Review of Singapore Airlines flight from Seoul to Singapore in Economy

Introduction

Two-and-a-half months later and it is time for me to return home to Singapore. I had a great experience working in an international office and I can't wait for my next assignment. When I left, travel between Singapore and Korea was on a special Vaccinated Travel Lane(VTL). However, the scheme was cancelled by Singapore to allow all vaccinated travelers in without quarantine. Now, let's see what it's like to return with minimal travel restrictions.

Singapore Airlines
SQ601
Incheon International Airport (ICN) - Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN)
B787-10
9V-SCA
Economy Class
Gate 23

ETD: 04:55PM
ATD: 04:58PM (on time)
ETA: 10:10PM
ATA: 09:45PM +08 (25 minutes early)

Check-in

The hotel concierge kindly got me a taxi to Incheon Terminal 1 and after a 90 minute ride, I was dropped off with my bags.

Most of the Star Alliance airlines use Door 4 at Terminal 1.

Yes, color me surprised when I saw the queue. I guess the loosened restrictions really got travelers on both side itching to fly.

Oh well, all I can do is to join the queue and wait as well. I also figured that the timing of this flight would also be more preferable to returning travelers as you don't have to wake up early for the other flight which departs at 10am or so.

Checked in my bags and received my boarding pass. I enquired on the flight load and whether I could change my seat but the ground staff told me it was almost full with only 2 empty middle seats. Still, managed to keep my aisle seat on this flight which was a blessing.

ICN's flights for the day. Seemed okay until I realized it was all flights  departing from ICN until tomorrow.

Since I had some time, I decided to walk around the terminal.

Now this FIDS show a better picture of the capacity in ICN. It's only slightly better than last year during my stopover in NRT.

Found an eatery and considered having a meal but decided against it after looking at the time.

The information panel over the entrance of immigration is really useful!

airside

After a quick blast through immigration, we're airside! It's not crowded and many shops aren't open. Just the major duty-free retailers like Shilla & Shinsegae.

I liked this modern twist on the traditional split-flap display.

Seems like ICN is undergoing some major renovations in preparation for the future tourism wave.

Arrived near my gate but the plane's not here yet.

Evidently, I'm still way early.

I made myself comfortable on a bench and watched some shows on my phone when I saw my bird roll in.

Turn around took around an hour while the passengers started to fill the departure lounge.

And 30 minutes prior to departure, the gates were opened. Boarding groups were strictly enforced with ground staff checking tickets when you entered the line.

Down to the plane!

Taking the rear door to the Economy Cabin. I wish my company allowed for Premium Economy.

on-board

Overhead shot of my seat (54H). SQ's regional cabin product is probably one of the best.

Advertising for a documentary on BBC.

Flight map for this journey.

The last of the passengers boarding the plane.

The seatback amenities is still limited to the safety card and an airsickness bag.

I do enjoy the little phone pocket. I can easily charge my phone without obstructing my IFE display.

Provided my own 2-pin adapter because SQ still uses that socket. No armrest controls, everything is located on the seatback.

Some COVID prevention information displayed.

After the doors were closed and pushback began, the safety video was screened.

Flight information prior to take off.

Once the plane reached cruising altitude, I nipped off to the lavatory for some pictures. Glad to see SQ providing toothbrushes even on this regional flight.

Settled back into my seat for the flight.

Inflight service began somewhere over Taiwan.

There was a Korean option and a western option. I decided to pick the western option since I was mildly disappointed by the Korean option on the previous flight. I don't know how but it was even worse.  Everything was dry, from the fish to the potatoes, and flavourless.

The meal was salvaged by a decent ice cream.

My tray was collected over the South China Sea. While I continued watching some shows.

45 minutes prior to landing, the cabin light is dimmed slightly.

And touchdown. As we taxied, this screen was shown to all passengers.

Swapped over to the final view on the flight map.

disembarkation

Disembarking from a full flight is not a fun experience especially for someone with many bags like me.

Exited through the front door so we cut through the Business Cabin.

Arrival at Changi T2 Gate B9

Making my way to immigration.

After immigration, I went to collect my bags.