BMIFlyer From UK - England, joined Feb 2004, 8810 posts, RR: 62 Posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 24392 times:
Note: This is a long trip report.
Background:
I decided on a trip to Asia in February, due to the nice hot climate for the time of year. After a discussion with a friend from work (Nick), a Trip to Bali, Indonesia was decided upon. We decided a 12 day trip would be ok.
I looked at what SQ flights ex LHR were available, and after a short phone call to Air Canada, I secured a reward booking using air miles, after paying £95 / $180US in taxes for the trip (not bad eh?)
My trip was planned as follows:
Mon 18th Feb 2008 LHR-SIN SQ317 B744 F Class
Tue 19th Feb 2008 SIN-DPS SQ942 B772 C Class
Fri 29th Feb 2008 DPS-SIN SQ941 B772 C Class
Fri 29th Feb 2008 SIN-LHR SQ318 B744 Y Class
A couple of days later, I received my e-ticket confirmation, and that was it - I was confirmed for my first ever flight in International F class
**Just to note, Nick will not appear on the report, as he requested pics of him not be posted.
The Trip:
Leg 1:-
Date: Mon 18th Feb 2008
Departure Apt: LHR
Arrival Apt: SIN
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400 (9V SPE)
Flight No: SQ 317
Seat: 2A - First Class
After an overnight stay at a Heathrow hotel, we finally arrived at the airport just after 8am. We had already checked in online, so just needed to collect our boarding passes and hand over our baggage. Once the formalities were completed, we went to collect our pre-ordered currency, then passed thru "Fast Track" security. By 9am we had made our way to the SQ Silver Kris Lounge, where we relaxed in the 1st Class section.
Pics from the lounge.
At 11am (sched departure time), it was announced that the flight was still not ready for boarding, and that "for our comfort" we should remain in the lounge. At 11:20, boarding was announced, leaving from gate 24 (324), which I know immediately was a "bus" gate, therefore we would be leaving from a remote stand.
Sure enough, we boarded the bus, and embarked on a 10 min journey via the 'airside road tunnel', where we emerged next to T5, and our aircraft sure enough was there, doors open with Flight Attendants eagerly awaiting us.
I boarded via door L1, while Nick took L2. Pre departure drinks were offered, along with hot towels, which I found very welcoming. Also, menu's, headsets, eye shades, socks, toiletry kit and Pyjamas were handed out too.
At about 12 noon we pushed back an headed for the runway, 09R for takeoff. Ahead of us were a couple of bmi A320s and a BA A320. On the opposite taxiway also awaiting departure were a BA A320 and a QF 747-400. At roughly 12:05 the captain announced takeoff was next for us, and the F/As took their seats. Our aircraft entered the runway and performed a rolling takeoff. The video of this can be seen below.
Roughly 15 mins into the climbout, cabin service started, beggining with a drink offering, which for me was orange juice. I took some more pictures whilst we climbed east towards the North Sea.
Another hot towel was offered, then the lead F/A came and confirmed my meal choices with me - I had booked my meals (main course only) via the SQ "book the cook" service a few weeks prior to the flight.
Menu:
Canape - Satay with Spicy Sauces.
Soup - Cantonese Chicken Soup with Lotus Root and Red Dates.
Salad - Caesar Salad
Main Course - Roasted Lamb with Potatoes and Gravy.
Dessert - Lemon Panna Cotta with Citrus Salad, Raspberry Coulis topping.
Cheese and Fruit Selection
Garlic Bread.
The following are pics of the meal in the order that it was presented:
During the flight, I watched "The Kingdom" movie on the AVOD system, followed by listening to some music tracks of my choosing, then a few of the comedy programs that I found on the relevant TV section. During the night portion of the flight, the FA asked if I would like to sleep, then kindly turned down the bed for me, also providing me with a very nice thick quilt and pillow.
I slept pretty well, until the turbulence over the east cost of India woke me up. Not long after this, the FA asked if I would like breakfast, to which I replied yes.
Breakfast consisted of the following...
Orange Juice
Fruit Plate
Yoghurt
Noodles in Chicken Stock, with chicken and green vegetables
Bread Rolls with Preserves
Tea or Coffee
Pics of the breakfast in order of presentation are below.
