Singapore Airlines is getting some criticism for how it handled a mechanical issue on a recent flight departing Shanghai.
In this post:
Singapore Airlines keeps passengers on plane for hours
The Straits Times reports on what happened on a Singapore Airlines flight on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Specifically, flight SQ833 was scheduled to operate from Shanghai (PVG) to Singapore (SIN), departing at 4:50PM and arriving at 10:20PM. The 2,357-mile flight was operated by an 11-year-old Airbus A380 with the registration code 9V-SKT.
Long story short, passengers were trapped on the aircraft for roughly eight hours, without actually flying anywhere. According to reports, the aircraft pushed back on-time, and taxied out to the runway. However, due to a technical fault, the takeoff had to be aborted, and the aircraft returned to the gate.
The captain told passengers that maintenance would have to board the aircraft, and he initially asked passengers to be patient for 30 minutes, which then turned into an hour, and then turned into a much longer rolling delay. In the end, passengers stayed on the aircraft until around 12:30AM, at which point the flight was canceled.
Passengers were given hotel accommodation for the night, though due to the number of passengers, it was 3-4AM before many passengers reached their hotels. Most passengers were then rebooked on the same flight the following day.
During the delay, the crew reportedly served meals and refreshments. However, the air conditioning had reportedly been turned off several times during this ordeal as maintenance work was being performed, and it got incredibly hot in the cabin.
Here’s how a Singapore Airlines spokesperson describes this incident:
“The aircraft returned to the bay and engineers were brought on-site to try to rectify the issue. For safety reasons, the ground power had to be disabled while the checks were going on. Customers disembarked the aircraft at 12.30am and hotel accommodation was arranged. All affected customers were rebooked on other flights (on Thursday) and have since departed Shanghai.”
“We recognise that the customers could have been allowed to leave the aircraft earlier. SIA apologises to the affected customers for this and we will review our procedures to avoid a recurrence.”
This is a tough situation, but airlines have to do better
It goes without saying that airlines need to do better than trapping passengers on a plane for eight hours. Even with the excellent service on Singapore Airlines, this is extremely uncomfortable, and also potentially dangerous for some passengers, if the cabin’s temperature isn’t properly maintained.
In the United States we have the three hour tarmac rule, whereby airlines have to give passengers the option of disembarking within a much shorter timeframe. This rule came about because of all the situations where passengers ended up being trapped on planes for extended periods, and often without the friendly service that’s available on Singapore Airlines.
That being said, I also understand how situations like this can happen:
- Presumably the pilots genuinely thought that the issue could be resolved fairly quickly
- If the issue could be resolved quickly, it’s much more efficient to keep everyone onboard; otherwise that can lead to a significant additional delay, as bags of passengers who choose not to travel need to be offloaded
- Even as the rolling delay continued, I assume that pilots thought that a fix could happen any minute; I imagine pilots also suffer from some sort of a sunk cost fallacy, as it would be kind of weird to say four hours in “hey, we still don’t have a solution, but you can get off the aircraft now, if you prefer”
Everyone has the goal of getting to their final destination as efficiently as possible. If the maintenance problem had been fixed after 30 minutes but passengers had been given the option to deplane, that might have caused an additional hour delay. People would have been mad at the airline about that. On the other end of the spectrum, keeping passengers on a plane for eight hours is the other extreme.
Bottom line
Hundreds of passengers on a Singapore Airlines flight from Shanghai to Singapore were stuck on an A380 for eight hours without even leaving the ground. The plane had a technical fault before takeoff, so returned to the gate. The crew hoped it would be a quick fix, so kept passengers onboard.
Unfortunately that didn’t end up being the case, and around eight hours after boarding, passengers finally disembarked, as the flight was canceled, and passengers were rebooked for the following day.
While I’m sure the carrier’s goal was to get everyone on their way as quickly as possible, at some point you just have to at least let people wait in the gate area, because eight hours on a plane without going anywhere is excessive.
What do you make of this Singapore Airlines delay in Shanghai?
It is regrettable it happened. To keep passenger in the plane without proper air-conditioning for 8 hours is inhuman. After 2 hours, SQ should have let the passenger wait in transit area. I believe it was done mainlt due to economic reason. The captain should not had deviated from FAA regulation.
