airbusmango From Singapore, joined Apr 2012, 61 posts, RR: 0 Posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 15629 times:
THE STORY
Hello again A.netters! Time to rid this space of cobwebs and have in another trip report. A couple of my friends surprised me on my 23rd birthday in early April with the news that they’re buying me a ticket on Singapore Airlines to Hong Kong as a birthday gift. Now how can I refuse such an offer? What’s better is the idea that I’ll finally be able to log in two new plane types into my travel log. But enough of the banter and onwards with the trip report..
THE DEPARTURE
Now I live in Jurong West - the very Western edge of civilization in Singapore. Despite an early morning flight, I absolutely refuse to take the taxi all the way to the East because I didn’t want to part ways with money when there are cheaper yet longer alternatives out to the Airport such as the MRT. The problem is, it was that period of time when the MRT system was inexplicably plagued with frequent breakdowns and delays. If such a thing happens to the train I was on, I can bid my flight goodbye..
.. Thankfully, it didn’t.
--
12th MAY 2012
Changi International Airport (SIN/WSSS)
Carrier: Singapore Airlines
Flight: SQ 856
Aircraft: Airbus Industrie A380-841 (9V-SPK)
Seat: 57A (Main Deck)
Terminal: 3
Gate: B2
Estimated Departure: 0930
Actual Departure: 0935
TO
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG/VHHH)
Terminal: 1
Gate: 16
Estimated Arrival: 1330
Actual Arrival: 1339
My luggage with the SQ 619 tag still on its handle
Waiting for Aaron and Calvin at Door 3
Checking in
The compulsory Passport + Boarding Pass shot
A sleepy T3 airside waking up
At this point, I dropped by the electronics store to get a new SDHC Class 10 card because the Canon EOS 550D refuses to accept anything lesser than a Class 6. With a new recording media set up and ready to go, time for a bit of airside spotting before we head over to our gate.
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380-841 9V-SKC
Garuda Indonesia Boeing 737-86N PK-GFE
Our plane, 9V-SKP
Fascinating – someone set HKIA’s website as the home page here
Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312/ER 9V-SWS
Having had our fill of photos within the limited time, we scooted over to our gate.
I like T3’s boarding area best, in comparison to T1
9V-SKP meets us head-on
Bye-bye Singapore!
From what I saw after being greeted by the Singapore Boy at the door, it seemed that the plane is nearly filled save for some patches of empty seats. Walking down the aisle was a breeze because there’s plenty of space to move about.
Our seats 57A/B/C
What I like about Singapore Airlines is that they have a hot towel run before the start of the flight. As this is my second-ever flight with SQ, obviously it was also my second time experiencing the hotel towel service. The Singapore Boys and Girls went down the aisles dishing out the neatly rolled-up and steaming hot towels to passengers – all with never-ending smiles. So far, I like the crew on this one
The hot towel in question, VERY refreshing I might add
Soon, the door closed and pushback commenced at 0935hrs. 9V-SKP then strolled its way over to the active runway. We stopped short for some minutes as another plane was coming in for a landing. Once that was done, we went into motion once again, went on the runway and the Pilot kicked the engines into high gear. To be honest, it was the most graceful takeoff I have ever experienced!
Once the seatbelt sign pinged off, it was time to get up and pay the lavatory at the back of the plane a visit.
Mirror shot
The sink
The toilet
The back very back of the Main Deck
Stairwell leading up to the all-Business Class Upper Deck
Toilet sign
We then trooped back to our seats and plopped right in, waiting for the meal service to start. But meanwhile..
Love those wingtips!
Some Malaysian island down there
Seat pocket contents!
The tray table at 57A, no vandalism!
The 10.6” PTV
Customary kneeroom shot
Customary feetroom shot
By now we’re well above the clouds
More cabin shots
Our position
Multitude of information regarding our whereabouts
The meal service soon started where they gave out special meals first. Naturally, I had the Muslim Meal.
My MOML!
The mashed potatoes and lamb are an awesome combination
From the bakery
The Appetizer.. I love prawns!
The Dessert
OJ and tea
Aaron’s meal
Roast Duck
The roll and jams
Chocolate brownie for dessert
By now, the map states that we’re flying past Vietnam. True enough, the coast of Vietnam was visible from our side!
Why, hello there Vietnam
What’s a flight without Apple Juice?
The menu
Drinks and meal selection for SIN-HKG
I really like the crew on this SQ flight. They were quite proactive in making frequent runs up and down the aisle be it offering drinks, clearing meal trays or making sure we, the guests, were comfortable. And they did all that with unwavering smiles and warmth. Good to see the famed Singapore Airlines hospitality still in the air!
KrisWorld is showing My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.. this is for the Bronies out there!
I didn't use KrisWorld much because I didn't find anything that interests me. Now I’m sure most of us here know the feeling of losing track of time while we’re high up in the air. And we all know the sudden realization that the destination Airport is not far away. And we all cringe at the fact that the flight is ending all too soon. Oh well..
We began our descent
Spoilers deployed!
More cabin shots
Door
More cabin shots
The rear stairwell again
There’s just something about fluffy little clouds hovering over the expanse of blue
The landing was the smoothest I have ever experienced too! How could anyone not like the A380? We turned off the runway and taxied to our Gate.
First plane I see at the Gates!