I had an opportunity to capture the sunrise, so I took some pictures, which were pretty good, but not the best.
Landing at SIN was on time, despite our 1hr late departure from LHR. It has to be the smoothest landing i've ever experienced to date. Deplaning took place around 10 mins after landing, parking 2 aircraft away from a UA 777. I was unaware that UA flew to SIN, so was it a charter?
We arrived at the brand new T3, and upon leaving the aircraft, I received a very cheerful "Goodbye" from the lead F/A and the purser. I thanked them for the excellent service that they had provided.
Landing Video
Before I continue, here are some pictures from Changi Airport. We arrived at T3, and then transferred to T1.
BMIFlyer From UK - England, joined Feb 2004, 8810 posts, RR: 62 Reply 1, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 24578 times:
Leg 2:-
Date: Tue 19th Feb 2008
Departure Apt: SIN
Arrival Apt: DPS
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200 (9V-SRD)
Flight No: SQ 942
Seat: 16D - Business Class
After relaxing in the SQ lounge, we made our way to the gate (F33) for our next flight, where we were security screened before entering the gate area. Our aircraft - a B777 - was sat there in the sunshine, just waiting for us to board. Sure enough, on time at 0900, boarding was announced.
The purser welcomed me on board by name, and asked if I would like to move seats (I was booked into 15A), as the cabin was not going to be full. By moving seats I could sit alone, he explained. I obliged
Seats on this aircraft reminded me of flying UA business class.
After taking my seat an orange juice was offered, followed by a hot towel, then the menus and headsets were handed out. The safety video was shown, then we pushed back from the gate 5 mins late at 09:40. Takeoff was brisk at 0950, with a quick climb to our cruise altitude, because the flight was only 3/4 full, and it was scheduled for 2hrs 30 mins, meaning the aircraft was very light.
Cabin service commenced at 10am, beggining with a hot towel, then another drink. The F/A's then went round the C cabin to confirm everyones menu choices for brunch. As with the previous flight, I had booked my meal in advance. Note - Comfort Kits are not provided on short SQ flights such as this one.
Menu:
Starter - Fruit Plate, Croissants, Drinks.
Main - Steak 6oz and Vegetables, in Sauce.
Dessert - Grilled Pineapples & Mascarpone Cream.
Food
The flight was pretty much routine, until the turbulence started. In fact it got so "choppy" that the Captain requested the FA's to stop cabin service and return immediately to their seats. Believe me, it was bad, and I was genuinely worried for once - turbulence really doesn't bother me usually. That aside, the FA's did a great job handling everything.
The flight landed on time - well slightly early in fact - at 12:01 local time. Upon arrival at gate 8, we deplaned, and proceeded to immigration. After a visa had been placed in my passport (US $25 for 30 days), I collected my baggage, then to my surprise, I had to pass thru security, having all my bags and carry on items screened.
I am guessing this is a reaction to the 2002 Bali Bombings. Following this, I proceeded outside with Nick, and we found our transport to the hotel.
BMIFlyer From UK - England, joined Feb 2004, 8810 posts, RR: 62 Reply 2, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 24532 times:
Leg 3:-
Date: Fri 29th Feb 2008
Departure Apt: DPS
Arrival Apt: SIN
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200 (9V-SRN)
Flight No: SQ 941
Seat: 16A - Business Class
We arrived at the airport, and the first task was to be screened at security, before even going to the checkin area. After checking in at 6am, myself and Nick made our way to the "Executive" lounge, on the airport upper level. Here we relaxed for a couple of hours, watching various aircraft takeoff for different destinations.
If you like variety, Bali is the place to go!! - here you can see Helicopters, Light Aircraft, Dash 8's, ATR's, Fokker 28's, DC9's, MD80's, A319's, A320's, B732's, B733's, B734's, B735's, and B738's. Also there's a chance to see new B739ER's (Lion Air) on various days.
On the 'heavy' side airlines send A330's, B767's, B777's, and B747's. While I was there, a "Bahrain" 747SP was on the ramp too. You will see this on the "Taxi / Takeoff" video later.