It is regrettable it happened. To keep passenger in the plane without proper air-conditioning for 8 hours is inhuman. I guess it was done due to economic reason. The captain should not had deviated from FAA regulation.
it’s voted one of the best airlines in the world
It's not Singapore Airlines fault, they trapped passengers for the eight hours. However, the airline can be more honest and upfront with the real problems. Look Shanghai Airport is one of the busiest in the world. There was a possibility that there were short of gates to hold passengers, especially, one that's from an A380 aircraft. More so, this is China, and immigration, security, gate rules, and hotel arrangements are stringent to the point of...
It's not Singapore Airlines fault, they trapped passengers for the eight hours. However, the airline can be more honest and upfront with the real problems. Look Shanghai Airport is one of the busiest in the world. There was a possibility that there were short of gates to hold passengers, especially, one that's from an A380 aircraft. More so, this is China, and immigration, security, gate rules, and hotel arrangements are stringent to the point of bureaucracy. I am sure the crew did their best to augment the situation but everyone has to be patient because bureaucratic practices require patience, and until top officials were informed of the ensuing problem.
I remembered a horrible delay from AirAsia (Thai) ground crew at Don Mueang International. The aircraft was bound for Kuala Lumpur. We all could see the aircraft at the gate, but the ground crew refused to offer any explanations as to why the aircraft was on further maintenance. After six hours of waiting and when everyone had boarded, the gracious lady Captain apologised for the terrible delay, and told us that the plane couldn't fly because there was a massive problem with air condition and circulation. If the aircraft had flown then, we might suffer bad atmosphere and inhalation; without the air condition, the whole aircraft can be untenable. She tended her apologies with free Samurai Burgers. It wasn't much, but her actions and redemptions were gracious and apologetic.
I think u all need to take a breath things happen sometimes out of anybody's control plus those planes until recently have Been in storage
Use your brains it might save these Stupud overreacting comment's
SIA unexpected delay was handled much better than my experience when the KLM aircraft was diverted midway to another airport due to medical emergency. However all the passengers were denied food & water for nearly 12 hours because we are not allowed to get out of the aircraft as the stop was not scheduled and airport customs do not allow passengers leaving the tarmac. Only the crew change was allowed but not the poor customers....
SIA unexpected delay was handled much better than my experience when the KLM aircraft was diverted midway to another airport due to medical emergency. However all the passengers were denied food & water for nearly 12 hours because we are not allowed to get out of the aircraft as the stop was not scheduled and airport customs do not allow passengers leaving the tarmac. Only the crew change was allowed but not the poor customers. There was no relief or compensation due to flight diversions on medical grounds.
Needless to say I have never book with that airline and I always remember the horrors of that flight.
Deplorable action by Singapore airlines. Incompetence and stupidity of the flight crew - hope they never pilot a flight I’m on
Singapore Airlines is also about safety for all its passengers. The issue initially seem to be very minor hence passengers were told take 30mins; but turned out unexpectedly the issue was more serious. I don’t blame the airlines - they are taking the safety of lives very seriously - rather some inconvenience than have an accident later.
Good on them for doing the right thing
perhaps in future similar situation, the airlines should...
Singapore Airlines is also about safety for all its passengers. The issue initially seem to be very minor hence passengers were told take 30mins; but turned out unexpectedly the issue was more serious. I don’t blame the airlines - they are taking the safety of lives very seriously - rather some inconvenience than have an accident later.
Good on them for doing the right thing
perhaps in future similar situation, the airlines should try to make a quicker decision & offload passengers earlier.
I suspect there was not enough (if any) DIRECT communication between maintenance crew and pilots.
I m not too sure I want to be kept in the stowed plane for even more than 4 hours. Once when I took Qatar, although we had not even boarded the plane yet, but aft 4 hrs delay, we were all arranged to 5 stars hotel. SIA is a world award winning airlines. I think SIA owe all the passenger a good compensation for the 8 hours inside a stowed plane. I will be taking SIA long haul flight in a few weeks. I certainly don’t want the same situation to happen to me.
