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

[jhm]

Given that I am now very predisposed to giving EK a chunk of my travel budget, that BKK-HKG, vv. sector may also come in handy for the odd mileage/status run, if required.

I am also now predisposed the same way you are !

For the lovestruck EK people around here , I just read that you can get 10% off EK fares by using your Amex card (I don't know which types work - perhaps all):

By using your American Express card, you can save 10% off any First, Business, or Economy Class airfare. You must travel by March 31, 2011. You have to book the tickets directly from the Emirates website and use promo code USAMX10.

[Kyo]

Oh man, if only that code had come in 7 days ago...

[DeltaFlyingProf]

Nice trip report, SQFG.
A few remarks of my own:

The same slippers are given also on 77Ws. I like them. They seem to come in different sizes and I got the large one. Much nicer than what I got on TG where the I could not even get my feet through the opening without breaking them! LOL

The shades are a cool gadget, but they do not provide a total screen off. Just a mild shade. QF has the same system on their A380 but I never saw if there's anything to actually get a fully dark cabin during day light.

[SQflyergirl]

That does look pretty damn nice, if a little OTT. The Emirates advert does make me laugh, how long did she spend in the first class bathroom getting ready? I'm pretty positive the 5minute shower was about a 10th of the time in total....

I didn't take as long as she did that's for sure! Then again, I didn't take my makeup off when i went into the shower

Great report. I will also commend you for your slow moving camera shot in the shower. Nice to see a video that isn't too shaky! Cheers

That's cause I'm young(ish) - let's see if I can continue to hold the camera that steady when I'm 64 (in 4 years time)

Wow, I just missed you by a day! I boarded that very flight on the 18th! But sadly, in whY

Shame about that - would have been great fun!

For the lovestruck EK people around here , I just read that you can get 10% off EK fares by using your Amex card (I don't know which types work - perhaps all):

Oh man, if only that code had come in 7 days ago...

'

Oh man, if only that code had come in 134 days ago...

Nice trip report, SQFG.
A few remarks of my own:

The same slippers are given also on 77Ws. I like them. They seem to come in different sizes and I got the large one. Much nicer than what I got on TG where the I could not even get my feet through the opening without breaking them! LOL

They actually look and feel like the older SQ ones (in brown) - remember those? At least they reminded me of it.

The shades are a cool gadget, but they do not provide a total screen off. Just a mild shade. QF has the same system on their A380 but I never saw if there's anything to actually get a fully dark cabin during day light.

Well, I did notice if you held the "down" button longer after the sheer blind came down fully, the more solid one behind it would also come down. But this was at night so I don't know if it would have been effective or not.

[hsf]

Looks great!
Fantastic report once again!

[B727]

As promised: Here's an SQFG produced short 20 second video - narrated by yours truly herself - NOT rated X (relax)

SQfg, who does your nails? They're really pretty

[leo]

love the mani padi..

[SQflyergirl]

Looks great!
Fantastic report once again!

Thanks

SQfg, who does your nails? They're really pretty

Thank you - they're done at O.P.I Colour Culture - specifically the outlet in Empire Subang Jaya Mall

love the mani padi..

I can paint yours a very nice colour if you like

[SQflyergirl]

Just some thoughts and comparisons

Anyway - just thought I'd put the thoughts together for those "closed door" type suites I've flown on, namely SQ R vs EK F vs 9W/TG/TK F. The comparison only goes as far as hardware - not the soft product.

Size : 1st SQ R, 2nd TK F, 3rd EK F
The SQ suite is that much bigger than the other two. There is room (albeit a little only) to stand inside the suite with the bed deployed even with the doors closed. TK's edges out EK's because it just feels a little roomier, and there's a usable ottoman for guest meals. SQ's ottoman is much larger, and one where i can curl up lengthwise. EK's has no ottoman.

Cabin Ambience: Joint 1st: EK and SQ. 3rd TK
The EK bling is a tad too gaudy for me, but there are some good points - The all premium upper deck makes for a certain level of exclusiveness. SQ's is naturally a little roomier since it's on the lower deck. From what I can remember, the TK one was plain and didn't feel particularly special.

IFE: 1st EK, 2nd SQ, 3rd TK
Nothing beats I.C.E - period. The full suite of camera views, and sheer informativeness of the flight status page is amazing, not to mention the mind boggling array of TV and Movies and music. SQ's is good, but in this case, it is well and truly beaten.

Bed: 1st SQ, 2nd TK, 3rd EK
SQ wins this one. It's hard to beat a mattress. The others are compromised from the start simply by being also the same seats you sit on. EK's is a tad lumpier than TK's - hence the rating.

Sitting upright/Lounging: 1st TK, 2nd EK, 3rd SQ
SQ's winning bed is also its' Achilles heel. Since the seat is not part of the bed, you can't really get comfortable past a certain recline. Adjustment is also limited. It may be wider, but there's also the annoying part that juts out from where the table is. TK's and EK's are better since they are very adjustable, with the nod going to TK because the leather gets pretty sweaty on the EK one.

Storage of hand luggage: 1st SQ, 2nd EK, 3rd TK
SQ's bigger suite also translates to a bigger space to store luggage. TK's is limited by a very low ottoman. Importantly, EK's and TK's aren't accesible when the bed is deployed. On SQ, you can still get your luggage if you open the suite doors and step out

Nooks and crannies to store stuff: 1st EK, 2nd TK, 3rd SQ
The EK suite is amazing - there's a place to store every small item you have in mind. TK's is pretty similar. SQ's is a little limited in this regard.

Privacy: 1st TK, 2nd EK, 3rd SQ
TK beats EK into second simply by having slightly higher walls, with no holes to peep through. SQ's lags behind due to the holes in the blinds - despite having the highest walls.

Novelty and Gadgetry: 1st EK, 2nd SQ, 3rd TK
Shower, Minibar, Electric blinds, Bar Area, Electric Suite doors - EK is the clear winner, even if they're not to everyone's taste. SQ edges TK for the novelty of the mattress, and the ability to use the ottoman for guests. Interestingly also SQ's and EK's personal closets are outside the suites, whereas TK's is accesible from the inside of the suite - not a deal breaker either way.


Personally, I'd be happy in ANY of these three. Beats 14F on an AK A320 any day, (yeah oranges and apples - but I'm often on those red Fernandez planes so an escape from them is always welcome). If I had to choose between them it'd only come down to the route and timing. Thankfully, they don't fly identical routes!

[SilverChris]

Thanks for those comparisons! I agree EK beats SQ hands down for their IFE, but IMHO, I find KrisWorld a bit more user friendly (maybe perhaps I'm not as used to it as SQ)

[Aulia Harun]

Overall it's a wonderful TR! Thank you very much for writing this up, I truly enjoyed it! Look forward for more from you Also, I really liked the thoughts and comparison section. If I ever do get to fly R or F, I'll keep that in mind to make an informed decision!

Oooh, nice camera!!

Finally, the crew comes around with choccies also

Yum! I remember getting choccies in EK Y! But they were in small wrappers instead

(time flies when you're having fun)

Aye!

[SQflyergirl]

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Emira...0-861/1837017/

The very next day, after dropping me off and going on to DXB then LHR. Very different conditions than the day before !

[SQ All The Way]

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

[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

[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.