Executive Lounge at DPS
Arriving at the gate, we were screened again at security, before boarding the flight. The flight was scheduled to depart at 09:05, and as scheduled, boarding began on time at 08:45. The flight today would be only half full, so I had 2 seats to myself, infact there were only 9 people in Business class today, each of us having 2 seats.
Again, as with the previous leg, I was offered the usual hot towel and welcome drink, along with a menu and headsets.
Aircraft
The flight pushed back on time and whilst we taxied the safety video was shown. We then took off at 0920. Our flight was due to take 2hrs and 5 mins to SIN, giving us an arrival time of 11:25, the scheduled arrival time being 11:40. As the connecting LHR flight was due to leave at 12:45, I welcomed the news of an earlier arrival into SIN.
Taxi and Takeoff Video
Cabin service commenced at 09:45, with drinks served first, followed by Breakfast.
I took the opportunity to capture some pics of the poor weather outside during the flight.
During the flight I used the AVOD system to listen to music, and watch TV. Landing in SIN was at 1135, due to a slow down by ATC.
Landing Video
Upon arrival at the Gate (T1) we left the aircraft, and made our way straight to T3 for the LHR Flight. On the way, before getting into the main body of the terminal, we passed through a security screening checkpoint. I've never experienced this before at SIN, so it must be a relatively new thing, unless of course it is because we have arrived from Indonesia??
BMIFlyer From UK - England, joined Feb 2004, 8810 posts, RR: 62 Reply 3, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 24518 times:
Leg 4:-
Date: Fri 29th Feb 2008
Departure Apt: SIN
Arrival Apt: LHR
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400 (9V-SPN)
Flight No: SQ 318
Seat: 40A - Economy Class
After using the train to move to T3, we headed straight for the gate, in order to catch our connecting flight. We were screened at the gate, making this the 4th time now that we had been screened on route! Our 744 was still being loaded and eventually boarding commenced on time.
Our planned departure was scheduled today for 12:50, with an arrival into LHR at 18:55.Once on board however, we discovered our deparure would be slightly late due to late connecting passengers and baggage.
Eventually we pushed from the gate at 12:55 and taxied to 02C for takeoff, on the way the Captain pointed out an SQ A380 parked on the right hand side of the aircraft We took off at 13:10. A video is below.
Takeoff Video
During the climb, I took pictures, but due to the awful weather, only 1 is worth posting in this report.
Climb Out
Cabin service commenced about 20 mins after wheels up, beggining with a hot towel. The captain informed us the flight would take 13hrs 10 mins (Should be 14h 05) and that arrival into LHR would be at 18:25. A drink service the commenced, followed by Lunch. About 6 hours later, dinner was served (12 noon local time in the UK!), then approx 2 hrs before landing, a snack service of sandwiches and fruit was provided.
Lunch
Dinner
During the flight I purchased some SQ aircraft models from the duty free
Around 1 hour prior to landing, the captain told us that London ATC were going to hold us for 30 mins, effectively "delaying" our arrival to it's booked time of 18:55. Sure enough, we were sent into a holding pattern over the Thames Estuary, then into another one just south of LCY.
We landed on time at 18:50. After arriving at the stand, it was discovered that the gate we'd parked at had only 1 jetway!! After disembarking from the aircraft, it took myself and friend a record 28 minutes to clear immigration, baggage, customs and get to the Heathrow Express station
So there we have it, the end of an adventure
I hope you liked reading the report as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Fca767 From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2006, 1720 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 24386 times:
Nice to see a different style of the same flight that I took from LHR to Changi...I'm envious that you took the stairs to the aircraft...I think this is the most authentic and proper way to enter these magnificent machines...Unfortunatly I'm not going home on the A380 because I am doing my working holiday in Brisbane because I had trouble in sydney trying to find work so that's where I am right now so will take the 747 to singapore around may...I could have just got a flight back to SYD but the times work better in brissy...basically gets me there at 5am gives me time to get into the city and buy this 2700 pound camera I've been wanting
UA772IAD From Australia, joined Jul 2004, 1635 posts, RR: 3 Reply 5, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 24184 times:
Quoting BMIFlyer (Thread starter):
Landing at SIN was on time, despite our 1hr late departure from LHR. It has to be the smoothest landing i've ever experienced to date. Deplaning took place around 10 mins after landing, parking 2 aircraft away from a UA 777. I was unaware that UA flew to SIN, so was it a charter?