Well.. this is my suggestion. For this kind of unplanned technical fault, while plane still on tarmac. Airlines should come out with some policy on time-out on passenger holding.
SOP is in place, there won't be place for doubts & questions. Afterall, passenger comfort & safety ensured are first priority in airline business.
If ask me sit for long hours in a place without moving anywhere. Definitely not my choice as a passenger....
Well.. this is my suggestion. For this kind of unplanned technical fault, while plane still on tarmac. Airlines should come out with some policy on time-out on passenger holding.
SOP is in place, there won't be place for doubts & questions. Afterall, passenger comfort & safety ensured are first priority in airline business.
If ask me sit for long hours in a place without moving anywhere. Definitely not my choice as a passenger. Unless it's a journey. Cheers. Anyway good job SIA.
Air line crew are human beings like everyone else. I really liked this article as, for once, it tried to look at all the likely circumstances and concerns in the minds of those affected.
Of course, after such a thing, the captain should be fired and blacklisted - he should not be allowed to work at civil aviation.
The reason airline companies do this is, is to avoid having to pay the flight delay insurance or penalty. As long as passengers are boarded and remain in the flight, it is not considered a delay and they don't have to pay. But if the passengers have not boarded or are made to wait in the airport, then it's considered a delay and the airline company has to pay. The expert airline company in this matter is Airasia..... Now Everyone Can Wait!
Bloody idiots
Coming from Singapore Airlines,
this is a Big shame.
Once waiting hits 2 hours, deplane is best.
They can get passengers to wait at the lounge with refreshments.
Once waiting hits 3 hours, reschedule another flight same day or next day.
Safety first, comfort second.
Free acommodation and F&B should be provided.
Passengers should be compensated with 30% cash refund.
If you really want to know, if have offered only 10 percent !!!!!! haha so much for the best airlines in the World......
I feel sorry for the cabin crew. All those passengers' frustrations and trying to keep them settled.
Yes as a large number of passengers always ignore the crew as if they weren’t affected. Many people, include some on this forum, don’t care about employees eg there was no air conditioning. So they think staff are somehow immune
Generally speaking, I don't think it's unreasonable to have greater sympathy for the people who paid to be on the plane, rather than those being paid to be there. That's not to say we should have no sympathy for the employees...
SIA TOOK A WRONG DECISION. THE BEST WAY WOULD BE TO TAKE THE PASSENGERS IN THE TRANSIT AREA AND WAIT. AFTER HOURS THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO A HOTEL, GET A GOOD NIGHTS REST AND COME BACK THE NEXT DAY. THEY COULD HAVE INFORMED THEIR FAMILY ETC FROM THE HOTEL.
I believe everyone has his own opinion and experience. When I read all articles of this incident it appeared be one sided and no one other than those like me who we were actually inside the plane knows what it feels like to be cooked up for 8 hrs. The pilot was a brave man to save all our lives as no one could have predicted what the consequence would have been. It is very...
I believe everyone has his own opinion and experience. When I read all articles of this incident it appeared be one sided and no one other than those like me who we were actually inside the plane knows what it feels like to be cooked up for 8 hrs. The pilot was a brave man to save all our lives as no one could have predicted what the consequence would have been. It is very clear that the pilot was in constant communication with HQ in Spore, which he personally claimed. So the bottom line is that SIA is to take all the blame and pilot do not need a head check up as was suggested. We know how airlines operate these days i.e. in consultation with HQ for all the reasons, decisions and go ahead calls. I have a lot of recordings of what was said over the PA and only these if you all hear them.
Couldn‘t passengers open the emergency exit door? That triggers a automatic disembarking for all passengers.
You’re that stupid ??
It also probably triggers a trip to prison in China for the person who did the opening. Doesn't seem worth it.
lmao if countries like singapore, japan, and korea doesnt have crap laws like calling negative statements "defamation" which is also something that someone could be sued about even if it is true, we wouldnt have these weebs and kpop stans from 3rd world countries and US-hate boner europeans sucking the asses of these 3 countries and making it seem like they are some type of mythical perfect places that can do no wrong, with youtube...
lmao if countries like singapore, japan, and korea doesnt have crap laws like calling negative statements "defamation" which is also something that someone could be sued about even if it is true, we wouldnt have these weebs and kpop stans from 3rd world countries and US-hate boner europeans sucking the asses of these 3 countries and making it seem like they are some type of mythical perfect places that can do no wrong, with youtube videos like "only in Japan" "UghMericuhh doesnt have this" "McD's in * is better than US-eyy"
Judging by your poor comprehension skills, you’re American. This kind of incompetence happens daily in the US and not only on aircraft. Your amazing rail system for a start ( lol).
