Welcome aboard for a series of flight reports around the Asia Pacific.This series will contain reports on 6 segments and cover 3 airlines. So, to borrow a phrase from many pilots, sit black, relax and enjoy the reports.
The routing and procurement method were as follows:
American Airlines LAX-ORD A321 First (Cash - No Report) American Airlines ORD-DTW CR7 First (Cash - No Report) Delta Air Lines DTW-NRT 747-400 Business (NRSA - Here) Delta Air Lines NRT-PVG 767-300ER Business (NRSA - Here) Singapore Airlines PVG-SIN 777-300ER First (Krisflyer - Here) ***Bonus Singapore food section at the end*** Singapore Airlines SIN-HKG 777-300ER First (Krisflyer - This Report) Asiana Airlines HKG-ICN 777-200ER Business (Cash - Coming Soon) Singapore Airlines ICN-LAX 777-300ER First (Krisflyer - Coming Soon)
If the journey back home seems odd and disjointed, that's because it is. I has hoping to make part of the trip on Delta but nary a J seat could be found for a nobody NRSA like me so I had to have a backup plan in place. In the days before I started the trip I wait listed for a bunch of Singapore Airlines flights and hoped that some would hit. These are the ones that did. It cost me a metric ton of points form various currencies but it was a lot of fun.
I decided on a taxi to Changi simply for the novelty of checking in at the First Class entrance. This time the taxi driver know where to go without having to be directed as we approached T3. I've entered the airport this way a handful of times and have rarely seen another passenger. I realize a chunk of SQ traffic is transiting Singapore, but still.
It's a very spacious facility.
The boarding pass, golden lounge ticket, and sticker to authorize use of the First Class immigration lane.
To me Changi Airport is a destination unto itself. As such I have arrived about 4 hours prior to departure to allow time for dining in TPR, walking the concourses to spot planes, and just soaking up the atmosphere of one of the Worlds' greatest airports.
First stop, due to proximity and desire for some lovely treats, is the The Private Room at the SilverKris Lounge complex.
The Maxwell Smart entry sequence still makes we chuckle.
As elegant, and empty, as ever. Still adorned with Christmas decor. I find this lounge tranquil and comfortable at every visit.
I decide to start my stay in the dining room. A glass of the Piper-Heidsieck Millesime 2002 Rare was requested and served. Actually, I asked for champagne and this is what was on offer.
I requested the hor fun. Great presentation and delicious broth.
I also ordered the burger with foie gras and quail egg because, well, it has foie gras and quail egg. Superb flavor combinations and perfect portion size. They'll serve it with chips if you request. They have chips on the kids menu.
I retired to a comfy seat and enjoyed the rest of my wine and eventually an espresso.
As boarding time approached I ambled over to the gate. Spotted a few movements on the way.
Performing SQ002 SIN-HKG-SFO today. It appeared that most of the passengers were in the holding area as there was no wait for security screening.
Boarding for F was called and I floated down the jet bridge in anticipation of the another rendezvous with the best in the business. Graciously welcomed by the chief steward at the cabin door and led to my seat by a flight attendant.
It was a refreshed cabin today, but with all 8 seats intact.
I selected 1F for today, the last window available at the time of booking. The refreshed seat is really quite stylish and the little additions like additional storage compartments and the touch screen IFE controller are excellent.
Refreshments are offered and accepted. The Krug is hard to turn down.
Look at that, we're pointed in the right direction.
Up, up, and away.
There is an impressive amount of service available on this +/- 3 hour hop to Hong Kong. Unfortunately, being me, i didn't get the menu snaps. Let's get started. To drink a lovely pour of the Dom Perignon 2006 accompanied by some mixed nuts with tasty candied walnuts.
The table is deftly arranged for the meal.
The starter of foie gras, pork, and citrus. Rich, of course, and nicely cut with the acid of citrus, but somewhat flat.
Some soup please. Again rich pea soup with cream and bacon. Full of flavor but only manage a few bites.
A salad is served.
The service throughout is impeccable. The cabin is full save but one seat but the flow of the meal is perfect. I suppose it has to be with the little time aloft.
For the main course I opted for a pan seared veal dish via Book the Cook. Paired with a Latour Burgundy. The cheek was excellent but the loin was not as tender as expected.
Still haven't started the approach to HKG so, how about dessert and cheese? Sure, I'll have a go.
