Qatar Airways vs Singapore Airlines: Which Airline Is Better?

It’s finally time to settle the debate on which is the world’s best airline: Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines.

Year after year, Qatar and Singapore compete for the title of the world’s best airline. Both have won Best Airline of the Year and many other award-winning categories, including Best Business Class, Best Frequent Flyer Program, Best Cabin Crew, and Best Business Class Lounge.

Travellers can’t go wrong with either of these world-class airlines. But if you’re curious about which airline should truly be crowned the industry leader, we’ll show which has the upper hand in key categories.

Flight Networks: Which Airline Flies To More Destinations?

Qatar Airways is based in Doha, Qatar, with its main hub at Hamad International Airport (DOH). Singapore Airlines operates out of Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). Both airlines are known for long-haul international routes, where they can showcase their most premium amenities.

Qatar Airways operates a hub-and-spoke model, helping connect the Middle East to the rest of the world. It flies to more than 170 destinations. Many regional hubs in the Middle East connect through Doha to destinations across six continents. Its fleet includes 270 aircraft, including Airbus A320, A330, A350, A380, and Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliners.

Singapore Airlines operates a similar hub-and-spoke model from Singapore, connecting Southeast Asia to global hubs. Its route network is slightly smaller than Qatar Airways, with only 120 destinations.

However, travellers can still fly as far as New York City, a 19-hour flight ranked as the world’s longest. It has a fleet size of 165 aircraft, including Airbus A350, A380, and Boeing 737, 777, and 787 Dreamliner.

Flying Network Winner: Qatar Airways has a stronger flying network than Singapore Airlines. It has a larger fleet and flies to more destinations. Both airlines are part of flying networks, which helps travellers reach even more destinations via partner airlines. Singapore Airlines is part of the Star Alliance, the largest group, with access to more destinations than the Oneworld Alliance, which Qatar Airways is part of.

Qatar Airways vs Singapore Airlines: The Inflight Cabin Experience

With Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines dominating the international route market, they must provide passengers with superior comfort on long-haul flights. 

Qatar Airways features Economy, Business Class, and First Class. Its seats are considered among the largest in the industry, with generous legroom and amenity kits offered even in Economy class. Seatback TVs in every cabin feature more than 8,500 in-flight entertainment options.

The airline’s highlight is the award-winning Qsuite. It’s an enhanced business-class cabin with privacy suites, a sliding door, lie-flat seats, upgraded dining, and even a quad configuration.

Singapore Airlines has more cabin flexibility, with Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class, First Class, and Suite class available across its fleet. Travellers have more flexibility in choosing a class that fits their travel budget. In general, the cabin experience includes spacious seats, more than 1,900 in-flight on-demand entertainment options, and amenities.

Singapore Airlines’ highlight is the First Class suites on the A380. It’s an entire dedicated suite on the 2nd level of the aircraft, and it feels more like a mini-hotel room: a bed, workspace, TV, and a multi-course in-flight meal.

Cabin/In-flight experience winner: Singapore Airlines offers the best range of cabin experiences. It makes even the Economy Class feel like a premium experience. And for those travellers lucky enough to try the first class suites, you won’t want to fly anything less afterwards.

Perks That Travellers Will Get

Travelling on Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines is about more than getting from point A to point B. Both airlines make the journey more enjoyable with special perks along the way.

Qatar Airways frequent flyers can join the Privilege Club loyalty program. Perks include earning Credits for upgrades, 1:1 point transfer to British Airways, global lounge network access, and tier match across the oneworld Alliance network.

Singapore Airlines travellers can opt for the KrisFlyer loyalty program. From a basic tier, it offers unlimited complimentary wifi for all members. Higher tier status levels include priority immigration, free seat selection, and access to the SilverKris First Class lounge at the PPS Club level.

Traveller perks winner: Both airlines do an exceptional job at providing travellers useful perks. The best perks depend on which airline and alliance program you use most to take advantage of them.

What Is The Price Like On These Airlines?

Now that you know what to expect when flying on Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines, it’s time to see how much it all costs to determine if it’s worth the price tag.

Regional routes on both airlines from their respective hubs are high-frequency and reasonably priced, between $100 and $300 round-trip. International flights also start around $400 and can reach $1,000+ for premium economy seats.

Upgraded cabins are where price really starts to matter for both airlines. A flight in Singapore Airlines’ A380 First Class Suite can cost $14,000 one-way. Flying in Qatar Airways Qsuite can cost $7,000 one-way.

Also consider the costs of additional services when booking with Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines. Singapore Airlines charges USD $150 for baggage fees, while Qatar Airways charges USD $225. Upgrading to a more premium class may include additional bags. In-flight meals on long-haul flights are included in the fare price.

One of the best ways to fly premium classes on either airline is via travel credit card perks. Qatar Airways offers a credit card that earns Avios Points for its loyalty program. Alternatively, cards like American Express allow users to transfer points to either program.

Price Winner: Both airlines offer a range of prices suitable for all travellers. They’re best known for their high-ticket premium cabins, but Economy class provides enough comfort even for long-haul routes.

Comparing Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines

Here’s a quick snapshot comparing Qatar Airways to Singapore Airlines

Which Airline Is Truly Better?

So, which airline reigns supreme in the sky? Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines? Both airlines deserve the long list of award-winning accolades, including best airline. Their super-premium offerings and the way they’re transforming long-distance travel deliver excellent value to every passenger, regardless of cabin.

Choosing the best airline between the two depends on your desired travel experience. Qatar Airways is the preferred choice for premium travel across a wider range of destinations. Singapore Airlines suits travellers on long-haul flights who want premium comfort throughout the journey.