Perks of a points splurge: it takes perseverance, but is it worth it?

CHECKING IN: We've checked in online which, it turns out, is pretty pointless. We still need to have our seats allocated and boarding cards issued, as we weren't able to choose seats on either the Virgin or Singapore Airlines' sites, presumably because we are on points tickets. We're early, and there's no queue for the dedicated check-in desk. Premium economy passengers have a 35kg allowance, and surprisingly, staff offer to book our luggage through to Rome, despite being on a different ticket and airline. Twenty minutes later, thanks to my husband's platinum status with Virgin, a Star Alliance partner, we're sitting in the Singapore Airlines' SilverKris lounge enjoying a late breakfast.

THE FLIGHT: We board after the business-class passengers. On the lower deck of the A380, premium economy is full, but there's still plenty of room in the overhead lockers. We take off right on midday. I'm happy to be taking a day flight so I can take full advantage of the premium economy benefits rather than just being focused on getting some sleep.

THE CLASS: There are 44 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. We are in a two, the row behind the emergency exit. I'm in the window seat, 32C. The seat pitch is 97cm compared to economy's 81.3cm, with a width of 49.5cm, while economy is 45.7cm. I'm surprised by the difference those extra centimetres and the pull-down leg rest make to my comfort.

FOOD AND DRINKS: Lunch is served 90 minutes after take-off. There's an appetiser of rare smoked duck breast on a spicy noodle salad, then a choice of pan-fried gnocchi with mushroom cream sauce and pancetta, or Malay-style chicken curry with rice. Both are exceptional, the servings generous. The drinks list offers non-vintage champagne, a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, and an Australian shiraz, plus the option of the famous Singapore Sling, a nice local touch. Afternoon tea, served a couple of hours later, is a toastie, either chicken (a bit meh) or sweet potato and cheese.

ENTERTAINMENT: I put on my noise-cancelling headphones and browse the extensive seat-back entertainment choices. About 1800 options include music, games, TV series, and new-release movies. I watch Demi Moore in The Substance, which has had even the mildest of curses dubbed over. Premium economy also has unlimited Wi-Fi for KrisFlyer members, so it's worth signing up for.

THE SERVICE: Courteous and attentive with staff checking several times to see if we needed anything and frequently bringing us water.

IN A NUTSHELL: Singapore Airlines' Premium Economy far outperformed my expectations. Apart from the lack of lie-flat seats, it felt not too far removed from a traditional business-class product.

The writer travelled at her own expense