Hello and welcome to the next report of this 4 segment routing from Washington, DC to Sydney, Australia. This report will cover the 4th flight in the series: Singapore to Sydney with British Airways in World Traveller Plus.
Here is the full routing:
Washington Reagan National DCA ✈ Dallas - Fort Worth DFW : American Airlines, B737-800, Domestic First class
[HERE]
Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok HKG ✈ Singapore Changi SIN : Cathay Pacific, B777-300, Business Class
[HERE]
Singapore Changi SIN ✈ Sydney Kingsford Smith SYD : British Airways, B777-300ER, Premium Economy [THIS REPORT]
Melbourne Tullamarine MEL ✈ Sydney Kingsford Smith SYD : Qantas Airways, B737-800, Business Class
[HERE]
Sydney Kingsford Smith SYD ✈ Christchurch Airport CHC : Qantas Jetconnect, B737-800, Business Class
[HERE]
Queenstown Airport ZQN ✈ Auckland Airport AKL : Air New Zealand, A320-200, Economy Class
[HERE]
Auckland Airport AKL ✈ Sydney Kingsford Smith SYD : LAN Airlines, B787-9, Business Class
[HERE]
Sydney Kingsford Smith SYD ✈ Singapore Changi SIN : British Airways, B777-300ER, Business Class
[HERE]
Singapore Changi SIN ✈ Tokyo Narita NRT : Japan Airlines, B767-300ER, Economy Class
[HERE]
Tokyo Narita NRT ✈ Chicago O'hare ORD : American Airlines, B787-8, Business Class
[HERE]
In all my AvGeekiness, I was pretty excited about this flight for several reasons:
1) 5th Freedom routes are cool–it's fun to be flying BA between 2 cities on the other side of the world from the UK
2) I'd never flown in the new World Traveller Plus cabin and was looking forward to comparing
3) This will be my first time flying BA's 777-300ER
4) There are very few reports on BA's updated World Traveller Plus on FR; this will be the first 77W WTP report in English
We had spent the night in Singapore and after enjoying some dim sum for lunch in the city, we headed early to the airport to do some lounge hopping.
Because the BA counters weren't open yet, we made our way towards the early check-in counters, where you can check in for flights up to 24 hours in advance. This is one of the conveniences I love about Changi. Towards the rear of the check-in hall of Terminal 1, right behind the Early check-in counters, there is a secluded premium check-in area for Elites and those in Premium cabins. I showed my oneworld Emerald credentials and was escorted inside to the check-in lounge. This Premium check-in is walled off from the rest of the terminal and furnished with comfortable chairs and a waiting area. There's something that feels very premium about checking in at a check-in lounge rather than a ticket counter.
The SATS agents were friendly and efficient. Passport control is accessed directly through the lounge and we were airside in no time.
The Holiday decorations in Terminal 1 had a London theme.
Some quick spotting when a little piece of my birth country caught my eye.
There are two oneworld lounges at Changi T1; both are located in the same area on the mezzanine level. One of the lounges is operated by Qantas and the other by British Airways.
I headed for the Qantas lounge first as the BA lounge was not yet open.
First impressions: this lounge is huge. I'd previously been to the QF lounge in HKG and also found that lounge to be quite large, but I'm pretty sure the SIN QF lounge is even bigger.
Considering that QF used to fly the Kangaroo route with multiple daily A380s via Singapore, the lounge had to be big. Now that QF sends it's LHR flights via Dubai, it's just pleasantly uncrowded here in SIN.
It's so big that there are some awkwardly large open areas.
Despite the hugeness of it all, there are some cozier seating areas.
The seats are comfortable and I like the design of QF's lounges in general.
There is no First class section in this lounge–though Lord knows they have the room for it–so there is no real champagne, but a very drinkable and pleasant Australian sparkling.
It only started giving me minor heartburn after about 4 glasses, so it's decent in my book–that's my weird way of judging good sparkling wines from bad ones, haha.
There's a decent selection of hot dishes from the buffet, though pretty much everything was heavy.
After enjoying the Qantas lounge, we headed to the British Airways lounge down the hall.
The entrance is very chic.
