SQ32/31 SIN-SFO-SIN in Y: Impressions of Post-COVID San Francisco

[SQfanatic]

My parents went on the night of September 10th from SFO on SQ33 and connected to SQ524 (a daytime flight to Chennai, 2 days operated by the A350, Thu, Sat and the remaining days operated by the Boeing 737 Max 8).

Both my parents got 9V-SJG on SQ33 (and surprisingly on 9/18, the same frame SJG flew my mom back as SQ32) and got 9V-SHM, an A350-900 Medium Haul on SQ524. Sounded neat of them to actually fly a day flight to Chennai for a change and reach there around 11AM. They had fun at the wedding, sadly one I was told not to go to by my dad and some of the events prior and an early celebration of my younger cousin's birthday (the one who got married to her fiance). Trip to them in a sense was very hectic, they stayed at OMR, went to Mamalla Beach resort (Mahabalipuram) and came back to main Chennai (Mylapore/T.Nagar), although they went from OMR to main Chennai for some shopping. Traffic was a nightmare for them and one of the events they missed. In terms of the weather, in Farenheit, it was in the mid 90's with the humidity. The hectic activities with that weather was not fun. Although I was sad I couldn't go (and work was too busy for me anyway as this is one of our busiest times), part of me was kind of happy not to get too involved or listen to them fight many things like they always do during any trip. You take a trip, you enjoy a trip, otherwise stay home! Since my last couple of Chennai trips were in November/December when it was warm but comfortable, part of me did (to a degree) miss the heat and humidity there, while it was actually significantly cooler than average in the Bay Area (sweater weather, some evenings jacket weather).

They did say a couple of things for consideration for the future. If I go to India next May close to my birthday, if not my birthday at least during the week, spend a day at Mamalla Beach resort, because prices are almost similar to staying in the main city of Chennai (i.e. 6000 INR+) and then shift to OMR and Hyatt Regency closer to the end of the trip and visit more beaches, temples, shopping, etc. Plus when my time comes to get married (maybe in another 2-3 years max), they would consider doing the whole event there - in India it's far cheaper at least to us. If either of my parents join me it would be nice, maybe also special.

While returning, my mom got 9V-SCO (which I think my dad flew in Dec 2022 on SQ526 to MAA) on 9/17 on SQ529 and as I mentioned 9/18 SJG on SQ32. My dad left last night from MAA and is on his way back to SFO. He got 9V-SCK on SQ529 & as of now is flying on SQ32 back to SFO. He's on 9V-SMZ (9/24).

Now, getting to their experience compared to 2022. Yes, I'm sorry to say this, but they said the plane was full (no problem!), but it was cramped, tough to walk around the aisles. They were sitting in the aisle seat and while they did sleep, the seat was not to their liking. SQ did give them hot towels this time (I've seen a thread where they brought it back). In terms of the food, they found it pretty average, not as good. The India sector it was good, but the Chennai catering, food was below average to them. Nothing to write home about, but Emirates was actually better in some cases, definitely a little bit better though still on the average side. On the bright side, on all the legs, the crew were very friendly, Singapore Changi was nice like the good old. They landed in Terminal 2, and went to T3 for their MAA flight. Returning my mom landed also in T2, transferred to T3, but my dad was within the same T3 while returning (lucky him!). The entertainment system at least what my mom checks out (I sometimes do) was pretty good, a little less than Emirates. In multiple respects, my mom thinks Emirates is better. Food is pretty good usually, seat is comfortable, aisles are roomy, etc (A380) and even the Boeing 777-300ER (a little tighter, but nothing compared to the A350 or 787 to them at least).

It's possible my mom could come in May with me, and maybe I will try Singapore Airlines depending on the price but the time is what I'm concerned about because I don't want to unnecessarily take a full day off just to catch a flight (if I can avoid). They're lucky they got SQ33 (10PM departure) with Economy Class as that usually has only J and PY, otherwise it'd be Emirates. In a sense, to my mom, she felt flying on Singapore Airlines, while they got it for 800 (my dad cashed out some miles and got it for 400, wow!) was not worth it. September is usually an off-peak month because kids have school, work is busy at its peak, but the flights were full.