No, I am a Southeast Asian, dimwit. That is why I know the rules from these countries very well that you guys all get orgasms for. Imagine assuming someone is American over some complaints, no wonder your IQ levels are forever stuck at 2 digits with all your inflated egos right there.
Surprised no one has noticed - August 6, 2023 was a Monday. SQ833 departed with just a minor delay that day and landed slightly ahead of schedule, operated by 9V-SKZ, while 9V-SKT was on its way back from London, operating as SQ317. The flight in question would have been on Wednesday, September 6.
SQ is reknown for caring for its passengers but here, how could it be possible to be trapped for 8 hours without any proper instruction by the company to release the passengers ? They could have taken a decision after 1,5-2 hours
Totally unacceptable and a flagrant violation of ethical standards by the airline. The passengers deserve to be compensated!
I had the worst experience with SIA. Its a long story. I thought this is the best airline until my last experience. They cancelled my scheduled flight and offered a flight with more than 24 transit. I contacted airline more than 15 times but no solution. Just mention some one will be contacted to resolve issue. But did not. Finally I had to accept their offer spending all transit hotel cost by myself and family...
I had the worst experience with SIA. Its a long story. I thought this is the best airline until my last experience. They cancelled my scheduled flight and offered a flight with more than 24 transit. I contacted airline more than 15 times but no solution. Just mention some one will be contacted to resolve issue. But did not. Finally I had to accept their offer spending all transit hotel cost by myself and family since I could not cancel the trip. I think now their service level dropped significantly compared with the past. From now onwards I will go for some other airline.
This is not the 1st time happened. We had very similar experience last November 2022.We were on Singapore flight going to Singapore from Auckland. We were on the (plane) flight for more than 6 hours at the Auckland.We missed our connecting flight from Singapore and all we got is just food voucher.
This is criminally insane. The airline should have been more considerate and responsible to its passengers. One hour trapped in an airplane is too long, let alone 8 hours!!!!
You do realise that the authorities may have refused it? China has notoriously onerous regulations so it’s possible they declined SQ’s request to deplane everyone.
The US has tarmac delay legislation however there are exemptions and numerous cases of customers and crew being made to stay on aircraft for lengthy periods.
Trust me, this was a customs issue in PVG as well. I'm sure they didn't want to let them off.
Letting them off to wait in the terminal shouldn't be a customs issue. Probably not much of a customs issue in any event, since it is likely most passengers were originating in China and they never left the airport, much less the country. Maybe more of an issue for immigration, but then again what's one additional planefull of passengers making their way through? I suppose someone could have had a visa expiring too soon for...
Letting them off to wait in the terminal shouldn't be a customs issue. Probably not much of a customs issue in any event, since it is likely most passengers were originating in China and they never left the airport, much less the country. Maybe more of an issue for immigration, but then again what's one additional planefull of passengers making their way through? I suppose someone could have had a visa expiring too soon for re-entry, but doesn't seem like any reason to keep everyone on the plane. Overall, I don't think your theory pans out.
I had a similar situation in April when I checked in for a Singapore flight from JFK to Frankfurt. Apart from the check-in process, which was absolutely chaotic. The flight was delayed initially for three hours. There were no announcements made, and there was nowhere to sit. Singapore uses delta gates, and Delta was very busy with additional flights. We had to rely on one another to get information which was sketchy at best. after...
