Hello all,
This is a trip report of my trip for a Scuba Diving at Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
From my home town of Bangkok, the most convenient route would be BKK-SIN (on SQ) and then SIN-MDC (on MI)
This review will feature the first sector of the journey, from Bangkok to Singapore prior to my overnight stop there.
You may find all other review of this trip here
Sector 1 : Bangkok - Singapore on SQ 981 (Current Review)
Sector 2 : Singapore - Manado on MI 274
Sector 3 : Manado - Singapore on MI 273
Sector 4 : Singapore - Bangkok on SQ 976
Singapore Airlines use the mix of A330 and B777-200er in the flight between Bangkok and Singapore. SQ 981 operated by 777 with cabin refurbished.
Preflight and Check in
Flight information
Airlines : Singapore Airlines
Flight : SQ 981
From : Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport ( BKK/ VTBS )
To : Singapore Changi Airport (SIN/VSSS)
Date : 12 April 2018
Departure Gate : D7
Boarding Time : 20.30 hrs.
Departure Time : 21.00 hrs.
Actual Departure Time : 21.19hrs.
Flight Duration : 1.59 hrs.
Arrival Time : 00.17 hrs.
Arrival Gate : A20
Aircraft : B777-200er
Registration : 9V-SVG
Name : -
Class : Business
Seat : 16K
12th April is the beginning of Thai Songkran Water Festival, and people flee Bangkok for their long holiday.
Passenger of Singapore Airlines can use Gate 5 of Suvarnabhumi Airport Terminal, which is a shortest walk to Check in Counter located at Row K.
Business Class check in Counter is not really empty, but not a very long wait.
I spent a few minutes checking my oversized Scuba Gear luggage, all went well by a representative of Thai Airways
Then off we go, passing immigration and duty free. This Sculpture is a signature of BKK airport
I found all food shop and café packed to their capacity. Not a surprise for this time of the year, though. So, I simply head straight to SilverKris lounge which is right opposite to the boarding gate
Lounge and Boarding
The lounge is quiet and comfortable, choices of hot food, Cold Sandwiches, Chinese Dim Sum, Cheese, Fresh Beer, Wine and Champagne
Time for boarding via jetbridge. I was welcomed by Head of Cabin Crew (I am not certain what his position is, may be Purser or Inflight Manager?). What surprise me is the way he show all passengers the way to their seat, pointing finger. Personally I think there are more polished way to do so, not a usual SQ standard.
In Flight
The seat in this aircraft is an older – long haul lie flat business class model in 1-2-1 abreast configuration. I am not a fan of these seats, too wide and not really comfortable in lounging position. Two pillows provided and a blanket behind seat shell does help reduce the width a little.
The first service – Hot towel and a glass of Champagne
Flight attendant comes to take my dinner order. I found menu reduced from high quality booklet to a single, flimsy sheet of paper. Detail of Alcoholic Drink is lack too. Obviously a cost cutting measurement.
After 10 minutes wait for absent passenger’s luggage unloading, we commence push back.
A short while later, dinner is served. Appetizer is Smoked Salmon Salad and bread basket. SQ’s garlic bread is the best
My choice of dinner – Braised prawn in Curry White Wine Sauce, I paired it with a French Chardonnay. Cabin crew seemed to lack some basic knowledge of the food, when I inquire some minor question, the only reply I get is " I am not sure, sir" which is quite unusual for Singapore Airlines.
Dessert – Thai Sweet Mango with Sticky Rice, Coconut Cream Sauce. It looks great, but actually taste off. This dessert is quite complicate as Sticky Rice Pudding should be served warm, topped with warm coconut milk and chilled mango on the side. I know it’s not practical to do so inflight, but when everything were kept together in chiller, the sticky rice becomes tough and inedible.
A quick washroom visit after dinner – spotless
A short good nap prior to landing. I found the blanket comfortable indeed.
We soon descend, passing Changi and commence landing
After we dock at the gate in Terminal 3, I take Skytrain to Terminal 2 where I will have to connect to Silk Air flight the next morning.
Ambassador Transit Hotel Changi Terminal 2
I reserved a room at Ambassador Transit Hotel in advanced and Front Office Staff is expecting me upon my arrival. The fee is 110 Singapore Dollars for a block of 6 hours. Additional of 20 Dollars for each hour extension. This hotel is the most convenience choice for transit/transfer passengers who stay for 6 hours give or take. One do not need to pass the immigration and maximize their rest time
The room is windowless, but I don’t feel the need for one. It’s very clean, comfortable, and adequate for a 6 hours rest. Soap and Shampoo are provided, but not toothbrush and toothpaste
I think that is all for the first section of the journey. Coming up next - MI 274 SIN-MDC
Side note: Changi Airport's railway is called a SkyTrain
I did not see the sign at the station, so I just call it Aerotrain according to my stereotype, my bad, and Thank you for correction.
Hi Arq, thanks for sharing a new report! Too bad the experience on this particular flight wasn't up to the usual SQ standard, but it is always cool to get a widebody with a long-haul cabin on a regional flight.
I did 4 flights in this trip. The remaining 3 are great. Will write more review soon
Greetings Arq, thanks for sharing this flight. Despite the dessert and ill-informed crew interaction it seems like a nice product for a 2 hour late night flight. Looking forward to the remainder of your flights. Happy flying.
Thank you, it's still a good flight, just a bit lag behind normal SQ standard that I used to fly with. I understand that things happen sometime, and I know I am completely spoiled by their standard and expectation is a bit too high even on a regional flight, though.