Dear a.netters,

Welcome to a new story, a new ‘longhaul’. It seems going longhaul is the trend in 2012 among a few of the European tripreporters. This route and airline combo hasn’t been reported for a while now, and even mine is done a few months ago, it might still be for an interesting read to some of you.

Well, I was looking forward to this trip a lot. A few days out with my partner enjoying the most of the vibrant city of New York. Well, people who know me more personally know the outcome of this trip, hence I only write about the outbound flight. The happening let me leave this city with mixed feelings. Can I ever return without being ‘hurt’? Hmm,… time will tell. But it will carry on certain memories, certain places will not be the same. But I’ll have to go on. And only the future knows how things will continue.

For now, let’s go to the USA. And, in the USA everything is better and bigger (they say), so I thought why not going with a better airline in a bigger plane. From my homebase in AMS this would not be possible, since anything bigger then the B77W/B744 (KLM) isn’t offered. I decided to look at my neighbours in the East, also known as Germany. They would’ve something for me. I was attracted by the Singapore Airlines A380 operated flight, on offer for a little 420 Euros per person for the return. Pre-seat selection was possible, and I decided to go for the privacy on the upperdeck with the 2-seaters available on my flight(s). For my meal choice I decided to go for the ‘SFML’ Seafood option, which is already of special notice here that this is offered. It’s just a customer preference to eat seafood and it comes in handy for me. These meals are usually of good quality but expensive from the airlines’ point of view. I know JL/NH/TK/MH offer SFML, not sure which others do this.

Anyway, let’s check out this ride!

On a Saturday afternoon in April 14th, 2012 to be exact, we left by car and drove to Frankfurt in 4 and half hours (roughly), using the direct highway from nearby my house (A12) becoming the A3-Autobahn in Germany, all the way to Frankfurt (Airport). An easy drive, with a stop halfway to grab some food.
On arrival I parked the car in the underground garage of the Park Inn Airport Hotel, where I booked a room with 1 week parking included, plus transfers to the terminal. The staff was very friendly here, the room modern and of good comfort.
The next morning we were driven by the hotelbus to the terminal.


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Park Inn hotel – the room


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Park Inn hotel – the bar

Check-in was in progress, and staff was making sure each passenger ended up at the right desk (internet check-in, baggage drop off, regular economy, or the premium desks). It wasn’t busy, so we got served quickly. SQ branded boarding passes were given.


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Check-In Desks


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My boardingpass, yeah!


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Impressive, typically FRA. I notice some mistakes though…

A light breakfast was taken at a Starbucks facility opposite of the LH World Shop before proceeding through security and passport control into the clean area.

On the way towards the gate I see some nice traffic around. Yes, also the B787-8 from Japan is in, still a special sight.


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Looking around the corner and what do I see there?


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I just looks good, I think. Always I loved the ANA livery!


Since we arrive at the gate (B46) a bit early, and I spot a LH Business Lounge upstairs around the gate area, I decide to get in, making use of my LH FTL status, grab a few sandwiches and coffee. I bring the sandwiches out for my partner and eat those while watching the A380 and some other traffic nearby.


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Something big here at my gate, in this early morning


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Boarding Gate B46


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Cabin Crew arriving at the gate


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LH Business Lounge entrance (at gate B46)


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Food/drink bar area in the lounge


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Not busy inside. But I can say this interior is not my personal taste.


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Some work to do. Window cleaners action on the 747 next door


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And at the other next door, is SunExpress bound for Turkey

It gets busy before boarding and it’s quite chaotic when they do the actual boarding. People don’t seem to listen to the boarding sequence and the staff have quite a job to get it all run smoothly. Nevertheless we manage to get onboard, friendly greeted and directed to our seats.


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Boarding in progress…


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A final picture before stepping inside





FRA-JFK
Flight: SQ026 /15APR12
STD 08:30 ATD 08:35
STA 11:00 ATA 11:00
A/C: 9V-SKJ (Airbus A380-800)
S/N: 76K (UD Economy class/Y)


View Large View Medium

Photo © Sneeze Lam


When I find my seat I’m pleasantly surprised to find a pillow, blanket and headphones already there. After settling down I notice a generous enough legroom, nice IFE system in front with a large screen, USB and Ethernet socket (yes FF76, not only on Aeroflot). Of course, the upperdeck on A380 provides sidebins, which came in handy to store the blanket, pillow, my camera etc.
Soon a flight attendent comes to confirm my name and my special meal selection   . And another crewmember hands out hot wet towels!


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Legroom is sufficient enough


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Wet towel before departure


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Contents of the seat pocket


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Menu’s are given as well…


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…and headphones to use with the IFE system


We are pushed back exactly on schedule, and as I noticed before on my AF A380 flights, the startup is hardly noticable. The cabin is very quiet. We gently taxi out to active departure runway 25C. Soon the captain announces ‘cabin crew at your stations’, announcing that we would get cleared for takeoff soon.


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Say hello to the other big brother (or sister)


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Can you see me in the mirror?