Cathay Pacific Boeing 747-412 B-HKF.. and to think this used to fly for SQ!
Korean Air Airbus A330-322 HL7524
9V-SKP’s reflection in the glass Terminal
B-HKF and HL7524
The plane gently pulled into Gate 16, ceased to move and the engines whirred to a stop. As usual, 90% of the passengers immediately sprang out of their seats and started retrieving their carry-ons from the overhead bins even though the aerobridge has yet to make contact with the plane.
Meanwhile, this catering truck pulled in and ascended
Bearing more baked goodness from the bakery!
As usual, we let everybody else disembark first so that we can have last minute photographs of the plane. The kind Singapore Girls smiled and seemed amused at our fascination with the plane. She stepped forward and offered to take a picture of us. I really love this crew!
Another batch of satisfied Singapore Airlines customers!
Our 57A/B/C seats for the last time
Farewell, 9V-SKP!
Henceforth, we’re in Hong Kong!
I just hate queues at the immigration counters
The departures for that day
It was quite a lengthy wait at the queue for immigration. Thankfully by then my Data Roaming was activated so that means a few Facebook status updates and Tweets were in order. What seemed like 20 minutes later, it was finally our turn to get our passports processed and be granted entry into Hong Kong SAR.
Time to claim our checked-in luggage!
I STILL want to ride on those carousels one day..
With baggage claimed, there’s nothing left to do airside except going out into the Arrival Hall. It was quite packed with people milling about seeking to be receiving parties. Obviously, none of them were there to receive us three!
Quite a crowd
We moved away from the crowd
Hills in the distance
Airport Express!
We cheated and crossed into the waiting Airport Express train at the platform and emerged into Terminal 2 at the other side.
It was less crowded
Time for some spotting! It was right to go to the Observation Deck at the top of the building for a nominal fee. The lift up to the roof was pretty funky with all the psychedelic lighting blinking on and off in a coordination fashion to give the impression that the lift is moving. Well, it IS moving after all.
The air quality was somewhat smoky so I didn’t take many photographs while the other two snapped away happily. So far, the weather was about the same in Singapore so obviously there’s no ‘culture shock’.
The roof of Terminal 1
Thai metal taking off into the grey abyss
It wasn’t the optimal time to spot because planes were landing and taking off in an un-optimal direction. We took the elevator down, where there were no flashing lights this time. We headed to the counters where Airport Express tickets were sold and got three for an overall cheaper price because you get better deals if purchased in a group. As it was my first time in Hong Kong, I got myself an Octopus Card too!
Better than the KLIA Express, but not as good as the Haruka back in KIX!
Crossing the bridge
Next stop.. Tsing Yi!
We emerged out of the tunnel and into Tsing Yi
We alighted at Hong Kong Station and walked to Central Station for a transfer to the Tsuen Wan Line, bound for Mong Kok Station. It is interesting to note that a specific part of the underground walkway to Central Station bears an uncanny resemblance to Serangoon MRT Station back in Singapore. Fellow Singaporeans would know!
Onboard the train along the Tsuen Wan Line
Mong Kok
Even more crowds upon exiting Mong Kok Station
The exit
Our hotel, Hotel Rai Lei was located a short distance away. It is quite an experience because of the quaint rickety lift that brought us up to the fourth floor. Calvin had a certain degree of command in Cantonese, so he spoke to the counter lady and got us checked in.
The lift in question
How should I say.. the room was of an intimate size! Cosy nonetheless..
After settling in and resting for an hour or two, we decided to take the bus down to Victoria Harbor to catch the nightly light display show. At times, I do really feel like I have never left Singapore at all!
It was revealed that tonight’s show would be in Mandarin. It was a pity though because that means I won’t be able to understand the descriptions and such that was being broadcasted out of the PA systems in the harbor.
The clock tower
Across Victoria Harbor was where the light action started
After the photographyfest, I can’t resist the siren call of a nearby gelato shop. Out comes my wallet and in comes the gelato by the spoonful.
Strawberry + Strawberry Cheesecake
Bus ride underneath the neon lights back to Mong Kok
An awesome beverage shop right behind our hotel with a few of its offerings
The name is Hui Lau Shan
The bustling street behind our hotel that leads to the Wives’ Market of sorts
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1236 posts, RR: 34 Reply 3, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 14852 times:
Hi airbusmango,
Having done 4 legs on SQ recently, I was very interested to read your report. I also had very positive experiences and found the crews to be so attentive.
I cannot believe this coincidence. Not only were our recent ZRH-SIN-ZRH flights on this aircraft, but we departed SIN at 1am on May 13th, so I'm guessing our aircraft was fresh back from your SIN-HKG-SIN legs! Can you believe that?
Quoting airbusmango (Thread starter): It is quite an experience because of the quaint rickety lift that brought us up to the fourth floor. Calvin had a certain degree of command in Cantonese, so he spoke to the counter lady and got us checked in.
airbusmango From Singapore, joined Apr 2012, 61 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 14793 times:
PART 2
THE FIVE-DAY TRIP
Over the next five days, we made good use of our Octopus Cards, the buses and MTR to get to where we wanted to. We went to Disneyland Hong Kong, Ocean Park, International Commerce Center, Victoria Peak and the like. Halal food was also not a problem because they seem to be concentrated in Wan Chai. But my favorite one is the halal canteen at the mosque at Oi Kwan Road in Wan Chai.
