Frequentflyer01 flew Singapore Airlines Economy (29/04/2012 19:10)

Today was meant to be my 4th trip from UK to Singapore in 14 months.

I foolishly decided to book a ticket with Singapore Airlines even though it cost nearly 500 pounds for a single ticket, counting on its previous great customer service. It turned out to be the worst decision in over 20 years of flying.

I was returning to Singapore after a long absence. My movers had accidentally left a number of things unpacked the night before flying and having no weighing scales and a looming exam in 10 days, turned up at Manchester Airport with an overweight hand luggage full of my dismantled computer parts and books more than an hour before departure.

There were 2 counters open, one with first class written over it and the other internet checking. I went to the latter to be redirected to a security queue and after 10 minutes was told that that was the wrong queue and then redirected to yet another wrong queue.

Eventually, I went to the counter with first class written over it. The woman ( calling her a lady would be too inaccurate) weighed my checked-in luggage and told me that I had to move them to another counter as the flight was nearly ready for boarding. She then found my hand luggage overweight and just told me that I had to abandon it and even proceeded to make me put my prada handbag on the not quite clean weighing belt.

There was no attempt on her part to give me any options and even though I informed her that I was moving to Singapore and could not just leave my bag with my friend who turned up, especially with my books needed for my impending exam. She informed me that I had no time to partially unpack my hand luggage.

We had to ask her about the cost of the excess luggage which she reluctantly provided. When asked about upgrading to business class, she informed me that that was not an option! She just kept insisting that I should not fly that day after my friend mentioned that I had a flexible ticket.

She asked for a customer officer to approach so that she could take me off the flying list. It was only when we asked her again about upgrading that the customer officer offered that it would cost another 1400 pounds. At this point, the first woman still kept insisting that it was not possible to check in another 20kg even with upgrading. We found her attitude so appalling that we decided not to fly that day.

Fortunately my dog who was due to fly out with Qantas the next day had also postponed for a week.

In fact it would have cost me a lot less to fly with another airline and paid for the excess luggage. At the customer service counter, there was a lot of mention of extra charges if I were to rebook (not mentioned BEFORE taking me off the flight) and a lot of mention of different class, etc.

I had a fully flexible ticket valid for a year but was made to feel like I had bought the ticket for 20 pounds! However, it was the whole attitude of the first woman behind the counter that put us off. We saw her going for her break about 2 minutes later so evidently was trying to get rid of us so that she could go for a break. Helpfulness is not a word in her vocabulary.

My opinon is that if I had to do it again, I would travel with ANY other airline but never again with Singapore Airlines. What a letdown.

Mitch_VDS flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a B777-200 (Config.4) (09/10/2011 20:21)

Singapore - Denpasar As on all Singapre Airlines Flights the food was realy good. Professional and friendly crew. This airline is a good example of how customer service shut be.

Mitch_VDS flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a A380 (Config 1) (09/10/2011 20:18)

London - Singapore Very plezant flight. Good service, friendly crew!

LPGMelbourne flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a B777-300ER (13/06/2011 01:05)

Manchester-Melbourne 2/6/2011. Economy Class seat 49H on leg 1 and seat 34H on leg 2. Total journey time is 25hrs 15mins with a 1hr 10min transit in Munich and 2hr 40min plane change in Singapore. The transit in Munich is seemless. You disembark plane with hand luggage, sit at gate or explore a very modern airport then board at same gate.

Cabin - Seat are very comfortable and well equipped with AVOD, foot rest adjustable head rest with winglettes. Leg room is 32 inches or 34 inches if your take out 3 magazines. Seat width and pitch is notably better/wider than Qantas BA Emirates and on par with Qatar and Cathay. Rear Economy cabin is brighter and more pleasant colour than forward economy cabin. This commences as a pleasant day flight then cabin lights are dimmed about 4 hours into journey.

Meal Service - Food service was plentiful and high quality on all legs. Although did note final leg SIN-MEL had less extensive meal service as classed regional not long haul.

MAN-MUC (1hr 50min) commenced with newspapers before takeoff. Hot towels 15 mins after take off then full bar service followed by brunch. This consisted of tasty cheese wrap or smoked chicken sandwich, green leaf side salad, fruit salad, small cake, drink of your choice (I had Singapore Sling) tea/coffee all served professionally and with a smile. More drinks were offered before clearing trays. Intensive service considering short flight.

