grecomark From Philippines, joined Jan 2012, 18 posts, RR: 0 Posted (1 year 1 month 2 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 9175 times:
Welcome to my Second Trip Report!
You can find my very first trip report here: It Begins: MNL-SIN-MNL On SQ Y Class (by grecomark Jan 23 2012 in Trip Reports)
It basically details the very usual MNL-SIN-MNL route for me on SQ, so that I will not have to post much detail about that in my future trip reports.
I. Introduction
The purpose of this trip was to represent my Association in a General Assembly of our Federation. The assembly took place in Accra, Ghana, where I joined hundreds of medical students from around the world.
I had a few options to get to ACC: one was MNL-BKK-ADD-ACC on PR and ET. It was the cheapest option at the time. I could also take the slightly more expensive, but quite boring MNL-DXB-ACC on EK. As I really wanted to boost my SQ/Star miles for possible redemption of a trip next year, I looked for routes on Star. By January 29, the personal deadline I set for booking the tickets was looming ahead, and I was determined to book the PR/ET itinerary. Good thing I asked help from Raf, my classmate and friend and one great aviation enthusiast. He suggested going to JNB instead and to ditch the GA for my own African adventure going north. I initially dismissed the thought and really just laughed at him, and it took but a few seconds for me to realize that the route had Star written all over.
By January 30, I was able to come up with two most probable itineraries: MNL-SIN-JNB-ACC on SQ and SA and MNL-SIN-JNB-DXB-ACC on SQ and EK featuring 388 and 343 and a hefty amount of Krisflyer and Skywards miles. That morning the SQ/EK itinerary was even cheaper that SQ/SA. The only downside was that I would arrive on the third day of the GA. I asked my parents and some friends for their opinion, and my final decision was to go Star all the way. By the time I booked the flights (late in the evening of the 30th), the EK leg on the second itinerary was worth a small fortune already. I contacted the SQ local office the next morning for them to assist me in connecting the flights, so I could have my luggage tagged straight to ACC. I was too engrossed in the functions of my organizations and in my studies that the date of my departure came unnoticed. So let's begin!
II. Ninoy Aquino International Aiport T1
I reached the terminal at around 14.40 and proceeded directly to the cashier to pay for the Philippine travel tax (if you book your tickets online, you have to pay a separate tax in the airport amounting to PhP 1620/USD 38 for Y or PhP 2700/USD 63 for C ). After a few minutes, my name was called and off I went to the SQ check-in counters. There are four SQ MNL-SIN flights every day, so the check-in counters are open throughout. Luckily I was the only one on the line and my presented my travel documents. Philippine passport holders are qualified for visa-on-arrival application in Ghana, but they had to recheck the rules, and the check-in agent called his supervisor. As usual the SQ ground staff in MNL is ever so polite. The check-in agent nearby also helped and even asked about my work in the Association. After about 10 minutes, the process was complete and my luggage was tagged all the way to ACC. The SA BP had to be picked up in JNB instead, but that's acceptable. I was given departure cards, an SQ pen and a sticker by the other ground staff, so I took a few minutes before proceeding to immigration.
Very old school FIDS, taken after filling my immigration form. The MH and EK flights have code shares with PR.
After check-in, one has to pay the terminal fee now worth PhP 550 or USD 13. It was previously worth PhP 750. Then off to clear immigration and pass by the security. This was taken after passing the Duty Free shops.
To the gates!
View of the Manila skyline
Control Tower proximal to Terminal 2
MABUHAY (Long live or welcome)
A7-BAP arriving from DOH
When I get rich!
PR744 and 333
Notice how near the residences are to the airport.
I finally reached Gate 6, where a final manual security inspection was done. Our neighbor is EK333 bound for DXB.
III. MNL to SIN, SQ919
Date: 2 March 2012
Aircraft & Registration: A330-343E, 9V-STI
ETD/ATD, ETA/ATA: 17:10/17:35, 20:45/20:48
Class, Seat: Y, 57K
I still had about one and half hours to wait. As I just finished an exam earlier that morning, I was too lazy to drag myself to spot. So I settled in with a can of soda and my iPad. Good thing there's free WiFi, with sufficient bandwidth. After some twenty minutes, 9V-STI arrived from SIN.