UA has two scheduled flights to SIN. One is a 744 from ORD via HKG and the other, which you saw is a 777 from IAD via NRT. The flights arrive late in the evening and return to HKG and NRT early in the morning.
Great TR by the way! You can never go wrong with SQ, no matter what class you're in.
Rogerbcn From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1136 posts, RR: 19 Reply 6, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 24025 times:
Hola Lee!
Thanks for this nice TR.
I liked 'LB Productions' videos, really nice.
Flying the same airline on its three classes must be a unique experience. I have no doubts F is a top notch but looking at your pictures it seems Y is miles away from many other airlines: seat pitch and especially food look quite above average.
The best for me is to board the plane via stairs. My last B747 proper boarding goes back to 1981 onto TWA flight at BCN to JFK.
BTW, it would have been nice to have a picture of you on the return leg seeing the effects of Bali sun
Salut!
Roger
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
9V-SVA From Singapore, joined Aug 2001, 1858 posts, RR: 10 Reply 8, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days 14 hours ago) and read 23781 times:
Quoting BMIFlyer (Thread starter): Deplaning took place around 10 mins after landing, parking 2 aircraft away from a UA 777. I was unaware that UA flew to SIN, so was it a charter?
UA does fly to SIN on a regular basis. The UA 777 you saw was probably heading up to NRT. The HKG flight is normally a 744.
Quoting BMIFlyer (Thread starter): Before I continue, here are some pictures from Changi Airport. We arrived at T3, and then transferred to T1.
DPS flights depart from T2. Moreover the track which your Skytrain travelled on was the track headed to T2.
Well it seems you had a great trip! Just love the satay on board SQ flights. I've yet to see it outbound though.
ANCFlyer From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 11, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 22927 times:
Excellent report my friend . . . C or F when flying International is the only way to go . . . the Y on this trip didn't look too bad either . . . of course, it helps that this is Singapore Airlines
Fbgdavidson From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2004, 3688 posts, RR: 31 Reply 12, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 22858 times:
Great pictures Lee!
Any particular reason you were a suit for the flight in F?
The chicken satay looks yummy...one of my favourite dishes! Do they serve fizzy in Y? If not it seems a bit cruel to show a picture of it on the menu!
"My first job was selling doors, door to door, that's a tough job innit" - Bill Bailey
Singapore_Air From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2000, 13711 posts, RR: 21 Reply 13, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 22805 times:
A very nice trip report BMIFlyer. Congratulations and Kudos!
I hope you will choose to fly Singapore Airlines again soon!
BMIFlyer From UK - England, joined Feb 2004, 8810 posts, RR: 62 Reply 15, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 22763 times:
Quoting UA772IAD (Reply 5): UA has two scheduled flights to SIN. One is a 744 from ORD via HKG and the other, which you saw is a 777 from IAD via NRT. The flights arrive late in the evening and return to HKG and NRT early in the morning.
Thanks for that
Quoting UA772IAD (Reply 5): Great TR by the way! You can never go wrong with SQ, no matter what class you're in.
True!
Quoting Triple7man (Reply 9): I'm curious...why did you fly first class on the outbound and economy class on the return?
F and C were both full on all SIN - LHR flights of the day for the return leg
Quoting Fbgdavidson (Reply 12): Any particular reason you were a suit for the flight in F?
Well, I thought it was "the way", however upon boarding it seemed I was the smartest dressed!
Quoting A340600 (Reply 14): Was there not a hot option for breakfast?
You mean like a "fry up"? No, there wasn't. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it
Luv2fly From United States of America, joined May 2003, 11957 posts, RR: 51 Reply 16, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days ago) and read 22424 times:
Another great report of yours, thanks for sharing.
SXDFC From United States of America, joined Dec 2007, 2013 posts, RR: 19 Reply 17, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 4 days ago) and read 22388 times:
Hey Lee:
Nice TR! I do have a question for you. I noticed your attire in your first part of the TR, which was a shirt, tie,etc is that what the First Class pax on SQ are supposed to wear, any dress codes for them? Once again great TR! Too bad your 747 wasn't an A380 .