Such an aircraft as the A380 also climbs gently, so after some rolling down the runway we climb in a not to steep rate of climb into the calm skies over Germany.


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Airborne!


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Smoothly climb into the hazy skies

After in the air for 15 minutes, crew hands out small “Givenchy” amenity kits, actually surprised because we not see this often in these days of Economy Class travel. Inside the little bag I find a pair of socks and a toothbrush + paste.


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Amenity kits for Economy Class

I explore my seat a bit more and find a traytable to be folded in half if you like, including a small mirror for the ladies. With the first drink (juice/water) being handed to me, the cupholder comes in handy and I keep the table in stowed position.


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Interesting tray tables

The juice was just a starter, and my friend Gavin always talked about the famous ‘Singapore Sling’, the airlines’ signature drink. Let’s go for one.
Interesting to note is that this flight goes directly over my house in The Netherlands (I often see it flying straight overhead with clear skies). So, cheers to my neighbours down there!


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Singapore Sling


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I live somewhere under the red dot. The flight goes straight overhead

Mealservice was the next episode on this flight, and my seafood meal is delivered ahead of the normal meal delivery. Well, let’s see what is on my menu today. I was surely not dissappointed!


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My Seafood Meal (special meal)


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The main dish. Omelette and prawns. Real tasty

My partner got from the normal menu, a chicken tortilla, and I quickly snapped a picture:


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Chicken tortilla (regular meal)

After the meal, a coffee/tea service is done and delivery is nicely on mini plates. Really classy I think:


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Coffee or Tea service also stands out

After all of this the flight continues smoothly for a few hours and I sit a bit, explore the cabin a bit, drink a bit, wait for Greenland but it never came insight (clouds), sleep a bit… Soon we reached the Canadian eastcoast.


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After the meal, let’s look outside


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Or look ahead. Why do people not store it in their bins on the sidewall?


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Cabin View – Upper Deck YCL


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Suryo; not only on CX. Relaxing music is loaded on here as well  


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Of course, Baileys is available for me. Good to have one over the Atlantic


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…and the Boeing 747 retires, and SQ made a movie about it. Interesting!


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The flight continues. Almost reaching Canada


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Here is Canada visible. Lot’s of snow and ice.

It’s 2½ hours before landing at the moment that a second (another!) hot meal is served. Again my seafood meal comes early, and the taste is really good. It’s halibut with white rice, some vegetables, with shrimp salad as side dish, fruit for dessert. Nothing to complain about.


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2nd hot meal service. Here the seafood meal (special meal order)

My partner decided for the beef option, with mashed potatoes and pasta salad (no dessert !)


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Regular meal: beef in horseradish sauce, mashed potatoes and roasted veggies

And what a surprise. Dessert comes later? After the meal the friendly crews hand out chocolate icecream (Nogger Dir einen on SQ!).


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Icecream

Soon I notice that we get closer to New York, and while still at quite high altitude, I suddenly pick JFK Airport below us. Really nice to see, and since I was now aware of our location, I also find the Manhattan skyscrapers in a distance.


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JFK down there… Manhattan in the distance

Final approach is bumpy and that makes my female fellow passenger in front of me deciding to vomit around her seat, luckily the majority ended up in one of her disposal bags. But the smell was quite disgusting to say at least. But, I also kept looking out of my window to follow the (for me unusual) approach to runway 13L. We had to bank sharply to the right on finals to get aligned with this runway, and that was at a low altitude over suburban areas (which surprised me). And with the wind that day, it made for a sudden bounce on the runway surface, really it was a hard landing. I imagined how much weight the landing gear had to withstand. Impressive!


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Final Approach gets bumpy and a bit uncomfortable to say at least


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A surprising strange move on finals at low altitude…


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But that’s JFK. I made it. TAM and Air India already arrived as well.

Well, there I was, New York, here I come. Fair weather conditions, 17°C, and ontime arrival at a quiet JFK. Gate number 6 was ours and soon I found myself in the queue for immigration in Terminal 4. Waiting time this time: 10 minutes. And, another friendly officer, like on my previous visits to JFK.


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Just stayed for one night in this room with a view. Maybe next time again …

Well, that was my short story on the FRA-JFK Singapore Airlines flight, I think it is quite popular for Germans who seek a flight to this interesting city for (I think) fair pricing and receiving top notch service for an Y-class product.
I think no other airline can achieve these same service level for Y-class, and therefore SQ seems the best choice to cross the Atlantic from FRA. Such a shame that SQ is so reluctant with giving mileage to the various frequent flyer programms for discounted fare classes. For all other aspects, a big thumbs up for this airline. Nothing failed from my point of view.

Thanks for reading, your comment is always more the welcome and I would gladly answer any questions.

Regards,
Eric   

Hi Eric,

very good to see this nice report about your SQ trip! The airline's Y Class product definitely belongs to the best, but it's a shame SQ is the one and only A380 operator without camera views.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): They would’ve something for me. I was attracted by the Singapore Airlines A380 operated flight, on offer for a little 420 Euros per person for the return.

