Greetings Flight Report community and thanks for stopping by. I plan to share a series of flights that provided a chance to try several First Class products and lounges that were new to me and also enjoy some familiar but fantastic experiences along the way. A while back I had enough Krisflyer miles in my account to wait list for SQ25. This is a tough nut to crack for us mere mortals. (Rewardflying uses Jedi mind tricks to secure space on a whim.) I went about searching the SQ award engine for the rest of the year and wait listed on the only 4 dates (that could possibly work with my schedule) where even wait listing was available. I wait listed for both JFK-FRA and JFK-SIN. Fast forward several months and the magic email arrives telling me I have 48 hours to confirm my booking but only on the JFK-FRA segment. I'll take it!
If I'm going to be in FRA and flying Star Alliance I will all too sad not to drop in on my German friends and their spectacular lounges. The problem is I cannot book LH F through Krisflyer until space opens two weeks prior to departure. This date would come after my 48 hour window to book SQ. In comes the trusty Star Alliance member Asiana and their ever present F availability. I booked JFK-FRA-ICN on SQ and OZ as a place holder until LH comes calling. The SQ change fees are so very minimal it was worth it to me to have something. Worst case scenario is 10 hours in an OZ A380 suite. Concurrently I place flight alerts on Expert Flyer for just about every LH flight heading east form either FRA or MUC. The two week window arrives and the emails start flying in. Well, not really. FRA-PEK, FRA-PVG and, most interesting to me, MUC-PVG all offer O class space. Munich piques my interest as I have never done LH F from there and I know they have a new F lounge as well as a remodeled F lounge. Oh and expert Flyer was showing F8 for MUC-PVG.
I can't leave the table while I'm up so I start looking for where to go after PVG on this ticket. I would like to get to Tokyo but the connections don't work without an 8 hour wait. International to International MCT at PVG is 2 ours, just FYI so the other options didn't allow enough time. What about Osaka? I do like Osaka a great deal for night time food and adult beverage consumption. Plus, it's closer to Tokyo… Great, let's add PVG-KIX and book this thing! The Krisflyer rep on the phone had me hold to verify this was a legal routing but I'm confident. Shortly I have an email confirming JFK-FRA-MUC-PVG-KIX. What fun!
Now to get to JFK. I had a little snafu, you may have read about, with a ticket issued by American Airlines. Due to a date error i wasn't able to use it when I expected. I think I will try to use these miles/ticket to get to JFK. Then, in a somewhat miracle fashion, the points blogosphere blows up with news of AA releasing a lot of F and J space on the LAX-JFK transcon routes. Normally this is none. OK, this was meant to be. I look up my date and low and behold it's there. F space from LAX-JFK that fits perfectly. A call to AA and a super agent even waived all the fees. She siad technically I'm upgrading to a higher class of service so she can waive the change fee on the award ticket. Never mind that the city pairs had changed… I had to kick in 20k extra miles but i was excited to try the new AA F experience with new lounges and dining.
There is now one hole. TYO-LAX. I suppose you know how that ends. ANA of course. My favorite redemption, for 110k Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles, I booked NRT-LAX-NRT with the outbound to complete this mission and the return to begin another adventure in November. Enough talk, let's fly.
Behold the visual representation courtesy of gcmap.com:
Carrier, route, equipment, class, lounge, and procurement method:
American Airlines - LAX-JFK - A321T - First - Flagship Lounges and Flagship First Dining - Advantage Miles
Singapore Airlines - JFK-FRA - A380-800 - Suites - Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse - Krisflyer (This Report)
Lufthansa - FRA-MUC - A320 - Business - First Class Terminal - Krisflyer
Lufthansa - MUC-PVG - A340-600 - First - First Class Lounge(s) - Krisflyer
ANA - PVG-KIX - 767-300ER - Business - Air China Lounge - Krisflyer
Japan Airlines - ITM-NRT - 767-300ER - Business - No Lounge - Cash
ANA - NRT-LAX - 777-300ER - First - Suites Lounge(s) - Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (Coming Soon)
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse - JFK
Yes, Singapore Airlines offers mobile boarding passes via their smart phone app as many airlines do, but thee is no substitute for the golden ticket. So I stopped at the counter to collect one.
