Flying to Bali with Singapore Airlines: An Honest Family Review

Getting to Bali: Our Singapore Airlines Experience

Before we even set foot in Bali, our journey had already given us a story to tell. We flew Amsterdam to Bali via Singapore with Singapore Airlines in premium economy — six of us in total: my husband and I, our two boys (then 2.5 years and 1 year old), and my parents. Here's our honest account of the experience, from the pre-trip seat saga to the moment we landed in paradise.

Before the Flight: A Seat Booking Headache

Let's start with the frustration, because it's worth knowing about if you're planning to fly with Singapore Airlines.

Our return flight from Singapore to Amsterdam was changed by the airline before our trip. The problem wasn't the change itself — it was what came with it. When Singapore Airlines moved us to a different flight, our carefully chosen seats were no longer available on the new routing. And crucially, we were not told this. There was no proactive communication to let us know that our original seat selection didn't carry over and that we needed to choose again.

We only found out when we checked ourselves. By that point, our preferred window seats were gone, and on the return leg we ended up seated in the middle row instead. With two toddlers, seat positioning matters enormously — window seats give you a wall to lean against, a bit more privacy, and one less side to worry about. The process of trying to get it sorted beforehand was genuinely stressful and time-consuming.

Before our trip, I contacted Singapore Airlines several times to try to resolve this. I eventually managed to get through, and they promised to call me back with a solution — but that call never came.

The lesson: if your Singapore Airlines flight is changed for any reason, check your seat assignments immediately. Don't assume they've been carried over — because they may not be, and the airline may not tell you.

The Stopover: Transiting Through Singapore Changi

Singapore Changi Airport is consistently rated one of the best airports in the world — and it lives up to the hype. However, one practical thing to know: depending on your connecting gate, you may need to take an inter-terminal train to reach your next departure. With young children, a pram, and carry-on luggage, factor in a little extra time for this. The train is easy to navigate and well-signposted, but it's worth knowing about in advance so it doesn't catch you off guard — especially if your stopover is short.

Our outbound flight from Amsterdam was delayed, which meant we missed our original connection to Bali. We were rebooked efficiently onto the next available flight, though our group ended up scattered across the cabin as a result. My parents were seated at the back, but as it was a relatively short flight onwards to Bali, it was manageable.

The In-Flight Experience: Where Singapore Airlines Shines

Once we were actually in the air and settled, Singapore Airlines delivered on its reputation. Premium economy was genuinely comfortable — the legroom was excellent, and after a long journey with young children, that extra space made a real difference.

Pre-Flight Planning: A Big Bonus

One of the things we genuinely love about Singapore Airlines is how much you can arrange before you even step on the plane. You can browse and pre-select your meals — including special children's meals — which is a huge relief when you're travelling with fussy toddlers and want to avoid any mealtime surprises at 35,000 feet. You can also check the inflight entertainment programme in advance, so you can plan which films or shows to watch and keep the children occupied. For a long-haul flight, this level of preparation makes a real difference.

The Amenity Kit

Another lovely touch that sets Singapore Airlines apart: on flights over 7 hours, premium economy passengers receive an amenity kit — a small, neat toiletry bag containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, a pair of socks, and a lip balm. It's a small thing, but on a long overnight flight it's genuinely appreciated and adds to that feeling of being well looked after. Note that this is only provided on longer flights, so you won't receive one on the shorter Singapore to Bali leg.

Service

The cabin crew were outstanding. From the moment we boarded, the boys received extra attention and care — and each child was given a toy as soon as they were seated, which was a lovely touch that immediately kept little hands busy. Snacks and drinks were plentiful for both children and adults, and the crew responded quickly and warmly to every request we made. You never felt like you were asking too much.

One practical note for families travelling with a lap infant: our youngest was under one and didn't have his own seat, which meant all of our meals — mine, my husband's, and the children's — arrived at the same time. With a baby on your lap, having both hands free to manage food for everyone at once is a real challenge. It's a small thing, and the overall service was genuinely excellent, but if you're in a similar situation it's worth being prepared for — or asking the crew to help manage the meal service for your family.

Priority Boarding

Travelling with young children and in premium economy meant we benefited from priority boarding — a small but significant perk when you're managing a toddler, a baby, a pram, and hand luggage. Getting settled before the rush made the whole boarding process far less stressful.

The Verdict

Singapore Airlines premium economy is pricey — and it shows, in the best possible way. The service, the comfort, the pre-flight meal selection, the amenity kit, the attention to families with young children — it all adds up to an experience that made a gruelling long-haul journey genuinely manageable. We enjoyed the Singapore Airlines experience and would book it again.

That said, the pre-trip seat issue left a sour taste. When our return flight was changed, our seat selection didn't carry over to the new flight — and we weren't informed. Check your seats immediately after any flight change and follow up proactively, because the airline may not reach out to you.

Tips for flying Singapore Airlines with young children:

• Book premium economy if your budget allows — the legroom and service are worth it for long-haul
• Pre-select your meals before the flight — including children's meals — to avoid any surprises
• Check the inflight entertainment programme in advance so you can plan screen time for the kids
• Amenity kits are provided on flights over 7 hours — a toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, and lip balm go a long way on a long overnight flight
• At Changi Airport, you may need to take a train to another terminal for your connecting flight — allow extra time, especially with young children
• If your flight is changed, check your seat selection straight away — it may not carry over to the new flight
• Take advantage of priority boarding — it's a lifesaver with toddlers
• The crew are wonderful with children — don't hesitate to ask for help
• Travelling with a lap infant? Be aware that all meals may be served simultaneously — consider asking the crew to help manage the meal service for your family
• If your connecting flight is missed due to a delay, you'll be rebooked — but check that your group is seated together

Next stop: Bali. Read our hotel reviews to find out where we stayed and what we thought — including our top tips for families visiting Kuta and Sanur.