A larger than life Woody staring us down
Rex too!
While waiting for the nightly fireworks show at Disneyland, we decided to head to HKIA for some spotting. Fortunately, the landing direction was quite favorable.
Dragonair A330
Cathay Pacific 747-400
Panorama shot of the sunset over HKIA
Kenya Airways 777-2U8/ER 5Y-KQT
Air New Zealand 777-219/ER ZK-OKH
Virgin Atlantic Airways A340-642 G-VSSH
Emirates A380-861 A6-EDH
Emirates A330-243 A6-EAR
Dragonair’s nest
China Airlines A330-302 B-18312
China Airlines Cargo 747-409F/SCD
Oh look, it’s Cathay Pacific 747-412 B-HKF again!
Don’t you just love sunsets?
The fireworks display beats Universal Studios Singapore’s hands down!
While on the cable car to the amusement park section of Ocean Park
Rollercoaster at Ocean Park
Islamic Food restaurant in Kowloon, right beside the old Kai Tak Airport
Our lunch
Sunset from the observation deck of the International Commerce Center
Quoting okapi (Reply 2): Cool report! Happy 23, even if a bit late. You seem to have a good experience on that whaleJet. SQ sure helps with its high level of customer service.
Thank you very much! This was my second flight with SQ and I really liked the crew on this one. The SQ A380 experience is also something as I find it quite roomy despite the 3-4-3 seating!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 3): I cannot believe this coincidence. Not only were our recent ZRH-SIN-ZRH flights on this aircraft, but we departed SIN at 1am on May 13th, so I'm guessing our aircraft was fresh back from your SIN-HKG-SIN legs! Can you believe that?
Ah, that's some nice information. Where were you seated at, mate? To me, 9V-SKP still had that new airplane smell which I really liked. or maybe it was just my nose.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 3): Oh my, that lift!! You wouldn't get me in there!
burj From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 838 posts, RR: 5 Reply 7, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 14594 times:
Very cool trip report! The photos are great! Good to hear that you enjoyed your A380 flight!
Quoting airbusmango (Thread starter): The meal service soon started where they gave out special meals first. Naturally, I had the Muslim Meal.
Wow...actual MEAT on a MOML meal! On flights within the U.S. whenever I order the MOML meal I just get the vegetarian meal instead! Once the tray even had a note that said "This __________ meal prepared special for you by Delta Air Lines" where in the blank it said "VGML" but that was CROSSED OUT and "MOML" written over it...and this was a first class meal!
Quoting airbusmango (Reply 4): Islamic Food restaurant in Kowloon, right beside the old Kai Tak Airport
Wow it all looks so good! Probably shouldn't be looking at pictures of food while I am fasting!
airbusmango From Singapore, joined Apr 2012, 61 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 13796 times:
PART 3
THE JOURNEY HOME
We started off the morning by taking the MTR from Mong Kok to Wan Chai for a last breakfast at the Islamic Center Canteen. Yes, there is halal dim sum back home in Singapore but it just miserably fails to match up to the one served here. So might as well eat as much as possible before we leave, right?
Stacks of dim sum at our table
What’s on the menu
The non-dim sum fare
I’ll be back some day for more halal dim sum!
They frequently refilled our tiny cups with Chinese Tea
After breakfast, we walked over to the Sogo Department Store at Causeway Bay Station to pick up some stuff that friends’ back home has told me to get. Once that was done, we rushed back to Hotel Rai Lei to check out and do some last minute shopping at Ladies Market. Plenty of cheap rip-offs can be found there, if that tickles your fancy. It was then time to head over to Tung Chung Station.
They had a last meal at a McDonalds here in CityGate
We opted to take the public bus from Tung Chung Station to HKIA. Buses there in Hong Kong bears uncanny similarities to its counterparts in Singapore, that’s for sure.
Low-hanging clouds in the distance
--
16th MAY 2012
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG/VHHH)
Carrier: Singapore Airlines
Flight: SQ 865
Aircraft: Boeing 777-312/ER (9V-SWB)
Seat: 49J
Terminal: 1
Gate: 18
Estimated Departure: 1830
Actual Departure: 1850
TO
Changi International Airport (SIN/WSSS)
Terminal: 3
Gate: A4
Estimated Arrival: 2210
Actual Arrival: 2238
Terminal 1 was bustling with activity when we got to the Departure Hall. Although a point to note, there wasn’t much a queue over at the SQ counters, so checking in was relatively fast.
At this juncture, I would like to state that SOMEHOW Singapore Airlines’ website had screwed itself again and thus passenger information between the three of us had swapped around without our knowledge before the trip started. That is to say, suddenly my KrisFlyer number was copied over to my friends’ details, and that suddenly Aaron ordered the MOML. Tried as we might, no matter how much we tried to correct it, it would always revert back to the wrong information. That was rectified during the flight out of SIN and it still hasn’t resolved itself when we were about to depart from HKG. Go do something about this, SQ!
Checking-in
Cardboard Singapore Girl smiling at us
Checked-in!
After taking the usual Departure shot, we went through security and immigration. As expected, there were long queues at that time of the day. Fortunately, a new immigration counter opened up and the officer beckoned us over.
