A great experience - LHR-SIN-SYD-SIN-(DXB)-LHR on SQ

[kelvgoh]

Abstract

I didn't complete the last report of what is an annual journey for me back to Singapore (usually with an Australian leg tacked on somewhere) but this time I will endeavour to complete this TR. I hope this will be informative (in some ways), interesting (in other ways) and perhaps complative (hopefully in most ways).

The Itinerary

LHR - SIN, SQ 321

A380, Business Class, seat 15K

SIN - SYD, SQ 221

A380, Business Class, seat 15K

SYD - SIN, SQ 234

77W, Business Class, seat 11K

SIN - (DXB) - LHR (no mistake), SQ 318

A380, Business Class, seat 15K


As I am in the rather queer (but 4d-beckoning situation) of having flown 9V-SKF in seat 15K for all 3 of the A380 legs above, I will just include photos of the last two legs.

As for the fourth leg, the flight had to make an emergency medical diversion to DXB due to a life-or-death medical situation on board. It was extremely fortunate in all senses of the word, and I will elaborate in the respective TR.

[kelvgoh]

LHR-SIN, SQ 321

5th August 2009

Aircraft type: A380-841 (9V-SKF)
Cabin: Business
Seat: 15K

To the airport

I got off work 30 minutes early, so I managed to get back home and squeeze in a shower before my cab arrived at 6.45pm to take me to T3. As I haven't flown on SQ 321 for at least two years now (always preferred 317), I wasn't too sure if I had left enough time to get to T3 from Tower Hill, given peak hour traffic - it soon became clear though that I was too early. Pulled into the departure area at about 8.15pm and took a slow stroll towards SQ's new check in area at Area A, just beside VS.

Checking in

There were no queues at the J and R check-in lines and I was attended to fairly quickly. There were no queues in Y either so I guess 8ish is a good check in time for SQ 321.

As I was connecting SQ 221 to SYD, I posted a question on this board previously enquiring if I could check one piece of luggage through to SYD, but have the other one come out in SIN. SJJ helpfully indicated that it could be done, and I can confirm that it is possible, but not without a huge number of people being involved. The check-in agent had to get clearance from his supervisor, and he then had to get someone else to get the system to accept the request etc etc. It was also immensely confusing as the agents tried about 5 times to get the system to accept the request, and printed out a total of 12 tags. Check in agent said it was the first time he came across such a request, but assured me it would be fine. I wasn't particularly assured that my luggage would come out at the right places but I wasn't in the mood to second-guess. Definitely not recommended if you are in a rush.

Lounge

Got to the SKL. No hot food available. Grabbed a couple of Jacobs crackers (!) and a can of coke, sat down and stared at the SAS plane outside till it got too dark to see. Then grabbed a copy of some luxury yacht magazine to flip through pointlessly. Stared at my toes. Made sure that all of them were there. Went back to the bar, some cashew nut chicken thing was available so grabbed a bit of that. Tried to use the computers, of which only 2 out of 6 were working, gave up. Went to the toilet and stared at my toes. Gave up after a while and went out to amble.

I miss the VSCH. SQ should really re-look the LHR SKL, given the number of "Premium" passengers they fly out from LHR daily.

The flight

The saving grace - the on-board experience. I was whisked through the formalities at the boarding gate, and made to feel welcome right away by a leading steward, who confirmed that I was on SKF, and then said, "turn left please". When I arrived at my seat, the stewardess (Miss Juniper) who was assigned to my aisle offered to take my jacket. Nice touch I guess, immediate feeling of comfort. Chose to have a Charles Heidseck for my welcome drink, and sat back and relaxed.

Interestingly, SQ now will show a short film demonstrating how to convert the new J class seat into a flat bed. One suggestion though, they didn't mention that the seat must be fully upright (i.e. not reclined) before one converts it, otherwise you won't get the leg flap down without destroying the leather faced panel.

We pushed back on time, and made a long taxi to the departure runway, where we were joined (probably coincidentally) by MH 001 and QF 010, both 747s who will be our sandwich across to South-east Asia. I will say this, the A380 cabin is very quiet for a commercial aircraft.

