CHECK-IN

I arrived at Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminal 3 at 1700 for my scheduled 1830 departure on SQ2 bound for Hong Kong. There was no queue and the check-in process took only a few minutes. I proceeded to immigration at 1705, and was cleared within three minutes.

THE LOUNGE

Singapore Airlines (SIA) first and business class customers, along with PPS Club members, are afforded entry into the carrier’s SilverKris Lounge.

Located on level three near Gate A, the facility has a premium look. Unlike many modern lounges, it does not offer views of the tarmac, but of the many shops located at the bottom level. While this does give the lounge a low-key ambience, I felt that the tone created a more private and exclusive feel for the lounge.

BOARDING

I left the lounge at 1755 and made my way to the gate. Boarding had already commenced. While first and business class passengers can board at their convenience, I chose to head to the plane immediately.

THE SEAT

I was allocated seat 11K, next to the window. The business class cabin is configured in a 1-2-1 layout.

With a seat width of 28 inches, the new seat is slightly narrower (by two inches) than the model it replaces. However, compared to the long-haul business class products of other Asian carriers such as Cathay Pacific (21 inches), Malaysia Airlines (22 inches) and Garuda Indonesia (19 inches), the seat width of SIA’s new offering is significantly more generous.

The seat boasts a recline of 132 degrees, more than the previous seat, and is capable of becoming a fully flat bed, although this has to be done manually by flipping the seat inside out.

Other features include an 18-inch LCD monitor with a vanity mirror located next to it. A video touchscreen handset is used to browse through in-flight entertainment content, and there is a power outlet to charge your devices, along with a “business panel” consisting of ports for iPod, USB and HDMI. Inflight wifi is also available at a cost (US$9.99 for 10MB or US$11.95 for an hour).

A reading light is located on the side console, and there is a small stowage area that can easily store a laptop or tablet. Seat controls are comfortably located, and there are two positions to choose from – “Lazy Z” and “Sundeck”.

THE FLIGHT

Upon taking my seat, I was immediately offered a welcome drink. I chose to go for SIA’s non-alcoholic “Mix of the Month”  Tropical Fizz, made with a blend of pineapple juice and bitter lemon, and found it refreshing. The flight was scheduled to depart at 1830, but was delayed for about 45 minutes due to a passenger being taken ill.

I was served a bag of nuts and a glass of coke soon after take-off, along with a small kit containing a pair of slippers, socks and eyeshades.  Having pre-ordered my main course (Chinese-style cod with fried rice) through SIA’s “Book the Cook” service, I had a quick glance through the business class menu at the starter (salad of crabmeat with mango salsa) and dessert (choice of either Movenpick Swiss chocolate ice cream or blueberry cheesecake).

I settled in my chair intending to catch up on some entertainment. However, it soon became apparent that my video touchscreen handset was not responding. Luckily, the centre aisle seat next to me, 11F was free, and I was able to move over to use the system.

Dinner service began at 2030. I was pleased with the crabmeat and mango in the appetiser, but I found the herb vinaigrette to be overpowering and a little sour. Main course followed soon after, and the cod was seasoned and cooked perfectly. Overall, the dinner service was near flawless.

With just over an hour and a half to go before arrival, I decided to get some sleep and flipped the seat over myself. The bed was comfortable, and there was plenty of room for me to toss and turn.

ARRIVAL

Descent was announced at 2215, and we landed in Hong Kong International Airport at 2245, docking at the arrival gate five minutes later.

VERDICT

An excellent product, attentive and helpful service, and delicious inflight meal. The IFE issues were a disappointment, but did not detract from an otherwise excellent flight.

 

FACT FILE

  • CONFIGURATION 1-2-1
  • SEAT WIDTH  28in/71cm
  • SEAT RECLINE 132 degrees as seat/180 degrees as bed
  • BED LENGTH 76in/1.93m
  • PRICE The internet rate for a midweek, flexible return business ticket in mid-August started from S$2,229 (US$1,659), inclusive of taxes and surcharges.
  • CONTACT singaporeair.com

Clement Huang