A stylish personal note from six of the SQ 232 crew. They were thanking me for thanking them for their genuinely professional service on a recent Sydney to Singapore flight. A warm touch that reminds you just how great an airline Singapore Airlines continues to be after decades of legendary service and competition.
We had a dilemma with the airport lounges as we were spoilt for choice, First or Business Class. Trying to entice us to stay in the First-Class Lounge, the maître de confided that the champagne was superior here compared to the Business Class Lounge. A wonderful predicament to be in. A no-brainer in the end.
We were a group of four embarking on the recent Rugby World Cup series in Japan, two in Business Class and two in Premium Economy. I had an invitation to road test the Singapore Airlines lounges at Sydney Airport. My travelling mate and I were initially ushered into the First-Class Lounge to enjoy the spoils of the Kris Flyer Premium Lounge.
Perhaps we arrived early as the Lounge was all but empty. The dutiful staff made us warmly welcome, offering beverages, breakfast fare with full table service along with a mouth-watering buffet if you needed a quick exit. I opted for a Verve Clicquot champagne and cooked to perfection eggs benedict. We joined our friends in the Business Class Lounge, that offered similar dishes but no waiter service and a help yourself buffet.
Thanking the First-Class Maître de and heading to the business lounge he said “Your SYD-SIN flight is not boarding for some time yet and the champagne in Business Class is not as good as the Verve. The Hubert Clavelin et Fils Brut is certainly a great quaff and a perfect fit for the Business Class Lounge. Heading towards departure time we noted flights were not called, so headed to the gate in perfect time for the three boarding lines to start moving.
Earlier, check-in was a breeze with a very efficient friendly and communicative lady who explained all about the renovated Sydney airport and the priority lane which had been inoperative for some time due to renovations. Once through immigration and security we headed to the two lounges which are side by side.
The flight experience was another highlight with swift and efficient service. I pre-ordered the lamb shank korma – who said airline meals were crook? This tasty treat with the trimmings would make Raj and Rakesh jealous. It was salutary to express my thoughts on the wonderful service and a note came in reply from six of the cabin crew about what a wonderful gesture.(see a copy) Everything about the flight was A plus except, in my opinion, for the movie Rocketman, a look at the life of Reggie Dwight AKA Elton John.
You seldom hear the words, ‘If you want anything, please just ask’. Perhaps that is one of the reasons SQ has had more awards recognition than any other global airline and was recently recognised in the Skytrax World Airlines Awards 2019.
First Class buffet
Best Airline in Asia
World’s Best Cabin Crew
World’s Best First Class
World’s Best First-Class seat
Best First-Class Lounge in Asia
Best Business Class seat in Asia
Best Premium Economy Class in Asia.
Singapore’s Changi Airport is also highly regarded having taken out the Skytrax award for the World’s Best Airport 2013-2019.
Note from cabin crew
Singapore airlines was the first to take delivery of an A380 and they are still an integral part of the SQ fleet which comprises a passenger fleet of wide-body aircraft from five aircraft families: The Airbus A330, Airbus A350 XWB, Airbus A380, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The airline also operates Boeing 747-400 cargo aircraft. As of 31 August 2019, there are 130 passenger aircraft and seven freighters registered in the Singapore Airlines fleet.
And another thing: It is always a dilemma when travelling with a group or even a partner and they have checked luggage and you have carry on. Do you wheel you bag through to the lounge and then onto the air bridge or are you better off checking it through because you have to wait for the others at the other end anyway? Probably check it through.
Verve for you Sir
– On sale until 29 October 2019 fares from Australia (all points, including Cairns/Darwin) to more than 60 destinations across our network
– Valid for departures in 2020 for various periods (for travel in Economy/Premium Economy). Periods are: 28 January – 31 March 2020; 20 April – 21 June 2020; 20 July – 18 September 2020
– Some indicative fares:
o Return to Singapore from AUD687 (Economy)
o Return to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda) from AUD784 (Economy)
o Return to London from AUD1256 (Economy)
o Return to Paris from AUD3320 (Premium Economy)
– Business Class fares are also on sale, valid for travel from 7 October 2019 to 30 September 2020
– For more information and to book, visit singaporeair.com, call 13 10 11 or visit your local travel agent.
Written by John Savage who travelled at his own expense.
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