There and Back on QF/SQ/SK/LX: Starring the SQ A380

[SQ LPP]

Sector - SIN-LHR
Flight number - SQ318
Class - Suites
Equipment - A380
Seat - 2F

After some brekky at the New Majestic, I hopped into a taxi and cruised into the SQ FCL check in lounge at T3. Was met by no less than 3 ushers and a porter at the entry to the lounge, and led to a sit-down check in area. My bp for this segment had been issued the day before in HKG but they'd decided to print me a new one which contains information about my departure gate. I was also checked in for my onward segment from LHR to ARN on SK, with my suitcase tagged through to ARN. I was then informed that I was eligible to use the SKL.



I flowed through the totally deserted dedicated immigraton channel for FCL pax, and soon found my way to the SKL. The escalators to the SKL are located almost directly in front of the FCL immigration chanel. The v nice lounge agent examined my bp, and warmly welcomed me to the Flounge. I was then led to a rather secluded part of the Flounge where I was invited to partake in some Flounge dining. I declined as I'd wanted to have room for my lunch onboard, and simply sipped on the bubbly.

Would you kindly enough explaining which SKL were you on? F Lounge or the Private Room? As you read in the thread about TPR, a couple F pax on award got invited to TPR, even though officially, the rules of the TPR are still for the paid revenue ($$$) F and R pax.
Your clarification gladly appreciated.

[HUGE AL]

Would you kindly enough explaining which SKL were you on? F Lounge or the Private Room? As you read in the thread about TPR, a couple F pax on award got invited to TPR, even though officially, the rules of the TPR are still for the paid revenue ($$$) F and R pax.
Your clarification gladly appreciated.

Did this:

I have just learned that our certain QF loving SQTalker has also been invited to the TPR on an award ticket about 3 hours ago.

Maybe SQ has relaxed the access rules after all.

refer to KeithMEL?

[SQ LPP]

HUGE AL, that's why some readers got confused. From what posted in this TR, it sounds like KeithMEL went to SKL F section, not TPR. Since he did not mention anything or how disappointed TPR compare to his beloved QF Lounges, some assumes he was in SKL F section. Of course it's possible that he missed the discussions about TPR in the other thread.

[HUGE AL]

HUGE AL, that's why some readers got confused. From what posted in this TR, it sounds like KeithMEL went to SKL F section, not TPR. Since he did not mention anything or how disappointed TPR compare to his beloved QF Lounges, some assumes he was in SKL F section. Of course it's possible that he missed the discussions about TPR in the other thread.

Agreed. And VERY true about the boy and his 'roo Lounges.

But I doubt KeithMEL misses ANYTHING on this board, or any others, or the odd news postings from around the world.

[kchika]

KeithMEL, bring on the updates please! And for being the only one in R, congrats!

[KeithMEL]

HUGE AL, that's why some readers got confused. From what posted in this TR, it sounds like KeithMEL went to SKL F section, not TPR. Since he did not mention anything or how disappointed TPR compare to his beloved QF Lounges, some assumes he was in SKL F section. Of course it's possible that he missed the discussions about TPR in the other thread.

Since it's now mentioned - I was actually in the TPR, but was trying to be subtle about it in case it's a mistake that I was allowed in (especially as my bp indicated SKL entitlement and check in mentioned that I was invited to the SKL).

Nothing more to add on the TPR except to agree with underwhelming reports about the place, especially in the context of the onerous entry policies.

KeithMEL, bring on the updates please! And for being the only one in R, congrats!

Sorry for being tardy with updates. Been a tad busy. Will do so asap.

[SQ LPP]

Since it's now mentioned - I was actually in the TPR, but was trying to be subtle about it in case it's a mistake that I was allowed in (especially as my bp indicated SKL entitlement and check in mentioned that I was invited to the SKL).

A few of us here knows the rule. A few are confused. I was assuming you were in TPR and there was not anything for you to write since you skipped any meals, just had the drinks. And I remembered that you had a confirmed ticketed O class that had been changed to the Suite. But not all readers know in details.


PS: I think at least two SQTalkers here would be happy to know that you are in TPR. I know for sure these two SQTalkers who would start the year with a bang - flying in R class - due to a change from O-class. Hope you guys will have more pictures of TPR! The more the merrier.