The BA lounge at SIN was recently renovated and it looks great! The only downside is that there is no longer a First class section accessible to oneworld Emeralds. They have instead opened a very small "Concorde Bar" limited to First class passengers only. I love how BA gets around oneworld Emerald lounge access rules by slapping the word "Concorde" on something! They've also done this at my home airport at Washington-Dulles :-/
But nevermind all that, the Business class lounge is very nice.
It was also nice and empty, with only maybe 3 or 4 other people in the lounge.
While it's not as huge as the QF lounge, as you can see, it is quite a large space.
The decor of the lounge, in the new standard BA style, is very elegant and modern yet comfortable and warm.
The food and drink selection in the BA lounge was slightly better than the Qantas lounge, IMO.
MMmmm, curry!
One thing I found odd is that there was no champagne out in the self-serve area. There is no bar either so I asked an attendant where I could find the champagne. She asked where I was seated and told me that she would bring the champagne to my seat.
Score!
After a few glasses, it was time to head to the gate. Although there were no tarmac views from the lounges, our plane could be seen from the outdoor bar area on the concourse level just below the lounges.
Security is at the gates in Singapore and, as usual, was very quick and painless.
Boarding began with First and Business class, followed by oneworld Elites.
Nice views of our plane on boarding.
A Premium Economy ticket does not give priority boarding on BA, but we boarded early with Elite boarding as we both have status.
Passing through the Club World cabin on the way to the WTP cabin.
The 77W World Traveller Plus cabin is rather large for a Premium Economy cabin with 6 rows in a 2-4-2 layout.
Our seats in the last row of WTP. I often choose the last row of any non-Y cabin for more privacy and not to have to worry about reclining into someone's lap. Although, there is always a risk of having babies in the bassinets in the bulkhead row right behind, I still prefer these seats. Also note that the first row of WTP on the sides (row 22) does not have a window. Otherwise, I may have chosen the first row due to the better legroom.
The IFE is the latest generation and has a responsive touchscreen. The PTV screen is larger than on the older WTP.
View from my seat.
World Traveller Plus passengers are provided with noise-cancelling headphones, which is great in case of crying babies ^^
There is also a very basic amenity kit containing socks, an eye mask, ear plugs, and a pen.
The 19.5" wide seats have a large armrest between the seats, giving a good amount of lateral space. The seat pitch is listed as 38" and is typical by International Premium Economy standards. Overall, the seats are spacious and feel very similar to Domestic First class seating in the U.S.
The legroom is good and I could easily cross my legs.
British Airways offer a pre-departure beverage service in World Traveller Plus, which adds to the Premium experience. On offer were water, orange juice, and champagne.
Boarding completed on time and the safety video was played during push-back.
Playing around with the IFE–the airshow is nice and modern
Then decided to watch San Andreas.
Before the aperitif service, there is a hot towel service.
Gotta have Gin & Tonic on British Airways!
As I was enjoying my G & T, the person in front of me reclined and almost hit me in the face. The recline on these seats is deep! It's nice to have deep recline for a night flight like this, but be mindful not to just slam your seat back all at once, especially during dinner service as it goes pretty far. Luckily, one of the flight attendants asked the person in front of me to bring the seat up a bit for dinner, which made things a bit easier and avoided an awkward tap on the shoulder.
Tonight's menu
There are two options for mains: Beef tenderloin or Cod fillet in a Thai curry sauce
I opted for the Cod as I love Thai food
Appetizer
The main was good, but lacked some sauce.
Here is a look at the Beef tenderloin option.
by the time my movie was over, we were almost to the West coast of Australia.
I slept for about 2 to 3 hours and woke up somewhere over the center of the continent.
Breakfast was served shortly after. It came in a box.
Although the dinner had a more premium feel with china, real glasses and silverware, the breakfast was the same as Economy. It wasn't bad, and better than what I've had on similar length flights in Air France Premium Economy. The breakfast sandwich was pretty good actually, especially since it had bacon. Everything is better with bacon.
The sun starts to rise as we wrap up breakfast.
Couldn't really get any landscape shots as it was hazy
Starting our descent to SYD. The arrival time on the airshow was off by one hour.
The cabin prepares for landing.
It's a very cloudy day in the Sydney area.
Civilization!
I should've gotten a seat on the left side of the aircraft to get a view of the Sydney CBD on landing.