Compulsory Passport + Boarding Pass shot with a CX tail in the distance
HKIA is TRULY a paradise for plane spotters. So much so, it really baffles me as to how SIN is very spotter unfriendly be it on the landside or airside. Nevertheless, it is quite a good time to take advantage of the opportunity so we spotted until it was time to board. We parted ways until then..
Philippine Airlines 747-4F6 RP-C7473
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 747-406M PH-BFO “City of Orlando”
Cathay Pacific 777-367/ER B-KQB
Swiss International Air Lines A340-343X HB-JMN
Cathay Pacific 747-467 B-HOT
B-KQB again
HB-JMN again
B-KQB pushing back
Asian widebodies galore
In comparison, the narrowbodies
China Airlines 747-409 B-18202
Dragonair A330-343X B-HWI
Korean Air A330-323X HL7701
British Airways 777-36N/ER G-STBC
Air France 777-328/ER F-GZNC
Finnair A340-313E OH-LQD
Dragonair A330-342 B-HYF
Qantas A330-303 VH-QPE “Port Lincoln”.. I flew this in plane SYD-ADL-SIN in 2007!
The looooong terminal
After running up and down the terminal like a lunatic, it was nearly time that for gate closing time for SQ 865. And I find myself running off at topic speed, pushing the trolley infront of my as I go..
Singapore Airlines 777-312/ER 9V-SWB.. the plane that’s taking us home
Possibly it was the first time I heard my name being announced over the PA in an Airport as I came hurtling towards Gate 18. They were calling for ‘missing’ passengers yet to board. Aaron came running too, not long after I got there. Calvin was already there, waiting for us. We then proceed through the aerobridge after having our boarding passes checked.
The flight was somewhat full! We found our seats and settled in. Upon looking out of the window..
Qantas 747-48E VH-OEB in special livery
The filled cabin
This is my first time flying in a 77W, by the way. Maybe it’s just me, but I thought that it didn’t feel as roomy as the A380.
Qantas & Philippine Airlines
77W wingtips
Information on the ground
Ah, my favorite hot towel service! Ms Green Kebaya served our row with a Singapore Boy aiding her in dishing out the hot towels. These were promptly collected not long after.
Doors were officially closed at 1825. I had expected pushback to commence not long after but this didn’t happen. The pilot went on the PA to convey his apologies because there was a bit of a ‘traffic jam’ at HKIA and that we will be moving off as soon as possible.
Cathay Pacific 747-412 B-HKV
Pushback occurred 25 minutes later at 1850, and the plane SLOWLY made its way out. Some traffic jam out there!
But at least this sunset sight made up for the delay
OH-LQD again!
Cathay Pacific Cargo!
We frequently halted along the taxiway to make way for other planes, and stopped short of the runway to allow someone to land. After what seemed like an eternity, we finally turned on the runway, went full power and lifted off at 1924.
Dusk take-offs has its merits.. you get views like this!
We climbed further into the darkening sky. At an acceptable altitude, the seat belt sign pinged off and the usual clink of seatbelts unbuckling ensued. I was one of them as it was time for a lavatory visit!
The galley at the back, Singapore Boy was preparing stuff
The door of the lavatory
Toilet inspection
Moving back into my seat, it’s time for the usual ‘seat inspections’. By now, the plane was already in cruising mode.
Seat pocket contents
Kneeroom
Feetroom
Feetroom with feet rests down
Ms Green Kebaya kicked off the beverage run with her trolley. All three of us got Orange Juice. You know you JUST got to have Orange Juice during a flight!
My OJ!
Our positions, according to KrisWorld
Waiting for the meal service to start
Ms Green Kebaya eventually emerged from the back of the plane with blue-tied Singapore Boy, wheeling their trolley. I got my MOML, it didn’t look as fantastic as the one I had out of SIN though.
SQ 865 MOML
Mango Pudding
Prawn Appetizer.. anybody knows what those green pea-like things are?
Bread roll in plastic
Creamers
Plain water
As per my personal belief, I’m waiting until Aaron and Calvin get their meal too before starting on mine. Another consultation with KrisWorld is in order..
Location
Uh oh.. 9V-SWB seats showing its age, with vandalism!
Ms Green Kebaya eventually returned with meals for everyone else. Yay!
Calvin’s meal
Aaron’s meal
Now this where my SQ experience that night started to come crashing down. In spirit of travel, I decided to ‘interview’ Aaron about his meal. Before I could even press the record button on my DSLR..
“Sir, you are NOT allowed to take pictures of the cabin!”
It was Ms Green Kebaya who audibly snapped at me while giving a hardcore look from row 48. To be honest, I was quite stunned because that was the first time a Steward/Stewardess has ever snapped at me. In that moment of confusion, I hastily kept my camera but as minutes went by, I started to realize what she said and how she said it. Okay, never mind, maybe she wasn’t having the best of days so I’ll let it slide then. I waited until she was well down the aisle.
By the way, I didn’t hear an announcement during or before take-off saying that we passengers can’t use our cameras during cruising. So I didn’t know what her deal was.
Halfway through our meal, Ms Green Kebaya came by again from the back and asked passengers left and right regarding their choice of beverage. She eventually returned to our row.
“Sir, what would you like to drink? Coffee, tea?” she asked Calvin (seated in 49K) and handed him tea.
