Holidaytravel with allegro25 jr. & sr. > SQ AMS-SIN-KIX-SIN-CGK-YOG-CGK-SIN-AMS

[FlyingDan]

Amazing trip report, thanks!

[Kiwi]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]After having our fill with sandwiches, yoghurt and coffee we headed towards the gate around 10.00. After saying goodbye to the lounge dragon we walked a small detour so that can i take this picture of the JAL Sakura Lounge. As you see US Airways Envoy Class PAX may also use this lounge but it is not for *G.

Not necessarily. The absence of *G symbol is to make sure *G flying other airlines do not try to use the lounge. I expect that *G flying US will get invited to the same lounge as envoy class pax - that is what normally applies with contract lounges.

[SQflyergirl]

Glad to see that the toothpaste is now Colgate rather than the weird tasting one last time.

You eat toothpaste?


Seriously though - Can't wait for the rest of the TR Allegro25 -

[Allegro25]

To StarG
The bottle of water is really an invention, indeed as you said in the Spacebed it is easy to knock over the glass when you move about.

To DeltaFlyingProf
Can't your parents in BXL get these at the supermarket, perhaps Delhaze? Otherwise if you're in Maastricht buy them at any local supermarket.... they are indeed addictive!

[DeltaFlyingProf]

Oh bring me some of those!!!! I love them!

[StarG]

While the cabin was in a deep rest, every seat got a bottle of Vittel still water. a very nice touch because IMHO when you sleep and wake up due to the air conditioning your throat feels parched and you something to drink.

I think individual bottled water is (or should be) a standard amenity in any airlines' Business Class. This minimizes hassle to the cabin crew working (less top ups required compared to if glasses are used) and also reduces the possibility of spillage.

The amenity drawer: comb, razor, tooth brush set

Glad to see that the toothpaste is now Colgate rather than the weird tasting one last time.

The toiletries provided are of L'Occitane; moisturiser, after shave, eau de toilette and a different brand mouth wash.

Good to see they now use L'Occitane body lotion - IIRC it was a big bottle of no-brand name previously.

[Allegro25]

PART 1E finally in the aircraft light bites

Between mealservices, SQ has the light bites menu. I was in need of something hearty and decided to ask the FA for fishball noodle soup. She understands me completely because she brought a extra bowl of chilis to spice up my flight. I must say it was very tasty soup, light salty but filling!


I watched Fawtly Towers while eating and then decided to turn in.



On the Spacebed i found the trick for a good sleep. Just put in New Age music on Krisworld playlist then put on the noise canceling headphones and your cut of from th rest of the world. For sleeping position i preffer my seat in the Z position and extending the headrest. When in the totally flat bed position i experienced some sliding but i could be that i was restless in my sleep. Z sleep position:


Madame in 16A in fully lie flat position:


Just a toilet tip; if you see this neatly folded toiletpaper in the washroom:

That means that the toilet has just been cleaned! So everything is fresh and sanatized again for use.

About 2,5 hours before arrival, the cabin lights went back on and we were offered a hot towel along with a glass of fresh OJ and apple juice.

[Allegro25]

PART 1E finally in the aircraft snooze time

While the cabin was in a deep rest, every seat got a bottle of Vittel still water. a very nice touch because IMHO when you sleep and wake up due to the air conditioning your throat feels parched and you need something to drink within easy reach.

Lights dimmed:


Vittel water:


I decided to take a trip to the little boys room, there are 2 for 30 C-class passengers. From my seat 16F it is just around the corner.

A lovely orchid in the toilet:


Older style fauchet:


The amenity drawer: comb, razor, tooth brush set


The toiletries provided are of L'Occitane; moisturiser, after shave, eau de toilette and a different brand mouth wash.


After that i played some videogames, Zelda being one of my favorite.


A FA came by and asked if i would like some nuts and something to drink.
I got a Coke and this sachet of mixed nuts. I guess only in F do you get nuts in a bowl. Is this same sachet also in use for Y?


Later on the snack basket passed and i decided on a health Granny Smith green apple and a packet of crisps:


Time flies and we were already flying over India, we did not experience any turbulance yet what so ever, it was very smooth:

[Allegro25]

PART 1E finally in the aircraft lunch

From the whole cabin i got my appetiser as first. It was definetly all seafood. Shrimp and fish on a skewer. It tasted very nice and it was soft not at all rubbery.


It came along with a refreshing tissue


2 FA came by with the trolley and prepared the satay for serving. In the meantime my Singapore Sling was replenished with a new one, it is indeed a nice drink! Sr. would have had an extra helping for Satay, he urged me to find when in Singapore the recipe of the heavenly peanut sauce

Prelude:
Satay
With onion, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce





After it was cleared i took a look at the magazines in the racks, these are the titles available:

• Business Traveller
• Newsweek
• Times
• Changi Magazine
• Scubadiver
• Businessweek
• Action Asia
• Forbes
• Wealth
• Icon
• Dutch Elle wonen
• Dutch Flair
• And something Chinese

The table was set with cloth and on a tray came the starter.
Water glasses were filled and I opted for the Villa Franz Riesling 2006 white wine. The other wines were white Saint Veran Rives de Longsault 2005 and red Chateau Ramafort 2002 Medoc and Rive Barvera 2004 Piedmont.