Hot towels came along and it appears that the swine-flu enforced substitution of pre-packs are now put away. Still steaming hot as expected but refreshing after a long day. Had a second helping of CH and started on Krisworld. A pretty decent selection of films this round, including some less well-known but very decent pictures. If you're on a SQ flight soon, you should watch Red Cliff II - very good show.

Had BTC'ed roast duck rice before the flight and I guess the general maxim is that Oriental catering ex-LHR is not great. The duck was unfortunately quite fatty and spongy, not really what I like in my duck. But I needed something filling, and it fills the stomach. Had the TWG Ceylon tea for afters, and it was exquisite. I told Miss Juniper that it was brilliant and had a second.

After the meal, I stood up to go to the washroom and Miss Juniper came along and asked me if I would like to have my seat converted into a bed. I think there was some discussion on this forum whether there was a turn-down service, and I guess it could be dependent on the workload of the crew on that flight. I took my time washing up and ambled back to my seat, and to my surprise, Miss Juniper was standing at my seat. She smiled and beckoned me to my seat (now a bed) and actually tucked me in. It was a really, really nice touch. I thought it only happened in advertisements.

I spent a glorious seven hours sleeping (the most I have ever slept on a plane) and woke up. Went to wash up and started on Krisworld yet again, this time in the SQFG-recommended lounging position - brilliant. Miss Juniper then came along with a steaming cup, smiled and said "TWG Ceylon". I was bowled over. I didn't even have to ask.

I had some small nibbles and over the course of the next couple of hours, tried the TWG Royal Darjeeling, the Paris-Singapore tea and the Chamomile, but I think the Ceylon is still the pick (for me that is). Miss Juniper came along for the breakfast service and I asked for her recommendation between the noodles and the crepes. She whispered that oriental catering ex-LHR is (she pulled a squelchy face) and smiled, and I then laughed and opted for the crepes. It was brilliant. I thought it was really nice. After breakfast service, Miss Juniper and I chatted a bit about random trivial stuff, which I quite enjoyed - this effort to interact with the individual passenger.

Soon enough, we commenced our descent into Changi. Part of me wanted to get off the flight and have dinner with my parents at the airport, but another part of me didn't want the flight to land, as I had a pretty good flight. Perhaps I'm the sort who is easily satisfied, but this was, for me "one of those flights you didn't want to get off".

Reluctantly, I decided that I didn't want to make my parents wait, and as soon as the doors opened to gate A2, I scooted out to look for a cash machine, and out to the baggage hall. I had to wait a bit (Changi is one of those airports where despite the ground staff's best efforts, passengers usually beat their luggage to the carousel), but LHR got my luggage tagging right. Good on them

[kelvgoh]

SIN-SYD, SQ 221

6th August 2009

Aircraft type: A380-841 (9V-SKF)
Cabin: Business
Seat: 15K

I had dinner with my parents at Lerk Thai at T3, and after that, had a look at the departure screens for my departure gate, as I had my connecting BP printed at LHR. When I saw I was due to depart from gate A2, I guessed that SKF and the same seat 15K will bring me on to SYD as well. Not sure if they had sufficient time to remove my scent from 15K

As time was running short, I decided to skip my routine stroll to plane spot, and headed to the SKL.

SKL

I headed straight for the washroom as I really needed one after the LHR-SIN hop. I did find the bathrooms in the SKL quite nice (this was the first time I've used showers in the SKL, I don't usually transit at SIN), properly appointed and fairly thoughtfully designed. It would be nice if they had a toilet in the shower room too as I needed to walk the entire length of the washroom to complete my necessities.

I had a refreshing shower (I love those rain style shower heads), and I found the chest height directional shower jets quite good for a jacuzzi style back massage.

Smelling nice and suitably refreshed, I headed out to the alcohol area to get more refreshments . Disappointingly though, the only bottle of champagne there was empty. Oh well, poured myself a small glass of white, grabbed a couple of small nibbles from the food area and had a quick look at my emails. Once that was done, literally ran down to A2 where the last of the passengers were boarding.

Caught a glance of the nosewheel flaps as I was trundling down the aerobridge, and there it was "KF"

The flight

Welcomed on board by the leading steward, to whom I smiled as I showed him my boarding pass and went to my seat.