I have to assume the service this leg is structured for those that are flying to San Francisco in that they can enjoy a full dinner now and then sleep when they depart Hong Kong. whatever the reasoning I am pleased to partake and sample all they have to offer. It's an impressive offering served in a compressed amount of time but never rushed.
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Verdict
Singapore Airlines
8.5/10
Cabin8.5
Cabin crew8.5
Entertainment/wifi9.0
Meal/catering8.0
Singapore Airlines Private Room
8.4/10
Comfort8.5
Meal/catering9.0
Entertainment/wifi8.0
Services8.0
Singapore - SIN
9.5/10
Efficiency9.5
Access9.5
Services9.5
Cleanliness9.5
Hong Kong - HKG
8.6/10
Efficiency8.5
Access9.0
Services9.0
Cleanliness8.0
Conclusion
The Ground Service: I'm a sucker for the exclusive First Class check in wing. It sets the tome for a special experience. Combined with the "private" immigration queue and you start your journey feeling well cared for.
The Lounge: I find The Private Room to be a very welcoming and exceptional space. The dining is always of good quality and seemingly freshly prepared. I appreciate the offering of local dishes done in a refined manner. The service in the dining room has generally been very good. The champagne on offer is of good quality. The shower rooms are disappointing and lack of a nap/sleep facility is unfortunate. I don't value the spa services as much as some others but if they offered complimentary treatments I would probably avail myself.
The Cabin: The refreshed First seats are very sharp looking and feel luxurious. Like the Suites seats,however, the design for lounging isn't as good as some other seats. The pay off is the bed is phenomenal.
The Crew: Just lovely. To offer an extensive dining experience on this short sector without feeling rushed or part of an assembly line is quite an achievement.
The Food and Beverage: Truth be told I would prefer the satay and caviar service. What was on offer was generous and well presented. The fois was decadent. The soup was very nice. The veal cheek was tender and exceptional.
Overall: A decadent 3 hour flight with SQ. It goes by way too fast.
Thank you for reading and please join me for the next installment.
11 LIKESLIKE TO THANK THE AUTHORTHANKS ! FLIGHT-REPORT LIKED
For Asiana, please also checkout the SQ lounge at HKG, or if possible, Thai lounge and United Club.....How long will be the train ride from SQ lounge to UA club? Long queue security at HKG?
"For Asiana, please also checkout the SQ lounge at HKG, or if possible, Thai lounge and United Club.....How long will be the train ride from SQ lounge to UA club? Long queue security at HKG?" -I made it to the SQ lounge but there was not sufficient time to lounge hop. i do enjoy doing so, however, when time permits.
"Long queue security at HKG?" -There was on the day I was in transit, my goodness.
"In addition, how can you travel so many multi city trip with SQ? With cash? which website do you go?" -The SQ segments were all booked as stand alone segments using Krisflyer miles. It was a horrible use of miles but I needed to get home and this was the best way to cobble together an itinerary.
The Private Room is a nice lounge but I think that it needs some refurbishment. Too bad it doesn't have a view on the tarmac. That's why I can't spend too many hours there. It lacks of something to make you feel very comfortable special and valuable as a First/Suites class passenger.
Total different feeling once onboard. Great crew, nice cabin. Too bad for the catering. I concur that sometimes, FC meals are not as good as expected.
Greetings Indianocean and thank you for dropping by and leaving a note.
"The Private Room is a nice lounge but I think that it needs some refurbishment." -Well, it has been around a while. What would you change?
"Too bad it doesn't have a view on the tarmac. " -I agree, the large steel louvers that, I suppose, shade the sun, are a blight to those of us who want to enjoy the view.
"Total different feeling once onboard." -Maybe the exquisite service on board it coloring my judgement of the lounge. I am always excited and satisfied when i visit TPR.
I took this flight last month, and have to say that the food they dished up was one of the worst First Class meals ever. I do like the new First Design... but missing a cozy factor.
The Private Room does need a refresh, the ala carte Dining Menu was a boring. But the room is classy, just missing a personal touch.
But SQ2 from SIN to HKG, would never bother to fly first on SIA again... even the service was a little not on their game.
Hi Christian and thank you for sharing this fabulous TR.