Great deal!

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): My partner got from the normal menu, a chicken tortilla, and I quickly snapped a picture:

That would have been my choice!

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): It’s 2½ hours before landing at the moment that a second (another!) hot meal is served. Again my seafood meal comes early, and the taste is really good. It’s halibut with white rice, some vegetables, with shrimp salad as side dish, fruit for dessert. Nothing to complain about.

Impressive meal!

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): My partner decided for the beef option, with mashed potatoes and pasta salad (no dessert !)

That meal doesn't look bad either - what a big portion of meat!

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Final Approach gets bumpy and a bit uncomfortable to say at least

I have noticed that, too.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): I think no other airline can achieve these same service level for Y-class, and therefore SQ seems the best choice to cross the Atlantic from FRA.

I have never been a great fan of the flight attendants - I have met nice ones, but also numerous "robots"...


PH

Hello Eric!

Thanks for the nice story. Great pictures and I love the picture of NYC. I´ve never been there but it looks like a amazing place! Singapore looks really good. I´m not an expert on longhaul, only flew BA to the US once and their service was not in same level as on Singapore that´s for sure!

The hotel in Frankfurt looks nice and convenient location. How much did you pay for it?

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Something big here at my gate, in this early morning

It´s a impressive bird for sure but I can´t help it, I think it´s so ugly. The 747 looks much better 

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): a chicken tortilla, and I quickly snapped a picture:

Both meals looks really good and filling!

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Icecream

That´s a good one!

So your flight was only during day-light hours? If so how was that? Many people don´t like that. I would prefer that for the wiews off course 

Greetings
Robert

Hi Eric,

I certainly did think you were going to write a TR from that trip to NYC for obvious reasons. But i'm glad you did! You obviously made a good choice with Singapore Airlines, the whole economy experience looks really top notch!

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): From my homebase in AMS this would not be possible, since anything bigger then the B77W/B744 (KLM) isn’t offered.

But right now you can go to DXB on EK's whalejet, right?

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): I notice some mistakes though…

Since when are there flights to Köln's railway station?

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): I bring the sandwiches out for my partner

Weren't you allowed to guest him in or maybe he didn't fancy lounging?

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): When I find my seat I’m pleasantly surprised to find a pillow, blanket and headphones already there. After settling down I notice a generous enough legroom, nice IFE system in front with a large screen, USB and Ethernet socket (yes FF76, not only on Aeroflot). Of course, the upperdeck on A380 provides sidebins, which came in handy to store the blanket, pillow, my camera etc. Soon a flight attendent comes to confirm my name and my special meal selection . And another crewmember hands out hot wet towels!

That's a really excellent start to the journey.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Inside the little bag I find a pair of socks and a toothbrush + paste.

Were the socks impregnated with Givenchy perfume then 

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Really classy I think:

I would think that these details in service - while highly appreciative and welcome - give the crew some more work in distributing and cleaning afterwards?

Sultanils

Hey ERIC,

Really good report well detailed, Impressive service for SQ in this 5th freedom.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): I know JL/NH/TK/MH offer SFML, not sure which others do this.

If one day you do fancy Africa from AMS, Kenya Airways does it too   .

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): crew hands out small “Givenchy” amenity kits

WOW, They raise the bar really high.

The lunch meals are gorgeous, halibut or/and beef put in chinaware plate and abracadabra it could look like J meals on some carriers...


Many thanks for sharing

EAS (Léonard)

Hoi Eric

Great too see this report online, I'm glad you did it.
SQ's A380 looks amazing and the airline looks just simply great.
I'm actually thinking about taking this same flight one day, timings look ok to try.

Greetings
Marc

Hi all,

thank you for your replies so far. Really appreciated!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 1): The airline's Y Class product definitely belongs to the best, but it's a shame SQ is the one and only A380 operator without camera views.

I prefer a window view lol  

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 1): Great deal!

They even sold it for EUR 380,- rtn for a while but that was earlier in 2012.

Quoting Parton87 (Reply 2): The hotel in Frankfurt looks nice and convenient location. How much did you pay for it?

Paid 99 Euro's for 1 night and 7 days parking + shuttle (normally paid shuttle). Not bad for such a room.

Quoting Parton87 (Reply 2): It´s a impressive bird for sure but I can´t help it, I think it´s so ugly. The 747 looks much better

Agree with that!

Quoting Parton87 (Reply 2): So your flight was only during day-light hours? If so how was that?

Very convenients to fly in daylight, not uncommon for Europe-US flights btw. It's just a bit longer day for you. It won't make you very tired and you really get max out of your day.

Quoting sultanils (Reply 3): But right now you can go to DXB on EK's whalejet, right?

Indeed, but back then it was not operating from AMS yet.

Quoting sultanils (Reply 3): Since when are there flights to Köln's railway station?

Plus there are some spelling mistakes I think  

Quoting sultanils (Reply 3): Weren't you allowed to guest him in or maybe he didn't fancy lounging?