Boarding began thirty minutes before scheduled departure. I knew then that there was a high probability of our flight getting delayed, given the huge amount of people in the gate. Priority boarding was done first for Business Class Passengers, Krisflyer and Star Gold members and PPS Club members, then for families with children and those needing assistance. Finally boarding for Y passengers was done by rows.
Great legroom! The compartment contains the magazines on board, a copy of Straits Times I picked before coming in, my iPad, my Blackberry and earphones.
Our neighbor just arrived from DXB.
Look at the mighty shadow of our aircraft!
At around 17.10, our scheduled time of departure, hot towel service began. The captain came on PA and explained that the luggage of some missing passengers had to be offloaded, and that pushback would commence shortly, pending ATC clearance. Some more checks and reminders were done. Final inspection was performed by the Flight Supervisor.
The safety demonstration video began playing on the PTVs after a while. Then pushback!
CX744 bound for HKG
EY332 bound for AUH, A6-EYS in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix livery. Middle Eastern carriers dominate NAIA T1 in the late afternoons, with EK, EY, QR, SV and KU departing almost consecutively.
Rwy06 was used, so I was not able to take a photo of the terminals. On the lower right is the South Luzon Expressway, the primary road connecting Manila to the nearby provinces from the South.
We entered some dark clouds hovering the nearby cities before turning to a South-westerly direction.
These views make me want to fly and fly and fly.
Once the seatbelt sign was turned off, headphones were distributed and menus were handed with that touch of SQ hospitality.
Mixed nuts were distributed, and the drinks service began. Of course, I chose the Singapore Sling! Two glasses please!
I watched Modern Family to let time pass. After a while the show outside caught my attention; I have this rule that whenever I fly westward on a late afternoon, I choose the Starboard, so I get to witness “infinite” sunsets.
Twenty or so minutes later, dinner service commenced. There were two choices for the main: braised beef and chicken curry. I chose the beef.
The appetizer was a tuna Waldorf salad. It was okay although some dash of pepper helped enhance its flavor. The tuna reminded me of a particular Italian brand of canned tuna: Rio Mare. I liked it. The dinner roll was also good, soft and fluffy and fresh; perfect with the butter provided. I asked for seconds. For the main, the beef was tender, but it needed some more seasoning. So far the mashed potato served on board my past SQ flights beat the mashed potato being served in the restaurant my roommate and I frequent for that creamy goodness. The dessert was green tea cake, which was just fine. I also had two cans of Coke light.
Coffee and tea service began after all meals were distributed. A final water/OJ/champagne run commenced, which was a first for me on this route. A little while later, I walked a bit, initially just to go to the washroom, but then I proceeded to the galley to ask for another glass Singapore Sling. There were two Singapore Girls arranging the food trays then; one told me that she would prepare it shortly, another asked me about my trip and if I was an aviation enthusiast. We had a short chat, and I checked the washroom before returning to my seat. A glass of Singapore Sling and a glass of water were served.
I fell asleep somewhere here and was woken up by a Singapore girl, asking me to straighten my seat and telling me that we were on final descent.
We arrived a few minutes past the ETA and taxied 10 minutes or so to our gate in Terminal 3.
Overall it was my usual kind of flight with SQ on this route. By “usual” I mean topnotch. I ended up detailing this flight because it would be the last A333 MNL-SIN-MNL trip I could cover for a long while. Since March 25, SIA has replaced the sole A333 on this route with B772, using it in all four daily flights. I was still on an A333 on the return flight, but I just slept through.
I met up with a friend to catch up and have a more substantial dinner before going back to Changi for my next flight scheduled to depart by 02.35.
thegivenone From Austria, joined Jan 2008, 134 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (1 year 1 month 2 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 8538 times:
Love the routing as well! Great first part of the report – I look forward to the upcoming (longer) sector. Makes me miss flying SQ.