[f4freeJunior]

What an awesome trip!!! Thanks for sharing all those peacefull moments! Cheers!

[KeithMEL]

Review of Sheraton Stockholm posted here.

Next: Stockholm

[phaleesy]

Made the mistake of selecting the bulkhead again - there was actually less room than the other rows as you couldn't slide your legs under the seat in front. I'd recommend 1D on the SAS MD82 where there's more legroom since that seat isn't constrained by the bulkhead. There was no one next to me and everyone had an entire row to themselves.

KeithMEL, how did you select your seats? At check-in, by calling up SAS or through Sabre?

[KeithMEL]

KeithMEL, how did you select your seats? At check-in, by calling up SAS or through Sabre?

diamond club did it for me. They were hesitant initially as it "is not a bmi flight" but when I pointed out that they'd done it for me before it magically became possible. SAS refused to do it as the ticket's issued by bmi.

[KeithMEL]

Sighted in Stockholm

Christmas is defo the best time of the year to visit. Everything's so colourful. And I love the cold. But rather disappointingly, it wasn't as cold as I'd hoped it'd be - coldest it ever got was 1 degree celcius. Overall a rather cool city, lots of chic establishments with beautiful and trendy people, a place that I'd have no hesitation to return to, and that's not just to start/end certain good value redemptions though that's certainly another plus.

Where to party
As warned on here and elsewhere, alcohol is expensive in Stockholm. But I just got used to paying A$12 for their local version of VB, and more for wines and cocktails - when you're on vacation you just stop caring after a while I s'pose. Nightlife here is surprisingly hopping for a city its size. Come here over a weekend and you'd expect to start liquoring up at mid day at dozens of bars around - these 'day bars' are rather popular here on Fridays and Saturdays.

Rouge
Very cool cocktail bar down at the Gamla Stan. Try their ginger mojito.



Glendiffich Whisky Bar
I don't drink whisky but they have lots of beers on tap and a nice selection of wines. That's if you can stand the cheesy late 90s pop music.



The arvo boozing is soaked up by some dinner, which is then followed by a session at the clubs. Head over to the clubs early especially if it's a popular one or you could be waiting in queues forever. Then there are clubs that deny entry on v arbitrary justifications - there was one that didn't allow me entry as I was deemed "too old" for their door policy (I am 23; they'd only admit 18-20 YOs - yes they do check IDs).

Patricia
A pretty fun place housed in a ship. Gay nights on Sundays but it's more of a mixed place, ie every gay man has an entourage of 5 straight best girl pals plus the odd straight man lurking in dark corners hoping to catch their attention. Pretty good music, but at about 2am they put on some really lame performances on stage.

Lake Malaren



Gamla Stan (The Old Town)

The touristy bit of Stockholm, its well-preserved and restored medieval centre. Also contains heaps of restaurants and bars at night. Lots of interesting little shops.





Royal Palace




Royal guard





Random monument

[KeithMEL]

Christmas in Stockholm





Stockholm is beautiful during the Christmas season, full of festive spirit and cheer. And not just the commercialised kind of festive spirit, Myers' and David Jones' style either though there was certainly some of that in the upscale shopping districts.

Christmas lunch cruise
Buffet style, truly indulgent. Cost of cruise do not include drinks. I appeared to be the only tourist on the cruise. It was fascinating to observe how local families conduct their Christmas feasts. Every bit as decadent as we'd do back home of course, except with mull wine because it's so cold here, and heaps of pickled herring. And lots of caroling.











The cruise takes you out to plenty of little islands. Much better to do lunch than dinner so you can check out the sights. When you get back at almost 4pm it'd be dark outside at this time of the year anyway so you also get to admire the city lights on the lunch cruise - best of both worlds.

[KeithMEL]

Big Christmas tree and ski centre
Rather Rockefeller-esque but obviously a fair bit smaller.





Christmas market
A rather pretty sight! Everyone was giving out free samples of their wares, so plan your trip to Stockholm around this time of the year and you'd get fed free at lunch that way.











Young carolers



Next: SK1555 ARN-AMS whY; Hotel V Frederiksplein Amsterdam

[DeltaFlyingProf]

Nice photos! Makes me wanna go visit Stockholm!