12 hours in Singapore Airlines first class — was it worth it?

Singapore Airlines' first class aims to remove friction from travel. I flew from Los Angeles to Tokyo to test it, booking with credit-card points and paying $5.60 in taxes; one-way fares for this flight can exceed $14,000. The elevated service began before security, with a personal escort through Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX.

At the Star Alliance first-class area the lounge felt quiet and private; access is limited because the route carries just four first-class seats. A supervisor escorted me from the lounge to the gate and onto the plane, where I was introduced to cabin crew and shown to my window seat.

The seat offered a large entertainment screen, charging ports, a pull-out tray, pajamas, an amenity kit with Lalique products, and a true lie-flat position. The wider sleeping surface and open footwell made it easier to roll over and sleep for several hours, which mattered most on the nearly 12-hour flight.

United States, Japan, Los Angeles, Tokyo

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