CHECK IN
I arrived at the check-in counter shortly before 0900 for my 1110 flight. There were not many people queuing up. I went to the business class lane but was then directed to a first class counter since it was not occupied. Consistent with SQ’s usual service standards, the process was efficient and friendly. I did have to enquire about lounge access and was told that the closest facility would be the ANA Lounge that, conveniently, is right next to gate 46 where I would board.
THE LOUNGE
I have been to the ANA Lounge previously and always found it to be an excellent facility, especially the food offerings: even the mini sandwiches are neatly packed and arranged meticulously. There is a sake bar, noodle kitchen and buffet area. The sushi rolls and rice balls with salmon flakes, dried tuna or plum as fillings are always a good bet. One area the lounge does fall short is the lack of power sockets: you have to go to one of the cubicles in the work area to charge up, and the sockets are the local type, which means you might need an adaptor. In some of the cubicles, there are tablet computers that you can use if you don’t have your own.
BOARDING
Boarding started before it was even 1040, but since the lounge was so close to the gate I thought I’d just take it slow and enjoy the amenities. Final call was posted at 1050 and I made my way to the gate. By 1110 I was seated and offered a drink and hot towel, with my post-take off drink order
of Taittinger Prelude Grand Cru already taken.
THE SEAT
This business class seat was unveiled last year and it offers a recline of 132 degrees, more than the previous version. There are preset “Lazy Z” and “Sundeck” positions that you can reach at the touch of a button. The former is very comfortable for enjoying the in-flight entertainment.
There is also an 18-inch LCD screen and a video touch-screen handset, which I found a bit difficult to use, as it didn’t seem very sensitive. But the definite plus with this seat is the amount of storage space. Next to the multimedia console, which includes a universal power socket and two USB ports, there is a compartment for laptops and reading material. To the left of the 18-inch personal TV and vanity mirror, there is a small cabinet with a sliding door that can hold up to 1 kg of stuff. There is another storage area between the tray table and handset that can hold up to 1.24 kg in weight – ideal for items you need to access during the flight as it’s within easy reach. On the floor, there is ample room for small bags and a little platform for shoes.
To make the seat into a flat bed you have to get out of it and flip it down – the cabin crew are happy to do it for you. As a bed it is 28 inches wide, two inches narrower than its A380 counter. I found the bed comfortable enough, except the configuration has it that the space for the feet is on either the right or left side (where you can stretch to the full length of 78 inches/198 cm) so you have to lie down diagonally.
WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE
Because there are no seats in front of them, those on the front row can enjoy a full bed without having to lie flat diagonally.
THE FLIGHT
The plane pushed out around 1115 and took off 10 minutes later. Not long after, the seatbelt sign was turned off and my take-off drink was promptly served. Meal service started half an hour later with the signature satay. I opted for the Hanakoireki Japanese experience designed by Yoshihiro Murata, owner of three-Michelin-starred Kikunoi Restaurant in Kyoto. It was presented in two bento boxes with small portions of seasonal creations. The walnut tofu topped with dashi, wasabi jellies and shiso flower and the grilled chicken kuwayaki glazed with a sweet soy sauce were both exquisite.
The wine choices were another highlight. The Domaine William Fèvre 2012 Chablis was dry in body but rich in fruitiness, making it a suitable accompaniment to my meal. But a surprise find was the Dandelion Vineyards Lion’s Tooth Shiraz-Riesling from McLaren Vale, Australia. A well-rounded red with a full palate and lingering fruitiness, I enjoyed it very much with the cheese course.
ARRIVAL
The plane touched down at Changi Airport around 1735, some 10 minutes earlier than scheduled. We were at the gate just two minutes later.
VERDICT
I would have preferred a flat bed that can be assembled without having to get out of the seat, and the foot holder is oddly placed. But the service and food more than made up for it, and the flight once again illustrated that SQ remains an excellent airline.
FACT FILE
- CONFIGURATION 1-2-1
- SEAT WIDTH 28in/71cm
- SEAT PITCH 51in /130cm
- SEAT RECLINE 132 degrees as seat, 180 degrees as bed
- PRICE The internet rate for a midweek, flexible return business ticket in mid-January started from JPY 229,730 (US$1,970), inclusive of taxes and surcharges.
- CONTACT singaporeair.com