Before going upstairs to the lounge I stop by the gate to get a look at the aircraft and gate setup.
The Clubhouse is one level up from departures.
I find a fairly crowded lounge on my arrival. Many of the prime window seats are occupied. I have a walk around and then settle on a seat in the dining room as I have yet to have lunch.
I am quickly welcomed and offered a drinks list and menu.
Brekkie.
Tapas.
Flatbreads.
Larger plates.
Desserts.
Kids menu.
Bedtime treat.
Champagne
White wine.
Red wine.
Craft beers.
Coffee and Tea.
Clubhouse signature serves.
Clubhouse signature serves continued.
Employees only cocktails.
Employees only cocktails continued.
immersive digital adventure (ida).
immersive digital adventure (ida) continued.
It's a beautifully curated list of food and beverages. The cocktails are especially interesting to me. :) I have to put off the server a couple of times as I am overwhelmed trying to figure out what to order. She is very patient and has a fun attitude so i don't think I'm putting her out too much.
I opt to start with the Fennel From Farm To Glass. I feel like a hipster douche for even saying it out loud. It's from The Walker Inn in LA so I think of it as a home town cocktail. Despite the pretentious name it's a lovely drink.
Never to drink without food Mom would always say. The Reuben croquettes and the fried squid. I LOVE the small portions. More tastes! These were both fantastic in flavor and texture.
Next up the Go-To. Floral with a nice ginger bite. It wasn't my favorite.
Vegetable gyoza. Soft dumpling skin and flavorful filling. Another winner.
The Nikkei Chilcano. Winner, winner. Chili infused vodka sour citrus and again the spice fo ginger. My kind of drink.
One final bite, the salmon toast. Beautiful, light, and scrumptious.
The food and beverage here is so very good. I can't help but wonder why there are any London bound passengers over in T7 in that absolute dump of a BA lounge. Yes, yes, I understand the network breadth and corporate contracts. It's just such a shocking disparity in product.
I have a walk around the lounge in search of a better seat.
The first wave of VS flights have been called for boarding so I upgrade to a comfy window seat with an A330 view.
I have a look in one of the shower suites.
I while away the last few minutes in this fantastic lounge with a nice cappuccino.
SQ25 JFK-FRA
Boarding for SQ25 is called so I finish my coffee and eventually depart this beautiful facility. I'm a little tardy arriving at A7 and they are well into boarding economy. I pass through the Suites boarding line and I am greeted by name (guess I'm last to board, sorry, but have you been to the Clubhouse?). i am assigned an escort and she proceeds to take my roll aboard and asks me to follow her. She works us past and through the large queue clogging the Jetway and on to the aircraft. Wow, awkward but fantastic service.
It has been a while since I have flown with SQ in Suites or otherwise so It was a very warm feeling to be back on board with them. After some greeting formalities I am shown to suite 1F.
I like the private location of row one. With the laves behind the suites cabin there is very little traffic up here. The seat (and suite) is well know, especially in the dental profession, but still attractive and welcoming.
In an odd example of cost cutting SQ will no longer open alcohol on the ground so water is my PDB. Amenities are abundant as well.
I pop into the lav before the door closes to change into the lounge wear. It's a different color but the design is the same. It's very comfortable and will actually come in handy as a base layer in frigid Osaka later in the trip. I hear teh doors closed announcement fromt eh lav so i hurry back to my seat as we start to push.
Soon we reach 10,000 feet and the seatbelt sign comes off and the crew bounds into action. My meal and initial beverage choice were determined on the ground.
Some very special Champagne to start.
I will be my first time enjoying a vintage Krug.
Apparently 2004 was a good harvest.
Oh this is nice. The wine is balanced and well-structured. I think knowing that it's rare adds to my appreciation. Yes, I'm that shallow.
Suffering from extreme contentness. See a doctor if it lasts more than a 7 hour trans-Atlantic crossing.
No neighbors in 1A or 1F.
I didn't take any pictures of the massive menu or wine list, apologies. I pre-ordered a braised short rib through book the cook.
Krug time was brief. After a single refill I was given the lamentable news that there was no more. Whatever will we do?
With the beverage crisis sorted the table is laid for dinner. No satay on this flight.