Quoting grecomark (Thread starter): By January 30, I was able to come up with two most probable itineraries: MNL-SIN-JNB-ACC on SQ and SA and MNL-SIN-JNB-DXB-ACC on SQ and EK featuring 388 and 343 and a hefty amount of Krisflyer and Skywards miles. That morning the SQ/EK itinerary was even cheaper that SQ/SA. The only downside was that I would arrive on the third day of the GA. I asked my parents and some friends for their opinion, and my final decision was to go Star all the way.
Your decision making process resonates strongly as I too am a loyal Star follower (Gold and Silver) and Silver on Skywards (hence, I would have made the same decision as you!) The MNL-SIN-JNB-DXB-ACC routing would have been for a true aviation enthusiast with time on his/her hands. Would have been super exciting
grecomark From Philippines, joined Jan 2012, 18 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (1 year 1 month 2 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 8201 times:
IV. Changi Airport
By 23.30 I was back in Changi Terminal 2, after traveling via MRT. The place had been well documented, and I go there very often, so I did not bother taking pictures. There was a rather lax security screening before immigration. While looking at my onward ticket, the immigration officer started a conversation on my trip and was amazed that I was going to Accra. We chatted a bit, and she even asked me to get some of those Changi Airport candies. She wished me well, and that put a rather huge smile on my face. It beats the “hospitality” of Filipino immigration officers.
Since the opening of T3, T2 has been too quiet, but I still is such a great escape. I was looking for some gadgets that my sister asked me to get her. Alas, the only Apple store in Changi was in T3, so I boarded the Skytrain and walked the long walk. At that hour, T3 was still buzzing with departures to Europe. I finally got my sister’s wishes and bought noise cancelling headphones in the nearby store. After which I stayed in Starbucks to get some coffee although I was already planning on sleeping. I finally settled in on one of the comfortable seating areas near the 24 hour food court in T3.
Not too shabby, eh?
I let the time pass creating a playlist in my laptop and transferring it to my iPad and my phone. I also used the free WiFi to read up on the activities and responsibilities awaiting me in Accra. By 01.45 I started to walk to the Skytrains, just in time for the Boarding sign for my flight to appear. I knew that this is another one of Changi’s trick to make sure that the passengers hurry up and get to their gate. The walk to gate E8 was long, and after 20 minutes I passed through the final security screening. It took another 10 minutes before priority boarding commenced, and by that time I was really sleepy.
V. SIN-JNB, SQ478
Date: 3 March 2012
Aircraft and Registration: B777-212/ER, 9V-SVN
ETD/ATD, ETA/ATA: 02:35/02:54, 07:25/07:01
Class, Seat: Y, 56A
I sleepily walked to the queue when my row was called. I checked the seat plan earlier that afternoon to see if I would have any seatmate because I really wanted to stretch out on this flight. Good thing I had all three seats to myself.
All mine for the next 10 hours!
Leg room was sufficient although for this particular trip it would not matter.
Amenity kits were distributed, and hot towel service began at 2.35, our ETD. The captain then came on the PA and announced pushback would commence shortly.
Perhaps my only complaint with the old SQ772s is the condition of the PTVs. They can wish not to change the seats because they are much more comfortable than the refurbished ones, but the PTVs need some huge changes. The 10 in screens would be great, especially on long haul. Since my last SQ772 trip a month and a half before, they have since changed the user interface of the PTV, so that’s an improvement.
The cabin load was so light that passengers began choosing their own seats of three or four.
After the final checks, we took off into the night. To Johannesburg! Yes at this point I was pumped up and was not at all sleepy. Perhaps, that was the café latte flowing in my veins. Once the Seatbelt Sign was turned off, headphones and menus were handed, again with that SQ smile that never wears off even at that ungodly hour. Light snack was available, and it was a choice between a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian sandwich. I chose the latter of course.