Star Silver... no chance to guest in somebody  

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 4): If one day you do fancy Africa from AMS, Kenya Airways does it too

Good to know! Would love to try them on the 777's. Gorgeous birds those are!

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 4): The lunch meals are gorgeous, halibut or/and beef put in chinaware plate and abracadabra it could look like J meals on some carriers...

Agree, it was really good catering!

Quoting MSS658 (Reply 5): I'm actually thinking about taking this same flight one day, timings look ok to try.

OK timings, but also from BRU you probably need to arrive the night before. The departure is rather early of course and you need to check-in and do the security formalities before departure.

Eric

Very nice report Eric....SQ still looks great! I just got off an MH flight KUL-DAC....the crew and service was good, but SQ defintely has the edge.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): I just looks good, I think. Always I loved the ANA livery!

Me too, I love it

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): And another crewmember hands out hot wet towels!

THey look like good quality ones too

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Well, let’s see what is on my menu today. I was surely not dissappointed!

I glad it tasted good, because it looks quite plain. I got a really nice seafood breakfast out of HKG on SQ a few years ago.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): It’s 2½ hours before landing at the moment that a second (another!) hot meal is served. Again my seafood meal comes early, and the taste is really good. It’s halibut with white rice, some vegetables, with shrimp salad as side dish, fruit for dessert. Nothing to complain about.

That meal looks a lot better. It's great SQ give you two ful hot meals on a short transatlantic flight

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): JFK down there… Manhattan in the distance

Great shot!

Hoi Eric. Thank you for finally putting this report together, in-spite of the circumstances.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Welcome to a new story, a new ‘longhaul’. It seems going longhaul is the trend in 2012 among a few of the European tripreporters.

Well it sure is a good trend. Nice to see some change from the dull A320 eurohops this forum is flooded over with already.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): using the direct highway from nearby my house (A12) becoming the A3-Autobahn in Germany, all the way to Frankfurt (Airport). An easy drive, with a stop halfway to grab some food.

I didn't know Frankfurt was that close from Amsterdam. But then again the perception of distance differs quite much from Scandinavia to continental Europe.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): My boardingpass, yeah!

Nice to see some status there! 

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): and I spot a LH Business Lounge upstairs around the gate area, I decide to get in, making use of my LH FTL status, grab a few sandwiches and coffee.

Well I suppose it was about time you made some use from those perks. Lounge looks pretty nice to me, did they have Bailey's there?  

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): (yes FF76, not only on Aeroflot).

Well "It's standard" on most newer aircraft it seems.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Wet towel before departure

Wow nice to see them using a proper towel instead of the pre-packaged ones.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): After in the air for 15 minutes, crew hands out small “Givenchy” amenity kits, actually surprised because we not see this often in these days of Economy Class travel. Inside the little bag I find a pair of socks and a toothbrush + paste.

Another wow! Hardly any airlines give out amenity kits in Y these days, let alone never on a daytime flight. Very impressive!

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): The main dish. Omelette and prawns. Real tasty

That looks simply amazing. The best presented Y class meal I've seen so far. Everything looks so flawless and perfect!

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Of course, Baileys is available for me. Good to have one over the Atlantic

Looks like quite a lot of ice they used?

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): It’s 2½ hours before landing at the moment that a second (another!) hot meal is served. Again my seafood meal comes early, and the taste is really good.

Again very impressive, given that most airlines only serve a biscuit or sandwich as a 2nd meal on this route. That halibut dish certainly looks to be of the same standard that other airlines serve in Business.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): My partner decided for the beef option, with mashed potatoes and pasta salad (no dessert !)

And the same for this beef dish. Did he mention anything about the texture of the beef, i.e if it was tender or chewy?

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): luckily the majority ended up in one of her disposal bags. But the smell was quite disgusting to say at least.

I hope the Singapore Girls dealt with that in a professional manner?

"Wheels Up!"
//Jonas

Guys, thanks for your reading and the comments. Let's get back to you on some;

Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 7): I just got off an MH flight KUL-DAC....the crew and service was good, but SQ defintely has the edge.

I love MH. It's very personal imho. Maybe less robotic as on SQ? But the hardware on SQ is better already so the choice or perception that SQ is better is quickly made.

Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 7): I got a really nice seafood breakfast out of HKG on SQ a few years ago.

Looks really nice, but small portion?

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 8): Nice to see some change from the dull A320 eurohops this forum is flooded over with already.

A320's are not dull imho. We still see interesting routes and airlines. If you don't like it, just don't read it Jonas.

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 8): I didn't know Frankfurt was that close from Amsterdam.

Did I say it's close? It's just over 4 to 5 hours on the highway with 140-160 km/hr

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 8): Well I suppose it was about time you made some use from those perks.

I used the perks a lot already, in 2011 and early 2012. It was not about time, but thanks for notifying.

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 8): Lounge looks pretty nice to me, did they have Bailey's there?

Sorry, it was around 9am so I have no desire to check out the Baileys...

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 8): Well "It's standard" on most newer aircraft it seems.

I think it's not, it varies per carrier.

