ser·en·dip·i·ty ˌserənˈdipədē/ noun the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. "a fortunate stroke of serendipity" synonyms: (happy) chance, (happy) accident
This was exactly how my flight home on Singapore Airlines came to pass at the beginning of the year when I went home like the prodigal son for the Lunar New Year.
I was originally booked on SQ51 to Singapore (SIN) by means of Houston (IAH) via Manchester (MAN) in First Class. However, a month before I was to fly home, it was announced that the route would be replaced by the Airbus A350-900XWB, an aircraft which lacks a First Class cabin. I called the KrisFlyer hotline and got swapped to Suites from New York (JFK) via Frankfurt (FRA) within 5 minutes. I consider this serendipitous as I was spared the "old" First Class cabin. I know, #firstworldproblems.
I am a Singaporean currently working in Idaho, so the only way out was from Boise (BOI).
It was a mundane, run of the mill, United Airlines flight to LaGuardia (LGA) via Denver (DEN) which landed waaaay ahead of schedule. From LGA, I caught an Uber to JFK's Terminal 4.
I arrived at JFK the moment the SQ Check-in counters opened, and as other flight reports have mentioned, the Suites carpet could do with a good vacuuming. The check-in process was as painless as it could get and I was also pointed in the way of the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse that Singapore Airlines uses for it's Suites passengers.
Security screening was not a hassle that day as there were hardly any one at the queues,
Surprising, I know, for JFK.
But life is as such, and travelling that day couldn't get any smoother that this so far.
Before heading to the lounge, I decided to do a whirlwind spotting tour of Terminal 4 so that I could work up an appetite for dinner.
The aircraft that would carry me across the Atlantic and continental Europe.
2 Virgins and a Middle Eastern whale
The entrance of the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK Terminal 4
Upon arrival at the lounge, my boarding pass was scrutinised against the Suites passenger manifest before being admitted into it. I was then shown to a table where a menu was handed out, and honestly, everything on it looked delicious!
The best thing there was hands down the beef bone marrow! I had 3 orders of those!
After having had my required sustenance after my walk-a-ton though the terminal, the only thing left on the agenda was a much needed shower as my first flight that day departed at 7am in Boise.
After the shower, I found myself at the bar having one last Lanson, a uniquely Virgin cocktail and a cappuccino before heading to the aircraft.
Suites passengers were of course invited to board ahead of everyone else on the aircraft, It was a light load that night. Only 4 out of the 12 Suites were occupied.
The feeling of stepping aboard your national airline so far away home, with the signature welcome of the kebaya clad stewardesses filled me with much pride for our proud little city state ??
The stewardesses escorted me to my throne Suite 3A with absolute obsequiousness. I was introduced to the IFS (Purser) who gave the pre-departure briefing to each Suites passenger individually. The Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kit, pyjamas, blanket and slippers were already placed on the companion seat when I arrived and wasted no time in getting comfortable for the 6-ish hour flight to Frankfurt. Menus were handed out and orders for pre-departure drinks were taken. I only needed to choose the appetiser and the soup since I had booked-the-cook. I was going to have Lobster Thermidor for my second dinner!
As far as I can remember, the flight took off on time and it was a smooth climb to the cruising altitude of 36,000 feet.
I'm 1.7 metres tall.
Dinner was served some time after take off, and it was not at all a hurried affair. Rather, it mirrored a typical restaurant service while on the ground where the next course is brought after the previous one had been cleared.
Caviar
Double Boiled Oriental Chicken Soup, a nod to my Chinese heritage.
Baked Lobster Thermidor!
For the life of me I can't remember what the dessert was. But it was tropical themed with coconuts and pineapples.
After dinner had been completed a leisurely hour and a half after departure, the Stewardess serving my aisle spoke the magic words to me.
"Sir, the middle 2 suites are currently unoccupied. Would you like me to turn them into a double bed for you?"
Why, of course, you may!
I passed out easily due to the constant plying of Krug.
Absolute privacy Is so hard to come by these days.
I woke up as we made landfall over Ireland and was offered a "freshly squeezed orange juice" with a fruit platter.
Racing a United Boeing 777 while landing at Frankfurt.
And with that, the flight landed 15 minutes ahead of schedule and I was released into the transit area of Frankfurt Airport without having to go through another security check.
Part 2 (FRA-SIN) coming real soon.
See more
Verdict
Singapore Airlines
9.9/10
Cabin10.0
Cabin crew10.0
Entertainment/wifi9.5
Meal/catering10.0
Virgin Atlantic Virgin Clubhouse
9.8/10
Comfort10.0
Meal/catering10.0
Entertainment/wifi9.5
Services9.5
New York - JFK
6.3/10
Efficiency6.5
Access6.5
Services6.5
Cleanliness5.5
Frankfurt - FRA
7.3/10
Efficiency7.0
Access8.0
Services8.0
Cleanliness6.0
Conclusion
Singapore Airlines; a great way to fly.
10 LIKESLIKE TO THANK THE AUTHORTHANKS ! FLIGHT-REPORT LIKED
Nice report KohKohPops! You can probably add to serendipity the fact they didn't route you through SFO or LAX on the 777. Virgin Clubhouse looks worth a trip, bone marrow.... Have to give that a try. Look forward to part 2 of SQ25
Hello, Kohkohpops. Thank you for this FR, and welcome on board flight-report :)
I can see that the VS Clubhouse still retains its fantastic offerings. Was the lounge at capacity during your time of visit?
Caviar portion still generous despite the cost-cutting measures implemented, so that looks good. Looks like SQ knows where to prioritise their spendings.
Very generous of the flight crew to offer to make a double bed just for you! Were you given their pyjamas in this sector? Or did they give it to you on the FRA-SIN leg?
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6 Comments
I can see that the VS Clubhouse still retains its fantastic offerings. Was the lounge at capacity during your time of visit?
Caviar portion still generous despite the cost-cutting measures implemented, so that looks good. Looks like SQ knows where to prioritise their spendings.
Very generous of the flight crew to offer to make a double bed just for you! Were you given their pyjamas in this sector? Or did they give it to you on the FRA-SIN leg?
Thanks again for the FR :)
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