The sandwich was huge compared to what I was expecting. They were still offering alcohol at that hour, but I went with my trusty Coke Light. The passenger behind me asked for a second serving of the sandwich, which the Singapore Girl gave him less than a minute later. Coffee and tea were also served, but I refused. i>
The Leading Stewardess then came on the PA to announce that there would be drink runs every hour, and that refreshments were available. I went to the washroom to change my shirt, brush my teeth and wash my face. The cabin lights were dimmed; I used two blankets and four pillows to make my bed, and I was off to some well-deserved rest.
I woke up somewhere here. I then decided to turn on the music in my iPad. As it turns out the medicine took me off so heavily to fell asleep without my headphones on. Off to sleep again.
Disoriented to time and place (I was dreaming), I woke up again about an hour later and decided to have some snack. An FA was just passing by with glasses of water and orange juice, and he asked me if I wanted some. I also asked for a sandwich and a bar of chocolate.
It was again a choice between vegetarian and non-vegetarian sandwich. I chose the latter, and it was good. Some ham and cheese and lettuce!
The drink runs took place at 30 minute intervals. I could not sleep at this time, so I went to the galley to ask if they had some noodles. The Flight Steward told me that he would look if they still had one on stock. A Singapore Girl arrived and asked me if I was feeling okay. I said yes, and we chatted a bit about Johannesburg and Cape Town. The Flight Steward said sorry because he could not find a cup of noodles, which was just fine as it was not on the menu anyway. He asked me if I wanted a sandwich instead. I said yes to a vegetarian sandwich this time. I was also offered some water and juice and chips on my way back to my seat. Nice touch, eh?
I could not sleep anymore, but we still had more than three hours to go. I planned on working on my presentation, but decided against it and watched the series instead.
About twenty minutes after settling in my very comfortable seat, the same Flight Steward I talked to in the galley asked me if I still fancied a cup of noodles. I said yes, and five minutes later I had my cup noodles WITH A GLASS OF WATER AND TABLE NAPKIN. This is what I love about SQ. The little things count, a lot. Their FAs have been trained to notice and attend to the minutest details and still maintain that splendid personality.
Two hours prior to landing, the cabin lights were gradually turned on.
The view outside is just stunning.
Although it was not much of a problem, it would be better if the armrests could be fully raised.
Breakfast was a choice between beef and mushroom on noodles or sausages and omelet. I chose the former.
The fruits were properly chilled and still fresh. The bread was surprisingly warm; I asked for seconds. As for the main, the noodles were overcooked, but the beef was tender and the sauce had the perfect seasoning. I had orange juice and a few cups of coffee. Overall it was a pleasant dining experience on Y.
Throughout the flight every awake passenger was kept hydrated with the frequent water/juice runs. My cup of coffee also got refilled a few times, so I was a happy man. After the breakfast service, immigration forms were handed out. The captain also announced that initial descent should begin soon.
Does anybody know what those are?
I went to the washroom to freshen up and change my clothes. The captain then announced that we were on final descent and asked the crew to prepare the cabin for landing.
Good morning, Johannesburg!
Oh hello there, cousins! CX and TG in JNB
Finally we have reached the land of SAs!
We taxied and arrived around fifteen minutes ahead of the ETA. We had an assigned gate, so it was quite a bummer. I walked rather slowly towards transfer.
It was another great flight on SQ. Even on long haul, the hospitality and the attention to detail never falter. This is why I keep flying SQ.
Up next: Why JNB is every spotter’s dream destination!
grecomark From Philippines, joined Jan 2012, 18 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (1 year 1 month 2 weeks 1 day ago) and read 7864 times:
Quoting ckblah (Reply 1): Great report, looking forward for the onward journeys!
Thank you! I'm trying to post as much as I can before I start becoming busy again.
Quoting okapi (Reply 2): Wow! The routing looks promising.
Indeed! Thanks to my friend's crazy suggestion.
Quoting thegivenone (Reply 3): Your decision making process resonates strongly as I too am a loyal Star follower (Gold and Silver) and Silver on Skywards (hence, I would have made the same decision as you!) The MNL-SIN-JNB-DXB-ACC routing would have been for a true aviation enthusiast with time on his/her hands. Would have been super exciting
I am yet to reach Star Gold status. If all goes well I shall be earning more Skywards miles this coming week. Yep. That route would have been epic, but I had to weigh my options.
ycp81 From Singapore, joined Jun 2006, 338 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (1 year 1 month 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 7073 times:
The catering on the SIN-JNB sector looked poor compared to other long-haul sectors. I had similar offerings on my SIN-CPT flight last year and it was a 12hrs flight! Luckily the great service of the crew made up for it.
