LIS-AMS
Date: 2nd December
Airline: TAP Air-Portugal
Flight TP 5608
Scheduled departure: 18:00
Actual departure: 18:05
Scheduled arrival: 21:50
Actual arrival: 21:35
Aircraft flown: Airbus A319
Registration: CS-TTO


I woke up early in the morning. This would be my last day in Lisbon before leaving for EWR via AMS on TAP Air Portugal and Singapore Airlines.
I arrived at Lisbon International Airport 1h 30m before my flight to AMS.
I checked-in with no problems. However, I noticed that the check-in lady was extremely robotic and rather unpleasant. I asked for a window seat but instead I got 3B, whereas my parents got seat 3D and 3F.
We then went directly to Navigator Lounge. Compared with other airline lounges, Naviagator Lounge is terrible. There is lack of space, no windows, no decent snacks (just peanuts and juices), and the staff is unfriendly.
We were called for our flight at 17:30 and boarded the Airbus 319 (CS-TTO).
As we were being welcomed onboard, one of the stewardesses handed me my coat, however, I wasn’t escorted to my seat.
The newspapers were handed and consequently the security video was shown. Unfortunately, no pre-takeoff drinks were given to the passengers.
After taking off we encountered some light turbulence. Fortunately, that happened just over a short period of time.
The dinner was given 35 minutes after taking off. Chicken, potatoes and some cold vegetables made up our dinner. Unfortunately, TAP has an appalling food. Even in business class, which is contemptible in my opinion.
While on approach, we had some turbulence due to the bad weather in Amsterdam. We docked at gate C18 (this gate is frequently used by TAP), passed through passport control and went to luggage claim area. Luggage claim wasn’t exactly fast and we had to wait more than 5 minutes.



AMS-EWR
Date: 3rd December
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Flight SQ 024
Scheduled departure: 08:10
Actual departure: 08:35
Scheduled arrival:
Actual arrival: 10:30
Aircraft flown: Boeing B747-412 Megatop
Registration: 9V-SMO




My next flight would be bound for Newark, our final destination. However, that flight was scheduled to depart the next day at 8:10am. Therefore, we went to the Hilton at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. This hotel is a good option if you have to spend a night at Schiphol, however I have experienced hotels with better service and facilities.
After that night’s rest, I woke up at 5:30am. I then had a shower. After leaving the hotel, I went, along with my parents, to the check-in area, where we would check in for our next flight. I’d be flying in a 744, or the Megatop which is what SQ calls their 744s. We went to the First Class check-in and found an extremely gracious lady. My father had not chosen our seats when he booked that flight, so I asked and got 3A, whereas my parents got 3C and 3D. The check-in lady put a First Class priority tag in our luggage and gave us a pass, which would allow us access to the Silver Kris lounge. Nonetheless, due to the lack of time, my father decided not to go. After wondering quite a bit in Schiphol, we found to be slightly late to board the aircraft. We ran to gate G03 and found the majestic airplane. This time I was flying 9V-SMO.
As we boarded the airplane, a Singapore Girl greeted us. Peculiarly, instead of calling me Mr. Dionízio, she called me by a French surname, which I forgot.
She apologized sincerely, and as a matter of fact, all the First Class crew apologized to me more than once.
The amenity kits were promptly given followed by the Headsets and the newspapers. The crew then asked me whether I’d have any drink before taking off. I choose a fresh apple juice. After that, I was given the menu with all the breakfast options.
The flight was scheduled to leave at 08:10. However, due to a problem with the luggage from a couple in Raffles class, the flight was delayed.
The flight took off at 08:35 and it was extremely smooth.
35 minutes later my delicious breakfast was served. It was included cheese omelet and some other scrumptious delights, namely one fantastic mushrooms cake. The food in First Class has always been a very strong point at Singapore Airlines. Unfortunately, in this flight, my father hadn’t booked a cook so we had to eat the food in the menu.
After having my delicious breakfast, I decided I’d continue reading my exciting novel ‘Cakes and Ale’ by Somerset Maugham. Finally, after finishing it, it was time to watch some movies. Wiseman is utterly amazing. You have absolute control on what you want to watch. That means that you can pause if you want to go to the toilet, for instance. I watched just one movie. The rest of the flight was taken with some Nintendo games. During the flight the crew came continually to my seat. They kept asking me whether I was having a pleasant flight. The answer was always an obvious yes.
A variety of snacks were served during this flight. The crew kept giving me some delicious ice cream as well as filling my glass with apple juice during the entire flight.
We finally landed at Newark International Airport at 10:30am. We were the first passengers to leave the aircraft followed by the well-mannered French couple.
Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait more than 10 minutes to pick up our luggage. (The other times I’ve been to the United States it was much worse)
I had an outstanding flight, and this proves that Singapore Airlines is one the best airlines around.


Hope you enjoyed reading my first trip report

Manel ----- also known as SQFCflyer

I’ll post my return trip report soon! Stay tuned  

******Singapore Airlines, now more than ever a great way to fly******