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 8): Looks like quite a lot of ice they used?

Maybe. It was fine for me and nice to see Baileys is offered.

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 8): I hope the Singapore Girls dealt with that in a professional manner?

They didn't deal with it at all. It happened on approach and the crew was seated at that stage and unavailable to give any assistance.

Regards
Eric

Hi Eric,

great report about your trip to NY, SQ A380 sure looks like an amazing way to cross the Atlantic.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): I was attracted by the Singapore Airlines A380 operated flight, on offer for a little 420 Euros per person for the return.

Great choice and a great fare for this flight.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Something big here at my gate, in this early morning

Stunning picture!

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): After in the air for 15 minutes, crew hands out small “Givenchy” amenity kits, actually surprised because we not see this often in these days of Economy Class travel. Inside the little bag I find a pair of socks and a toothbrush + paste.

Not something you see on daytime flights in economy often. Great by SQ to give those out, the bag looks quite nice.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Coffee or Tea service also stands out

Can't believe that this is called economy class   The service looks so personal.

Thanks for posting this report, it was a very enjoyable read.

Blaž

Hey Eric  

Great report and so glad you wrote this. Nothing more for me to say about the first bit you know my thoughts already. I'm so glad your back to being yourself again  

Lovely service and product from SQ . Really impressed by the presentation and offerings. Probably the best Y class across the Atlantic and on the best AC too  

Thanks for a cool insight .

Regards

Philip  

Hi guys, thanks for your reads!

Quoting SloAir (Reply 10): great report about your trip to NY, SQ A380 sure looks like an amazing way to cross the Atlantic

Thanks Blaž, good to hear. You should also get yourself on one hop to the US some day and enjoy this great service.

Quoting SloAir (Reply 10): Stunning picture!

That background sun does the trick here, I guess  

Quoting OA260 (Reply 11): Great report and so glad you wrote this. Nothing more for me to say about the first bit you know my thoughts already. I'm so glad your back to being yourself again

  

Quoting OA260 (Reply 11): Probably the best Y class across the Atlantic and on the best AC too

I think so, but best aircraft. Hmm... upperdeck and 2-seaters yes. But I love the 77W so much lol. Not sure what to think about the 787 on such longer flights.

Eric

Wow.

I can't believe you get 2 hot meals from Frankfurt to New York.

SQ seems to offer the best transatlantic Y service. Very smart of you to have flown with them. However I think if one flys SQ in Y they do not give any miles on the UA frequent flyer program. However who cares. It's worth flying with them than our rotten US carriers or mediocre European carriers.

Thanks for sharing. I'm flying this exact flight next week so it was good to see what I'm letting myself in for, so to speak.

What was the other standard economy meal served at the beginning? Was there a breakfast option?

Hi Eric,

It's no wonder my dad always flies via Singapore on the SQ A380 whenever he goes to the Far East. They look very impressive. Also seems like a similar price to what I paid on VS for my trip to NYC last month. But you definitely got the better service - and the more interesting plane!

Thanks for taking the time to post this one.

Hi Eric !

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): in the USA everything is better and bigger

hahaha maybe bigger but better hardly  

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): I know JL/NH/TK/MH offer SFML, not sure which others do this.

OU offer SFML on all flights in business and on some eco flights too ...

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): The juice was just a starter, and my friend Gavin always talked about the famous ‘Singapore Sling’

yes Gavin is wonderful promoter and presenter of airlines peaks and offer

Eric nice trip report like always ... I hope that you will re-develop love for big apple ... thanks stipica  

Absolutely the best Economy class to cross the atlantic.

SQ is probably the only airlines to serve full hot meal "twice" on the Europe - New York Economy class service.
The amount of food is also impressive. Those who cares about free airlines' food would definitely say best airlines out there  

With the price you mentioned on this FRA-JFK flight, it's hardly believe that any airlines would give away miles.
Totally a 'suicide' committed if airlines decide to do so.

Thank you for sharing this trip report and high qualify photos.
I believe this is your first time on SQ ...ever?
Brgds,
net-hkt

Hi Eric,

For a start, great TR! I'm jealous cos you managed to experience this A380 between FRA and JFK. SQ has changed the equipment to B77W from Dec'12 to Feb'13 and I am not happy with that because I'll be flying the route during Christmas/New Year holiday. Oh well...better luck next time

Quoting airbuseric (Reply 9): I love MH. It's very personal imho. Maybe less robotic as on SQ? But the hardware on SQ is better already so the choice or perception that SQ is better is quickly made.

Old MH was good...they were very personal. Definitely not for the last 5 years or so. I've had more arrogant and rude crew on MH flights than any of my other experiences with the rest of the airlines I've flown with (combined!!). MH crew have always been known as 'unfriendly' in Asia than in other parts of the world....preferential treatment I guess.

Will you post the return trip to FRA?

Regards
Jim

Hi Eric !

Thanks for another great report with great pictures !

Flight seem very nice with nice meals and even an amenity kit in Y and that on a day flight!

Nice for you that you have so close to FRA and other flight options!