“Sir, what would you like to drink? Coffee, tea? Orange juice?” she asked Aaron (seated in 49H) and handed him a cup of OJ.
And then she wheeled off to row 48 without even looking me or acknowledging my existence. By then, my mood suddenly hit a brick wall. Like HELLO.. I’m seated right between my friends? Can’t you see me? Even if you were pissed with me for the supposed camera thing earlier on, what kind of a reason is that to snub me? Once again, Aaron and Calvin were visibly disturbed too at what Ms Green Kebaya did. I pretty much had a black cloud over my head for the rest of the flight. So much for the legendary SQ hospitality for this flight..
Singapore Boy was passing by some time later, where Aaron notified him that Ms Green Kebaya had simply just walked off without giving me a chance to indicate what beverage I would prefer. The Singapore Boy looked a little mortified after hearing that, apologized profusely for his superior’s mistake and promised to return with a cup of Apple Juice for me. Bless the Singapore Boy for his conscious attempt at damage control!
But alas! Whatever peace we had left was gone as Ms Green Kebaya returned once again, dishing out ice-cream. This time, when she came to our row, I didn’t even bother to look at her because I don’t see why I should. She gave out Haagen Dasz ice-cream to both Aaron and Calvin.
“Sir, you are not entitled to an ice-cream because you had pudding in your meal. If any passenger doesn’t want, I’ll give it to you. Ok?” in a patronizing tone.
I really wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that. She moved on to other rows to hand out ice-cream. Me and Aaron continued our conversation until we were interrupted once again.
“Sir, the passenger does not want. Do you want? Do you want?” she hollered from row 47 or so.
Hey lady, what is your problem? You are the Leading Stewardess and yet this is how you treat passengers, by hollering at them from a distance? The Blue Kebayas on the other side, I noticed, were all smiling and and crouching to the passengers’ level and leaned in slightly so that they didn’t not have to shout. They all did their business with the world-class poise and grace that SQ was known for. And here we have Ms Green Kebaya talking to passengers in a loud voice throughout the rest of the flight.
Usually ice-cream never fails to make me happy, but this one didn’t
By then, I didn’t bother taking anymore photos. At least until it was time to descend where I switched seats with Calvin so that I can have a view outside, even though it was dark. In the distance, lightning bolts light up the sky. We got lower and lower, and lined up with the runway.
We landed at 2238 and slowly taxied to the gate. Okay, at least we’ve safely touched down at SIN. When the engines died down at the gate, passengers obediently unfastened their seatbelts and rose out of their seats to retrieve their belongings in the overhead bins. In an orderly fashion, everyone marched down the aisle and out of the plane.
Company A330
Company 777
We spent some time airside looking for things at duty free. When we got to the escalators leading down to immigration, things were quiet.
The quiet immigration area
Waiting for our baggage to come through
And so ends our trip
******
CONCLUSION
Overall, I have mixed feelings for Singapore Airlines because of inconsistent performance with their crew. It has been three flights with them, and two are not so enjoyable. While I really enjoyed the bright and cheery company of the crew on SQ 856 SIN-HKG, I did not enjoy SQ 619 KIX-SIN and even moreso for SQ 865 HKG-SIN with the problematic Ms Green Kebaya. Even if it was an unwritten rule that passengers are not allowed to use their cameras at any point of time while in the plane, that is no reason to keeping showing such attitude towards passengers for the rest of the flight – especially if you’re a Leading Stewardess. On the plus side, I totally loved the SQ A380 experience! So I guess not all is lost.
I hope you A.netters have enjoyed reading this TR! Till we meet again in our next travels.
Coal From United States of America, joined Aug 2006, 1625 posts, RR: 6 Reply 9, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 13753 times:
Thanks for posting. I'm on SQ 865 every two weeks on Sundays, so by now pretty familiar with some of the faces on board! However, I usually take SQ 2 from SIN to HKG on Friday evenings as the timing works better for me, so I am stuck with the 77W (which is my fav a/c anyway!).
Cheers Coal
Nxt Flts: QR SIN-DPS | SQ DPS-SIN | 3K SIN-SGN-SIN | SQ SIN-PEK | CA PEK-FNJ-PEK | CX PEK-HKG-CGK
airbusmango From Singapore, joined Apr 2012, 61 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 13688 times:
Quoting dirktraveller (Reply 6): I was just wondering, was the A380 you were on board is the version that has no economy seats on the upper deck?
Yes, 9V-SKP is an all-Business Upper Deck A380. Pity it was, else we would have booked Economy seats upstairs~
Quoting burj (Reply 7): Wow...actual MEAT on a MOML meal! On flights within the U.S. whenever I order the MOML meal I just get the vegetarian meal instead! Once the tray even had a note that said "This __________ meal prepared special for you by Delta Air Lines" where in the blank it said "VGML" but that was CROSSED OUT and "MOML" written over it...and this was a first class meal!
Seriously, First Class? Did you make some feedback to them about it? Wow and with crossing outs too..
Quoting Coal (Reply 9): Thanks for posting. I'm on SQ 865 every two weeks on Sundays, so by now pretty familiar with some of the faces on board! However, I usually take SQ 2 from SIN to HKG on Friday evenings as the timing works better for me, so I am stuck with the 77W (which is my fav a/c anyway!).
