OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 23098 posts, RR: 60 Posted (5 months 1 week 6 days ago) and read 14672 times:
Welcome to my latest trip report. As some of you may know I have taken a month off work and been travelling around the globe It will take some time for me to write all the reports but I want to start with this one. SQ recently announced that the Athens route would go SIN-IST-ATH-IST-SIN and to my luck they sell tickets on the ATH-IST sector.
I decided during my time in Athens to take advantage of this new route as I have never flown SQ. I was scheduled to fly to Istanbul anyway so what better way to travel.
I booked my seat and then all I had to do was await the day of departure.
I got up at 6am and left for the airport. I am only a 10 mins walk from the Airport bus so it was fairly easy for me. Ticket for the bus now costs EUR5 where is used to be EUR3.20 ! Still for a 45mins express service its not bad.
On the way to the bus stop.
DATE: 12/DEC/2011
AIRLINE: SINGAPORE AIRLINES
ROUTE: ATHENS - ISTANBUL
CLASS: BUSINESS
SEAT: 16K
AIRCRAFT: B777-212ER
REG: 9V - SVM
I checked in at the SQ Gold/J desk and was greeted by a very friendly agent. SQ are handled by Olympic Handling and thus also use the Olympic Air lounges. I was advised the boarding time and also the location of the lounge. I know this off by heart and was happy to use it as its the best lounge in ATH in my opinion. Second is the Aegean lounge. Ironically A3 use the OA lounge for their LHR flights as they have no non schengen lounge. OA has two one in each sector.
I entered the lounge and was greeted by a friendly lounge agent. I handed in my invitation and was
welcomed into the lounge.
The lounge has a good free wifi service and also 4 PCs and the ability to print free also.
Soon it was time to leave the pleasant lounge. I always enjoy my time here. I was invited to use the
fast track service so cleared security in no time at all.
My ride to IST
Soon it was time to board the flight. Around 100 passengers waiting to board. About 20 business class
passengers. Star Gold/J class were invited to board first. I was welcomed into the cabin by a friendly FA
and directed to my seat. The FA saw me taking lots of photos and asked if this was my first time with SQ
I said yes it was and she said I was very welcome and if there was anything at all I needed not to hesitate to ask.
She also asked if I was going to SIN and I said no just IST sadly .
I was offered a drink and I opted for the juice which was very refreshing. The chief FA came to
my seat and greeted me by name and said if there was anything at all I needed just to ask.
I have to say I was impressed with the personal touch by both of them within 10 mins of entering the cabin.
A menu was in each seat so I took a look. To my surprise we were to be offered a meal on this short sector of around
an hour. I expected just drinks so this was a bonus.
Some lovely options if your going the whole way .
These will get to IST before us . TK runs a shuttle service between ATH and IST these days.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 23098 posts, RR: 60 Reply 2, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days ago) and read 14782 times:
The meal was served and nicely presented.
Thats nice cups you got there SQ .
The meal was perfect for the flight time and tasted very good. I was offered more champagne but
declined. One was enough for me. I did take some coffee though which was very good.
A quick visit to the bathroom and nicely laid out and clean.
A quick look at the Y class section and looks quite nice also .
As soon as I got back to my seat more hot towels. WOW this is only a 1 hour flight. What service.
I had to try out the bed and I have to say even though it is the old product its very comfortable.
We were getting closed to IST and soon it was time to get ready for landing. The chief FA came to each
passenger and greeted them by name. ''Hi Mr OA260 , I trust everything was ok for you . Im getting off in
Istanbul so will say goodbye to you here''. He didnt seem to realise I was also lol... I wonder what the crew
rotations are for this flight?
We had a smooth landing and went past the cargo area seeing the new A330's .
Soon it was time to disembark and thank the crew for a short but wonderful flight.
Are you on the exempt list ? Not me I must pay the GBP10 , Greek passports pay nothing though.
An Iranian visitor.
Soon after paying my GBP10 and getting my little sticker then going to the passport control I was
free to enter I made my way to the Havas bus which connects IST to Taksim for TRY10 each way .
The bus was modern and comfortable. Some views along the way :
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 23098 posts, RR: 60 Reply 3, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 14688 times:
Soon I arrived at Taksim and made my way to the Richmond Hotel which is my choice of hotel
in Istanbul. Its about a 10 mins walk down Istikal Cad.
Hmmm food .
I checked in and the front desk manager greeted me. Arrr Mr OA260 you are back to stay with us
again, welcome. You have been upgraded to our executive floor Nice ... One reason why I stick
with the Richmond is the service is always top notch.
Lovely room cant complain about that .
Soon it was time to meet my friend and head out for the day . In the evening we went to a nice restaurant
for dinner .
Followed by a non traditional Starbucks lol... Still the Sour Cherry chocolate cake was amazing !