I had a similar situation in April when I checked in for a Singapore flight from JFK to Frankfurt. Apart from the check-in process, which was absolutely chaotic. The flight was delayed initially for three hours. There were no announcements made, and there was nowhere to sit. Singapore uses delta gates, and Delta was very busy with additional flights. We had to rely on one another to get information which was sketchy at best. after a long three hour wait we were delayed again without any specific time for departure. At this point we were offered a $30 voucher for food at the departure gate which was downstairs from the original gate almost on the tarmac. Up and down we went only to find out that all the restaurants were closed. The flight was originally scheduled for 8 PM. By this time it was 2 AM and we will finally directed upstairs to the checking counter, which was quite a distance from the gate. We helped one another, especially the elderly at this point, but thirsty and hungry, and had difficulty walking the long distances. again no announcements were made, and we relied on each other for information once we arrived at the check-in counter we were told due to the mechanical difficulty we were unable to depart and we were offered a hotel for the night and will be put on the flight the next day. The line to receive the vouchers was ridiculous. The A380 was completely full flight. When we arrived at the counter, we were told that there were no flights the next day because they were full and they were unable to put us on the flight until 2 to 3 days from the original departure date. The voucher for the hotel was only good for one day and we were on our own for the additional days by this time it was about 4 AM and we were given hotels throughout New York City and had to rely on our own transportation. The entire experience was a nightmare. and the only flight available was on Friday. My original flight was on Wednesday. I had to pay the additional day in the hotel as well as transportation and food in New York City. When I contacted Singapore for compensation, I was told they are not responsible for mechanical difficulties. apparently there was a part that needed to be sent from Singapore to New York for one of the engines of the 380. I am a senior citizen of been flying for over 40 years..
We chose to fly Singapore, because of the fine reputation it has. our experience was quite the contrary we will never fly Singapore again. they have no customer service. They don’t care about their passengers they’re only interested in making money. very sad.
Since the flight was to Frankfurt, i.e. Germany, you are entitled to full compensation and additional payments according to European Union rules (regardless of the airline's country)! Once again: You are entitled to full reimbursement of your expenses plus an additional cash payment. Because it has been repeatedly recognized that a technical defect of the aircraft is not a valid reason for delay for the airline! These are very strict rules in the EU, you...
Since the flight was to Frankfurt, i.e. Germany, you are entitled to full compensation and additional payments according to European Union rules (regardless of the airline's country)! Once again: You are entitled to full reimbursement of your expenses plus an additional cash payment. Because it has been repeatedly recognized that a technical defect of the aircraft is not a valid reason for delay for the airline! These are very strict rules in the EU, you file a complaint with the airline, referring to these rules, if they do not pay - contact the consumer rights supervisory authority (there is at the EU level), you will be paid for everything, do not even doubt.
Could you please share the link to the German aviation authority link?
I had an incident this summer
I feel bad for the passengers, but honestly, if I were to be trapped on a plane this way, I’d rather it be on a Singapore Airlines A380 than any other airline and aircraft combination out there (save for the Emirates A380).
Yes SIA is more conscious of customer relation than some European Or Australian airlines. Unexpected delays are more common than most people realise so how passengers are being treated during the delays matters.
I still support passagers. What's wrong to disembark passanger. Even one or two hours. They can free to find there own food or drink. Instead of waiting in hot plane for 8 hours. Definitely I will rethink to fly with SQ
Most overrated airline on the planet.
No, they're certainly not horrible. But they're far less great as travel bloggers make them out to be. Lot of bling bling, very little substance. And their business seats are utter shit through and through.
Hard to believe this happen on a SQ flight.SQ is well known for taking care of her passengers. But 8 hours in the plane what in the world are they thinking.
Pilot. Technicians etc really need to have their head check in keeping the passengers for 8 hours.
8 hours is unacceptable. Passengers should have been allowed to exit the plane as soon as it returned to the departure gate lounge. Being kept on the plane must have been horrible.
I am surprise Ben didn’t discuss what kind of champagne was served in first and business class and whether caviar was served in first class.
Money talks
It is unbelievable, I hope if there was actually emergency with passengers, and he was not able to get out, because of pilot's stupid decision.
That could be big law suits against airlines or ban airlines for anymore services.
SQ’s best days are well behind them. They run now like their low-cost brand Scoot, but still feel they can charge top dollar for low-budget service to protect their high-profit margins. Way too many better options out there! They have THE worst customer service in the industry now. Try calling them, even as a business/first class customer - you will be shocked!
