Our 13-hour journey with Singapore Airlines' business class: The highs and lows

When planning our family's adventure from Copenhagen to Singapore, we braced ourselves for a lengthy overnight flight spanning 13 hours.

Traveling with my spouse and our seven-year-old made comfort a top priority rather than just an added perk. To ensure we could afford it, we opted for a bit of luxury in business class by redeeming points.

Here’s a snapshot of our experience—our favorite parts, the downsides, and the most memorable aspect of it all.

A strategic use of points led to a worthwhile long-haul experience

An irresistible deal came up on the discount search engine seats.aero: Business-class seats with Singapore Airlines from Copenhagen to Singapore, which were bookable via Air Canada's Aeroplan program for only 80,000 points each.

Given the airline's celebrated reputation for premium business class, the prospect of spending 13 hours in comfortably reclining seats was very enticing, especially with our child in tow.

We converted our American Express points to Air Canada and secured the bookings, incurring just around $100 each for taxes and additional charges.

This journey, typically valued over $15,000 for three people, ended up costing us a modest $300 in cash expenses.

Seats provided ample space, ideal for family travel

Upon stepping onto the Airbus A350-900, the seat width struck me instantly—about 28 inches across, offering more than enough room for us, and our son stretched comfortably without feeling confined.

Moreover, the seat design included multiple compartments — perfect for storing essentials like headphones, snacks, books, and chargers.

Organizing our stuff instead of rummaging through one packed bag improved the overall experience.

The entertainment system was intuitive and user-friendly

I appreciated being able to navigate the seatback display via a pull-out remote or direct screen touch, giving us flexibility in viewing.

The high-quality noise-canceling headphones were another bonus, muting the cabin's dull roar so I could thoroughly enjoy my movie.

In-flight meals exceeded basic airline standards

Dining in-flight was a highlight; I began with a stuffed chicken meal complemented by potatoes and mushrooms, which genuinely tasted like it came from a restaurant.

We also indulged in the oriental-style braised beef cheek, which was exceptionally tender.

Beyond the formal dining, there was an 'anytime' menu available throughout the journey, with options such as sandwiches, egg-noodle soup, and snacks.

Though we didn't need it this time, having the menu available was reassuring for potential hunger pangs outside regular meal periods.

A delightful surprise was the morning latte, defying the usual low expectations of airplane coffee with its smooth taste and classy presentation.

Transforming the seat into a bed was cumbersome, and the surface too firm

A drawback was the bed conversion process which required standing so the crew could flip the seat, not ideal when drowsy.

The firmness of the bed particularly bothered me, due to existing back issues, making it tricky to secure a cozy sleeping position.

Still, it was certainly more tolerable than the option of trying to sleep while seated upright.

Even in all that space, the slanted footwell was disappointing

Lie-flat seating tended to angle our legs diagonally, complicating efforts to find a fully relaxed posture on the lengthy flight.

Both my husband and I were shifting frequently, seeking comfort.

However, our son's smaller stature fit seamlessly into the space, letting him drift to sleep smoothly while we adjusted restlessly.

A future choice for points, but not for cash

Would I pay direct cash for this experience? Likely not—those hard beds and angled footwell don't warrant such a hefty fare.

Yet, redeeming points for this flight proved immensely worthwhile.

The spacious seating, effective storage solutions, top-tier entertainment, delicious food, and stellar service made this long trek feasible—especially when traveling with a young one.

And the true reward was touching down in Singapore feeling rejuvenated and ready to embark on new adventures.