It was good to have that sense of familiarity, given that I had a pretty good experience on the previous flight. As I was feeling sleepy again, I was tempted to move to the rear cabin where the window and central seats were properly staggered from each other, but Miss Jamie, the stewardess assigned to my aisle mentioned that the load in J that day was fairly light and there would be no one in 15 DF. I decided to stay in 15K.

Interestingly enough, ground staff didn't do that good a job of cleaning the seat. the sticky tab for the drawstring bag i left in the seatside compartment was still there

Had my usual CH for the welcome drink, and we taxied for takeoff. Pretty soon after takeoff, the crew were bustling around preparing to serve drinks and dinner. Watched The International this time round, and thought that it was an ok-ish film. I like Clive Owen, think he's an underrated actor. Had a second CH, and was served warm nuts.

I was actually looking forward to having satay, but I didn't realise that SQ did not serve satay on this flight. I did think that it was one of the standard preludes on mid/long haul flights. Nevermind, I BTC'ed a steak for this sector and it was pretty nice. Had both champagne and a red wine (can't remember what) to go with dinner and afters and Miss Jamie was quite liberal in refilling my glasses. Soon enough my head was telling me "kelvin, kelvin, a beeeeeet too much alcohol". Decided to have another TWG and then went to wash up.

No turn down service on this flight, but no matter, it was easy to convert the seat. Jamie did come around though and asked me if i'd like to have a continental breakfast or have an "extended sleep". I mentioned I would like to be awoken after 3 hours and have the breakfast.

As I was slumbering off, I realised that in 15K, I didn't have anyone's foot in the footwell next to my head. Would it make a difference if while I slumbered my feet (unintentionally) keep hitting the sides of my footwell and affect the sleep of the lady in 14K? That's probably subconsciously the reason why I like 15K on the 380.

It was a slightly more fitful sleep due to some turbulence over Australia. I was awoken by Jamie in good time though and lo and behold, a cup of TWG. I am not sure about this but surely they don't input passenger preferences into some computer somewhere?

A quick note on the TWG tea service though - they will by default serve it to you in a small sampling size cup, like those they use for expressos (i think). But if you like, you can ask for it in a mug, which I very much prefer.

The crew came around serving continental breakfast to those passengers who had opted for it, while keeping the cabin lights dimmed. I must say I'm not too sure if this arrangement works well because there is inevitably some noise, and while SQ have tried to make the in-seat lights directional, it does affect surrounding passengers? I felt a little embarassed about using lights lest I affect the sleep of the flight crew sleeping in 16F and the passenger in 14K.

Anyway, had a couple of croissants for breakfast, but found it rather unsatisfying. I did think an omelette or a small hot meal would have been nice. Particularly since as a 6am arrival into SYD, it might be some time before passengers get some food. But constant refills of my cups of TWG did keep me quite happy, and had random chats with Jamie as well.

We had a smooth approach to Kingsford-Smith and had a really smooth landing. Are the A380s particularly easy to land?

While we arrived slightly ahead of schedule into SYD, we had to wait in the plane for medical staff in SYD to assess the health of a passenger (probably in the wake of the H1N1 scare). We waited for about 15 minutes before medical staff cleared us to disembark the plane. I was wondering though, if they hadn't cleared that passenger, would surrounding passengers be quarantined?

In any case, trundled along to immigration where I got to use the Express Lane SQ and QF were trialling at SYD. There was no queue at the Express Lane so it did seem pretty fast, but it's been 4 years since I was in SYD so I can't compare. But as there were only 2 manned counters, it might have been pointless if there were more flights arriving?

Waited a bit for my luggage (another case of passenger before luggage at carousel) and proceeded to clear customs.

On the Express ticket it said that I had to answer "No" in all the declarations to be able to use the express lane at customs. I had declared that I had two bottles of hot chocolate (manufactured in the UK) but was still cleared to use the express lane. There was no one at customs so I had lots of "personal attention". As expected, the two bottles were closely scrutineered, but my cousin had advised that it would be ok to bring them in. The general rule apparently is that no item with any milk or egg content can be brought into Australia unless its from an approved (presumably first world) countries?

Got in and out of SYD in under 20 minutes, and according to my cousin, was way faster than normal. I guess I was pretty lucky this time.