Very nice picture the last one of the Empire State building.

Very much looking forward to your next report!

The777Man

Hi Eric,

Nice read and pictures, thanks for posting.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): It seems going longhaul is the trend in 2012 among a few of the European tripreporters

- I think Europe is getting exhausted travel wise, time to move further afield to more interesting options, I myself will be heading to Asia for a second time in a couple of weeks.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): I bring the sandwiches out for my partner and eat those while watching the A380 and some other traffic nearby.

- Were you not able to get him in the lounge?

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): crew hands out small “Givenchy” amenity kits, actually surprised because we not see this often in these days of Economy Class travel. Inside the little bag I find a pair of socks and a toothbrush + paste.

- Nice touch, I don't recall these on our inagural SQ A380 flight, but we had lots of other goodies  

Catering looks excellent as usual, gotta love SQ!

Cheers

Mark

Hi Eric,
A really enjoyable report on this SQ26 service across the pond.

Yes I also really rate highly the Park Inn product. In my experience, good staff and modern facilities.

Well I am no stranger to this SQ26 flight. I took this option back when the 744 would ply the route. It ranks as my most enjoyable flight thus far.
The food looks absolutely amazing in any case never mind the fact these are Y meals. Those must be the biggest chunks of beef I have seen in coach class.
I can see that the extra storage bins on the upper deck sure would be a great way of getting rid of some of that clutter.

I'm glad you enjoyed the SQ experience and many more to come hopefully?
Cheers, Lee.

I believe you came into JFK on the "Canarsie Approach" which is always lots of fun!

Nice Report! I've been on this exact same bird, 9V-SKJ Between JFK-FRA! Amazing flight!!

Cheers,
KLAXAirport   

Thanks for your report, I started reading without looking at the date then noticed the magazine covers were exactly the same as when I was last on SQ- back in April. The Y product looks great especially if you can snap up the upper deck, and I don't think getting two hot meals on a transatlantic crossing is such a bad deal. I took this flight back in 2000 when it was operated by the 744 and apart from moving to the 380 not much seems to have changed.

Great report Eric, thanks for posting. This route is indeed not much reported upon. A great choice to fly SQ to New York, I would not have thought of that myself. Seems like a very decent product, and what a good suprise to get two full meals on a TATL flight, I believe that is pretty much unheard of the European and US carriers.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Impressive, typically FRA. I notice some mistakes though…

There are some spelling mistakes if you are looking at it from an English speaker's point of view. However, the spellings on the board are accurate German spellings. For example, "Mailand-Linate" is the German spelling of "Milan-Linate." "Maiselle" is ther German spelling of "Marseille." etc. etc.

Quoting sultanils (Reply 3): Since when are there flights to Köln's railway station?

As part of Lufthansa's "Rail and Fly" program in partnership with Deutsche Bahn, Lufthansa places "flight" numbers on trains departing Frankfurt and several other Lufthansa hubs. For example, if you do a search on Lufthansa.com for New York - Köln Railway Station, you will see JFK-FRA flights pop up, and FRA-CGN trains. You can basically book a train journey as a connection on your existing flight connection.

Hi Eric,

Many thanks for the very nice trip report with many great photos, a very nice read indeed  
SQ looks fantastic! I am so impress by their Y service, from the amenity kit, cabin, inflight entertainment, crew service, two hot meals on your flight, and even ice cream as a dessert .   

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): I know JL/NH/TK/MH offer SFML, not sure which others do this.

TG also offer Seafood meal as a special meal. It tasted quite good as well, and I ordered this on all flight with TG until I found out that I am allergic to crabs and shrimps  

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): After the meal, a coffee/tea service is done and delivery is nicely on mini plates. Really classy I think:

Absolutely, that looks very nice and classy indeed.

Thanks,

Win

Hi Eric,

Thanks for writing a report on this trip despite the circumstances. I’m sure it must have brought back some sad memories for you.

You got a great deal on SQ for this trip to the States, what an excellent price for an airline of this calibre. Nice that you were able to secure a block of 2 on the upper deck, sadly ex ZRH it’s C-Class only upstairs.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): When I find my seat I’m pleasantly surprised to find a pillow, blanket and headphones already there

Interesting, the headphones were handed out after take off on all our SQ flights

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): explore my seat a bit more and find a traytable to be folded in half if you like, including a small mirror for the ladies

I did 3 flights on the A380 and never discovered this!

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): The main dish. Omelette and prawns. Real tasty

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Again my seafood meal comes early, and the taste is really good. It’s halibut with white rice, some vegetables, with shrimp salad as side dish, fruit for dessert. Nothing to complain about.

The first meal doesn’t look too good imo, it appears to be very dry. The second meal seems much better though.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): (I think) fair pricing and receiving top notch service for an Y-class product. I think no other airline can achieve these same service level for Y-class, and therefore SQ seems the best choice to cross the Atlantic from FRA. Such a shame that SQ is so reluctant with giving mileage to the various frequent flyer programms for discounted fare classes. For all other aspects, a big thumbs up for this airline. Nothing failed from my point of view.