My past and future travels - http://www.ba97.com/ba97/calendar/report.asp?handle=ycp81
Indeed, but for some reason it was still sufficient. At least for me. I remember a TR detailing the catering on that sector too. The author complained about the slightly low quantity of food for such a long-haul flight. I guess because of the timing of the departure and the arrival, SQ expects that most passengers would most probably sleep through, which was the case in my flight. Nevertheless, the catering can and should be improved. Oh. And the snacks and drink runs are on the better end of the spectrum, relative to other similar carriers on long haul.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6082 posts, RR: 56 Reply 8, posted (1 year 1 month 1 week 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 6700 times:
Hi Grecomark!
Thanks for a great report with great pictures ! That's a very long way to get to ACC from MNL!
Service on SQ seems very good still in Y and great that you had three seats for yourself so you could get some sleep. That makes a huge difference in comfort on such a long flight.
Very much looking forward to the next parts of this journey!
I arrived in MNL about a week after you left and stayed about a week and left on CX to HKG. I wrote a trip report about it.
Take Care
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
lychemsa From United States of America, joined Oct 2009, 904 posts, RR: 3 Reply 9, posted (1 year 1 month 1 week 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 6641 times:
At least SQ and Phillipines still serve normal edible Y meals unlike our US carriers.
Very interesting report. Thanks. What was your opinion of Johannesburg? Is it worth a visit? I am going to Cape Town and am unsure whether to stop in JHS..
Quoting grecomark (Thread starter): The little things count, a lot. Their FAs have been trained to notice and attend to the minutest details and still maintain that splendid personality.
Yep, I agree. I always thought that if the flight was empty, the FAs are very nice. However, they proved me wrong on the flight from SIN to Shanghai. It was 100% full in Y and yet the crew were absolutely wonderful.
Hmmmm, catering from SATS is always a hit or a miss.
grecomark From Philippines, joined Jan 2012, 18 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (1 year 1 month 1 week 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 5955 times:
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8): Thanks for a great report with great pictures ! That's a very long way to get to ACC from MNL!
It really was a very looong way, but the aviation geek in me was very satisfied.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8): I arrived in MNL about a week after you left and stayed about a week and left on CX to HKG. I wrote a trip report about it.
Are you based in the US nowadays? Imma look it up. Just starting to have time to post and read TRs. HAHA.
Quoting lychemsa (Reply 9): What was your opinion of Johannesburg? Is it worth a visit? I am going to Cape Town and am unsure whether to stop in JHS..
I think you meant JNB But yeah. A stop is a must! See the next part that covers OR Tambo.
Quoting SIN7 (Reply 10): Yep, I agree. I always thought that if the flight was empty, the FAs are very nice. However, they proved me wrong on the flight from SIN to Shanghai. It was 100% full in Y and yet the crew were absolutely wonderful.
This happens to most of my 17:10 MNL-SIN flights where Y is almost always 100% full. Still an awesome bunch!
grecomark From Philippines, joined Jan 2012, 18 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (1 year 1 month 1 week 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 5953 times:
Sorry I got caught up with my family’s Easter celebrations, but here it goes..
VI. OR Tambo International Airport
I already obtained a visiting tourist visa for South Africa in Manila since I wanted to explore the city during my transit time, but by a very unfortunate and stupid mistake, I ended up lining for the transit area. I took it as a cue for me to visit Johannesburg and Cape Town in another separate trip. Once one has passed through the separate immigration area, a transiting passenger can go through the transfer desks before undergoing a security screening. Some of the airlines with open transfer desks that early morning were SA, CX, EK, TG and SW. Of course, SA had around 5 manned counters while the rest had 1-2. No one was queuing for SA, so I immediately presented my documents to the SA agent. She was rather indifferent, barely smiling. Definitely different from most of the SQ ground staff in the rest of the airports I have been to. In addition, the agent looked quite taken aback for some reason. I do not know if it was because my flight was not for another 10 hours, but should it not be expected given that it was transfer area after all? After five minutes, I was finally checked in.