Hi Coal, thanks for reading! So I guess you might probably be familiar with Ms Green Kebaya, if she's perpetually flying that route.. I think the 77W is a fantastic plane, but I prefer the A380 even more
netdhaka From Bangladesh, joined Feb 2004, 181 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (9 months 3 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 13027 times:
Thanks for your interesting posts. I will make a note of the Halal restaurant in HongKong, as you mentioned; it will come handy if I go there.
Not sure if you were treated differently because of your faith or not- she may have noticed your MOML. I have been treated differently because of my background and it feels horrible. Anyway, I would file a complaint if I were treated like that.
airbusmango From Singapore, joined Apr 2012, 61 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (9 months 3 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 12706 times:
Hi netdhaka,
Quoting netdhaka (Reply 11): I will make a note of the Halal restaurant in HongKong, as you mentioned; it will come handy if I go there.
Please do! The food tastes awesome too!
Quoting netdhaka (Reply 11): Not sure if you were treated differently because of your faith or not- she may have noticed your MOML. I have been treated differently because of my background and it feels horrible. Anyway, I would file a complaint if I were treated like that.
I don't think it's faith-related. I just think she needs to talk to someone regarding whatever problems she was experiencing. And yes, I was still fuming the day after I returned so I sent SQ a nice feedback at about noon. Customer Relations (or whatever department the other line was from) got back to me at about 1800 with profuse apologies and such.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us, im actually hoping that I can visit HKG at some point in my life.
Thanks for taking the time to read, 817Dreamliiner! Yes, please do visit HKG when you have the chance. It's really quite a charming experience to see remnants of the old Hong Kong intertwining with the new as you explore it. Spotting at HKIA is obviously a must
beowulf From Singapore, joined Jul 2003, 721 posts, RR: 16 Reply 15, posted (9 months 3 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 11897 times:
Quoting Coal (Reply 9): anybody knows what those green pea-like things are?
Those look like capers.
Great report and great pictures. Looks like you had a ton of fun.
Regarding your experience with the flight attendant on the way from HKG, you should give customer feedback to SQ. I doubt it'll do much, but at least it's on record.
burj From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 838 posts, RR: 5 Reply 16, posted (9 months 3 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 11892 times:
Part 3 was just a cool as parts 1 and 2! Thanks for posting and for all the photos!
When I was in Hong Kong I saw the Islamic Center and had NO idea there was a canteen! I'm kicking myself for not looking into that while I was there!
Quoting airbusmango (Reply 8): Yes, there is halal dim sum back home in Singapore but it just miserably fails to match up to the one served here. So might as well eat as much as possible before we leave, right?
Wow halal dim sum! That is so cool! I am really curious why it isn't so good in Singapore?! Considering the number of ethnic Malays I would have figured there would be some good halal dim sum in S'pore!
Quoting airbusmango (Reply 10): Seriously, First Class? Did you make some feedback to them about it? Wow and with crossing outs too..
I did and I got an apology email and some Delta SkyMiles to make up for it....alas only ONCE have I gotten a MOML meal on domestic first class in the U.S. that actually had meat...it was a flying from NYC and the meal was a South Asian chicken curry with rice....very good!
That is really appalling about green kebaya! The photo rule doesn't make any sense as there have been PLENTY of SQ trip reports on a.net with in flight photos!
The one time I flew SQ the station manager at LAX came on board and insisted on taking my photos with her, me, and the FA.... Granted I was super lucky to be F so that probably made a big difference....
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1236 posts, RR: 34 Reply 17, posted (9 months 3 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 11724 times:
Hello,
Quoting airbusmango (Reply 5): Ah, that's some nice information. Where were you seated at, mate? To me, 9V-SKP still had that new airplane smell which I really liked. or maybe it was just my nose.
Rows 44 & then 48. I don’t remember the smell, but everything about the plane was shiny & new.
Shame about your experience with the crew and especially bad that such a senior member was at fault. Thankfully I didn’t have any problems with my picture taking.
As for the ice cream incident, I too got told that I could only have one if they had extras, which I did think was a bit petty (I had a special meal too). However, the crew member who spoke to me was much more polite about it. I’m sure they must always have some left over.
Btw, those green things you ask about are capers.
Happy flying
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
Great report and great pictures. Looks like you had a ton of fun.
Thanks for the caper information! Yes, I did have a ton of fun.. especially the plane spotting part
Quoting beowulf (Reply 15): Regarding your experience with the flight attendant on the way from HKG, you should give customer feedback to SQ. I doubt it'll do much, but at least it's on record.
I have. Some personnel from SQ called me back that very evening to personally apologize, and asked me when was my next flight. I wonder why she asked me that though..
Quoting burj (Reply 16): When I was in Hong Kong I saw the Islamic Center and had NO idea there was a canteen! I'm kicking myself for not looking into that while I was there!
More reason for you to return to Hong Kong as soon as possible, yeah?
Quoting burj (Reply 16): I did and I got an apology email and some Delta SkyMiles to make up for it....alas only ONCE have I gotten a MOML meal on domestic first class in the U.S. that actually had meat...it was a flying from NYC and the meal was a South Asian chicken curry with rice....very good!
Ack! More curry! I wonder why they keep catering curries for MOML, just a thought.