I couldn’t agree more. Excellent service, but I too was disappointed to receive no miles on any of the legs. And I didn’t think the fare was that heavily discounted (not like some of AZ’s  ).

Happy flying
Infodesk   

Hi all,

sorry for my late reply, but I was away on another trip... let me come back to some of your comments!

Quoting lychemsa (Reply 13): Very smart of you to have flown with them. However I think if one flys SQ in Y they do not give any miles on the UA frequent flyer program. However who cares. It's worth flying with them than our rotten US carriers or mediocre European carriers.

True, I think this is the best choice indeed. But a bit of detour for me, of course.

Quoting visualapproach (Reply 14): I'm flying this exact flight next week so it was good to see what I'm letting myself in for, so to speak.

Hope you had a good flight. Sorry I could've scanned the menu card for you. But there were 2 options for both meal servcices. Did you get a good service too?

Quoting visualapproach (Reply 14): What was the other standard economy meal served at the beginning? Was there a breakfast option?

As said, 2 options each time. I'm at work now, so can't write them here for you.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 15): Also seems like a similar price to what I paid on VS for my trip to NYC last month. But you definitely got the better service - and the more interesting plane!

...but I love VS too. At least, my 2 flights on them with the A346 some years ago.

Quoting stipica (Reply 16): hahaha maybe bigger but better hardly

Lol, spot on!

Quoting stipica (Reply 16): OU offer SFML on all flights in business and on some eco flights too ...

Good to know!

Quoting nethkt (Reply 17): SQ is probably the only airlines to serve full hot meal "twice" on the Europe - New York Economy class service.

I'm quite sure about that too!

Quoting nethkt (Reply 17): I believe this is your first time on SQ ...ever?

Yes, indeed my first SQ experience. And a positive one  

Quoting groomyjl (Reply 18): I'm jealous cos you managed to experience this A380 between FRA and JFK. SQ has changed the equipment to B77W from Dec'12 to Feb'13 and I am not happy with that because I'll be flying the route during Christmas/New Year holiday. Oh well...better luck next time

Sorry to hear that, although I personally love the 77W as well.

Quoting groomyjl (Reply 18): Old MH was good...they were very personal. Definitely not for the last 5 years or so. I've had more arrogant and rude crew on MH flights than any of my other experiences with the rest of the airlines I've flown with (combined!!). MH crew have always been known as 'unfriendly' in Asia than in other parts of the world....preferential treatment I guess.

Well, it's all personal imagination as well I guess. I had only good experiences on MH recently, did quite some flights on them and they always treated me with respect and good service. MH is attentive with food/drinks as well. But, SQ is better. MH still beats CX imho.

Quoting groomyjl (Reply 18): Will you post the return trip to FRA?

No, sorry. I've not made pics on the return (night)flight. Plus, I was not in the mood...

Quoting The777Man (Reply 19): Nice for you that you have so close to FRA and other flight options!

Well, not that real close lol. Maybe in the eyes of an American like you it's "close" but for me still quite a tour  

Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 20): I myself will be heading to Asia for a second time in a couple of weeks.

lol. me too! For the 4th time this year  

Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 20): Were you not able to get him in the lounge?

No unfortunately not. The perks of M&M Silver are not as good as BAEC Silver  

Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 21): I'm glad you enjoyed the SQ experience and many more to come hopefully?

More on SQ? Hmm... so far no plans. But I'll try out another new airline (for me) next week...

Quoting N62NA (Reply 22): I believe you came into JFK on the "Canarsie Approach" which is always lots of fun!

Thanks! That's good to know. I think I must consider myself lucky?

Quoting KLAXAirport (Reply 23): Nice Report! I've been on this exact same bird, 9V-SKJ Between JFK-FRA! Amazing flight!!

Seemingly SQ does only good things to all of us. So many positive comments!

Quoting themit9 (Reply 24): I started reading without looking at the date then noticed the magazine covers were exactly the same as when I was last on SQ- back in April. The Y product looks great especially if you can snap up the upper deck, and I don't think getting two hot meals on a transatlantic crossing is such a bad deal. I took this flight back in 2000 when it was operated by the 744 and apart from moving to the 380 not much seems to have changed.

It seems a very consistent product here on SQ. You surely know that the service level expectations can be set at quite a high level.

Quoting roberts87 (Reply 25): This route is indeed not much reported upon. A great choice to fly SQ to New York, I would not have thought of that myself.

Well, Robert I hope I give you a good idea for a future flight then.

Quoting AA94 (Reply 26): There are some spelling mistakes if you are looking at it from an English speaker's point of view. However, the spellings on the board are accurate German spellings. For example, "Mailand-Linate" is the German spelling of "Milan-Linate." "Maiselle" is ther German spelling of "Marseille." etc. etc.

  

Quoting win1290 (Reply 27): SQ looks fantastic! I am so impress by their Y service, from the amenity kit, cabin, inflight entertainment, crew service, two hot meals on your flight, and even ice cream as a dessert

TG YCL doesn't beat this I'm afraid...