Unexpectedly, the security officers were very polite and even welcomed me to Africa. What a pleasant surprise! Once through security, I pondered on either getting a room in the hotel or staying in the lounge. I took the latter option as I wanted to spot planes. The nearest one that accepted Priority Pass was Bidvest, so off I went.
The friendly ladies (not so dragon-like) welcomed me to the lounge and asked if I wanted them to prepare a shower room for me. I said I needed to check my mails first and have a quick bite before taking a bath. When I entered the seating areas, there were less than five passengers inside. I checked out the food offerings and was quite disappointed: just some omelet, sausages, bread and some mixed fruits, but I wanted to eat, so I tried some.
The food was blah. I just downed it with Coke light and some apple juice later. I spent thirty minutes or so updating my family and reading through mails.
FIDS viewed from the lounge
Then I informed the attendant that I wanted to use a shower room. Being able to take a bath and freshen up in between flights is simply the awesomest, don’t you think?
It definitely could be bigger, but it was sufficient for my use. I also got the water temperature I wanted so I was a happy man. I took my time to take the jetlag off (although it was not that difficult, really). After the shower, I started working on my presentation for the next hour or so. I also had some great tasting muffins, and good old café latte.
Weird combination of drinks, I know, but I didn’t want to be disturbed.
Passengers started pouring in just in time for me to finish rehearsing parts of the presentation.
I overstayed for about one more hour, but the attendants did not mind. I bid me safe journey.
To plane spotting!
OR Tambo with SA as background
KQ 737
Look for the real subject of this photo.
LH 380 awaiting departure to FRA early in the evening. As you will see later, there are lots of European biggies in JNB.
SQ 772 awaiting departure to SIN that afternoon. This bird did not fly to CPT that day.
OR Tambo is definitely one of my favorite airports. Its architecture allows for great spotting, the air conditioning exudes comfort, and the ceilings are sufficiently high to allow the very spacious feel. Plus it never gets crowded, at least during the times I was there. The only thing I really hate about it is the lack of free WiFi. I had to pay around 10-15 USD for four hours WiFi connection outside the lounge.
The regal CX 744 soaring high
MK 332 bound for MRU
ET 752 arriving from ADD
I noticed that BA has a very strong presence in JNB, with their numerous aircrafts scattered throughout.
LX, BAs, LY, MS
QF 744 just arrived from SYD
WB 738 to KGL
Finally! SA 332 that will take me to ACC!
Load ‘em catering please!
Over all I had an epic time plane spotting in JNB. SRSLY! I highly encourage you guys to visit. I’m definitely coming back (maybe after my medical schooling). Even if I was not able to get out of the airport, the hours just passed by without me really noticing it. That’s a sign of enjoyment, right?
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6082 posts, RR: 56 Reply 13, posted (1 year 1 month 1 week 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 5768 times:
EddieDude From Mexico, joined Nov 2003, 7171 posts, RR: 45 Reply 15, posted (1 year 1 month 1 week 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 4656 times:
Hello Greco Mark,
Thanks a lot for your great and extensive report. I found it very, very enjoyable! It was especially interesting to me because I was recently in South Africa!
Quoting grecomark (Thread starter): (if you book your tickets online, you have to pay a separate tax in the airport amounting to PhP 1620/USD 38 for Y or PhP 2700/USD 63 for C ).
Quoting grecomark (Thread starter): After check-in, one has to pay the terminal fee now worth PhP 550 or USD 13.
Why is this? Why cannot those charges be included in the price of the ticket to make things easier. I could easily see, for example, backpackers finding themselves in a situation where they have spent all of their money, they are going back to their country, and have no money to pay for the tax and the fee upon departure.
