Hello Flight Report community. This is a continuation of a fantastic RTW trip I took in January 2015.
I will dissect the journey as follows: Planning, Virgin America Loft LAX, VX LAX-JFK (First)http://flight-report.com/en/report-10395.html Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK and SQ JFK-FRA (Suites) http://flight-report.com/en/report-10408.html Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge FRA, Lufthansa Senator Lounge FRA, and SQ FRA-SIN (Suites)http://flight-report.com/en/report-10511.html The Private Room SIN and SQ SIN-PEK (First)(This Report) Air China Business Class Lounge PEK and CA PEK-NRT (Business)(Coming Soon) Delta Skyclub NRT and DL NRT-LAX (Business)(Coming Soon)
I tend to have a heavy heart when leaving a flight like FRA-SIN. Who knows if/when I'll ever get to experience that again. On this day, however, I was buoyed by the thought of a bowl of laksa, multiple visits to The Private Room, and another 6 hours in SQ First. These are facts that should induce excitement and overcome any melancholy of leaving a fabulous crew and airplane.
My first order of business was a visit to The Private room for a change of clothes. I was to be walking about in the hot Singapore sun so more casual attire was in order. I arrived at the entrance to the Silverkris lounge complex.
I was greeted, credentials examined, and escorted through the First Class Lounge and on to TPR.
On my arrival I noticed the same couple from seats 3C and 3D. Still in their SQ pajamas! I was greeted and shown to a seat where I requested a cappuccino and some sparkling water.
Properly attired, hydrated and caffeinated I ventured off into the city for a few hours. I left my luggage with a pay service in terminal 3. The immigration was a breeze, as always.
I'll include a few pictures from my side trip into Singapore. Usually my first order of business is to visit 328 or Marine Parade Laksa in Katong. I went there by taxi now and was dropped by the Roxy Square.
Bridge over East Coast Road.
This visit I went to 328 which had been remodeled since my last visit.
The soup. One of my favorite foods in all of the world.
After Laksa I walked to the Dakota MRT station. I'll just drop a couple of pics of the rest of the day and get back on topic.
Soon enough it was time to return to Changi and resume my 36 hour affair with Singapore Airlines. The taxi dropped me at the First Class check in area and I was back airside in minutes.
I proceeded to pick up my luggage and make my way back through the layers of SQ lounge to TPR. A shower and change of clothes was in order.
Some shower champagne: Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2004.
I'll take a seat in the dining room and see if there is anything I would like to sample. Ah yes, this prawn soup will do lovely, with the Veuve, of course.
I retired to the general seating area to enjoy the last few minutes of TPR before boarding to PEK.
A cappuccino and some water please.
There was also a nice 18 year Chevas on offer.
It was a good walk down to the gate where the 777 was awaiting.
I was welcomed at the door by the usual beautiful smiling faces. I was shown to my seat 2A.
While I had selected 2A I was informed that I was welcome to any seat as I was the only passenger in 1st class this afternoon. What fun!
The empty cabin.
Odd underutilized space before row 1 and after row two.
I learned later from one of the crew that this cabin was refit with a smaller first class in number of seats, but larger seats. He said they went from 12 to 8.
Welcome drinks.
You can just leave that here.
While I was outnumbered by crew the primary flight attendant serving me was a young staggeringly beautiful woman with fantastic enthusiasm. I think she was the only person who matched my level of excitement to be on board this airplane at this time! It was apparent she was going to to through great lengths to make sure this was a memorable flying experience and she was 100% successful.
Our neighbor on pushback.
Company 380 at nearby gate.
Liftoff from 2L with Pulau Ubin visible.
Over Malaysia now.
Switching to the Dom once airborne.
The service begins with the signature satay. Also seat 2C was made to a bed for whenever I may wish to sleep.
In discussing the meal service I was encouraged to taste anything and everything that I may have an interest in so this is what I did.
The Western starter with foie gras, caprese salad, and some iberico ham. All lovely flavors ans well presented.
At he urging of my most gracious host I decide to have a look at the Asian starter plate. There was abalone, chicken, and one other item I can't remember.
An uninspired salad.
I switched from the Dom to a very rich and low oak Chardonnay. This was a fantastic wine.
The cook was booked on this flight as well. I chose the lobster thermidor after reading rave reviews of the SQ version. I have never had this dish before and will not need to in the future. It's just too rich and sauced. The delicate lobster meat is covered up. Live and learn. I will credit the cookery as it was not the least bit overdone.
The flight attendant also suggested the Asian dessert. I think it contained some bird nest. I can't remember now. She was very excited by it so there was no way I was going to decline.
It was not to my liking. Nothing bad, just too subtle, and the novelty was lost on me.
