- Singapore for the Weekend: Introduction
- Singapore for the Weekend: Lufthansa First Class Lounge New York JFK
- Singapore for the Weekend: Lufthansa First Class New York JFK to Frankfurt
- Singapore for the Weekend: A day in the Lufthansa First Class Lounges/Terminal Frankfurt
- Singapore for the Weekend: Lufthansa First Class Frankfurt to Singapore
- Singapore for the Weekend: InterContinental Singapore
- Finally a bit of life in Singapore!
- Singapore for the Weekend: The Singapore Airlines Private Room
- Singapore for the Weekend: Singapore Airlines First Class Singapore to Tokyo Narita
- Singapore for the Weekend: Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Tokyo Narita
- Singapore for the Weekend: Japan Airlines First Class Tokyo Narita to New York JFK
Gate B4 was maybe a 10-minute walk from the lounge. This gate actually has a joint security checkpoint with a few other gates, and in tonight’s case the Airbus 380 to Paris was also leaving from the same area, so queues were rather long. After a roughly 15 minute wait I was through security and in the gate area for my flight to Tokyo Narita.
Terminal
Departure gate
Boarding lanes
The flight was running a bit late, and at 11:45PM boarding was called, starting with first and business class.
The 777-300ER uses two jet bridges, with the first one being exclusively for first class passengers, while the second one is for business class and coach passengers.
Singapore 638
Singapore (SIN) – Tokyo Narita (NRT)
Monday, April 30
Depart: 11:55PM
Arrive: 8:00AM (+1 day)
Duration: 7hr5min
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Seat: 2A (First Class)
Before I even stepped foot on the aircraft (or for that matter before the crew saw my boarding pass) both the in-flight service manager and leading stewardess welcomed me aboard by name – “Mr. Lucky, welcome aboard, it’s such a pleasure to have you flying with us tonight. Please, allow me to escort you to your seat.”
As Wong Chin, the leading stewardess, escorted me to my seat she said “Mr. Lucky, you are our only first class passenger tonight. It will be my pleasure to pamper you all the way to Tokyo.”
Look, my last flight on Singapore Airlines from New York to Frankfurt wasn’t very good, though after being on the plane for less than a minute I remembered why Singapore Airlines is the best in the world.
My seat, 2A
Storage compartment
Entertainment and seat controls
Reading light
It’s interesting to note that the cabin doesn’t have any overhead bins to make for a more spacious feel. That’s nice in theory, though in practice it can be tough to stow both a carry-on and a personal item underneath the seat in front of you. Fortunately in this instance the cabin was empty, so I placed my carry-on underneath the seat across from me.
Ottoman
First class cabin
As I settled in Wong Chin came by and said “Mr. Lucky, the captain has asked me to extend a welcome to you aboard and wanted to let you know our flight time to Tokyo Narita will be 6hr25min. What beverage may I offer you to get your flight off to a good start?”
I ordered a glass of champagne, and with a smirk and smug sense of pride, Wong Chin responded with “Mr. Lucky, I have two options for you tonight, we have Dom or Krug. Which may I have the pleasure of serving you?”
I ordered a glass of Krug, which was served minutes later by the leading steward.
Krug
Meanwhile Wong Chin offered me newspapers, magazines, headphones, a hot towel, an amenity kit, socks and eyeshades, Givenchy pajamas, and the menu for tonight’s flight (which I’m embarrassed to admit I completely forgot to snap a picture of).
Givenchy pajamas and amenity kit
Givenchy pajamas
Amenity kit contents
Socks and eyeshades
Headphones
Wong Chin explained that the meal service on the flight is breakfast, and asked whether I wanted it served after takeoff or before landing. Now, I fully knew this coming in, though I do find it somewhat disappointing that Singapore Airlines doesn’t offer a “midnight snack” type option. First of all, 6hr25min is a borderline longhaul flight, and longer than many east coast to Europe flights, where they serve two meals.
It’s not that I wanted two meals, but rather if I was actually hungry after takeoff, would I want scrambled eggs at midnight? Thai Airways, for example, offers both a midnight snack and breakfast on their flights from Bangkok to Tokyo, which are over an hour shorter than this flight.