Thai744 From Australia, joined Jun 2004, 249 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (1 year 1 month 1 week 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 4410 times:
Lovely trip report, and what an epic journey!!
Great pics too - and I appreciate you taking the time to write it up!
I love SQ as well. I know people say their staff are robotic, but if "robotic" means polite, calm, unflustered and attentive, then let them be robotic. I've always found them great, and if you make an effort to chat with them, they are very friendly and seem genuinely interested in you.
I'm really surprised, however, that they use their "old 777" product on such a long flight from SIN - JNB. Maybe because it's not such a high-density route? I wouldn't be surprised if it was allocated an A330 in the near future. Seems like they have problems filling a 777 on it, but it's a long way with the old AVOD and seats etc.
In June I have to travel to SIN and JNB for work. So, it makes sense to fly SQ, and this is what I'm doing.
However, I'm really not happy with what they've done to Kris Flyer these days! As my flight is in a "low yield class" (because my boss booked it on a "special deal"... grrrr...) I can't get Kirs Flyer miles for it. (Q class I think). If I want miles, I have to pay about $300 AUD to "upgrade my fare" to B class. SQ and EK are really making it hard to earn miles these days. Not even worth it for the average traveller anymore! Better just to book with whoever's cheapest and most suitable and if you get miles its a bonus! Still - very annoying!
Thanks again - hope to see a report on the return journey!
Selamat Po!
Thai744.
grecomark From Philippines, joined Jan 2012, 18 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (1 year 1 month 1 week 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 4390 times:
I'm sorry I have not updated this one. I'll do so once I reach MXP. My parents sort of surprised me with a trip this April-May. I'm currently in DXB, awaiting my plane for MXP. Will respond too ASAP. Cheers!
Shudu From South Africa, joined Sep 2011, 19 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (1 year 1 month 1 week 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 4055 times:
Hi Grecomark,
Great trip report for a second attempt, i see you enjoyed your day spotting at JNB. The late morning to afternoon is dominated by eastern bound carries like SQ, TG, EK, CX, 9W, EY, QR etc. While the evening gives way to European and USA bound jets like DL, LX, SA,TK, AF, LH, and many more. So a full day of spotting is guaranteed from great locations.
Quoting grecomark (Reply 4): Perhaps my only complaint with the old SQ772s is the condition of the PTVs. They can wish not to change the seats because they are much more comfortable than the refurbished ones, but the PTVs need some huge changes. The 10 in screens would be great, especially on long haul
Yes i agree with you 100%, those do look outdated and tired. But I'm sure SQ more than make up for it in other ways.
Quoting grecomark (Reply 12): I noticed that BA has a very strong presence in JNB, with their numerous aircrafts scattered throughout.
Yes as per EddieDude above, British Airways operated by Comair is a premium, full service airline operating routes in Southern Africa that include Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Harare, Livingstone, Mauritius, Victoria Falls and Windhoek.
Quoting grecomark (Reply 12): Finally! SA 332 that will take me to ACC!
SAA took delivery of six of these birds during 2011 to replace their A340-200 that were retired in 2011. I booked a joyride from JNB-CPT just to see the new birds and I was impressed. I look forward to the continuation of your report.
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4915 posts, RR: 55 Reply 19, posted (1 year 1 month 1 week 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 3905 times:
Fantastic trip report - though, I just got a tad exhausted reading about your routing! Thanks a lot for sharing, and I think you made a wise choice by going Star all the way. Hope the conference went well.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 20, posted (1 year 1 month 1 week 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 3760 times:
Excellent photos! Thanks for posting. Where do you get your route maps from? Flights on SQ looked good. Loking forward to seeing your JNB-ACC flight now.
Quoting grecomark (Thread starter):
By January 30, I was able to come up with two most probable itineraries: MNL-SIN-JNB-ACC on SQ and SA and MNL-SIN-JNB-DXB-ACC on SQ and EK featuring 388 and 343 and a hefty amount of Krisflyer and Skywards miles. That morning the SQ/EK itinerary was even cheaper that SQ/SA.
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But yeah. A stop is a must! See the next part that covers OR Tambo.
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