So thats the end of this report. I have to say SQ excelled on this short flight. I didnt expect so much for
such a short flight. Im happy to add SQ to my flown list. I want to have flown all Star Carriers by end of 2012
More from Istanbul on my return TR so stay tuned
Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments as usual.
GVAJFKflyer From Switzerland, joined Aug 2009, 85 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 14556 times:
Great report ! Thanks for sharing. It's always nice to read about somewhat "unusual" routes. I was also most impressed by your account of SQ's service on this short flight. Plus, it's official: I must visit Istanbul !
SloAir From Slovenia, joined Jul 2010, 269 posts, RR: 6 Reply 5, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 14508 times:
Hi Philip,
wonderful report I was afraid we would have to wait a bit for this SQ report due to you're little backlog, but a very nice surprise, thanks for sharing.
I had an equally good fifth freedom flight with SQ on the MUC-MAN rout and I was very impressed. Service and kindness of the crew is something special, I just love (almost) everything about Singapore after my recent trip over there.
Nice to see some pictures of Istanbul, another place that impressed me this year My hotel was also just a few minutes away from Taksim, so some familiar sights for me.
I look forward to the rest of you reports, specially the TK flights! And the one from one very special island airport of course
gpbcroppers63 From Ireland, joined Jan 2008, 484 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 14477 times:
Hey Philip,
Great first TR in this series. Looking forward to the rest of them. I'm glad you enjoyed SQ. They do look really good on a 1-hour flight. I'd love to try them out. Maybe next year.
I love your pictures of the OA lounge too. It's such a nice lounge. Your pics of Istanbul are fab as well. I must go back there for longer at some point.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 1646 posts, RR: 11 Reply 8, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 14419 times:
Looks nice a good short flight from SQ. Back in 2003 I flew SIN-DXB with SQ, with the plane continuing to IST. They've changed it all around now I see. Interesting to see they using the old spacebeds on such a long flight.
Luxair747SP From Germany, joined May 2010, 374 posts, RR: 20 Reply 9, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 14417 times:
Hi Phil,
thanks for putting this report up so quick.
What a nice evening read and very good pictures.
Since I flew SQ for the first time, they impress me with their great service.
Even on your short sector they provided it top-notch.
The food also looks fine for this length of sector.
Thanks a lot for sharing and Im looking forward to your other reports.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 23098 posts, RR: 60 Reply 10, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 14392 times:
Quoting GVAJFKflyer (Reply 4): Great report ! Thanks for sharing. It's always nice to read about somewhat "unusual" routes. I was also most impressed by your account of SQ's service on this short flight. Plus, it's official: I must visit Istanbul !
Many thanks for the reply Im glad you liked it. Yes Istanbul is my favourite city next to Athens. I feel at home there and have some very good friends.
Quoting SloAir (Reply 5): wonderful report I was afraid we would have to wait a bit for this SQ report due to you're little backlog, but a very nice surprise, thanks for sharing.
Hey I couldnt keep you waiting so I had to prioritise them and this made it to no.1
Quoting SloAir (Reply 5): I look forward to the rest of you reports, specially the TK flights! And the one from one very special island airport of course
Indeed I need to get uploading and writing . Thanks for the reply and I hope you will like the rest.
LOL... You know the origin of your name from the Greek . Filos = Friend and Ippos = horse so means friend of horses.You probably know that
Quoting photophil (Reply 6): I just hope I will sometimes go abord SQ ...
Im sure you will especially with these 5th Freedom opportunities to try .
Quoting gpbcroppers63 (Reply 7): I'm glad you enjoyed SQ. They do look really good on a 1-hour flight. I'd love to try them out. Maybe next year.
Yes you should especially on the new products.
Quoting gpbcroppers63 (Reply 7):
I love your pictures of the OA lounge too. It's such a nice lounge.
Indeed its so nice and relaxing in there.
Quoting gpbcroppers63 (Reply 7): I remember that square from my quick overnight in June. Nice to see it again by night although the Christmas market looks a little out of place. Lol!!
LOL... its mostly for the kids and rides etc... still makes the place charming at this time of year.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 5570 posts, RR: 58 Reply 12, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 13326 times:
Hi Philip!
Thanks for an excellent report with very nice pictures !
Great choice to try SQ in J. Seats look a bit old but service seem very good and the sandwich looks great!
Which Star Alliance carriers are you missing ? ET just joined yesterday.
Looking forward to the rest of your reports, especially the ones on TK.
ca228 From Canada, joined Mar 2005, 89 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 13286 times:
Great report. Couple of questions:
1) was there a crew change in IST, or did the same crew continue to Singapore?
2) were there any Asian passengers on your sector? From the photos, it doesn't look like there were many in Y or J.
