Having heard so much about the Singapore Airlines A380s I was excited to discover that I was booked onto the aircraft for my trip back from Singapore into Sydney on Monday night, and even flying economy didn't deter my interest.

Checking in at Singapore Airport some three hours before departure I was given plenty of buffer time.  At the counter in Terminal 3 I was informed by the attendant at the counter that the flight was relatively empty, with only 150 passengers, considering Economy alone seats 399 passengers I requested to have the seat next to me blocked.  Abruptly, I was told "no" because the passenger sitting next to me had already "checked in".

With plenty of time to spare, I perused the wares at Changing Airport at the various shopping options after immigration, before making my way to my gate where I was screened by security. Interestingly, I was not asked by security to produce my plastic baggie of liquids and gels.

Boarding the A380-800, I was directed to the smaller Economy Cabin on the Upper Deck.  Making my way to seat 75A, I was highly amused by the hot pink mood-lighting within the cabin.  Also I noticed the A380's ceilings were a little higher than most other long-haul aircraft, with most passengers able to stand comfortably underneath without bumping their heads on the overhead storage spaces.

Singapore Airlines flies Economy in a 2-4-2 configuration in Upper Deck and a 3-4-3 configuration on the Main Deck, both cabins also provide side storage units for window seats meaning I didn't have to utilise the precious leg room underneath the seat in front.

Economy seats on the A380 enjoy slightly greater pitch as well as a 50cm wide seat, while the seat also includes a footrest, adjustable headrest and a secondary reading light underneath the entertainment unit.  The seatbacks include the new KrisWorld entertainment option displayed on a noticeably clearer10.6 inch screen, with USB and ethernet connection capabilities.

Settling in, flight SQ221 pushed back promptly from the gate at 20:35, and took off 20 minutes later.  Along with the safety instructions, passengers were also told that the plane was likely to encounter some turbulence; this was evidenced quite quickly into the flight.

A snack was served as a stewardess walked through the cabin with orange juice and another juice which looked to me like apple juice, asking for the apple juice I was told that she'd bring me some later – leaving me confused to what the other juice could be.  After half an hour had passed without an appearance I assumed she had forgot about my request.

No matter, as dinner was just about to be served. Selecting the paprika and cumin chicken over the fish curry, I finally partook of my apple juice.  The main was actually quite pleasant, but unfortunately the side dish of Oriental "Drunken Chicken" smelled and tasted strongly of stale alcohol.

Trying my luck for a second time, I requested an eye-mask from the stewardess, as I had left mine in my checked-in luggage.  Singapore Airlines' Economy amenities packs no longer stock this, instead only holding socks and a toothbrush.  This time round, my request was fulfilled promptly.

Soon after passengers were encouraged to assume whatever sleeping position they could find as cabin lights were dimmed halfway, followed soon after by a more complete black-out.  At this point I would like to confirm most reviews that the plane is remarkably quieter than most other long-haul planes and I found this most helpful for sleeping.

Settling in for the night, I was pleased to discover that I slept straight through some four hours of the eight hour flight.  Having missed the initial meal serve of a continental breakfast which revolved around a croissant and a muffin, I was approached by the flight attendant on her second run of the cabin and given the opportunity to make up for the lost meal.