A380 battle: SQ J vs EK F (+ shower video)

[SQflyergirl]

I came across on another forum some pictures of what a real onboard lounge should look like. It makes EK F look like a tiny broom cupboard...

UA in Y - a very nice lounge but no shower:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Unite...ed242e05bcb521

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Unite...122/1375111/M/

Oh definitely. And you could even light up then!

[jhm]

I came across on another forum some pictures of what a real onboard lounge should look like. It makes EK F look like a tiny broom cupboard...

UA in Y - a very nice lounge but no shower:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Unite...ed242e05bcb521

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Unite...122/1375111/M/

[jhm]

EK companion fares ex-ATH are available from their Greek website. Book by 31 March. Two persons; prices (including taxes) for each person (J / F):

PEK/PVG - EUR 1,177; EUR 1,415
HKG - EUR 1,232; EUR 1,482
CAN - EUR 1,235; EUR 1,503
JNB - EUR 1,304; EUR 1,530
SYD - EUR 2,037; EUR 2,561

Other destinations also available.

[jhm]

The Amex Platinum Charge Card is by invitation only and the fee is about SGD 1,200 per annum. Centurion (also by invitation) is SGD 5,000 per annum.

I understand now. What you say is correct for the Singapore market but here in the UK, the Amex platinum charge card is certainly not by invitation and the income requirement to get one isn't high at all (only around £20k/annum IIRC).

The benefits differ as well between markets, e.g. the UK one has the unlimited Priority Pass you mention but for two persons; the companion ticket offer (although as I mentioned the general understanding here is that the price offered is so sky high as to make it useless); travel insurance; car hire insurance (no need ever to pay a LDW when hiring); SPG gold status; one year of Hilton gold status; lounge access for the Eurostar London to Paris train; etc.

[Jamiegutz]

jamiegutz: Have you ever booked TG with them? Also - you neglected to mention anything booked through them ex-SIN has automatic travel insurance...

No, never booked TG with them. Going direct with TG has allways worked out Cheaper. E.g. Going SIN-BKK-LHR next week on TG F class - Amex came out around 7.5k, TG offering SGD 6k with current mastercard promo.

Had no idea about the travel insurance. Bonus!!

J

[Kyo]

jamiegutz: Have you ever booked TG with them? Also - you neglected to mention anything booked through them ex-SIN has automatic travel insurance...

[Jamiegutz]

Are you talking about the Amex platinum chargecard ? That's not by invitation - it's credit scored like any other card and you just apply for it.

The 1 for 1 business class travel benefit does exist but the fare offered by Amex is so ridiculously high that the benefit is worthless IME.

The Amex Platinum Charge Card is by invitation only and the fee is about SGD 1,200 per annum. Centurion (also by invitation) is SGD 5,000 per annum. Platinum credit card anyone can apply for

I am a Platinum charge card member and the travel benefits i have received have more than paid for itself:

E.g.

1. Buy one free one at Banyan tree, with complimentary upgrade (stayed at banyan tree phuket and got upgraded to a double pool villa - i paid a total of USD 600 for four nights!)

2. EK First class companion fare from SIN-MEL - SGD 5,400 (so SGD 2,700 per pax). Did this over christmas and was great!

3. No companion fares AFAIK on BA/QF but first class return to Europe is approx SGD 9k plus tax (normally around SGD 14k)

4. Free Priority pass membership with unlimited usage (dont really use it but handy to have)

[jhm]

I think he is a little confused. He is talking about the Amex Platinum card, note, the charge card, not he credit card, which has this amex travel privilege of 1 for 1 business class travel on certain airlines.

Last I know, EK, TG, BA was on it. SQ wasnt though. Note that this charge card is pretty by invitation only though getting it wouldnt really be that tough if you already hold the higher end CCs from Amex and is spending a decent amount of money on them.

Are you talking about the Amex platinum chargecard ? That's not by invitation - it's credit scored like any other card and you just apply for it.

The 1 for 1 business class travel benefit does exist but the fare offered by Amex is so ridiculously high that the benefit is worthless IME.

[Kyo]

Thanks, I think I should have re-arranged a certain TPE booking I had over New Year's with TG in that case.

[inix]

One second. Are we comparing J or F here?

And what's this Amex Biz upgrade thingo?

I think he is a little confused. He is talking about the Amex Platinum card, note, the charge card, not he credit card, which has this amex travel privilege of 1 for 1 business class travel on certain airlines.

Last I know, EK, TG, BA was on it. SQ wasnt though. Note that this charge card is pretty by invitation only though getting it wouldnt really be that tough if you already hold the higher end CCs from Amex and is spending a decent amount of money on them.

[Kyo]

Space and environment: Equal for EK and SQ
Seat: EK better
Bed: SQ better
Food and Drinks: EK better
Privacy: EK better
Electronics, TV, etc: EK better
Bathroom: EK WAYS BETTER
Flight duration Singapore - Europe: SQ better
Stopover: in Dubai, only with EK, no stopover with SQ
Chauffeur Limousine departure: EK only
Chauffeur Limousine arrival: EK only




Pricing: EK can be 50% cheaper if you use the American Express Platinum Business Class upgrade.

One second. Are we comparing J or F here?

And what's this Amex Biz upgrade thingo?

[9V-SIA]

Flight duration Singapore - Europe: SQ better
Stopover: in Dubai, only with EK, no stopover with SQ

The only thing that matters to me

And everyone else I know who commutes between SIN-LHR.

[BrunonSQ]

SQ and Emirates suites

Space and environment: Equal for EK and SQ
Seat: EK better
Bed: SQ better
Food and Drinks: EK better
Privacy: EK better
Electronics, TV, etc: EK better
Bathroom: EK WAYS BETTER
Flight duration Singapore - Europe: SQ better
Stopover: in Dubai, only with EK, no stopover with SQ
Chauffeur Limousine departure: EK only
Chauffeur Limousine arrival: EK only
Pricing: EK can be 50% cheaper if you use the American Express Platinum Business Class upgrade.

[9V-SIA]

Personally I find the decor very nouveau riche.

How does one get cold drinks from the *gimmicky minibar*.

Refridgerated or ice bucket somewhere?

Nice TR as always

[SQ All The Way]

awesome comparison SQflyergirl and very beneficial, thanks for posting it!