ALL views, opinions expressed are mine ONLY and are NOT representative of those shared by Southwest Airlines Co.
AznMadSci From United States of America, joined Dec 2007, 3542 posts, RR: 5 Reply 18, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 22246 times:
Awesome and stylin!!! I need to try SQ and can't wait to see them in IAH! Thanks!
The journey of life is not based on the accomplishments, but the experience.
Sean377 From United Kingdom, joined Mar 2001, 1225 posts, RR: 45 Reply 21, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 2 days 16 hours ago) and read 21073 times:
Quoting BMIFlyer (Thread starter): and after a short phone call to Air Canada, I secured a reward booking using air miles, after paying £95 / $180US in taxes for the trip (not bad eh?)
Hi Lee, great report.
Out of curiosity, are those regular airmiles you used (as in airmiles.co.uk)?
I'm keen to start doing some trips like this, but wonder where everyone gets's their rewards from?
Sean
Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man... Landing is the first!
PlymSpotter From Spain, joined Jun 2004, 11141 posts, RR: 63 Reply 23, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 20921 times:
About time you got around to writing another TR Lee Excellent one as usual - congratulations on your first First flight - bit of a mouthful to say there! The food looked fantastic, but unlike so many other reports you added other interesting bits about the flight and outside views, very good to see.
Jamotcx From United Kingdom, joined May 2004, 1037 posts, RR: 28 Reply 24, posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 20422 times:
Lee!
That trip report gives me major deja vu!
What did you think to Bali? I think I'm back off there at the end of the year
Jamo
25 SASDC8: Thanks for a really nice report To bad SQ didn't have any available seats in C or F for your return journey to LHR. I´m also curious about how you fo
26 BMIFlyer: Was good, especially the clubbing, and the lovely Australian girls I'll defo go back sometime. Lee
27 NEMA: Enjoyed following your topic thanks. The one and only problem i would have endured were the meals on the first leg. Other than the lamb i would not ha
28 OA260: Excellent TR and pics!!! 10/10 in my opinion. You got some brilliant pics of the interior and service etc.... A real enjoyable read. F class looks coo
29 LongHauler: I cheer the fact that this gentleman chose to wear respectable clothing. In my opinion if one wants to be treated with respect, one should dress so.
30 Myt332: I disagree with that whole heartedly. I know you addressed what my opinion is so I won't go on too much but basically I'll wear what I want and still
31 BA319-131: Nice report and pictures thanks. I must say the meals you were served in F were not all that special, at least in my opinion, the meals on the other C
32 Fbgdavidson: Really? I fly a mix of classes but for the most part premium cabins, longhaul and shorthaul. I never feel I've received inferior service purely becau
33 FXramper: Lee - best t/r I've read on the site. I enjoyed SQ from LAX to Asia for work in F several times. Your pics are fantastic and your critique of the serv
34 Chris78cpr: Interesting report, i have to mention two things. Firstly i would have adapted my rtn flight so that i could get at least J if not F. Why not spend an
35 BMIFlyer: I couldn't, as I had to return to work As for everything else, if I want to wear a suit when I fly "F", then its up to me. I like to smartly dress an
36 B747forever: Great TR, Lee. The pics and videos are really good. Congrats for flying on F class for the first time. Seems that you enjoyed your trip with SQ. If yo
37 LO231: Great report, Lee !! Our paths have crossed in Asia, I was flying SQ317 on 16th of Feb, then on to MNL... Trip report will appear soon, I am still bus
38 Superfly: That lady friend of mine that you like in Bangkok wants to see a picture of you in those pyjamas they passed out. Excellent report Lee! One of these
39 BMIFlyer: No pics i'm afraid I didn't take any Lee
40 Babybus: I really enjoyed reading that. Great that you could compare the classes all within a short time, and not relying on memory. To save up my BA airmiles
41 Sq2ams: Nice report Lee. You just cannot beat the service on SQ. They are unbelievably a super, super international carrier. Glad you enjoyed your trip. I lov
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