I opt to start with the caviar. Duh.
A luscious tomato soup is offered next. Yes, please.
The salad features pears, endive, blue cheese, and pine nuts. It's fantastic.
The braised short rib main. It's very sexy beef. Unfortunately the beauty didn't run deep with this dish as it was ratehr tough and dry. I only managed a couple of bites. It's too much anyway. Of course I had to assure the flight attendant that it was OK. She offered to bring any of the other dishes on the menu but there is no need. It seems they take it personally when you are not a fan of any of the service.
A 2007 Margaux shall ride with this cow tonight.
Can we pull back on the thrust here? I still have cheese and dessert!
Speaking of the cheese. It was very beautiful with the 2007 Chateau Rauzan-Segla.
Well, we've come this far, let's see the "Gotham Black" or something to that effect. I could only manage a taste. It's not beautiful but it was tasty.
Despite the full cabin I found the service met the usual high SQ bar. I'm offered some coffee or tea and I opt for some chamomile. It's offered with more food, of course.
The bed is assembled and I button up the suite for nap time.
It's still a good size bed.
Water bottle distributed.
Slow down already. Germany isn't going anywhere.
I sleep until I am gently stirred, per my request, for breakfast. Really just for the report.
The bed is reversed.
The table is set and i enjoy some fruits and a cup of Blue Mountain over southern England.
As if it were a dream, the flight is over.
As usual a fantastic FR. I can't wait to see you in SQ's new F. It is a pity that some airlines do not provide an excellent ground service such as escorting to the lounge or from the lounge to the gate. The breakfast looks rather light? was that your own wish or were they out of hot dishes? As well it seems like you were the only one in F, is this right?
Greetings Ms305 and thank you for the comments.
"I can't wait to see you in SQ's new F."
-I can't either! May is right around the corner...
"The breakfast looks rather light? was that your own wish or were they out of hot dishes? "
-They do not offer any "hot" dishes per sey but the light selection in the report is my choosing. They also had on offer a variety of breads (technically warm), various muesli and yogurts. It's such a short flight and dinner is so involved (if you partake in everything like I do) then a small bite of fruit is a nice snack. Of course you can skip dinner and then have those dishes as your arrival meal if you wish.
"As well it seems like you were the only one in F, is this right?"
-No, quite the contrary, the cabin was 12/12 in Suites.
Thanks again and happy flying.
Hi Christian! I knew you were due for an SQ report!
-HaHa, I kind of like your approach too. Less planning, more suspense. Might have to try it. I tend to book way in advance then change when something gets better (or different). Too bad SQ's change fees are going up.
I'm also pleasantly surprised KF approved this route. North America / North Asia 2? 125K and LH $284 surcharge?
-Agreed, although I find it odd they don't use the LH lounge in T1. You'd think Star Alliance would be in 1 terminal.
The food looked great except the main. But by that time with the lounge, caviar and other pres made the short ribs a non event.
And just as I was getting over cancelling SQ Suites out of SYD you gave me a dose of my whimsical change consequences!
Nice report! Look forward to Lufthansa on their A340.
Hi Mark, thanks for the note.
"I tend to book way in advance then change when something gets better (or different). Too bad SQ's change fees are going up. "
-I am not apposed to booking in advance it's just that I have never seen SQ25 available at the Saver Level without wait-listing. Maybe when the schedule first opens?
"I'm also pleasantly surprised KF approved this route. North America / North Asia 2? 125K and LH $284 surcharge? "
-The YQ was 292.20 SGD so about $224 USD. Yes, 125,000 KF miles. I was somewhat surprised. United offers such a routing so perhaps it's a Star Alliance thing.
"And just as I was getting over cancelling SQ Suites out of SYD you gave me a dose of my whimsical change consequences!"
-I'm always second guessing myself as well. SQ suites will be there so go for the new stuff now and circle back. Has SQ revealed the interior products ont he 787-10 yet???
Thank again Mark and happy flying.
Hi Christian,
i.e. SQ25 you are correct, when the schedule opens. At least that is how I booked it. Your plan of attach works the best.
