Qantas’ flagship superjumbos are back in the skies, now appearing on selected flights to and from Singapore, London and Los Angeles. Following a recent refurbishment, much of the attention has been on the jet’s upper deck. But there are still some improvements for Qantas passengers flying Economy on the Airbus A380.

After zipping up to Singapore on QF1 – and securing a points upgrade from Economy to Business – the time came to return home. This time, on QF2: without the upgrade. At least I’d have an aisle seat, and as luck would have it, a spare seat beside.

Check-in at Jewel Changi Airport

I used the Qantas mobile app to get a boarding pass for my Airbus A380 Economy flight the night before departure. If I’d only had a cabin bag, that would have been enough to skip the airport formalities and zip on through immigration.

But I also had a checked bag to contend with – and I also wanted to get through quite early. Fortunately, Jewel Changi Airport tackles both of those needs.

There’s an early check-in facility here that’s available to Qantas passengers and a selection of other airlines. It’s also conveniently just across the road from Terminal 1, where Qantas operates.

I’m able to quickly tag and drop my bag. Yet with time up my sleeve, I stretch my legs exploring the iconic Jewel precinct. Yes, it features the indoor waterfall and rainforest – which I still can’t believe is in an airport. But Jewel is also a great place for some pre-flight shopping if you have the time… and the baggage allowance.

Singapore’s many lounges for Qantas passengers

Of course, a Qantas Airbus A380 Economy ticket doesn’t include Lounge access on its own. This is instead where the power of frequent flyer status – or lounge membership – comes into play.

I’ve got hours until boarding, so I hop around. My journey begins with the Qantas International Business Lounge, which opens daily at 3 pm. It’s a great spot for a fresh, made-to-order dish. Shower suites are plentiful here too.

From there, I wander to the British Airways Lounge next door, which opens from 4 pm. It’s a great place to unwind with a cocktail amid the funky mood lighting – and at opening time, it’s peacefully quiet.

Singapore’s Emirates Lounge then opens at 5 pm each day, which also makes it accessible before Qantas’ evening flights. It’s a relaxing spot for a glass of Champagne (Moët or Veuve NV), and with delicious food that’s ready to enjoy: perfect when you’re in a hurry.

When departing on Qantas, including QF2 to Sydney, all three lounges are available via Qantas Gold status (or above). The Qantas Business and BA lounges also welcome travellers with other oneworld Sapphire and Emerald memberships. For Qantas Club cardholders, it’s just the Qantas Business lounge.

But with Platinum, Platinum One, Chairman’s Lounge or other oneworld Emerald status, the Qantas International First Lounge is the choice pick. That’s where I enjoyed dinner.

A meal here isn’t complete without the iconic salt and pepper squid. I also spot ‘The QF2’ on the cocktail menu, and can’t help but sample the Tanqueray, frozen Aperol, tonic and orange mix.

The lounge’s signature laksa is a popular dish, but I’ve tried that before. This time, I opt for the barramundi, tastily served with a crispy skin. To finish, a coconut and mango sorbet. In a word, yum!

Alternative lounges when flying Qantas Airbus A380 Economy

If you don’t have a shiny frequent flyer card or a Qantas Club membership, you’re not without options.

Singapore’s Changi Airport is home to a Plaza Premium Lounge. Access is complimentary for Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders. Just present your physical American Express card for complimentary access, together with your Qantas Airbus A380 Economy boarding pass. Entry can also be pre-paid online.

Another option is Priority Pass, which comes included with several premium credit cards (and Amex Platinum, too). The program counts an impressive seven airport lounges across Changi Airport’s four departure terminals. There’s another at Jewel which can be used on arrival or before heading through immigration, too.

If you must fly Economy on an overnight flight, Singapore really is the best place to kickstart that journey.

Once I’m all lounged-out, it’s time to board. There’s pleasingly a priority line for security screening at the gate, and a priority queue at boarding for Gold/Sapphire and above.

I’ve tired myself out with all the lounge hopping, although next time, I’d likely visit just one lounge. Okay, maybe two, if my travel class and departure time align for access to Qatar Airways’ swanky Premium Lounge.

Qantas Airbus A380 Economy seating

So, I’ve relaxed by the waterfall, enjoyed cocktails and bottomless Taittinger Rosé in the First Class lounge… but now, it’s time for the ‘real’ Qantas Airbus A380 Economy experience. Row 56, come at me.

With Economy adopting a 3-4-3 layout on the superjumbo’s main deck, I’ve nabbed an aisle seat in one of those trios – 56C, to be precise. The seats have gained new cushions in recent years, giving the cabin a fresh and more comfortable feel.

As to the legroom, it’s tolerable. I’m 6ft tall, and even then, my knees aren’t touching the seat in front. Shorter travellers may also appreciate the fold-down foot net. And at least, when these seats recline, the base slides forwards, rather than the chair pivoting back. This means the seat doesn’t come crashing into your knees when the passenger in front pushes that magic button.

All in all, I managed to get just under 2.5 hours of sleep on this eight-hour overnight flight. That was also aided thanks to the eye mask and noise-cancelling headphones I’d brought along with me.