Here’s a prime example of how misinformation spreads in the age of social media…
In this post:
Singapore Airlines’ on-demand foot cleansing service?
OMAAT reader Paul sent me a link to the below post on X (which has been seen close to 400K times in less than a day), and asked me if this is true.
As you can see, the caption reads as follows:
On ultra long haul flights, SQ offers on-demand foot cleansing (wipes/towels) for First & Suites to freshen up swollen feet after 18+ hours. Done professionally with gloves. Some call it incredible luxury. Others find it too much. I am curious whether flight attendants extend the same level of service to their partners or spouses.
It appears that the person who posted this runs an otherwise pretty reliable aviation geek account, so I don’t think this person is trolling, and I’m not sure how they came up with the claim. One thing is 100% sure, though — this is absolutely not a service that Singapore Airlines offers. Never mind that the picture shown is of business class, while the caption claims it’s only for first class (which isn’t even offered on the carrier’s longest flights).
Presumably the flight attendant in the picture here is dealing with some sort of a medical situation, or something, and is assisting a passenger for that reason.
But of course I now also see countless other accounts posting about this, passing it off as fact, and not crediting the original person. For example, take a look at this post in Arabic:
It is said that Singapore Airlines flight attendants on very long-haul flights offer foot massage and moisturizing services to first-class and business-class passengers to alleviate swelling caused by prolonged sitting.
So yeah, none of this is accurate in any way…
Inflight massage services ended in 2008
While some airlines will offer premium passengers massages in airport lounges, that’s not a practice that has been offered inflight for nearly 20 years, since 2008.
Specifically, between 1990 and 2008, Virgin Atlantic had an inflight masseuse on most flights, who would offer Upper Class (business class) passengers spa treatments, ranging from a neck & shoulder massage, to a back massage, to a manicure. Virgin Atlantic even marketed this service with an ad campaign that proclaimed “British Airways doesn’t give a shiatsu.”
As you’d expect, that was a costly service to offer, to essentially have an extra crew member fly around the world just to massage people. But hey, it was a time where Virgin Atlantic was trying to differentiate its product in order to compete with British Airways (Virgin Atlantic is still great, but they’ve cut many of the “frills” from back in the day, realizing it doesn’t generate much of a revenue premium).
Bottom line
As nice as it sounds (well, sort of), unfortunately Singapore Airlines doesn’t offer foot cleansing or massage services on ultra long haul flights. Clearly a picture was snapped of a flight attendant dealing with some sort of a medical situation involving a foot, and that has now turned into a narrative about how this is a standard service (which it isn’t).
Goodness this blog needs a total overall.
To avoid Ben getting oil on his clothes?
Another brainwashed Singapore bigot propaganda.
Singapore is always overrated.
Clearly Esk, you have not travelled onboard an SQ, A380 flight in an F Suite.
Stick to what you know and not just what you think you know, yes!
What sucks is now FAs are going to be asked to do this
I been on those Virgin Atlantic flights a few times. TBH, the masseuse weren’t very good at all. They hold some relaxing oil to your nose so you can breath it in and then the pressure they put on your neck and shoulder was very light. I can’t say I was relaxed by the barely there massage. It was better to get a mani or pedi because at least there is visible result. But I always sign up for massage because it breaks up the long flight.
One free service offered by all airlines, in all classes, on all flights, is a vigorous chest massage. It is usually also offered with a free stopover, but not at a city of your choice.
Unfortunately to qualify for the service you need to show signs of a heart attack.
Important Disclaimer: Just trying the lighten the mood, please do not attempt to get CPR administered for fun. :)
Not funny …. you would be best advised not to give up your day-job, if in reality you have one. I say this with your very best interest at heart, trust me, you will never make a living as a satirist or comedian …. Yes?
However, all is not lost as Ben will appreciate your click.
Ben why do you approve such disgusting, racist commentary to be published on you blog ?
"Different airlines offer different perks. Air India for example, offers a cabin aroma so pungent that passengers are afforded an opportunity to discard their clothing and carry-on items afterwards. They’ve also installed stations in their lavatories for passengers to wash vegetables (developed countries call these sinks) and even surprise their guests in F with the occasional golden shower."
Ben why do you approve such disgusting, racist commentary to be published on you blog ?
"Different airlines offer different perks. Air India for example, offers a cabin aroma so pungent that passengers are afforded an opportunity to discard their clothing and carry-on items afterwards. They’ve also installed stations in their lavatories for passengers to wash vegetables (developed countries call these sinks) and even surprise their guests in F with the occasional golden shower."
I know exactly where you are coming from BBT, it would be difficult for any rational person to disagree. Perhaps we are wrong by adding oxygen to the madness of their fire. Maybe ignoring their gross ignorance would have a greater effect?
Not funny! …. It proves your ignorance rather than your skills as a satirist or comedian …. Yes?
However, Ben will appreciate your click.
The article isn't about India in any way and you come in here to spew racism.
You are as miserable as your dear leader.
The cost of the Virgin Atlantic service wasn't so much about the crew (since there are plenty of crew on board who don't have much to do mid-flight anyway, and I don't believe they were carrying extra crew just to provide the service), but rather about the dedicated treatment space that they'd carved out for it where another couple of revenue-generating seats could have gone.
Having had one of those massages back in the day, IIRC, it was just done near the exit door with a mobile massage chair setup and was not a dedicated space. But I'm also trying to remember something 20 years ago so happy to be proven wrong.
What is it about Indians that makes you obsessed with hating them?
Racial discrimination comes easy to some proletariat nobodies.
The nearest to India some red necks will get, is the Travel Guide bookshelf in Walmart.
On a more serious note; I have never been made aware of any such service being offered on the LHR-SIN route, perhaps I will ask on our next flight.
No-one cares, bro
I’m telling you anyway Ronnie, besides, your response is yet another click for Ben and everyone cares about that “Bro” …. Yes?
There I was thinking that the SQ, FA was attempting a brain cell replacement for the Timmy ‘Done’. Then the reality became apparent …. no amount of brain cells could ever improve the written English which Walter Mitty-Dunn, imposes upon the readers of this website blog.
I don't think that's a por-poze...
FAs deal with so much (insert word of your choosing), especially in premium cabins :/