Bring on that cheese!
After the cheese she brought some pralines.
I was ready to tap out at this point and with 4 hours to go to PEK there was time for a nap.
Beautiful sunset.
I can't say enough positive about the flight attendant. You can tell the pride she takes in her work by the care that went into making the bed.
I napped the rest of the way to PEK and was filled with sweet dreams of SQ Excellence. What a way to end a 2 day odyssey with one of the world's finest airlines.
See more
Verdict
Singapore Airlines
9.3/10
Cabin9.0
Cabin crew10.0
Entertainment/wifi9.0
Meal/catering9.0
Singapore Airlines Private Room
8.6/10
Comfort8.5
Meal/catering8.5
Entertainment/wifi9.0
Services8.5
Singapore - SIN
9.2/10
Efficiency8.5
Access8.5
Services10.0
Cleanliness10.0
Beijing - PEK
5.0/10
Efficiency5.0
Access5.0
Services5.0
Cleanliness5.0
Conclusion
I suppose a regional flight in the dated 1st class cabin could have been a letdown after two great segments in Suites. It was exactly the opposite. While I'll take a suite over an open 1st class seat ever time I will say that the soft product here more than compensated for the hard. Sure, being the only passenger in 1st makes a big difference but I got the impression that this flight attendant loves her work, takes great pride in her company, and goes above and beyond in all service. Thank you Singapore Airlines, I look forward to our next encounter.
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It was probably the correct move taking this flight and not the redeye (those 1/2am departures are brutal).
There was no way to store your baggage in the lounge? I would think that would be an option since you had an onward ticket for the same day. I like the DL tissues in one of your photos! I think the SQ logo on the cappuccino is a little over the top.
The level of service you described is exactly what is expected of SQ. You describe the crew of having a passion and enthusiasm for their work, that's something special most carriers don't have (at least not consistently). When that type of passion is present behind their service you get special experiences like this.
Not sure how you do it, I would be bloated like a whale after all of these meals. The catering looks very good for both the Asian and western starters. The lobster thermidor does sound far too heavy for an airplane meal. The dessert is very typical for Asia, so I thought it looked very good (but they made up for the dessert with the chocolates).
Can't wait to hear how your CA experience went after three flights with SQ...
There was no way to store your baggage in the lounge? -There was no formal place to store luggage in the lounge that I am aware of. In previous visits I left my luggage, at he suggestion of a lounge attendant, by a desk that is near the entrance to TPR and by the hallway to the restrooms. I didn't want to impose upon them as this seemed like a special exception.
Not sure how you do it, I would be bloated like a whale after all of these meals. -While I do resemble a whale I usually only take a bite or to of each item.
Can't wait to hear how your CA experience went after three flights with SQ... -Spoiler alert, not as decadent!
Hi, thanks for this report ! Good choice with Katong Laksa ! Hope you tried the fish cake (Ota) too. I'll be flying this older First cabin early next year. Although I prefer Suites, I still find it very elegant, well especially with an empty cabin ! Your full name is not blurred on your boarding pass, it is intentional ? The cheese offered are processed, not really First class - A bit as if you were offered some Philadelphia cream cheese lol
Hope you tried the fish cake (Ota) too. -Not this trip but I do enjoy it!
Your full name is not blurred on your boarding pass, it is intentional ? -No, I suppose I should correct that.
The cheese offered are processed, not really First class - A bit as if you were offered some Philadelphia cream cheese lol -That's unfortunate. Such an odd place to skimp for SQ.
Thanks to you, I now know that TPR can be used as Arrival Lounge before escaping to downtown for few hours.
Looks like SQ is doing the same logo-thing as EK on the cappuccino foam.
The western starters look very nice but looks like not enough. Hopefully, you were able to eat any dish since you were the only passenger flying First. However, the french cheeses offered are completely disgraceful in First Class. No way
I understand you might feel blue once you got off from the last flight. I do feel the same (LOL)
Thanks to you, I now know that TPR can be used as Arrival Lounge before escaping to downtown for few hours. -I think this requires onward travel, but yes, you can.
However, the french cheeses offered are completely disgraceful in First Class. No way -This is unfortunate and uncharacteristic of SQ.
I tend to have a heavy heart when leaving a flight like FRA-SIN. Who knows if/when I'll ever get to experience that again. - Oh but you recorded your experience for posterity and can relive it anytime. ;)
I was buoyed by the thought of a bowl of laksa, multiple visits to The Private Room, and another 6 hours in SQ First. - You sure had a busy day ahead. I salivate thinking about laksa - that is one mean soup with a kick. The last time I was in SIN which was a long time ago, I was hopping from one place to the next savoring all the different types of food.