So while it was no big deal and I fully knew it coming in, I do still find that a bit underwhelming for an airline like Singapore Airlines. In fairness they do have a “Book the Cook” menu from which I could have ordered in advance, though if I had ordered a dinner-type entree it would have been strange to have it served with an appetizer of fruit and cereal.
Back to the flight, though. I explained to Wong Chin I’d like to eat prior to landing in Tokyo Narita, and already made my selection immediately as to maximize sleep time.
Lastly Wong Chin asked whether I wanted to have my bed made in another seat, so that I could then return to 2A to have breakfast. I asked to have the bed made in 1A, which was done promptly after takeoff.
Meanwhile my glass of Krug stayed full, and the leading steward commented “you’re our only passenger, we’re counting on you to finish the bottle.”
While I was dead tired, I just had the biggest grin on my face as the door closed. I had the cabin all to myself and had three flight attendants to myself (the leading stewardess and leading steward full time, and the in-flight service manager for most of the flight). The level of service was almost comical at times, as I’ll explain in a bit.
Before pushback I changed into pajamas. One of the things I love about Singapore is that as you leave the lavatory they always insist on hanging your clothes. Most airlines won’t touch your clothes, let alone hang them neatly, but Wong Chin was standing outside the lavatory waiting for me with two hangers as I emerged, not to mention opened and closed the door for me.
At around 12:15AM the safety video played and we started our taxi to runway 20C. It was quite a long taxi to the runway, and we followed a Qantas Airbus 380 all the way to the runway, where we were eventually cleared for takeoff.
About 20 minutes after takeoff the seatbelt sign was turned off and all three of the flight attendants worked on making my bed. I conked out in almost no time, and slept for three hours solid.
Turndown service
Now, a few quick words on the seat. Singapore’s first class cabin on the 777 consists of eight seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. While the product is great, I think Singapore almost screwed themselves over with their new business class product, since it’s also in a 1-2-1 configuration and almost equally comfortable. So the seats are actually really similar. I reviewed the business class seat on my Los Angeles to Singapore flight last year, and you can see that review here. So while first class is more spacious, it really isn’t a huge difference. The real benefit to flying Singapore first class is the food and service.
There are both pluses and minuses to Singapore’s first class bedding. I don’t find the seat to be especially well padded compared to the likes of Qantas, Cathay Pacific, JAL, etc., though on the plus side they give you three large pillows, which really help.
As I woke up I noticed one of the many small touches that sets Singapore Airlines apart. When I went to sleep I kind of just threw the slippers I was wearing since the beginning of the flight on the floor. However, when I woke up they were perfectly positioned so that if I needed to get up I could easily slip into them. This happened each and every time I got up. So impressive.
Within a minute or two of waking up Wong Chin appeared and said “good morning Mr. Lucky, I trust you had a restful snooze. May I offer you something to drink, maybe a cup of delicious hot cocoa?” I might not be a five year old, though I can appreciate a good cup of hot cocoa, so gladly accepted.
Hot cocoa
The flight was just too good to sleep any more, so with about three hours to go till Tokyo Narita I decided to watch a couple of sitcoms, including “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “The Big Bang Theory.” The KrisWorld entertainment system remains among the best in the sky in terms of the selection of movies, sitcoms, CDs, etc. My only complaint is that the system is turned off for takeoff and landing, unlike other airlines which let you start watching movies on the ground.
KrisWorld entertainment system
KrisWorld entertainment system (notice my excellent taste in music)
Every five minutes or so Wong Chin came by to check on me to make sure there wasn’t anything else I needed.
I decided to take a quick walk to business class to see how full it was back there, and as I did so Wong Chin walked back with me to open all the curtains for me. She was truly the best thing ever. As I walked back, she said “Mr. Lucky, have you had a chance to see what I set up for you in 2A?”
I hadn’t, so I walked back there with her, and was truly astounded. She had drawn me the following card:
Awesome!
As part of the following display:
Awesomer!
Not only did she do the writing, but the border was hand drawn as well. Furthermore, she made me a paper flower, and set up the landing forms and playing cards in such an intentional manner.
