Intoduction
Decided to take some time off and head to Phuket for my birthday. Used it as an opportunity to clear some hotel points and get away from work as well.
Flight routing
- 1SQ740 - Economy - Singapore → Phuket - Boeing 737-800
- 2
Singapore Airlines
SQ740
Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN) - Phuket International Airport (HKT)
B737-800
9V-MGD
Economy Class
Gate F33
ETD: 06:25PM
ATD: 06:46PM (16 minutes late)
ETA: 07:15PM
ATA: 07:43PM (23 minutes late)
CHECK-IN
Terminal 2 check-in area for SQ. Boarding passes & luggage tags are generated by the kiosks. You then tag up your own check in luggage and check them in using automated counters.
Boarding pass generated by the self check-in.
I can't remember if T2 was recently renovated but it certainly looks like it.
FIDS for today at T2.
Airside
My friend wanted to get some duty free to celebrate in Thailand.
We were still really early so we decided to visit the other terminals via Skytrain and then walk to our gate.
Some shots from around Changi.
Taking a walk to the F gates.
All flights from all the terminals. We're back to normal now in Singapore.
Flight information at the gate.
SQ had downgraded the flight from a 737-8 to a 737-800. I was really looking forward to trying the MAX but I guess not this time. On another note, after being on so many widebodies, a 737 is just so small.
Boarding was conducted as usual with families, disabled and priority passengers before the rest of us.
On-board
The cabin on first glance matches the rest of the fleet's theme and color scheme.
However, these older planes lack any personal IFE. Which is okay for a short flight I guess.
Obligatory lavatory visit. It's small and probably seen better days.
By this time the last of the passengers were filing into the aircraft.
Leg space is adequate for 1.80m(5'11) me on this short hop.
Communal screens lowered to play the safety video.
While this played, pushback started.
After about 30min, the plane levelled off to cruise.
In the seatback pocket, you get a safety information card, a KrisShop magazine and a airsickness bag.
The crew worked quickly to conduct the meal service. I sympathized with them having to go up and down on this single aisle during service with everyone going to the lavatory. With that being said, the meal was okay. I'm fine with this box meal and ice cream.
We have fried rice & beef with spring onions for dinner.
So many people have to visit the lavatory.
After service was over, the mood lighting was switched to something warm, probably to simulate the evening sunset.
After landing, the plane quickly cleared out from the front.
Disembarkation
Arriving in Phuket International Airport.
Quickly cleared the immigration using my APEC card and made a beeline to the baggage carousel.
Collecting my bag from Belt 2 in Phuket.
After leaving the customs, we headed to find our airport transfer to the hotel.
Nice report! It's interesting to see a review on one of the old Silk Air planes. The cabins are definitely tight by SQ standards, though the seats seem comfortable and reasonably well-padded. This lower standard of cabin amenities was fine when it was Silk Air, but it does feel odd and off-brand now as part of Singapore Airlines, a name associated with a premium experience and luxury. Even the food coming in boxes still feels more Silk Air than SQ--though it does look tasty.
Nonetheless, an overall better experience than the LCCs that compete on this same route.
Thanks for sharing!