As for me, NO more trips for the rest of this year (I only went to Yosemite last in July and my last long haul trip was in March). The earliest before the May trip could be in February to Europe (Turkey/Italy on Turkish Airlines). All these trips are just talk and under discussion, nothing will be decided till November for the February trip, for me mid January for the May trip for my birthday (March if my mom and/or dad can come). July was the last trip for me of the year.

[yflyer]

Part of me is happy (and certainly not to offend anyone as this is my opinion) that I am not going, because SQ's Y class in both sectors (short and long) are terribly cramped. I really know nowadays airlines are compromising comfort over profits, but never would I thought SQ would go this low. This was my experience and honestly, I would avoid the A350 if possible. It might be harder to avoid the 787 on other airlines (i.e. if it's purely going to Europe for example, but LH's 747 was just as comfortable as EK's A380)

My only criteria (and just to be on the practical side) is if SQ's PEY is cheaper than EK's Y class, I'd rather spend a few hundred bucks more on EK. But one day, this will be in the back of my head, maybe if I fly SQ on one of the solo India trips my father wants to take (subject to how I'm spreading my PTO) then I could try PEY and post a report. You only live once

My opinion:

SQ’s A380 and EK’s A380 are comparable in Y. Both are very comfortable. SQ’s PEY, J and R on the A380 are wonderful as well.

SQ’s 777s, which are configured 9 abreast in Y, are far superior to EK’s 10-abreast in Y, which I try to avoid where possible.

SQ’s A350 is fine in Y. SQ’s A350 PEY is not great in terms of seat comfort.

I am not a huge fan of SQ’s 787-10 with 9-abreast Y (Nothing can compare with JAL’s 8-abreast 787s) but I don’t mind flying SQ’s 787’s in Y on shorter sectors.

I’ve not tried EK’s PEY but it sure looks good!

[SQfanatic]

That does sound like a good deal! These days SQ PEY has better catering (no longer just Y meals), so I am actually more keen to fly SQ PEY again these days.

Part of me is happy (and certainly not to offend anyone as this is my opinion) that I am not going, because SQ's Y class in both sectors (short and long) are terribly cramped. I really know nowadays airlines are compromising comfort over profits, but never would I thought SQ would go this low. This was my experience and honestly, I would avoid the A350 if possible. It might be harder to avoid the 787 on other airlines (i.e. if it's purely going to Europe for example, but LH's 747 was just as comfortable as EK's A380)

My only criteria (and just to be on the practical side) is if SQ's PEY is cheaper than EK's Y class, I'd rather spend a few hundred bucks more on EK. But one day, this will be in the back of my head, maybe if I fly SQ on one of the solo India trips my father wants to take (subject to how I'm spreading my PTO) then I could try PEY and post a report. You only live once

[yflyer]

EK does a better seat on the 380 than the SQ 359, but the immigration arrivals lines at SFO at that time puts me off with QR arriving at the same time; SQ arrival times are a breeze and more conducive

EK's A380 Y cabins are indeed very comfortable, especially if you get the newer cabin products. SFO arrival queues appear to be hit or miss. I have been fairly lucky on the SQ nonstops (and even the UA nonstops), where the queues were quite manageable.

[yflyer]

My parents are flying SQ in September for my younger cousin's wedding in Chennai (actually in Mahabalipuram, 1 hour from Chennai). I will be staying back.

They got a good deal for probably less than $800 and flying Economy. Curious to find out what regs they will get. I'll be staying back like I did when they went in February.

That does sound like a good deal! These days SQ PEY has better catering (no longer just Y meals), so I am actually more keen to fly SQ PEY again these days.

[yflyer]

Indexed Trip Reports these days I see… Fancy!

I’ve finally booked my next SQ31 experience ready to finally take to the skies again in June. I appreciate the information about airside dining options in SFO. The landside options are not brilliant based on prior experience.

Looking forward to hearing more about your experience on SQ31, SQ228!

[SQ forever]

EK does a better seat on the 380 than the SQ 359, but the immigration arrivals lines at SFO at that time puts me off with QR arriving at the same time; SQ arrival times are a breeze and more conducive

[SQfanatic]

My parents are flying SQ in September for my younger cousin's wedding in Chennai (actually in Mahabalipuram, 1 hour from Chennai). I will be staying back.