I was truly astounded, and as she saw my reaction she just stood there and smiled. “Mr. Lucky, taking care of nice passengers like you is my passion. When I set this up the in-flight service manager asked me what I was doing, and I said ‘making my passengers smile.’”
Truly un-friggin-believable. There’s no other way to describe it. I explained to her that I was having a pretty rough week but she completely turned my mood around. I further explained that I was going to place it on my desk in my office as a reminder to smile every morning. She said “oh Mr. Lucky, I thought you were just going to throw it away. In that case, may I decorate it with some more stickers?”
I mean seriously, where do you find a human being this nice? Her passion for making people smile is entirely contagious.
About 90 minutes before landing I requested to have breakfast, which started with some freshly squeezed orange juice as well as a fruit plate.
Fruit plate
Approaching Tokyo
The next course was cornflakes, the delivery of which was hilarious, given that they basically set up an assembly line in order to serve me. Wong Chin brought the actual bowl with the corn flakes, while the leading steward stood right behind her to pour the milk, while the in-flight service manager stood right behind him to ask if I wanted any sugar on top of my corn flakes. I wish I could have taken a picture of three people at the same time trying to serve me corn flakes.
Following the corn flakes the breadbasket was brought by, which consisted of croissants, danishes, etc.
Corn flakes
Then the main course was scrambled eggs with toast, chicken sausage, and mushrooms.
Scrambled eggs
I had the chance to talk to Wong Chin for a bit, and I asked her what her favorite destinations were. Her response? “I don’t really have a favorite, I just like flying with my good colleagues and nice passengers like you.”
About 30 minutes before landing the seatbelt sign was turned on and the flight attendants were asked to take their seats by the captain due to turbulence. And there was indeed turbulence which had us thrown around pretty good. Fortunately I managed to change back into my clothes, with the help of Wong Chin, before the turbulence hit.
Our approach into Tokyo was smooth, and we touched down about 15 minutes behind schedule. We had a lengthy taxi and ended up parking right next to the Lufthansa Airbus 380 which I flew to Tokyo just a few months ago.
On approach
Taxiing in
Approaching Star Alliance terminal
Lufthansa A380
Well hey there!
As soon the seatbelt sign was turned off the curtains were closed to the first class cabin, which is pretty funny when there’s only one passenger. Wong Chin and six other “Singapore Girls” lined up to bid me farewell, and so ended one of my best flights ever.
First class cabin upon deplaning
First class cabin upon deplaning
Singapore Airlines isn’t always the best in the world. At times the service can be robotic. But when they’re good, there’s not an airline in the world that can compete with them. Not one.
That’s why I plan on redeeming a lot more of my Membership Rewards points for travel on Singapore Airlines over the coming months/years.
Nice read Lucky.
I had the privilege of redeeming some points in regional J on SQ last month. My first self funded trip in International J. The service I experienced was excellent. Particularly on one leg where there were only 6 people in the J cabin with three staff. Our cabin manager on that flight was the most attentive airline employee I've ever met. Throughout the 4 hour flight, I don't think more than 5...
Nice read Lucky.
I had the privilege of redeeming some points in regional J on SQ last month. My first self funded trip in International J. The service I experienced was excellent. Particularly on one leg where there were only 6 people in the J cabin with three staff. Our cabin manager on that flight was the most attentive airline employee I've ever met. Throughout the 4 hour flight, I don't think more than 5 minutes went by where he wasn't checking on the 6 of us.
I got to spend a bit of time in the Business SilverKris Lounge in Singapore too, and I found it to be a really nice lounge, though the food was somewhat lacking. There could have been a bit more of a choice of food.
That said, the drink selection in the lounge was excellent. On my flight back, I discovered a bottle of Courvoisier XO Cognac at the self serve bar. That went down well.
One interesting thing I found about flying in J (I'm normally a Y traveller) - the level of service is a lot more transparent. You can really pick the good crews, from the great crews, from the outstanding crews. I did 4 sectors, and I'd say I had a good crew on one, two great crews, and one outstanding crew.