I call them on the PPS hotline (which you easily become if regularly flying Business, quicker if First) and it picks up in seconds. However, when reading such comments I feel they are written by an award ticket customer midst in the pandemic. At those times yes, the (regular) customer service was indeed slow. Am I wrong?
I used to fly SQ Spore/Jkt/Malaysia. Now i have switch to GARADA service much better
Quite atrocious. It doesn't take too long to get the passengers off into the gate lounge and wait for a boarding recall. The bags stay on board.
Perhaps 40 mins total.
Its inhumane to leave everyone on for that long. Fineing airlines is the only solution.
Agreed.
I'm not surprised at such level of care of passengers on SQ. I suffered badly as my seat in April this year was occupied by another, and 2 hours into flight their staff could not resolve the issue. They offered me a seat in the emergency row which is for able bodied and poor me, senior lady imagine in real emergency what will happen. I'm still waiting for compensation. Good luck to you unfortunate travellers.
I'm not sure why you said "excellent service" within the article. What, are you worried about being sued in Singapore if you're too critical? Maybe they'll even demand you take down your article! While that's certainly a danger there, I don't see how being imprisoned on a hot plane counts as excellent service even if you're in a suite. I think that they care a lot about their public image (but not sure they care...
I'm not sure why you said "excellent service" within the article. What, are you worried about being sued in Singapore if you're too critical? Maybe they'll even demand you take down your article! While that's certainly a danger there, I don't see how being imprisoned on a hot plane counts as excellent service even if you're in a suite. I think that they care a lot about their public image (but not sure they care about reality). So I hope someone from Singapore Airlines reads this: You suck.
Yeah, I've been surprised this year as I've learned how bad SQ's operations are and customer service is (other than their check-in agents and FAs).
I had a rolling delay before boarding an SQ flight last April JFK - FRA that was 4+ hours before being cancelled and rescheduled for the next night. That one was then delayed for several hours waiting for catering. For an airline with such top notch service on the...
Yeah, I've been surprised this year as I've learned how bad SQ's operations are and customer service is (other than their check-in agents and FAs).
I had a rolling delay before boarding an SQ flight last April JFK - FRA that was 4+ hours before being cancelled and rescheduled for the next night. That one was then delayed for several hours waiting for catering. For an airline with such top notch service on the plane the lack of pro-active communication via app, text messages, or email was surprising. The lack of any communication even in the airport was even more surprising.
Then their phone reps have largely been unfamiliar and unhelpful over the past year as I try to accept wait-list flights that have cleared.
SQ has nice planes and attractive flight attendants but they have deplorable customer service. I flew them a number of times during Covid when there was no alternative. Never again.
Has never happened and would never happen on KL, LH, OS, SR.
SR?
You mean LX.
It appears this article was written by and in defense of Singapore Airlines. This kind of reporting can not be taken seriously. There is no excuse in any universe for such a failure by the airline. All passengers need to file legal actions against the carrier.
I don't see how you read this article and thought it was an SQ puff piece. I read your response and it is clear you have some vendetta against the writer of the article. If you don't think this "reporting" is to be taken seriously, go to FlightGlobal or an actual news source, instead. It is a BLOG focused on points and aviation. And if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it.
You paid by Singapore Airlines?
This is not a puff piece, Lucky merely writes balanced articles weighing both sides of the argument.
Don’t look forward to trying out SQ after this incident. Completely unacceptable without AC.
I'm glad meal service was provided but with no AC passengers need to be de-boarded
Sadly I believe SQ, which I have very frequently flown, uses the option of leaving pax on board as their first option when mechanical issues arise. This is true even at their home base where I have sat in a plane for more than three hours without air conditioning and without a single announcement. They are a great airline when things go right. But when things go wrong they are amongst the worst
basically imao Sq is resting too much on their laurel. few years ago my frequent flyers disappear awol,trying to resolve is like going to a hell path. and overly expensive air fare
Less than two months ago, I experienced something similar or a flight with Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Hamburg and we all were kept 5 1/2 hours in the remote area, after the emergency alarm started to beep on the left side of the exit row.
Turkish NEVER offered refreshments or food, the captain only spoke twice and the crew was useless.
