starlux dining is a standout, with an emphasis on Taiwanese and fusion dishes. You may enjoy a dish such as beef noodle soup or a Western-style steak, accompanied by fine wines or tea. The presentation is refined, and the quality is surprising for a newer airline. Travelers tend to compliment the ingenuity and freshness of the meals.
Service and Amenities
The crew is enthusiastic and attentive, aiming to deliver a personalized experience. The amenity kit, designed by a Taiwanese brand, includes eco-friendly products like bamboo toothbrushes. The in-flight entertainment system is modern, with a good selection of movies and shows, and Wi-Fi is available, though it may cost extra. Starlux’s lounge in Taipei is a highlight if you’re connecting there.
Why Choose Starlux Airlines?
Starlux is ideal for those who desire a clean, boutique-style experience with a Taiwanese touch. It's usually cheaper than Singapore Airlines or EVA Air and an excellent value for business class.
Final Thoughts
The best airline to fly business class from Singapore to Taiwan is your choice, depending on your concerns. Singapore Airlines is unparalleled luxury and service, ideal for those who care about the best of everything.
EVA Air and China Airlines offer great value with that special Taiwanese touch, while Cathay Pacific is suitable for those willing to have a stopover in Hong Kong. Starlux Airlines offers a new, boutique experience for travelers who want something new.
All five of these airlines deliver fully flat beds, good meals, and service with a smile for a comfortable and productive flight. Compare prices and look for offers to get the best price for your next journey!