Wow. Just Wow! It was truly amazing the flight you just had. I was on a much longer flight in F from Frankfurt to Singapore and at no point did I think I could feel as pampered as you. To be fair though it was a much fuller cabin. But I should say that I definitely did see glimpses of that wonderful experience you had on my flight.
Sounds like an enjoyable flight! Also one of the more enjoyable posts as you really helped paint a picture of what it was like to be the only passenger in F class on Singapore. Sadly, your post was marred only by a lack of picture of the menu. Unforgiveable. ;)
Lucky,i am quite surprused how they managed to check you in and allow you to the lounge so early befire flight,did you ever tried la premiere with air france?whats your comment??
@LBB Flyer: SQ is one of the only airlines in the world that actually makes a constant profit, so I don't think their revenue/yiield management shouts out "fail". In fact, by keeping F so damn exclusive, people like me have to pay to experience it. This whilst I'd probably pay for LX F but never for LH, TG or other "easy" M&M F classes...
So you ended up being the only person to use the first class jetbridge?! This whole thing just seems really wasteful. Seems like Singapore could really improve their revenue management; offer reasonably-priced upgrades from Business to First, and from Coach to Business. A first-class cabin with only one passenger in it is just, yeah, wasteful. They probably could have pulled in an extra $10k on that flight by selling upgrades. Of course, then your experience...
So you ended up being the only person to use the first class jetbridge?! This whole thing just seems really wasteful. Seems like Singapore could really improve their revenue management; offer reasonably-priced upgrades from Business to First, and from Coach to Business. A first-class cabin with only one passenger in it is just, yeah, wasteful. They probably could have pulled in an extra $10k on that flight by selling upgrades. Of course, then your experience wouldn't have been so exceptional, but the airline's gotta make money somehow....
Sounds like a plan Lucky! I can't wait to read about your adventures on SQ again. This report makes me proud to be Singaporean.Too bad I only get to fly F on SQ between Beijing and Singapore. Are you ever gonna try a Chinese airline? I don't recall you taking one before. It wouold be interesting to see how this compares to American domestic flights.
@ phraktur
Au contraire ;)
I love that you took a picture of Joe Jonas to represent the KrisWorld entertainment system. I love even more that you consider Joe Jonas to be excellent taste in music. ;-) You must have had the entire bottle of Krug....
what, no marshmallows with your cocoa?
the visual of 3 SQ cabin attendants trying to serve you corn flakes gave me the biggest laugh in a long time. Glad you enjoyed the flight.
@ Josh -- I sent in an email and that's as far as I'll go.
@ Jay Too much? No way, cause it actually felt sincere.
You did find it to be a bit much? Waiting outside the bathroom, checking on you every 5 mins, holding the curtains as you walk?
Sounds like an incredible flight. Any luck getting back in contact?
@ Larry -- Thanks! Don't think there's an actual catalogue, though maybe my trip report index is the next bed thing. Loved KrisWorld, it's among the best!
@Lucky.. I think it's great that you provided us references on the meals from TG and SQ as a comparison. I wonder if there is a catalog of somewhere showing all the meals by flight.
Also, did you like KrisWorld?
@ Murphy -- Wow, you have good memory! They're both great in their own way, but I'd have to go with Wong Chin hands down.
Question for Lucky...Without thinking too much, which flight attendant would you rather have working your flight...Wong Chin or Mauricio from AA on your trip to Spain a while back?
Great review/pics, thanks for sharing!
@ William -- Hah, didn't mean it *that* way. More along the lines of her giving me my clothes, opening and closing the door, etc. ;)
"I managed to change back into my clothes, with the help of Wong Chin" .... Hum.....should I ask for details or is it too private hehe....
@ Andras -- Availability is excellent through KrisFlyer. Just see the post I linked at the end of the report for tips on making bookings. They just don't open up space through partner airlines.
I am simply amazed. What a great flight.
@Andras: AMEX transfer to SQ. Much better availability
@ Andras
I believe Lucky booked it the day of the flight, which might be the best "trick" (along with the fact that F was literally empty).
I guess some tricks and tips booking these flights would be appreciated. I see very little availability...