MUC-SIN (11hrs 15 mins) commenced with standard hot towels and full drink and snacks service 1 hour into flight. This was then followed by full meal service. The tray held tasty salmon starter salad, fish curry, breads, dessert, cheese and crackers, tea/coffee and proper stainless steal cutlery. Further alcoholic drinks and hot drinks were offered during meal time. This was very tasty and fulfilling meal. Chicken casserole was the other choice. Friendly flight attendants walked through cabin every hour with water and snacks basket. At about 6 hours into flight baskets of sandwiches and wraps were carried through cabin followed shortly by baskets of chocolate, small cakes and crisps. Alcoholic or hot drinks were available from galley or call button at any time. 1 hr 45 min before descent hot towels and full breakfast service started. There was a western and asian option. My tray held, warm bread roll, jam, butter, fruit salad, hot omelette, chicken sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms. juice, water. tea/coffee. This was very tasty indeed and a nice wake up call.

SIN-MEL (7hr) had two meal services. Breakfast served shortly after take off. I took asian option. My tray held, refreshing congee, very tasty noodles, fruit salad, water, juice, tea/coffee and small biscuit wafer. There was only limited juice and cold drinks served. Many passengers were requesting alcoholic drinks. The friendly flight attendants spent a lot of wasted time zipping back to the galley to fulfill requests. A full drinks service should overcome this problem. Water and juice were served through out the day time flight. Alcholic drinks were on request only. The next food service commenced 1hr 45 mins before descent. This was a lunch service despite our destination time being 7pm at night. My tray consisted of only water, tea/coffee and chicken casserole. The other option was fish. Alcoholic drinks were offered but strangely after the meal. This final meal service seemed to be lacking compared to service on flights so far.

Service Levels- You could not fault the cabin crews level of professionalism and constant smiles. Every request was met with a smile. The flight attendant spilt juice on my lap and fussed over me very much. She later spilt water on my lap and was very embarrassed and had her lead stewardess apologise profusely to me. it was only an accident yet I was impressed with the crews reaction to this.

Overall - I would highly recommend Singapore airlines. This is a long haul flight they managed to make durable if not somewhat pleasant, a rarity in most economy class cabins. Qantas, BA and Emirates most certainly can learn from the levels of service and quality of product. Legroom is biggest gripe of any long haul traveller and I found SQ's 777 product offering to be very comfortable indeed. The AVOD system was easy to navigate, fast to respond with plenty of movies, shows, games music and surprisingly e-library publications available to entertain

bradders7 flew Singapore Airlines Economy (14/08/2010 20:30)

great airline

MellCCC flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a B777-300 (Config.1) (30/06/2010 10:27)

Shortly after take-off from Singapore on June 28th there was an awful, extremely loud repetitive whining noise that sounded like the wheels were trying to retract but couldn't. The noise lasted for about 5 minutes - passengers in the cabin were blocking their ears and my 5 year old son was very scared (as was I - a nervous flyer). I can't find any explanation on the internet for this noise as all searches come up saying the 777 is a very quiet plane. I fly long haul from Asia to NZ several times a year and have never experienced this noise before. There was no explanation for this noise by the crew and it put my in a rather nervous frame of mind. Once the plane was at cruising altitude and had been flying for some time, I decided to try and watch some TV to take my mind off of it and was shocked that there was no in-demand TV! I haven't been on a plane for years that didn't have on-demand and couldn't believe that this flight didn't. Not only that, but the in-flight entertainment mag was for planes that did have in-demand TV and the kids channels were all channel numbers over 100 but this plane only went up to channel 98 so no TV for my son! This is not good enough at all in my opinion for a 9+ hour flight when all other airlines flying similar routes do have in-demand TV. The food was mediocre compared to other airline food although they did bring around regular drinks of water that not all airlines are so good at doing. When I arrived in Christchurch both of my suitcases were damaged to the point of being unusable. I'm not sure if it is the fault of the baggage handlers or due to being defective - luckily they have a 10 year warranty (only 1 year old) so hopefully I will be able to have them replaced. All in all, a disappointing flight compared to other airlines that fly from Asia to New Zealand.