Quoting win1290 (Reply 27): TG also offer Seafood meal as a special meal. It tasted quite good as well, and I ordered this on all flight with TG until I found out that I am allergic to crabs and shrimps

Sorry to hear that. But good to know about TG. I would love to fly on them to SE-Asia on a future trip.

Quoting infodesk (Reply 28): Nice that you were able to secure a block of 2 on the upper deck, sadly ex ZRH it’s C-Class only upstairs.

I know, you have the other configuration at ZRH. I worried so much that they would change the cabin or ship on my flight to the all-C upperdeck. In that case I would've been re-seated on the maindeck...

Quoting infodesk (Reply 28): I did 3 flights on the A380 and never discovered this!

You, being a lady, missed the mirror? How come? lol

Quoting infodesk (Reply 28): Excellent service, but I too was disappointed to receive no miles on any of the legs.

SQ is not good to collect or redeem miles on at all... that's the only downside on this airline maybe.

Regards
Eric

Hoi Eric,

Finally found time to read this report of yours. Another nice report with many great and clear pictures as usual. SQ looks quite impressive here, the food looks quite delicious too and always nice to fly the A380!

Looking forward to your next report!

cheers,

Brendan

Hello Eric!
Finally got around reading this report of yours and it was a great read as usual!
I've been curious about this FRA-JFK flight of SQ and I'd like to try it myself one day. Their product did seem very impressive for economy class.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): I was attracted by the Singapore Airlines A380 operated flight, on offer for a little 420 Euros per person for the return.

That's not a bad price at all!

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): I just looks good, I think. Always I loved the ANA livery!

Totally agree with you on this one! One of the best ones around.

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Of course, Baileys is available for me. Good to have one over the Atlantic

Very nice!

Quoting airbuseric (Thread starter): Well, there I was, New York, here I come.

How suitable that my Spotify (which is set on shuffle) decided to play Sinatra's "New York, New York" as I reached this part of the TR.  

Martin

Hoi, Eric,

well done, also nice inflight impressions.
Finally time now to catch up with some interesting stories like this one!.

Greetings,
Markus(FLIEGER67)

Hi Eric,

thanks for sharing. SQ is doing excellent job there. 2 hot meals on a sector where even LH offers a cold snack as second meal in Business...

Quoting Parton87 (Reply 2): Great pictures and I love the picture of NYC. I´ve never been there but it looks like a amazing place! Singapore looks really good.

Parton87, you should absolutely go. NYC is an amazing city.

Eric:

Thank you for your report - interesting and informative, and what a treat to drive into Germany and hop on a SQ 380 to JFK!

From your post it sounds like you had an unfortunate situation in the US - I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope it doesn't dissuade you from visiting the USA in the future - our country has so many amazing sites and cities - and some great airports!

Thanks guys for your latest round of replies  

Quoting adamspotter (Reply 30): SQ looks quite impressive here, the food looks quite delicious too and always nice to fly the A380! Looking forward to your next report!

Sure one of my best YCL experiences so far in longhaul, and... stay tuned for more soon!

Quoting deltamartin (Reply 31): I've been curious about this FRA-JFK flight of SQ and I'd like to try it myself one day. Their product did seem very impressive for economy class.

Well, NYC is always a good reason by itself to try this route out.

Quoting deltamartin (Reply 31): That's not a bad price at all!

When I booked, the A380 was not operating yet, but announcements were made and special offers around, as from EUR 380 return. I paid a bit more, which is not a problem and still a great fare!

Quoting deltamartin (Reply 31): How suitable that my Spotify (which is set on shuffle) decided to play Sinatra's "New York, New York" as I reached this part of the TR.

A great song indeed, and what a coincidence  

Quoting reifel (Reply 33): SQ is doing excellent job there. 2 hot meals on a sector where even LH offers a cold snack as second meal in Business...

Indeed, great service here, and I'm not such a fan of LH's product actually. Of course, it's a steady product, but it misses a bit 'extra touch' to many things. That's were Asia is good in, and Germany e.g. not.

Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 32): well done, also nice inflight impressions. Finally time now to catch up with some interesting stories like this one!

Thanks Markus. Sure, time is running out every day again. Same here  

Quoting JAAlbert (Reply 34): Thank you for your report - interesting and informative, and what a treat to drive into Germany and hop on a SQ 380 to JFK!

Thank you for your words, and good to hear you liked the read. Well, driving to Germany to catch a flight is sure not my thing at first, but of course, it's doable. Maybe distances for you as an American citizen are a different factor then for me. FRA is quite far out of my catchment area to be honest   I like driving my car though lol!

Quoting JAAlbert (Reply 34): From your post it sounds like you had an unfortunate situation in the US - I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope it doesn't dissuade you from visiting the USA in the future - our country has so many amazing sites and cities - and some great airports!

I know, don't worry. It's nothing related to the city, your country, or whatever. It was a big thing in my private life, which had to happen in New York, unfortunately.

Regards
Eric