Quoting burj (Reply 16): That is really appalling about green kebaya! The photo rule doesn't make any sense as there have been PLENTY of SQ trip reports on a.net with in flight photos!
Even until now, I am STILL baffled by it.
Quoting burj (Reply 16): Since you live in S'pore...have you had a chance to visit Changi and see this cool new kinectic sculpture?
Why yes, I have. Honestly speaking, I don't see the fuss about it. I'd rather have the old Terminal 1 with the huge and iconic flights departure boards!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 17): Shame about your experience with the crew and especially bad that such a senior member was at fault. Thankfully I didn’t have any problems with my picture taking.
As for the ice cream incident, I too got told that I could only have one if they had extras, which I did think was a bit petty (I had a special meal too). However, the crew member who spoke to me was much more polite about it. I’m sure they must always have some left over.
I wonder if SQ management did do something about it! I am fine if there wasn't extras and didn't have any, so I understand why she said so about the ice-cream because it was somewhat a full flight. What really ticked me off was the unprofessional tone she decide to speak in which would make you go "Seriously? You're the Leading Stewardess?".
Quoting infodesk (Reply 17): Btw, those green things you ask about are capers.
I hereby announce capers as one of my favorite green things to eat onboard!
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2202 posts, RR: 14 Reply 19, posted (9 months 2 weeks 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 11048 times:
Hey
Awesome report, thanks for sharing it with us.
Singapore Airlines seems to be world class, can't wait until my first flight in few weeks!
HKG looks great for spotting as well, fab pics.
Initious From Singapore, joined Dec 2008, 1011 posts, RR: 16 Reply 20, posted (9 months 2 weeks 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 10878 times:
Hi there Hafiz!
It's certainly wonderful that your friends surprised you with a ticket on SQ! I also recently celebrated my 21st birthday and got some pretty interesting gifts, although no air tickets, haha!
Living in Jurong West (yes, I know we live near to each other) makes going to the airport a long journey but I always try to take a taxi if I'm flying. MRT shall be used only when I don't fly!
SQ's new Economy class looks wonderful as ever. Hope the seats were as comfortable as they looked! Food looked pretty decent too. Was that lamb redang on the menu for your MOML? Certainly impressive! You are making me want to order MOML next time too, even though I am a non-muslim!
Beautiful pictures of Hong Kong's surroundings! Makes me think of my visit in Janaury and April this year. Nice spotting pics at HKG!
Great to see that the dim sum restaurant has a Halal menu!
Once again, great spotting pics at HKG on your way back! It looks like we have exactly the same black converse sneakers! I certainly did not appreciate the leading stewardess shouting across the rows asking if you wanted ice cream, a very bad image for SQ!
However, still congrats on logging the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER! Have yet to log the latter, probably time for me to do so soon!
airbusmango From Singapore, joined Apr 2012, 61 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (9 months 2 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 10727 times:
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 19): Awesome report, thanks for sharing it with us.
Singapore Airlines seems to be world class, can't wait until my first flight in few weeks!
HKG looks great for spotting as well, fab pics.
And thank you for reading, Marc! Hope you'd enjoy your first flight with Singapore Airlines! I would so love to return to Hong Kong as soon as possible for more spotting
Quoting Initious (Reply 20): SQ's new Economy class looks wonderful as ever. Hope the seats were as comfortable as they looked! Food looked pretty decent too. Was that lamb redang on the menu for your MOML? Certainly impressive! You are making me want to order MOML next time too, even though I am a non-muslim!
Maybe you'll be lucky and get the mashed potatoes and lamb too if and when you ever order a MOML out of Singapore! Seats were comfortable yes, just that the slight vandalism spotted on the back of 48J on 9V-SWB which was an eyesore among all three SQ planes that I took (STK, SKP, SWB).
Quoting Initious (Reply 20): Beautiful pictures of Hong Kong's surroundings! Makes me think of my visit in Janaury and April this year. Nice spotting pics at HKG!
Ahh, bet you can do better!
Quoting Initious (Reply 20): Great to see that the dim sum restaurant has a Halal menu!
I'm really thankful for that! I now proclaim that halal dim sum as one of my main reasons for going back to Hong Kong.
Quoting Initious (Reply 20): Once again, great spotting pics at HKG on your way back! It looks like we have exactly the same black converse sneakers! I certainly did not appreciate the leading stewardess shouting across the rows asking if you wanted ice cream, a very bad image for SQ!
Snap, now I must get a new pair of shoes that isn't black or Converse! Well, in every flight, we're bound to meet one or two bad apples..
Quoting Initious (Reply 20): However, still congrats on logging the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER! Have yet to log the latter, probably time for me to do so soon!
By all means, please do! I hope to officially log in an A340-300 next!
anthonychua527 From Singapore, joined Aug 2012, 39 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (9 months 2 weeks 3 days 5 hours ago) and read 9531 times:
airbusmango, I totally feel your anger you experienced with Ms Green Kebaya. I just flew TG409 from BKK-SIN last week, and there was Ms Pink Krung Thep, who did something similar to me.
I just had my meal and made a trip to the lav, and when I got out, decided to take a few pictures of the nice B773 cabin of Thai Airways. Just then, Ms Pink Krung Thep, who happened to be in the cabin collecting meal trays, stood straight up, stared at me like she was gonna kill me, and made a cross symbol with both her arms! Let me say that I have never been stared at in my life with such a death stare before! She continued staring at me with those killer eyes even after I went back to my seat, way till we landed at SIN. She stared and stared throughout the remaining time, every single time she went through the cabin.