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4551 posts, RR: 56 Reply 14, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 12991 times:
Philip,
Great report. I totally forgot that SQ even operates this IST-ATH leg ... they seem to be the new airline with 1-stop random 5th freedom flights! Great networking planning department I must say.
The service on ground at ATH, and on board SQ looks great. Other airlines should talk about the food service in proper plates on such as short flight!
Surprised that they are sending such a old J product all the way to ATH. Is the ATH-SIN (and ATH-Australia?) markets that low yielding in J?
infinit From Singapore, joined Jul 2008, 151 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 12970 times:
Wonderful TR with lots of pictures, thanks for the effort. Being the visual person I am, I love TRs with lots of pics. This would be the perfect route for me as I'd love to visit both Athens and Istanbul. Both cultures appeal to me greatly. I've always had an avid interest in Greek mythology ever since I came across books on it in school. And your pictures of Istanbul sure look alluring.
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): A trolley came down the aisles with a wide selection of Greek/Turkish and English papers.
Just to point out, that paper, the Sunday Times isn't English as in from the UK, its Singaporean.
tcm From Turkey, joined Jul 2010, 485 posts, RR: 1 Reply 16, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 12511 times:
Thank you very much for another great report Philip. Even though some complain about slipping standards and robotic crew; I still think SQ is one of the best in terms of cabin service. The "spacebed" is similar to what TK offers to SIN on their A330-200s and A340s. TK's new A333s have a superior hard product but SQ is still miles ahead in terms of soft product. So I'd say on ATH-IST-SIN SQ offers the best in terms of quality/price. Anyway I wish you all the best on your month long Odyssey ( without any trouble)
The product certainly is older but comfortable all the same. I have to say I love the B777 , forgotten how nice it is.ET and NZ NH SN are missing so need to get those done
I'm not sure as I got off right away. Maybe just the head FA was getting off.
There were very few Asian passengers maybe around 10. It's not really the season so not a surprise. Most were Greeks and business traffic. I heard a guy in J class heading to SIN for some business deal. He was on his mobile at the gate.
The Greeks were mostly Australia bound which again is no surprise.
Thanks for the reply. I can understand why SQ use their older product to ATH and IST as from what I hear it's not one of their most important routes. I guess the product will change in time but not a priority right now. Greece - OZ were always low yields thats why OA never made it work. OA kept OZ purely due to political and diaspora reasons. This was not sustainable as we saw.
EuroWings From United Kingdom, joined Sep 2011, 238 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 11896 times:
Hi Philp,
Absolutely brilliant report on a very interesting route - I really enjoyed reading this one.
I've flown on a SQ fifth freedom service on MAN-MUC (with the new product on the 77W) and I was rather impressed with the service in economy. Judging from what the crew said, the crew on these flights work the fifth freedom segment between two long haul flights, so on this route they would operate SIN-IST, with a layover, followed by IST-ATH-IST and then another layover, before returning to SIN.
Many thanks for your reply and also for the information about the crew rotations that
Certainly makes sense and I was wondering what way they worked it.
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): The FA saw me taking lots of photos and asked if this was my first time with SQ
I said yes it was and she said I was very welcome and if there was anything at all I needed not to hesitate to ask.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 1): Champagne maybe?
Oh ok if you insist
Truly SQ touch.
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): I was offered a drink and I opted for the juice which was very refreshing
I did not know that Istanbul is still called Constantinople in Greek.
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): TK runs a shuttle service between ATH and IST these days
SQ must be a welcome alternative, then?
Quoting OA260 (Reply 2): ''Hi Mr OA260 , I trust everything was ok for you . Im getting off in
Istanbul so will say goodbye to you here''. He didnt seem to realise I was also lol...
Did you tell him about your visit?
Quoting OA260 (Reply 2): Are you on the exempt list ? Not me I must pay the GBP10
Nope, just like you.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 2): Some views along the way :
Ah, last year spring memories.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 3): Richmond Hotel which is my choice of hotel
in Istanbul.
I can understand why. I assume you have written some recommendations as well on TripAdvisor.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 3): Still the Sour Cherry chocolate cake was amazing !
So appropriate for Turkey.
Thanks again for sharing this excellent report along with many beautiful pictures.
Sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 747 posts, RR: 27 Reply 21, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 11795 times:
Hi Philip,
I' glad you have been able to have a taste of SQ on this flight. I'm amazed these are all December pics, the weather down there is certainly much better that it is in mainland Europe, so enjoy your time there as much as you can. Istanbul is a marvellous city, I've been there 3 years ago and I loved every bit of it.
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): The FA saw me taking lots of photos and asked if this was my first time with SQ
I said yes it was and she said I was very welcome and if there was anything at all I needed not to hesitate to ask.
That's a nice way to be welcomed!