Qantas whale
Air New Zealand A320 in new livery
Despite the gray weather, the CBD could be clearly seen from the taxiway.
We parked next to a QF B744 on one side
And a QF A388 on the other
Last view of the seat
Quick pic of an A388 next door while walking towards immigration.
Despite a crowd, immigration went rather fast and we had a super friendly and funny immigration officer. Our bags were already out by the time we got to the belt and we were out to the rental car in no time.
Thanks for reading and see you on the next one! Still plenty more flights to go in the series :-)
Looks like a good flight with BA in WTP! I've read a few reports of WTP and it looks pretty good; I'm impressed by the good legroom, and decent looking food. It's interesting that BA doesn't serve more than 2 options for dinner though, but both options looked pretty tasty.
Great photos of the 777 at Singapore!
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading! Yes it was a good trip--the few reports I have seen are all positive as well so it's safe to say this is a product that people enjoy. I've only seen 2 options in WTP before, so it didn't surprise me, but you're right that it seems odd--there should be at least 3. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for this report.
The new BA lounge in SIN in quite nice. I really like its design.
BA is offering a nice product although they could improve the breakfast.
On my way to SYD from HKG, we flew the same route approaching SYD and I was also sitting on the right side of the plane, so it might be better to sit on the left side when coming from Asia^^
Thanks for your comments! Yes, BA did a fantastic job with the renovation, just too bad they took out the First class lounge. They could do something to upgrade the breakfast from a regular Economy breakfast, but it is better than what I've had on AF in Premium Economy on similar length flights. I chose the right side of the aircraft thinking we would make our approach coming off the Ocean, but I was wrong. I'll know next time :-)
Thanks for stopping by!
By reading your reprot, WTP product seems to be better than other premium economy in term of seat design, catering, service... If I have the opportunity I would like to try the product. Nice report. Thank you!
Thanks for your comment! IMO it is definitely above average, but maybe not as good as products at the top of the scale, notably the Air New Zealand spaceseats.
Thank's for the report.
there is a secluded premium check-in area for Elites and those in Premium cabins -> Nice service from Changi airport, do the companies actually pay for that premium check-in or is it open to any elite in any program or anyone flying any premium cabin?
The Holiday decorations in Terminal 1 had a London theme. -> Perfect theme if you are flying BA :)
Our seats in the last row of WTP -> good choice since they don't have limited recline
World Traveller Plus passengers are provided with noise-cancelling headphones -> nice touch from BA
British Airways' new World Traveller Plus is a solid Premium Economy product. An overall enjoyable and comfortable flight -> I totally agree about the new World Traveller Plus product but one of the huge problems of BA Y+ is that all the fleet is not retrofitted and consequently, if an aircraft swap happen (I am not talking about the route to Sidney here) you could end up with the old Y+ product which is miles away from this one.
Thanks for reading and commenting! I think only certain airlines pay SATS for the Early check-in option, so I think those are the airlines that are entitled to have their pax use the Premium check-in lounge, but I'm not 100% sure.
Perfect theme if you are flying BA :) - Haha, yes it was! Even though I wasn't flying to/from London, I still got a taste of the UK :-P
good choice since they don't have limited recline - Exactly, the recline goes back all the way and you don't bother anyone behind you.
but one of the huge problems of BA Y+ is that all the fleet is not retrofitted - Completely agree with you. And it seems like BA aren't in a huge hurry to retrofit the fleet. Definitely makes for an inconsistent product. Yeah, I've done the old WTP and it's nowhere near as nice. The biggest difference is that the new seats have nice wide armrest.
Hi Thanks for nice report
product seems good, but seat layout is closer to Y than C class, with less privacy than NZ premium economy for instance; it seems it doesn't not have leg rest or foot rest as some airlines do, is that right? ; but pitch is amazing, so is recline, and dinner options look very good for premium economy; breakfast could be improved but it looked fresh and tasty; and the lounge looks great.
thanks for the report because I have some avios to redeem and would like to try BA premium ec.