Well, at least she didn't have any more chances to spite me in that short 2 hour flight.
My impression of TG fell to the pits immediately after that, and I am still fuming now. I flew Thai on more than 10 flights this year and was so impressed. All it takes is just Ms Pink Krung Thep to spoil it all.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 23, posted (9 months 2 weeks 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 9404 times:
Very nice report. Great photos from HK! Serivce from SQ looks pretty good (with one major exception).
Quoting airbusmango (Thread starter): “Sir, you are not entitled to an ice-cream because you had pudding in your meal. If any passenger doesn’t want, I’ll give it to you. Ok?” in a patronizing tone.
OMG, are you serious!??! That's awful. That is so rude. There is no rule against taking photos on SQ...indeed as both you and I have experienced, SQ staff are happy to take photos of pax onboard.
Quoting airbusmango (Thread starter): Usually ice-cream never fails to make me happy, but this one didn’t
airbusmango From Singapore, joined Apr 2012, 61 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (9 months 2 weeks 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 9293 times:
Quoting anthonychua527 (Reply 22): I just had my meal and made a trip to the lav, and when I got out, decided to take a few pictures of the nice B773 cabin of Thai Airways. Just then, Ms Pink Krung Thep, who happened to be in the cabin collecting meal trays, stood straight up, stared at me like she was gonna kill me, and made a cross symbol with both her arms! Let me say that I have never been stared at in my life with such a death stare before! She continued staring at me with those killer eyes even after I went back to my seat, way till we landed at SIN. She stared and stared throughout the remaining time, every single time she went through the cabin.
Hi Anthony!
Sounds like she was staring at you hardcore! Ms Pink Krung Thep and Ms Green Kebaya can be best friends for life! Jokes aside, I think it's really not nice of them as Leading Stewardesses to behave like that towards passengers. Totally unbecoming of them!
Quoting anthonychua527 (Reply 22): My impression of TG fell to the pits immediately after that, and I am still fuming now. I flew Thai on more than 10 flights this year and was so impressed. All it takes is just Ms Pink Krung Thep to spoil it all.
I've flown SQ on three flights now and two of them were ruined by nasty staff onboard. Obviously the one that's really too much is Ms Green Kebaya on SQ 865 HKG-SIN. Interestingly enough, both flights with these renegade Stewards/Stewardesses are on flights back to SIN. Hmmmm I wonder..
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 23): Very nice report. Great photos from HK! Serivce from SQ looks pretty good (with one major exception).
Hello again, Gabriel!
Thank you so much for reading too! I so would love to return to Hong Kong as soon as I can
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 23): OMG, are you serious!??! That's awful. That is so rude. There is no rule against taking photos on SQ...indeed as both you and I have experienced, SQ staff are happy to take photos of pax onboard.
Yes, I am serious. I still get tense whenever I think about what and how she said it that night. It's really a stark difference between the Flight Stewardess on SQ 856 who warmly offered to take a photo of us and the Leading Stewardess Ms Green Kebaya on SQ 865 who looked like she wanted to electrocute me for even wanting to press the shutter button.
I would have preferred Strawberry flavors! But it'll have to do, I suppose
Regards,
Hafiz
25 flightsimboy: Halfway through the text above I started to scroll slowly as I got to the bottom, hoping you would say that it was just a bad dream you had experienc
26 airbusmango: It was a nightmare indeed! I really hope the higher-ups do something about this situation. But thanks for reading! I really recommend spotting at HKI
27 PlaneHunter: Hi Airbusmango, good report with nice pictures! However, I recommend to post the whole report at once or to start several threads. When you add anothe
28 airbusmango: Whoopsie.. mistyped and accidentally overlooked it! Really sorry about that, please don't murder me for it Believe me, it did. I lodged a complaint t
29 The777Man: Hi Hafiz! Nice report with nice pictures ! Especially great to see the spotting pictures from HKG! Too bad you had a very bad experience on the flight
30 airbusmango: Hi The777Man! If there's anything that I'd go back to Hong Kong for, it would be the endless spotting opportunities. Followed by the fabulous dim sum
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From Singapore, joined Apr 2012, 61 posts, 
My luggage with the SQ 619 tag still on its handle
The hot towel in question, VERY refreshing I might add
Mirror shot
Stairwell leading up to the all-Business Class Upper Deck
Love those wingtips!
From the bakery
What’s a flight without Apple Juice?
The menu
Door
The rear stairwell again
There’s just something about fluffy little clouds hovering over the expanse of blue
The cloud layer thickens
Our 57A/B/C seats for the last time
Crossing the bridge
The lift in question
The clock tower
Mango with Strawberry and jellies at the bottom!
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A larger than life Woody staring us down
Rollercoaster at Ocean Park
Islamic Food restaurant in Kowloon, right beside the old Kai Tak Airport
From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 838 posts, 
The non-dim sum fare
I’ll be back some day for more halal dim sum!
Checking-in
Checked-in!
Qantas & Philippine Airlines
But at least this sunset sight made up for the delay
The galley at the back, Singapore Boy was preparing stuff
The door of the lavatory
My OJ!
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