When asked for compensation following EC261/2004, the response came in a...
Less than two months ago, I experienced something similar or a flight with Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Hamburg and we all were kept 5 1/2 hours in the remote area, after the emergency alarm started to beep on the left side of the exit row.
Turkish NEVER offered refreshments or food, the captain only spoke twice and the crew was useless.
When asked for compensation following EC261/2004, the response came in a single paragraph: we are not Europe and, therefore, are not obliged to pay any compensation!
Ec261 doesn’t apply on a non EU carrier operating from a non EU country.
@ Icarus;
It does apply! Turkey is not EU but is Europe EU261 applies if you fly from a non-European country to an EU country with a European airline company. Just like UK, Norway and Island and so on. Just as if you fly from LAX to FRA with LH it does apply.
Sounds like the Turkish I know.
The way the climate's been going with heat waves these days, even the 3-hour rule isn't enough, and airlines seem to try to find ways around it all the time.
Last month I was stuck on an American flight in Dallas that was having thrust reverser trouble that kept preventing takeoff. This was during a major heat wave and the APU was losing its battle against the Texas heat. But every time we returned to...
The way the climate's been going with heat waves these days, even the 3-hour rule isn't enough, and airlines seem to try to find ways around it all the time.
Last month I was stuck on an American flight in Dallas that was having thrust reverser trouble that kept preventing takeoff. This was during a major heat wave and the APU was losing its battle against the Texas heat. But every time we returned to the gate (3 times!), they refused to let anyone off until after about 2 hours they agreed to let folks off but warned them they'd likely be forfeiting their seats, which of course meant that no one got off.
The only offer to passengers was half a cup of water after 2 hours, which seems like American was trying to meet the bare minimum of "food and water" requirements under FAA regulations for tarmac delays. Yes, I understand that the flight crew were suffering under the same conditions, so this one really falls on American's management.
After over 3 hours, they finally took the plane out of service and kicked us all off, telling us to wait around the gate for more info. No food, no water, etc. After another 2 hours they finally announced they had found a new plane, and the flight went out six hours delayed.
It's hardly the worst travel nightmare story these days, but American offered literally nothing but half a cup of water for 3 hours cooking on a plane trying to run out the clock and then another 3 hours sitting in the terminal. No food, no drinks, not even miles or an acknowledgement. And this was at American's largest hub, not an outstation.
They were in Shanghai, so I guess unwilling confinement is something that is normal.
Such a lame comment. You probably never left your village....
Don't be a China simp
hard to believe that SQ's procedures allow for leaving passengers on the plane knowing that power has to be turned off.
It is one thing to lose power and rely on backup batteries for emergency exit lighting but it is quite different to plan to turn off the power and leave passengers onboard.
This sounds like kidnapping and/or hostage taking. I'd be furious.
That analogy is pathetic. Am sure John McCarthy would disagree after being held five years by Islamic jihad terrorists.
Shut your mouth you jabroni.
Esere un allocco. As I said, a stupid analogy.
Maybe I'm missing something but the flighttime would be a roughly 6 hours, if you add those other 8 hours wouldn't the Crew be over duty by that time?
A quick look at it I think SQ could have reduced those 8 hours to 4 hours i.e. for the pax and Crew, no?
I mean, after 4 hours on the ground waiting to solve the issue you already knew the Crew wouldn't be...
Maybe I'm missing something but the flighttime would be a roughly 6 hours, if you add those other 8 hours wouldn't the Crew be over duty by that time?
A quick look at it I think SQ could have reduced those 8 hours to 4 hours i.e. for the pax and Crew, no?
I mean, after 4 hours on the ground waiting to solve the issue you already knew the Crew wouldn't be able to operate the flight within duty times and I guess they don't operated this Route with double Crew... Thanks in advance for enlightening.
I agree. It would also have been only 8:30pm. Not too late to deplane, go to the hotel and hopefully get a good night's sleep. Everyone must have been exhausted by 12:30am.
deplane is not a word
“Deplane” is a word.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deplane
Even in Suites, with no power for ovens, entertainment, or AC, it would be a bit rough. I guess you could just try to go to bed, though.