So United and KF are about the same mileage but UA doesn't have the surchg. Problem is you can't feed that route to the UA agent anymore and no way will the search engine get you to KIX. UA's search engine is destroyed anyway. I find the KF agents quite easy to deal with, others don't agree.
The new 787-10 was delivered and is on it's way to Singapore arriving 10AM Wed their time. The news/bloggers have been told they can't publish anything about the interior until arrival. So tonight twitter and such with be inundated with SQ 787-10 photos. Obviously I'm curious as well.
Rumor circulating SQ may fly their new Ultra Long A350 to Chicago. Well, speculation with the CEO stating a "new" long haul non-stop route was in the works. Works for me!
Pull the trigger on LH?
Hey Mark-
"So United and KF are about the same mileage but UA doesn't have the surchg. Problem is you can't feed that route to the UA agent anymore and no way will the search engine get you to KIX. UA's search engine is destroyed anyway. I find the KF agents quite easy to deal with, others don't agree. "
-Exactly. The YQ and the 5k mile premium are worth it to me to customize the routing. Also, KF miles are worth less than UA miles, IMO, simply because they are transfer partners with everyone. The SQ agents seem like contract call center staffers to me. They are not empowered to do anything outside of their flow chart/script. That's the impression I come away with.
" So tonight twitter and such with be inundated with SQ 787-10 photos. Obviously I'm curious as well."
-Excellent, thanks for the info.
"Rumor circulating SQ may fly their new Ultra Long A350 to Chicago. Well, speculation with the CEO stating a "new" long haul non-stop route was in the works. Works for me!"
-But no F!! Speaking of the 777-9 F will be something I'm sure...
"Pull the trigger on LH?"
-Negative. Too much too soon. I just never see anything out of LAX when it's useful to me so I was tempted. I could NRSA on the DL A350 to DTW from PEK and cross that one off too. Ah heck. Maybe...
Happy flying Mark.
"Obviously I'm curious as well. "
-It looks quite nice for a regional configuration. Yes, the seats appear narrow but the privacy looks good, the screen is huge and the details and finishes look high quality. What say you? Did you change your booking ;)
Hey Christian,
They look really nice. 20 inches wide which is pretty standard for a business class width. The shell may make it feel narrower however. It's funny that everyone complained that the old bus class seats were too wide, now reading comments complaining they're too narrow. I do like the fact that you don't lay on an angle and it looks like the footwells are wider. SQ is blocking row 11 as I can't select it which has a nice storage area. Seatguru came out with the map today and it's wrong. They have the aisle and window facing rows interchanged. Row 11 is aisle, row 12 is window as seen on the posted photos from the delivery flight. I think it was TPG said he thinks this is their best business class seat. I'm anxious to try.
I'm on it late Aug from KIX.
See you posted 2nd LH flight, will have to take a look over the weekend. First time on their A340?
"See you posted 2nd LH flight, will have to take a look over the weekend. "
-Please do. The Internet is none too happy with my scores so your perspective would be most welcome.
"First time on their A340?"
-Yes, and I love that aircraft. I just find it a pleasure to fly on and really aesthetically pleasing.
Would you rather Singapore Suites or the old Lufthansa First with the bed next to the seat... caviar service might be a little better on Lufthansa (always give me an extra tin if First is not full)... I asked for an extra tin (deciding to skip the main) and was told one per passenger AKA- cost cutting ;)
Greetings Kyle-B and thanks for the note. That's a tough decision. I think I would lean towards Lufthansa as I love their lounges and the 747-400 is such a special airplane in that upper deck F configuration. Which would you select if it were still possible to fly the older LH seats?
Happy flying.
The Older LH seats are just so unique in my opinion. I will never get over flying on 747's. I am young (early 20's) and it saddens me that 747's will most likely be retired (or converted to freighters) soonish.
Overall great trip report. I like how you can make fun of yourself "yes i'm that snobbish". If I know the bottle is "special" in anyway I will cherish it and act like I am drinking God's water, I guess you can I am "snobbish" as well.
I really don't like the PDB of water. That seems a little ridiculous, event though I can sympathize when a business is trying to make money. I would suggest they serve cheaper (ex: Vueve) which I still love, it wouldn't make it seem like they are trying to cut costs so drastically. I mean come on even airlines in America serve PDB.