[kelvgoh]

SYD-SIN, SQ 234

9th August 2009

Aircraft type: B777-312ER (9V-SWJ)
Cabin: Business
Seat: 11K

This was my first time on a 77W and I was looking forward to the experience. I was deliberating if I would get away with checking in 50kg worth of stuff, and luckily the check-in staff did so without any queries. In fact they were quite chatty and we were discussing the huge guitar case I was checking in. Maybe that was why they didn't query the fact that I was 20kg over my limit, or was it more due to the fact that the flight was pretty empty?

The Airport

SYD is undergoing some renovation at the moment and it wasn't as bright as I remembered it to be. As there were no queues at the normal counters (but a short one at the "Express" counter), I decided to clear immigration at the normal queues. I got through alright, but as I was walking towards the security check, an eagle-eyed airport staff stopped me and pulled out the unused Express ticket which I had tucked within my passport. I was intending to save that for my cousin! oh well. Cleared security fairly quickly as well. Don't think there were many people flying out of SYD at that time.

Did a quick spot of duty free shopping and then headed to the gate to see which 77W would be bringing me back to SIN.



There she is - SWJ.

SKL

Curiousity satisfied, I popped up to the SKL. As many have described, SYD SKL is pretty ordinary. However, it has a very nice tarmac view, which I think is an essential for ahem, any, good lounge. There was a rather limited selection of hot food, so had the thai chicken soup with a glass of champagne (Chandon - an Australian champagne I believe). Sat around for a while perusing the papers and soon enough, the boarding call for SQ234 was made. I then ambled downstairs to the boarding gate.

The flight

I prefer to board fairly late as I find it pointless rushing all the way to the gate only to stand in queues - but obviously not too late that it becomes an inconvenience for other passengers. There was no queue at the F/J desk and I whisked through fairly quickly. Got to board from Door 1 and had an opportunity to have a look at F on the 77W, which I was contemplating upgrading to. It looked nice, but hmm, for 80k miles (promo) on a non-redeye? I thought it wasn't worth it and thought against it.

The J "Mini-cabin" on the 77W

There's been quite some talk here of the "exclusivity" of this mini-cabin, and I was chuffed that I got 11K on this flight. As there were only 8 seats in this section, it did feel very exclusive, as there were 3 cabin crew serving the 6 of us in this cabin - well above "God-like treatment" ratio IMHO. (caveat - this could be down to the fact that there were only 2 in F that day). I had my usual welcome drink of CH, and settled back into the seat for take off.

I think Nick C did once mention the "mighty roar" of the GE-90-115Bs during power up, and boy were they LOUD. I totally wasn't expecting it, and having flown largely A380s for a while, it was something new to me.

Now to the seat itself:



The legroom is as expected, brilliant.



Sorry SQFG, couldn't resist.



I prefer the layout of the siderests of the J seats in the A380. The tray table came out diagonally and it was a bit of work trying to get the tray table straight. The seat felt a fair bit narrower too (according to seatguru the 77W seat is 4 inches narrower). It would have been nice if there were more side storage compartments as well, as I do have quite a bit of stuff I like to fiddle with while flying.

I did like the fact that there was a proper place to hang the headset though. Being able to hang it properly looks a bit more elegant.

Was served warm nuts after takeoff and had a second helping of CH. The poor leading steward though lost his balance due to a bump while serving the lady opposite me and spilled some drinks on her. To the passenger's credit, she didn't make a fuss of it and kept assuring the steward that it was no big deal, it was a bump etc. It was nice, for a change, not to experience PITA behaviour.

Meal service commenced and I pulled the leading steward aside and made a small request. He grinned and say no promises, and did go back to the galley to talk to his purple tie. He then walked past me, grinned, and disappeared through the curtain - and presto here it is:



The slightly different hues belie a huge gulf (IMHO) in flavour and taste. Absolutely brilliant. Made my flight.

And by the way, the BTC is the grilled beef, which was actually really good (for airbeef). It was fairly juicy and tasty, and the potato on the side was really nice as well.