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Olympic Airlines A340's not clear to go anywhere still !
chepos From Puerto Rico, joined Dec 2000, 5826 posts, RR: 14 Reply 22, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 11639 times:
Great trip report. It's amazing that the f/a saw you take pictures and made nothing of it, had you been in the US they would have asked you to put the camera way or they would call security,
Quite an elaborate meal serive for such a short flight btw.
LH4532 From Germany, joined Sep 2011, 61 posts, RR: 16 Reply 23, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 11551 times:
Hello Philip ,
Your TR is a good thing to read in the evening . I still remember my many flights with SQ when I was little . The last flight I had with SQ is many years ago , I believe since 2002 . You sure know how to write great Trip Reports . Keep up the good work . I am very looking forward to your other TR´s .
ROGERBCN From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1007 posts, RR: 18 Reply 24, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 11477 times:
Hola Philip!
Great to see one of your holiday reports, great to see SQ is having 5th freedom rights on the route ATH-IST... I only wish we had the same opportunity here between BCN and MXP.
The service for such a short flight looks great, really nice to see the amount of food served and that they are using proper tableware... amazing nowadays...
It is a real pre-Christmas' present... great!
Salut!
Looking forward to reading your great holidays adventure in the Caribbean.
Roger
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
25 OA260: Yes cant complain really and although the old product I still wouldnt hesitate to fly them all the way to SIN Thanks for the reply Johannes. Yes for
26 deltamartin: Hi Philip! Great report, I really enjoyed reading about your flight with SQ. SQ sure seems like a great airline, I would love to try them some day. Go
27 MSS658: Hi Philip Nice trip report, SQ sure seems to be a good way to travel down to IST from ATH (even being a 50min hop). The old product still looks comfor
28 PlaneHunter: Hi Phil, great report about this new short SQ route! Even its old J Class cabin looks nice - and the catering looks good as usual. PH
29 OA260: Thanks for the reply. Yes in future if I fly ATH-IST I will certainly try to get on it again . Hey Marc glad you enjoyed it . Another report for the
30 FlyingFinn76: Hi Phil, Great stuff in your usual photo rich style. That's a great fifth freedom route by SQ. The business class service looks impeccable and very go
31 aerdingus: Hi Philip I would love to do a hop like this! IST looks beautiful & is somewhere I would be interested in seeing. Thanks for sharing!
32 ba319-131: Hi Philip, Great report and pictures, must say this is an interesting route/airline combo, if I found the time I'd like to give it a go too, short fli
33 717Flyer: Hi Philip, Thanks for this great report - nicely spiced with many nice pictures! Interesting, I wasn't aware they had other 5th freedom flights in Eur
34 OA260: Yes i thought that also , all these small touches make a big difference especially if its your language . Not too much an integrated ticket for Bus/T
35 FLIEGER67: Hey, Phil, what a great idea to catch SQ on these short hop between ATH and IST. Really good service, looks nice. Also the pictures from Istanbul, wel
36 LXM83: Hello OA260 Nice way to travel between ATH and IST! Thanks for sharing it here. Best regards LXM83
37 OA260: Hey Markus many thanks . I'm going to have to get writing now for the rest Thanks for the reply I'm glad you liked it
38 infodesk: Hi Philip, Wow! That's all I can say! What fantastic service on a one hour flight. I bet you can search long and hard to find something that comes clo
39 shamrock604: What a nice way to introduce SQ to your "flown with" list! Just a shame you did not get to sample the new cabin product. I still maintain though that
40 lukeyboy95: Great report Philip.... although it seemed like more of a teaser than a taster... especially seeing that menu! SQ do a bunch of nice 5th freedoms, tho
41 nethkt: A complete 5 Stars trip report. Love it so much. SQ is still SQ no matter what. A truly industry leader where other airlines just try to keep up. Than
42 OA260: Hi Hannah thanks for the reply. Indeed a really good 60mins experience for sure . Indeed totally random Indeed but there is as you say a incentive to
43 signol: Excellent report Philip! Thanks. Nice to see 5th freedom tickets available, how widely is it known amongs the Greek and Turkish populations about this
44 OA260: Hey thanks alot Thats a shame but Im sure you will make it sometime and you will enjoy it more because you have been waiting for it . That sounds lik
45 gpbcroppers63: You've been back ages and only put 1 more report up. Get moving. I want to read more!!
46 OA260: But the lot are up now LOL... --- So for anyone wanting to see the whole series in order here it is : LH--DUB-MIA Business Class On The A380+Tech Iss
47 fabianbrimfield: Great pics and nice TR. I like the look of the old J in SQ's 777. Catering looks got for a short hop.
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It will take some time for me to write all the reports but I want to start with this one. SQ recently announced that the Athens route would go SIN-IST-ATH-IST-SIN and to my luck they sell tickets on the ATH-IST sector. 
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