Trip Report : Singapore - Melbourne on Singapore Airlines
Airlines: Singapore Airlines
Flight : SQ237 SIN - MEL
Reg : 9V-SQI
Aircraft: Boeing 777-212/ER
Dep - SIN : 23:40 SGT
Arr - Mel : 10:05 AEST
Flight time : 7 hours, 32 minutes
Distance : 6,057 kilometers
Trip Report: Singapore Airlines 9V SQI SQ237 Singapore to Melbourne
Introduction
This report is from a trip in July 2007. I have travelled to Mumbai with family. Read trip report here: Singapore Airlines 9V-SYG SQ424 SIN - BOM
On return, I flew with Singapore Airlines, Read trip report here: Singapore Airlines 9V-SYD SQ 421 BOM - SIN
Being monsoon season, I fell sick while in Mumbai and had to change the return flight. After getting well, I went to Singapore Airlines office in South Mumbai to reschedule my flight. I was put on wait-list for the Sydney flight. Having to return back to work, I decided to fly to upto Singapore and try to travel to Sydney on the 15th. Being wait-listed I had to head to the airport and try my luck at securing a seat.
Singapore Photos
I went around the city area in the morning.
Hindu Temple at Bugis
Chinese Temple
Singapore river
Singapore Parliament
Theater
I had visited this spot in 1989.
Rafales Hotel
Was the tallest hotel in world in 1989.
Cricket in progress
After having lunch, decided to head to Changi Beach
Changi Beach
Singapore Airlines 9V-SQI arriving
Heading to Airport
As I was wait-listed arrived the airport early before check-in commenced. With time to spare, waited in the viewing area at Terminal 1.
Terminal 1 Flight schedule
Terminal 1 Check-in
Garuda pushback
Qantas Singapore Hub
Qantas VH-OJA pushback
Turkish A340-300
KLM pushback
Check-in on 15th July
I arrived at the check-in counter and was advised to wait. As it was end of school holidays, flight to Sydney were full. I waited at the airport being wait-listed number 10-15 [can't remember]. I didn't make it on that flight. I was informed to arrive at the airport and try for the 7 am departure next day.
Terminal 2
It was past mid-night as I wasn't going to make it to the flight. I left my check-in bag at the Left Luggage in Terminal 1 to collect around same time next day. It cost me SGD $13
[Approx].
After dropping the bag, took train to city and looked for hotel to spend the night.
16th July
As I was staying at a hotel in Bugis, had to change train at Tanah Merah MRT station to arrive at Changi Terminal 2
Tanah Merah MRT
I arrived at the Terminal 2 before the flight, I wasn't able to secure a seat.
I was spending for the hotel and other expenses while waiting for the Sydney flight. I spoke with the reservation staff and requested to be put on any Australian flight.
I was advised there was 11p.m flight to Melbourne but I would have to make my own arrangement to fly to Sydney. I accepted the condition.
Terminal 2
With the booking sorted, I headed to the Terminal 1.
Skytrain to Terminal 1
Terminal 1
I headed to viewing area for spotting
Terminal 1 Departure Schedule
As the terminal 1 viewing area offer a good view of the tarmac, I spent rest of the time there as I was still recovering from health issues. Had my lunch and dinner in the food court close to the viewing area.
Plane spotting
Night view
It was dark as evening set in, Qantas flight started to arrive.
China Eastern
Qantas B747 and Emirates B777
Air India A310 to Mumbai
View of Terminal 1 Departure area
Terminal 1 Flight Schedule
As flight time approached, took collected the left bag at Terminal 1 and took SkyTrain to Terminal 2.
Sunflowers at Terminal 2
Check-in
Check-in counter was 7-8, my bag was light, didn't have any issues with bags, got the boarding card for Melbourne. Flight to Melbourne was full. I requested a window seat and was able to secure it.
Terminal 2 Flight schedule
View of Terminal 2
Immigration
Immigration was quick as I was exiting Singapore, passport was scanned and stamped.
To Gate
I checked the gate number and it was short distance from where I had completed the immigration. On reaching the gate, indicator stated gate closing. I passed security. Passport and boarding pass was checked by ground staff. Stub was torn off the boarding card and was allowed in the waiting area.
Waiting area
After a wait of few mins, boarding was called. As seen, there was no wifi, laptop docking terminals were provided along with desktop for emailing and browsing.
On Board
Boarding was through aerobridge, Once on board, boarding card was checked and was directed to seat which was on the starboard side. I was seated 32K.
Seating
Seating was 3-4-3. I was lucky to get a window seat even though I was wait-listed. My neighbours were a Singaporean couple.
Cold towel
Crew provided cold towel for wiping and then menu and immigration form.
Business class - Drink Service before departure
Pushback
Pushback commenced on time, after a short taxi, lined up to depart Singapore. I was happy to fly out as I had to return to work.
Departing Singapore
Flight path
After departing Singapore on attaining cruising altitude.
Drinks service commenced. I selected red wine for the drinks.
Flight Details
Cabin view
Supper
Supper option was Chicken or lamb. I had selected the lamb option. I was too tired and sick and didn't take any food photos. After dinner, lights were switched off and I feel asleep after exhausting day.
Heading towards Victoria
I woke up to notice flight had progressed over South Australia, I must have slept 5-6 hrs.
Flight details
Sunrise over South Australia
Breakfast
Breakfast was served 1 and half before arrival in Melbourne. Options were scrambled egg or noodles.
I chose scrambled egg with orange juice.
Over Victoria
Approaching Melbourne
Approach towards Melbourne was from the North-West landing on the main runway.
Landing
It was cold day in Melbourne. After landing, exited the main runway to head to International Terminal.
Rex - Regional Express
Virgin Blue Airlines
Melbourne Airport
Singapore Airlines B747 at Gate D8
SQ 237 parked next to the sister-ship
Disembarkation
As I was seated behind the business class, disembarkation was quick.
Immigration and Quarantine
After arriving in Melbourne, passed through immigration without hassle. Baggage arrived soon after entering the collection area.
As I wasn't carrying any declarable items, I was allowed to exit out.
To Departure
After exiting the quarantine area, I arrived in the arrivals area which was full of waiting people. I took a travelator to the departure area.
Went to the toilet to freshen up in the departure area, it was dirty and disgusting. After freshening up, I headed to BK for breakfast.
I still had to book flight to Sydney.
Hope you enjoyed the trip. Thanks for reading.
End of report
:)
