When I booked a family trip from Copenhagen to Singapore, I knew we were facing a 13-hour overnight flight.
Flying with my husband and our 7-year-old son meant comfort wasn’t just a luxury — it was a necessity. So, we splurged on business class, using points to bring the cost down to something we could justify.
Here’s what it was like — the highs, the lows, and the key thing that made it worthwhile.
We used points for a long-haul flight with a big payoff.
A deal popped up on discount search engine seats.aero that seemed too good to pass up: Singapore Airlines business-class seats from Copenhagen to Singapore, bookable through Air Canada’s Aeroplan program, for just 80,000 points per person.
Singapore Airlines has a reputation for having one of the best business-class experiences in the world, and the thought of spending 13 hours in lie-flat comfort — especially with a child — was incredibly appealing.
We transferred our American Express points to Air Canada and booked the seats, paying only about $100 per person in taxes and fees.
That flight, which could easily cost over $15,000 for three passengers, cost us just over $300 out of pocket.
The seats felt spacious and great for families.
When we boarded the Airbus A350-900, the first thing I noticed was how wide the seats looked. At about 28 inches wide, there was plenty of room for my husband and me, and our son could stretch out without feeling cramped.
Even better, the seats were equipped with numerous compartments — small storage areas for headphones, snacks, books, and charging devices.
As a parent, I loved being able to keep things organized instead of digging through one overflowing bag the entire flight.
The entertainment system seemed thoughtfully designed and easy to use.
I loved that you could control the seatback setup either directly on the screen or with a pull-out remote. That flexibility made it simple for all of us to watch what we wanted.
The complimentary noise-canceling headphones were another highlight. They blocked out the hum of the cabin, allowing me actually to enjoy a movie without distraction.
The food went beyond standard airline fare.
The food turned out to be one of the highlights of the flight. I started with stuffed chicken paired with potatoes and mushrooms — a flavorful and surprisingly restaurant-quality dish.
We also tried the oriental-style braised beef cheek, which was tender and rich.
Beyond the formal meal service, there was also an “anytime” menu. At any point during the flight, you could order a sandwich, a bowl of egg-noodle soup, or a variety of small snacks.
We didn’t lean on it this time, but as a parent, I loved knowing it was there in case my son got hungry outside of meal times.
Another unexpected perk: I was able to order a proper latte in the morning. Usually, I avoid airplane coffee altogether, but this was actually good — smooth, not burnt-tasting, and served with a bit of flair in a real mug.
It felt like a small luxury, but after hours in the air, it made a big difference.
However, turning the seat into a bed was awkward, and the surface was surprisingly hard.
For me, one downside was the way the seat converted into a bed.
Instead of just reclining with a button, we had to stand up and have the flight attendant flip our seats over. Not great when you’re already half-asleep.
And once it was a bed, the surface felt surprisingly firm. Since I have back problems, this was not ideal, and it was challenging to find a comfortable position.
However, it was certainly better than sleeping upright.
For all that space, the angled footwell was also a letdown.
The lie-flat seat sort of forces your legs into a diagonal position, which can make it difficult to relax during such a long flight.
My husband and I both found ourselves shifting around trying to get comfortable.
For our son, though, it was perfect. The smaller frame of a 7-year-old fit right into the angled nook, and he slept soundly while we tossed and turned.
Ultimately, I’d book this business class again — but I wouldn’t pay full price for it.
Would I pay cash for this flight? Probably not — the angled footwell and hard bed weren’t quite worth the usual five-figure price tag.
However, this flight was absolutely worth spending points on.
The wide seats, smart storage, strong entertainment system, tasty meals, and polished service all combined to make the journey manageable — especially with a child in tow.
And arriving in Singapore rested enough to start exploring right away was the ultimate payoff.
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