I was the only passenger in 1st class this afternoon. - A memorable way to start your flight.
I got the impression that this flight attendant loves her work, takes great pride in her company, and goes above and beyond in all service. - It's not hard when you work for the best airline in the world.
Thank you Christian for sharing this memorable experience.
Hi Jetsetpanda and thanks for reading and commenting.
The last time I was in SIN which was a long time ago, I was hopping from one place to the next savoring all the different types of food. -I think that's the National Pastime in Singapore!
It's not hard when you work for the best airline in the world. -The more I fly with them the more I have a hard time arguing with this point.
That's a lot of food for a relatively short flight! I'm full from just looking at the pics :-P Nice to see SQ doesn't compromise on F service on shorter flights. The Western appetizer looks great! Love me some foie gras :-) Thanks for sharing!
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12 Comments
It was probably the correct move taking this flight and not the redeye (those 1/2am departures are brutal).
There was no way to store your baggage in the lounge? I would think that would be an option since you had an onward ticket for the same day. I like the DL tissues in one of your photos! I think the SQ logo on the cappuccino is a little over the top.
The level of service you described is exactly what is expected of SQ. You describe the crew of having a passion and enthusiasm for their work, that's something special most carriers don't have (at least not consistently). When that type of passion is present behind their service you get special experiences like this.
Not sure how you do it, I would be bloated like a whale after all of these meals. The catering looks very good for both the Asian and western starters. The lobster thermidor does sound far too heavy for an airplane meal. The dessert is very typical for Asia, so I thought it looked very good (but they made up for the dessert with the chocolates).
Can't wait to hear how your CA experience went after three flights with SQ...
There was no way to store your baggage in the lounge?
-There was no formal place to store luggage in the lounge that I am aware of. In previous visits I left my luggage, at he suggestion of a lounge attendant, by a desk that is near the entrance to TPR and by the hallway to the restrooms. I didn't want to impose upon them as this seemed like a special exception.
Not sure how you do it, I would be bloated like a whale after all of these meals.
-While I do resemble a whale I usually only take a bite or to of each item.
Can't wait to hear how your CA experience went after three flights with SQ...
-Spoiler alert, not as decadent!
Good choice with Katong Laksa ! Hope you tried the fish cake (Ota) too.
I'll be flying this older First cabin early next year. Although I prefer Suites, I still find it very elegant, well especially with an empty cabin !
Your full name is not blurred on your boarding pass, it is intentional ?
The cheese offered are processed, not really First class - A bit as if you were offered some Philadelphia cream cheese lol
Hope you tried the fish cake (Ota) too.
-Not this trip but I do enjoy it!
Your full name is not blurred on your boarding pass, it is intentional ?
-No, I suppose I should correct that.
The cheese offered are processed, not really First class - A bit as if you were offered some Philadelphia cream cheese lol
-That's unfortunate. Such an odd place to skimp for SQ.
Thanks again, happy travels.
Thanks to you, I now know that TPR can be used as Arrival Lounge before escaping to downtown for few hours.
Looks like SQ is doing the same logo-thing as EK on the cappuccino foam.
The western starters look very nice but looks like not enough. Hopefully, you were able to eat any dish since you were the only passenger flying First.
However, the french cheeses offered are completely disgraceful in First Class. No way
I understand you might feel blue once you got off from the last flight. I do feel the same (LOL)
Thanks to you, I now know that TPR can be used as Arrival Lounge before escaping to downtown for few hours.
-I think this requires onward travel, but yes, you can.
However, the french cheeses offered are completely disgraceful in First Class. No way
-This is unfortunate and uncharacteristic of SQ.
Thank you and happy travels.
- Oh but you recorded your experience for posterity and can relive it anytime. ;)
I was buoyed by the thought of a bowl of laksa, multiple visits to The Private Room, and another 6 hours in SQ First.
- You sure had a busy day ahead. I salivate thinking about laksa - that is one mean soup with a kick. The last time I was in SIN which was a long time ago, I was hopping from one place to the next savoring all the different types of food.
I was the only passenger in 1st class this afternoon.
- A memorable way to start your flight.
I got the impression that this flight attendant loves her work, takes great pride in her company, and goes above and beyond in all service.
- It's not hard when you work for the best airline in the world.
Thank you Christian for sharing this memorable experience.
The last time I was in SIN which was a long time ago, I was hopping from one place to the next savoring all the different types of food.
-I think that's the National Pastime in Singapore!
It's not hard when you work for the best airline in the world.
-The more I fly with them the more I have a hard time arguing with this point.
Take care and happy travels.
Nice to see SQ doesn't compromise on F service on shorter flights. The Western appetizer looks great! Love me some foie gras :-)
Thanks for sharing!
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