All in all, one of the best meals I've had on an airplane

[kelvgoh]

SYD-SIN, SQ 234

Having contented the stomach, I decided to get some rest as it had been a pretty long day (with a particularly late night before). I recall that there was some discussion on whether it was possible to sleep straight relative to the aircraft on the new J product. For comparison, I am 1.77m tall, and am able to confirm that I could sleep completely straight with some room to spare:



You can do this on 11 and 20 ADFK on the 77W, although for me, I actually prefer to sleep on my side so whether I get to sleep straight or at an angle doesn't affect me. It appeared to me though that there is slightly more headroom in the 77W when in bed mode compared to the A380 - happy for someone else to confirm this.

Woke up after a short nap and went to the washrooms to freshen up. I noticed that a number of crew were standing around in the galley talking - I guess they don't feel the need to use the crew rest during a relatively short 8 hour flight. It was fine for me though, but I was wondering if the passengers in 20ADFK might be affected by the chatter in the galley. Might be a point to note if one is a light sleeper.

Didn't feel as self conscious taking a photo of the mini-cabin while everyone is asleep, so here it is:



Not a great picture as I didn't want to use the flash but the cabin is quite private. There are also 8 seats in F in front, personally, I don't think I'll pay the uplift for F if I can get either 11A or K. - That being said, 11DF are bassinet seats and if there is an infant travelling, noise is also more enclosed. There are no overhead compartments for the middle rows - not sure if this extends to the rear cabin.

In fact, the cabin felt sufficiently private for the lady in 11A to change from her pyjamas to her dress in her seat. ahemmmmm.

We had a choice of Mee Goreng or some pasta for our meal before landing. Against better advice I chose the mee goreng, which while edible, wasn't really mee goreng. The friendly stewardess who popped by with my cup of TWG (yet again) asked me how i found the mee goreng - I gave a sheepish smile and she grinned back and said - yeah, not like the mamak stall type mee goreng in Singapore. We chatted a bit again and she mentioned that the crew had gathered together in the galley earlier to recite the pledge at 8.22pm Singapore time (it was Singapore's National Day). A bit of nationalistic sentiment on board our national carrier I see.

We landed in Singapore just before midnight at one of the rather faraway gates in T3. After a long flight it was quite tiring to have to walk the length of the terminal to get to arrivals but I guess sometimes these things can't be avoided. Had to wait a while at the carousel as we landed at one of the furthest gates, but I was out in no time.

Random note: I had my bags scanned by customs. It seems that the midnight arrivals are particularly scrutineered as quite a number of passengers were approached.

The verdict on 77W J

I think it's a good product, particularly in the mini cabin of 8 seats. There was next to no human traffic at row 11, but if F was full you might have more crew traffic between F and the galley in J.

But for me, I think the A380 J product is that little bit more comfortable (as the seat is wider) and generally quieter, which is more conducive for long haul sleeper flights.

[kelvgoh]

SIN-LHR, SQ 318

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[kelvgoh]

SIN-LHR, SQ 318

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[kelvgoh]

First two TRs completed, photoposts for subsequent flights to follow tonight. Cheers.

[hsf]

Nice report so far, thanks.

Shame about the SKL at LHR.

[Nick C]

Great report so far. Looking forward to the subsequent parts.

ps. what happened to the pictures?

[kelvgoh]

Great report so far. Looking forward to the subsequent parts.

ps. what happened to the pictures?

Haha, thanks. Late night out lahhhh . 3rd flight is up now.

[9V-SIA]

Thanks for sharing.

Must fly to SIN-LHR-SIN one of these days.

I suspect SQ deliberately makes their SKL less appealing to ward off other Star Alliancs PAXs from using their lounge...

[Kiwi]

While we arrived slightly ahead of schedule into SYD, we had to wait in the plane for medical staff in SYD to assess the health of a passenger (probably in the wake of the H1N1 scare). We waited for about 15 minutes before medical staff cleared us to disembark the plane. I was wondering though, if they hadn't cleared that passenger, would surrounding passengers be quarantined?

Only if it is something that they feel needs quarantine. I've had about a dozen flights to Australia where medical staff carried out one or more passengers on arrival, most recently a couple of months ago. Every time the rest of the passengers were free to go after the delay.

[Gunnar Smithsen]

On my flight last week on SQ231, the cabin crew made an announcement concerning H1N1.

I can't remember the exact words, but it was to the effect of the government was no longer concerned with H1N1 and it was likely that you already had the virus and should you be concerned by flu like symptoms then please see a medical health professional at your earliest convenience.