Starter
Airdried beef with mixed pickles


Smoked Salmon salad


A steward passed by with the breadbasket on offering were Focaccia, soft buns, breadsticks and garlic bread.

The glasses of wine and water were generously topped up and then we got our main.

Main
BTC: Grilled chicken breast in herb sauce with ratatouille and mashed potatoes


Seafood meal: grilled fish with vegatables





Other mains to choose from the English / Dutch menu were:

• Roasted lam loin (by chef Matthew Moran of Sydney's Ara restaurant)
• Stir fried prawns with macademia
• Hor mok pla Thai fish
• Seared chicken breast

After we finished everything was cleared and the trolly came by. The deserts were ready in their bowls but for the cheese platter you could choose which ones you'd like and the FA would prepare the plate. You could also choose something from the fruitbasket, for this i chossed the plum. The FA also took the coffee order, i asked for a cafe royale with Bailey's.

Finale
Raspberry cream cake (very creamy!)


Gourmet cheese with garnishes

As i'm normally go only for cheese on my pizza only, i tried the French cheese. It was nice and perfect with the appricots.

Gourmet coffees
Cafe Royal: Lightly sweetened coffee with a touch of XO


Marge Simpson would attest: " this is much better then any household chores!"


After the trays were cleared, hot towels were handed out to fresh up.
It was time for duty-free and after that cabin lights were dimmed and it was time for a snooze.

[Allegro25]

PART 1E finally in the aircraft part 2

The FA's in the cabin were of the cheerfull variety, smiled constantly and it certainly increased the holiday festive mood.

This is the legroomshot (inspired by SQFlyergirl)


Krisworld flightmap was already active:


An announcement was made to give attention to the safety video demonstration. It was my old time favorite with the strict lady and with the signature SQ soothing musical tune.


This time i saw Dutch subtitles were provided!

While watching the aircraft was moving towards its take-off position. Once there the captain announced for cabin crew to prepare for departure and to be seated. The LSS made a reminder announcement to securely fasten the seatbelts, this was repeated in Dutch by the male on a tape voice.

Finally take-off took place and we entered soothly in the mist. When cruising altitude was reached, the seatbelt sign was switched off but announced was to keep your seatbelt fastened while seated or to keep it fastened over the blanket. This was repeated in Dutch; " Dames en Heren, het bordje riemen vast is uitgeschakeld, wij adviseren u bij het zitten u stoel riem vast te maken."

Headphones and the aminity pouch with sockettes and eyeshades were distributed.


Oh la la la luxury by givenchy:


Afterwards cabin crew passed the ordered drinks, the logo on glassware is still the palm tree rafless class:


The FA came by to confim for Sr. his BTC selection and for me the seafood meal. Sr. was already zapping in Krisworld from movie to movie and was pleasently surprised that the noise cancelling headphones were really noise cancelling! After a while the meal service began:

[Allegro25]

PART 1E finally in the aircraft

We entered the aircraft at door 2L and after our boarding passes were checked by a steward and the chief stewardess, we were greeted and asked to make a left turn for the C-cabin.


First impression was the X-mas decorations.


I do find it a nice touch to know that there is an x-mas spirit around. At our seats lay ready a pillow and a in plastic wrapped blanket. Sr.’s leather jaket was offered to be hanged away by the FA and for that she asked his boarding pass. It seems that it will be hanged together with the item so there will be no confusion over who owns what item. Very smart I must admit, it would horrible if you walk away with someone else’s coat.

After we settled, Sr’s first remark was that the seat distance to the seat in front of your seat feels kinda cramped. He thinks that seat rows are a bit to close placed. I pointed out that the understorage of the seat in front is not for luggage but that the footrest and seat extend to slide into the understorage. Also I found out that no luggage maybe stored there, the FA had approached other passengers and requested that all luggage should be placed in the overhead bin.

A picture of the seat controls

A picture of the videoscreen

A picture of the handset

A picture of the readinglight, power outlet


The FA came round carrying a variety of newspapers. On offering were Dutch Algemeen Dagblad, English Financial Times, Straits Times and Herald Tribune. Sr. Asked for a USA Today which was delivered in a flash later. She also brought in several magazines. I usually opt for the Business Traveller because of the juicy travel news, she didn’t have it with her but she promised to go see if it may be in the galley. And yes within seconds she brought me the Business Traveller.

After other PAX made there magazine selections she put the remainder in the magazine rack next to the toilets.

With our hands full of reading material we were offered the pre take off drinks. Water, OJ, champagne and the cocktail of the month; “solitaire dreams” were offered. I had the champagne for a good start. Sr. is always a bit boring with always taking water or beer. After that the menus were distributed.