Thanks very much for your comments!
product seems good, but seat layout is closer to Y than C class - Yes, but that's normal, since no carrier wants to cannibalize their J cabin with too nice of a W cabin. However, these seats are very similar to Domestic US First/Australian Business class seats and to International Business class as it was 20 years ago.
with less privacy than NZ premium economy for instance - NZ spaceseats are really in a league of their own, no other airline comes close to the spaceseat product in terms of space, privacy, and comfort. The Spaceseat is really more of a J- than a Y+. It would seem even NZ thinks that their Spaceseat product takes is too nice as the newer generation of Premium Economy on NZ's 787-9 and 777-200ER retrofitted fleet are more typical Premium Economy recliners similar to the BA seats.
Yes, this might be a good use of Avios before they get devaluated even more, depending on the different in avios with Club World.
I also much prefer BA lounge, up to my tastes.
WTP product could have been better if the airline serves a real breakfast than a simple box.
Legroom on WTP is very nice....before the passenger reclines his seat.
Even if it's Premium, it's still Economy and the product is overall pretty good.
Thank you Kevin.
Thank you for your comments! I preferred the BA lounge as well, even if I thought the QF lounge was very nice as well. Yes, the breakfast could have been better--serving it in a box is kinda cheap. Otherwise I felt the overall experience differentiated itself quite well from Economy.
It's always nice to visit more than 1 lounge!
The pattern of the pillow is simply beautiful, very classy!
Do you think the WTP offers a good value for money compared to Y or J?
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for reading! Yes, lounge hopping is always fun! As I had the time, I wish there had been more oneworld lounges to check out. I like the pillows too, very pretty. I got a really good deal on this ticket, roundtrip for under $1000 so it was definitely worth it for that! In similar length TATL flights, the typical fare in Premium Economy is around $1500, which I feel is good value for the money considering Economy can often be around the same price.
This for the rare report. I've got some questions : is BA the last european carrier to fly in Australia ? Does BA sell the route LHR Singapore Sydney ?
Thanks for reading! Yes, I believe BA is the last European carrier flying to Australia since Virgin Atlantic pulled out a few years ago. The flights are thru-flight from LHR: BA 15 does LHR-SIN-SYD and BA 16 does SYD-SIN-LHR. BA has 5th freedom rights on SIN-SYD so they can sell tickets on just that segment. I bought a SIN-SYD roundtrip.
Thanks for sharing this fantastic FR Kevin!
Being able to sit down while you are checking in is a privilege.
It only started giving me minor heartburn after about 4 glasses, so it's decent in my book
- Very scientific process ;) The QF Lounge does look huge, but it also doesn't look as nice visually as the BA Lounge (much more chic as you described it). There is no lounge access for Y+ passengers? I think only a couple of airlines allow this (like NH).
The PTV screen is larger than on the older WTP.
- Doesn't appear so from the pictures because of that large plastic seatback, they couldn't find something else to cover the back of the seat? Two USB ports is a nice luxury. Only now are carriers providing two in J. The J headsets are nice touch in Y+. Were the pillows the same as J too?
giving a good amount of lateral space
- Legroom looks to be cramped because of the entertainment boxes. Also, it looks like there is a good amount of elbow room, a couple inches between the seats and the fuselage?
British Airways offer a pre-departure beverage service in World Traveller Plus, which adds to the Premium experience.
- Well ahead of PMAA ;) A PDB is a nice touch to help raise the premium economy product.
one of the flight attendants asked the person in front of me to bring the seat up a bit for dinner
- A very nice touch by the FA. This happened to me on my OZ A321 flight. The guy almost leveled my tray when he came flying back during meal service. The FA had also asked the passenger to return it until I was finished eating.
It is nice that BA and AF offer separate mains for Y+. A lot of carriers are still just serving Y meals in Y+. I don't think BA is known for its catering prowess, but the mains do look to be nicer than what is offered in Y.
Everything is better with bacon.
- And Japanese yogurt^^ That's a good box for a TATL length flight.
we had a super friendly and funny immigration officer.
- Better than the standard TSA welcome home^^
Thanks for reading and all the comments!
Being able to sit down while you are checking in is a privilege.
- It's super fancy :-)
Yeah, the QF lounge doesn't look as nice as the BA lounge, but is still quite a good lounge. Very few airlines give lounge access to Premium Economy pax. Off the top of my head I can only think of Icelandair other than NH. I'm sure there are others, just can't think of any.