"To me Changi Airport is a destination unto itself. As such I have arrived about 4 hours prior to departure to allow time for dining in TPR, walking the concourses to spot planes, and just soaking up the atmosphere of one of the Worlds' greatest airports." - I have only been to SIN once in the late 1990's and at the end of May I will have a chance to revisit it again with a 12+ layover. I will arrive from SFO on UA @ 06:15 and depart on EY @ 20:10. I have booked a room at the Ambassador Transit hotel for 12 hrs so I don't need to worry about clearing Immigration & Customs. Looking forward to exploring this airport.
SQ is a solid experience and it's hard to fault it, despite some shortcomings.
" I will have a chance to revisit it again with a 12+ layover. I will arrive from SFO on UA @ 06:15 and depart on EY @ 20:10. I have booked a room at the Ambassador Transit hotel for 12 hrs so I don't need to worry about clearing Immigration & Customs. Looking forward to exploring this airport." -Is a trip into the city out of the question? Immigration & Customs are very efficient and expedient.
It all depends on how tired and in what type of shape I will arrive. Flying in from SFO I will be in Y which is brutal. Dept. on EY to CAI is in J. I'm working to switch from EY to QR but so far I have not been successful (using AA miles). I've been to SIN before so it won't be that much of a novelty.
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11 Comments
"For Asiana, please also checkout the SQ lounge at HKG, or if possible, Thai lounge and United Club.....How long will be the train ride from SQ lounge to UA club? Long queue security at HKG?"
-I made it to the SQ lounge but there was not sufficient time to lounge hop. i do enjoy doing so, however, when time permits.
"Long queue security at HKG?"
-There was on the day I was in transit, my goodness.
"In addition, how can you travel so many multi city trip with SQ? With cash? which website do you go?"
-The SQ segments were all booked as stand alone segments using Krisflyer miles. It was a horrible use of miles but I needed to get home and this was the best way to cobble together an itinerary.
Thanks for the questions and happy flying.
Too bad it doesn't have a view on the tarmac. That's why I can't spend too many hours there.
It lacks of something to make you feel very comfortable special and valuable as a First/Suites class passenger.
Total different feeling once onboard.
Great crew, nice cabin. Too bad for the catering. I concur that sometimes, FC meals are not as good as expected.
Thank you for sharing Christian
"The Private Room is a nice lounge but I think that it needs some refurbishment."
-Well, it has been around a while. What would you change?
"Too bad it doesn't have a view on the tarmac. "
-I agree, the large steel louvers that, I suppose, shade the sun, are a blight to those of us who want to enjoy the view.
"Total different feeling once onboard."
-Maybe the exquisite service on board it coloring my judgement of the lounge. I am always excited and satisfied when i visit TPR.
Thank you again and happy flying.
The Private Room does need a refresh, the ala carte Dining Menu was a boring. But the room is classy, just missing a personal touch.
But SQ2 from SIN to HKG, would never bother to fly first on SIA again... even the service was a little not on their game.
You faired much better than I.
I'm sorry to hear you had a sub-optimal experience in SQ F.
"You faired much better than I."
-I'm fairly easily pleased. I'm usually just so excited to be flying! Ha.
Take care and happy flying.
"To me Changi Airport is a destination unto itself. As such I have arrived about 4 hours prior to departure to allow time for dining in TPR, walking the concourses to spot planes, and just soaking up the atmosphere of one of the Worlds' greatest airports."
- I have only been to SIN once in the late 1990's and at the end of May I will have a chance to revisit it again with a 12+ layover. I will arrive from SFO on UA @ 06:15 and depart on EY @ 20:10. I have booked a room at the Ambassador Transit hotel for 12 hrs so I don't need to worry about clearing Immigration & Customs. Looking forward to exploring this airport.
SQ is a solid experience and it's hard to fault it, despite some shortcomings.
Lovely pictures as always.
" I will have a chance to revisit it again with a 12+ layover. I will arrive from SFO on UA @ 06:15 and depart on EY @ 20:10. I have booked a room at the Ambassador Transit hotel for 12 hrs so I don't need to worry about clearing Immigration & Customs. Looking forward to exploring this airport."
-Is a trip into the city out of the question? Immigration & Customs are very efficient and expedient.
Have a great trip and happy flying!
" I'm working to switch from EY to QR but so far I have not been successful (using AA miles)."
-Prefer the QR schedule? Product? Transit experience?
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