We had a Singapore SLING!! (Singapore Airlines)

Name: ukusa

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Product:	Singapore Airlines
Date:	28.08.06 (714 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Friendly Staff, Good Food for a Airplane Meal and Comfortable Seats in Economy

Disadvantages: None

~BACKGROUND~

I had heard many good things about Singapore Airlines and when we booked our Christmas holiday last January and found out that 2 of the 6 flights we would be taking were with Singapore Airlines, I was happy about that.

But, as always, one is always a bit cautious and everyone's experience and be different. My worries began back in August when I found out I was pregnant! After consulting the doctors and midwives, I was assured I could continue on my Christmas holiday that was to take me to Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. My biggest worry was the flights and being comfortable. Even in the best conditions a 12+ hours flight can be an ordeal.

We took two flights in economy class. The first flight was on the 17th December 2005 from Heathrow to Singapore and the second flight was on the 24th December 2005 from Singapore to Hong Kong. Both flights were on a Jumbo Jet.

~PRE-FLIGHT and CHECK-IN~

My dear husband did some research and found out that if we joined the Singapore Airline Kris Flyer club, we could check in and pick our seats 48 hours ahead of time online. We quickly joined and waited for the 48 hours to come. My husband made sure that he was free to do the check in online. However, when the time came it would not allow us to check in. At this point we were disappointed. However, my husband decided to call directly. At first they said he was doing something wrong and gave him some other instructions on how to do it online. Again, it did not work so husband called again and told them. Singapore Airlines then told my husband he would just have to wait and check in on the day. My husband was not happy about this and explained that I was pregnant. Then things changed! They were ever so helpful. First they offered congratulations and then they pre-checked us in and helped choose seats that would offer extra leg room and easy access to the toilets. They did this for the two flights we had with them- Heathrow to Singapore and Singapore to Hong Kong. We were happy about this but sceptical that we would actually get the seats.

So, 4 hours before flight when check-in opened we were 8th in line!! Sure enough, the lady explained that we would definitely be getting the seats we had requested. She also explained that we could board the flight as one of the first passengers to help get me settled. On the second flight, because we were Gold members of the Star Alliance, we again boarded first.

~GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE FLIGHT~

The flight itself was good. We boarded first without any problem. The flight left on time and off we flew to Singapore. The 12+ hours flight was without any problems. We were handed a real, wet, heated face towel before take-off and within 30 minutes we were given snacks and drinks. I requested both a coke and water and was given both. About 1 ½ into the flight lunch was served. They offered both a western and far east meal. The food was very good and the menu said it was designed by Gordon Ramsey. Drinks were served WITH the meal and not afterwards like some airlines. My only complaint was that it took too long for them to take our trays away after eating. They served coffee and tea and went around several times with the coffee and tea. That is fine if you drink this. However, I don't and I was becoming desperate for the toilets. Once the trays were finally cleared and I had gone to the toilets, I settled in for a nice sleep. While I slept, my husband decided to partake in the video games and movies. Drinks were offered often and the toilets were kept clean and tidy the entire flight. We landed on time in Singapore after a good flight. The same could be said about the second shorter flight from Singapore to Hong Kong. It was a nice and uneventful flight.

~FOOD and DRINKS~

The menu of food was designed by Gordon Ramsey and had a good variety with plenty to eat. There was Western and Far East food offered. We were on two different flights with Singapore Airlines and found the food to be very good on both occasions. Drinks- alcoholic and non-alcoholic were widely varied and offered and given quickly and freely. The flight from Heathrow to Singapore saw that we had plastic cutlery. However, the flight from Singapore to Hong Kong had real silverware which was very nice.

~SERVICE~

The stewards and stewardesses were very nice and helpful. They made sure you were comfortable and brought food and drinks quickly. I also found that they often checked on the toilets and kept them clean, tidy and refreshed of supplies.

~AMENITIES~

Upon take-off on the long-haul flight were give a small amenity bag that contained a pair of socks and a toothbrush and toothpaste. If you required other amenities, in the toilets one could find razors and shaving cream, combs and more toothbrushes. There also was a selection of men and women's cologne and hand lotion. Sanitary items could also be found in the toilets. All of these could be used freely and were restocked throughout the flight. Pillows and blankets were widely available as were extras if they were needed.

I consider the entertainment system to be an amenity. On both flights, every person had there own tv screen which had ON DEMAND movies, music and games. I really liked the ON DEMAND feature as you didn't have to wait for a movie to start and you could even pause a movie if you went to the toilet. There were over 60 movies and television shows to view! I found the movie selection to be up to date and widely varied for all tastes. It is a very nice feature to have when on a very long flight.

~SEATS~

The seats offered a generous amount of room both in width and with leg room. My husband is a very tall, large ex-rugby player and he said he was comfortable throughout both flights. A nice feature of the arm rests is that they could be COMPLETELY pushed up and out of the way if you so desired. On the shorter Singapore to Hong Kong flight, I had no one sitting next to me and I was able to do this and give myself more room. It made for a very comfortable flight.

~OVERALL EXPERIENCE~

I was very pleased with both flights.
I have no complaints from beginning to end. It is my hope that everyone can has such a good experience with this airline that I have had.

Happy Flying!!

Summary: A wonderful airline to fly with when on a long haul holiday!