Doesn't appear so from the pictures because of that large plastic seatback
- They could have made them bigger, but the ones on the old WTP seats are postage stamps. The pillows were smaller than J but bigger than Y.
The IFE box wasn't too annoying. Yes, there was a good amount of room between the seat and the side wall.
Many airlines do an upgraded meal in Premium Economy, VS had really good catering in PE.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for sharing this FR with us!
That QF lounge is massive! There seems to be lots of space to stretch out. The BA lounge has a pretty nice contemporary design now that it's renovated.
Fantastic shots of your bird at the gate!
The WTP cabin looks good, the seats look comfortable and the seat pitch is standard as you mentioned.
Didn't expect a pre-departure beverage, that's a really addition and it makes the experience a bit more premium.
Great shots upon arrival at SYD!
Overall it seemed like you had a great flight with BA, they seem to offer a good Y+ product.
Have a good one, see you!
Thanks for stopping by! Yes, the QF lounge is huuuge! I knew there would be a pre-departure drink service as there had been on my last time in WTP last year, but it was only water and orange juice. The champagne is a really nice touch!
Great shots upon arrival at SYD! - Thanks! Though, I wish I had been on the other side to get some shots of the city centre.
Great report on a unique product, thanks KevinDC.
Some quick spotting when a little piece of my birth country caught my eye.
-Having never flown Air France I have been very tempted to try them between CGK and SIN. The J fares for the short flight are very low. Alas they are dropping the route so I don't think I will have a chance on that route.
I headed for the Qantas lounge first as the BA lounge was not yet open.
-Wow, both of those lounges are stunning.
MMmmm, curry!
-And satay too! Perhaps you know, does any passenger flying J one a Oneworld carrier have access to these lounges? I am flying QR J SIN-DOH next month and I would really enjoy visiting!
I'm impressed with the World Traveller Plus product. Like you stated, the little touches like amenity kit and PDB wine are nice. The first meal was closer to J meal than Y. The second meal was Y oh why.
Thanks again for sharing this installment of your epic journey. Happy flying.
Thank you for your comments sir!
Having never flown Air France I have been very tempted to try them between CGK and SIN
- Yes, it's a shame they're dropping the tag. I've always heard, like you said, that there were some really good deals on that route. I suppose it's because it wasn't doing well and they were just trying to fill the seats.
Wow, both of those lounges are stunning.
- Yes indeed! Both QF and BA know how to do a lounge right!
Great report! BA's new WTP looks really good! You are tempting me of upgrading to WTP in a flight I have next month. Both, BA and QF lounges at SIN seem great too!
Thanks for your comments! BA often offers good deals for upgrading with cash close to departure. This may be the way to go.
Thanks for sharing this FR with your lounge hopping.
As you said, nothing like a separate check-in lounge that sets the tone and make you feel special. It seems that the QF lounge in HKG is better appointed and has better catering than the one in SIN.
The BA lounge looks very inviting and stylish. Food looks very decent.
BA Y+ is an OK product. The breakfast you received was way better than the one I had flying from SFO-LHR. Then again, I've heard that BA is now providing a hot breakfast on West Coast - LHR flights. Everything is better with bacon, you got to love pigs.
Thanks for reading Adan! Yes, I agree that the QF lounge in HKG is better appointed than the SIN lounge, otherwise, they are very similar.
Then again, I've heard that BA is now providing a hot breakfast on West Coast - LHR flights
- That's good news. AF started providing hot breakfast on West Coast - CDG flights a few years ago.
Everything is better with bacon, you got to love pigs.
- Hehe, cheeky Adan!
Thanks for this FR.
SIN once again proves to be a great airport to fly through.
Wow the QF lounge does look a bit strange being so empty. I wonder if they're going to keep such a big space with their reduced presence there.
I do prefer the new BA lounge in terms of design.
Onboard, the WTP cabin looks much more comfortable than the AF's one.
All in all the experience is really appealing.
It's nice that they're kept the lounge so large and haven't reduced the space. Maybe that won't last, and it would certainly make economic sense to reduce the size, but it is nice to have so much room to yourself. Having flown both AF and BA Premium Economy, I will say that the seat itself in WTP is more comfortable, especially for a night flight as it reclines a lot. However, the AF seat gives you more privacy and preserves your space with the fixed shell.