They got a good deal for probably less than $800 and flying Economy. Curious to find out what regs they will get. I'll be staying back like I did when they went in February.

[SQfanatic]

My dad got back on SQ32 on 9V-SJC (11JAN). From MAA, it was 9V-SCI. He’s lucky to have flown an SJ* bird and this one is 7 months old, after 9V-SJD and 9V-SJA on SQ31 on 14DEC as opposed to my mom & I on SMV.

Overall he did find the return sector to be better and in fact they gave curd and an actual Indian sweet on both his sectors. I guess 2023, SQ is gradually but slowly trying their best to get back to pre-pandemic levels in terms of service. He did enjoy the food but still not about the same as pre-pandemic and old times yet. Service and crew with no question was excellent.

He flew Premium Economy though on his way home on SQ32 (SQ31 was Economy Class) and from MAA, they routed his bags as a higher priority with a Business class tag likely because MAA flights don’t have Premium Economy (otherwise I’m sure they would have had Premium Economy tags). As a result, he got his bags quicker at SFO (within about 10 minutes vs us waiting about 30 mins).

I was also looking at the BTC menu and one thing I’m a little bit pissed about is that for lunch, there is a lack of vegetarian options. But for breakfast you do have some nice Western options (pancakes, french toast, etc). He did have the normal Indian vegetarian meals.

He can say Premium Economy is very comfortable and I think it would certainly be worth trying it at least once. It could be worth flying for a few extra hundred bucks unless fares on other carriers are the same or a little cheaper than PY on SQ.

The sad thing about SQ is that their 2017 Y class seats are missing the footrest. Hope this won’t be a staple on their future Boeing 777-9’s though Premium Economy has it.

[SQfanatic]

My mom & I got off SQ529 & SQ32 and let me tell you, Singapore Airlines is still no doubt a great way to fly but they have simply gone downhill compared to previous years.

I can understand the no-hot towel thing due to covid, no problem! But the seats were very cramped and uncomfortable and even worse walking down the aisles. The 787-10 in terms of seat is a little better not so in terms of the aisles.

The 2017 Y class can be tolerated for a short flight, but for a long flight not the best. If SQ does not bring the 77W back via HKG (or any fifth freedom city), then if there is no other choice than flying SQ, it doesn’t hurt to spend a few hundred more to fly Premium Economy. Otherwise, doesn’t hurt to look into other airlines.

But one good thing is that SQ32 was definitely a time saving flight by 4 hours compared to the time they operated via ICN. The only one problem is that the bags took a while to come that early in the morning.

I have posted a full TR.

[SQ228]

Indexed Trip Reports these days I see… Fancy!

I’ve finally booked my next SQ31 experience ready to finally take to the skies again in June. I appreciate the information about airside dining options in SFO. The landside options are not brilliant based on prior experience.

[SQfanatic]

Have a good flight, SQfanatic!

Thanks yflyer. TR will follow in a few days though I got a little headstart with the menus.

In less than 24 hours I’ll be onboard.

A family friend of our’s flew SQ back in June and at least the date they quoted when they got back, I checked and they were also on the same reg, 9V-SJE. While going they went via SEA, from the date my mom told me I checked and they had 9V-SMY.

[yflyer]

According to iCargo, SQ33 tomorrow evening my time will be operated by a 1-year old A350, 9V-SJE. TBD for SQ528.

Have a good flight, SQfanatic!

[SQfanatic]

According to iCargo, SQ33 tomorrow evening my time will be operated by a 1-year old A350, 9V-SJE. TBD for SQ528.

[SQfanatic]

Got word from my dad he reached Chennai (via SQ31 & SQ526). Unfortunately, as stated like September, gone are the good days of Singapore Airlines.

They’re good in many aspects but it’s gone downhill. For instance, they don’t serve water with your food (you have to ask) and even Emirates gets a point on that.

Also the food quality is not good and while he did sleep, it was NOT comfortable for him. He did fly Y on both sectors (9V-SJA & 9V-SCO).

I’ll be flying Sunday evening SFO time with my mom and will report back with details in a just few days after the flight (TR with pics) after reaching MAA.

At this point, there’s just not really a difference between flying SQ and other carriers. Notably with SQ flights so long and uncomfortable and just generally the standard like before.