It finally dawned to me that I did not hear any boarding music, as I recall in Y there used to be an orchestral tune playing in the background. My thoughts were interrupted by an announcement stating that luggage should be stored in the overhead bin or under the seat in front. I guess the Y PAX were herded for boarding at that time. We got our nice hot towels and after finishing our drinks and getting adjusted in our seats the captain made his announcement. As for this sector, announcements were very clear and loud, normally the sound quality can be shaky bad or to soft that I consider myself deaf but now they were easy on the ears. The captain told us that we would take depart at 11.25 and that the cargo door was still open. The route for today would go over eastern Europe, India and Malaysia. He also ushered a pre take off turbulance warning. As because of the mist and clouds above AMS it would take a bit longer before the seatbelt sign would be turned off. Not a while longer we heard that all doors had been closed and with a delight our minds turned at ease and we were getting in the holiday mood. The LSS made an announcement about switching mobiles off and stop using any electronic devices. She also reffered to the health tips card for a more pleasurable travel.

After that came the safety announcements in Dutch, they were of the taped variety but nevertheless this male voice was clear and reminded me that i should try to speak Dutch without any accent. After this the FA came by each passenger for the drink orders when inflight. I asked for the difference between the Singapore Sling and Silver Kris Sling and the FA assured me that the Singapore Sling was the more popular favorite and more sweeter for taste. With this in mind i opted for the Singapore Sling.

The reading materials in the seatpocket:

[Allegro25]

PART 1D a detour and then boarding

After having our fill with sandwiches, yoghurt and coffee we headed towards the gate around 10.00. After saying goodbye to the lounge dragon we walked a small detour so that can i take this picture of the JAL Sakura Lounge. As you see US Airways Envoy Class PAX may also use this lounge but it is not for *G. It is surprising to know that SQ 323/324 are codeshare with LOT and US. I heard stories before of people flying PHL-AMS-SIN as this is the easiest and more cheaper route. The US and SQ flights in both ways provide an easy and reliable connection time of 3 hrs. It could be that the all business direct A345 flight EWR-SIN forces US Y PAX to take the PHL-AMS-SIN route.



At the gateroom security went quick, there were only polite requests to remove any laptops for separate scanning. No removal of shoes or liquid bags. Whilest waiting for the boarding call I saw that a group of 4 / 5 elderly were pre-boarded by the groundstaff, they were wheelchair bound so I guess they needed extra help before the whole crowd would burst in.

After that, boarding calls were made: at first the families with small children then Business Class, PPS Club and *G were called, Y was asked to remain seated. At this point Allegro25 Sr. was already getting fidgety and wanted to board as first, reluctantly I joined him. We walked the aerobridge towards the aircraft. Amsterdam aerobridges have no carpeting and while walking we noticed there is only 1 passage to the aircraft and no separate corridor for Business Class PAX. Sr. usually finds the sign: turn left for F & C and right for Y the most magical sign ever. I told them that maybe because there is no F or the plane is to smalll that the airport only allows a single aerobridge for use.

Our 777-200ER:

[Allegro25]

PART 1C SKL AMSTERDAM Food

Although there is no real hot food offerings i must say that for a continental breakfast they do have nice items in stock:

• Sultana fruit biscuits
• Bifi packed sausages
• Packed sandwiches gezond (veggies), kaas-bieslook (cheese-hebs), BLT, ei kaas-bieslook (egg cheese hebs)
• Packets of fruit salad
• Mona fruit yoghurt
• Packed big sugar waffles
• Cheeses and Jam
• Cup a soup
• Dutch stroopwafels
• Instant chinese cup noodles
• Lindt Lindor Milch chocolates

If you like to read while you eat the following magazines and newspapers are available:
Asiamoney
Bloomberg markets
Appetite
AMS Schiphol shopping brochures best buys
Brochures of RBS Royal Bank of Scotland
Priority, the magazine for PPS Club
Zakenreis (Dutch business traveller)
Grande reizen (travel)
Super Yachtworld
Straits Times
Financial Times
And more...

[Allegro25]

PART 1C SKL AMSTERDAM Drinks

The food and drinks counter were tidy and nicely arranged, next to it was the fridge.
Cuttleries and cups were all F-branded.
The fridge:


Cups and the cutleries (there were no knives):



Here’s a list of the drinks on offer:
Non alcoholic
Canned Coca Cola, light, Sprite, Fanta, Tonic, Bitter Lemon
Twinnings tea baggs
Nescafe instant coffe automat
Crystaline still water
Yakult



Alcoholic
Canned Beer Grolsch and Heineken
A flask of Bols Dutch Jenever
Champagne; several small bottles called: “Pommery Pop”
Drambuie
Kahlua
Amaretto
Tia Maria
Herring Sherry
Molina Sambuco
Cointreau
Barcardi and Super Lemon
Cognac XO Hennesy
Martini X-dry, Rosso, Bianco
Harvey’s Bristol Cream
Campari
Tio Pepe port
(+tabasco and worcestershire sauce)

[Allegro25]

PART 1C SKL AMSTERDAM Signs and toilets

Whilest Sr. went for breakfast, I went to the toilets. I find it at least more then appropiate if a lounge has it own set of toilets! Everything looked clean and the amenities on offer were toothbrush set, comb, F shaving cream and razor.





Also the peace is preserved using this sign:


And due to European and Dutch regulations the whole airport is non smoking. There are not even smoking rooms.