MellCCC flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a B777-300 (Config.1) (30/06/2010 10:23)

Shortly after take-off from Singapore on June 28th there was an awful, extremely loud repetitive whining noise that sounded like the wheels were trying to retract but couldn't. The noise lasted for about 5 minutes - passengers in the cabin were blocking their ears and my 5 year old son was very scared (as was I - a nervous flyer).

I can't find any explanation on the internet for this noise as all searches come up saying the 777 is a very quiet plane. I fly long haul from Asia to NZ several times a year and have never experienced this noise before. There was no explanation for this noise by the crew and it put my in a rather nervous frame of mind.

Once the plane was at cruising altitude and had been flying for some time, I decided to try and watch some TV to take my mind off of it and was shocked that there was no in-demand TV! I haven't been on a plane for years that didn't have on-demand and couldn't believe that this flight didn't. Not only that, but the in-flight entertainment mag was for planes that did have in-demand TV and the kids channels were all channel numbers over 100 but this plane only went up to channel 98 so no TV for my son! This is not good enough at all in my opinion for a 9+ hour flight when all other airlines flying similar routes do have in-demand TV.

The food was mediocre compared to other airline food although they did bring around regular drinks of water that not all airlines are so good at doing. When I arrived in Christchurch both of my suitcases were damaged to the point of being unusable. I'm not sure if it is the fault of the baggage handlers or due to being defective - luckily they have a 10 year warranty (only 1 year old) so hopefully I will be able to have them replaced. All in all, a disappointing flight compared to other airlines that fly from Asia to New Zealand.

PhillDanze flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a A380 (Config 1) (12/06/2010 07:20)

SIN-SYD overnight service, approx. 8 hr flight. Economy class seat very well equipped with vanity mirror, drink holder, excellent book reading light and good sized video screen. The comfort of the seat however is very poor with passengers both tall and short (I was part of a large group travelling) complaining they could not get comfortable. Poor leg room and hard cushioning made for not so good overnighting/sleep experience.

Dobson73 flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a A380 (Config 1) (04/06/2010 08:40)

Excellent in every way except for the seat feeling a little hard after about 3 hours.

doctorjosh flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a A380 (Config 1) (28/05/2010 19:39)

SYD-SIN-SYD in Economy on the A380. Check-in at Sydney was very slow despite using web-check-in. Boarding process was orderly. In-flight service on outbound sector was excellent (probably the best I have experienced on Singapore Airlines). Return sector service was still good but not on the same level as the outgoing flight. Food was very good and much better than expected given my disappointing experience last time. IFE was excellent, especially with the much bigger screens on the new aircraft. I don't like their new seats though. The seat is too hard, there is less recline and less legroom compared to their older style economy seats. Sitting is fine but trying to sleep in one of these new seats is almost impossible. The seat reclines but also slides forward a bit. There is no lumbar support, which makes the recline position quite uncomfortable. Bags were delivered promptly, especially at Changi airport. All flights on time.

Stephen787 flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a A380 (Config 1) (21/11/2009 19:36)

SYD to LHR A380 Upper deck exit row 81k

Marcus3 flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a A380 (Config 1) (14/11/2009 07:48)

This was my first trip on SA Airbus A380 Lhr to Sin, and i was very very impressed. It is definitely the quietest and the most comfortable economy flight plane i have ever flown on and the food, drink and hospitality of the staff was second to none. Singapore Airlines was an absolute pleasure to travel on.

godspear88 flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a B777-200 (Config.1) (16/10/2009 03:18)

This is the first flight out from Bangkok that leaves at 8.30am with 11.55am as the ETA. Check in was swift and smooth. We boarded at 8.05am and I chose seat 36A which is a window seat. Push back was sharp at 8.30 and 8 minutes later, we were in the air and climbing out of Bangkok.

Food: Breakfast with two choices. As I've tried their chicken with noodles on the same flight a week before, I opted for fish with potatoes. Neat display and sufficient for Economy. I noticed that menus were not handed out, which is a default practice for all flights departing from Singapore.

The plane: Is a Boeing 777-200, the older generation SQ rides. Super clean and shiny on the outside but perhaps slightly old on the inside, but a wide-body nonetheless. For this sector, expect slight turbulence the moment the plane arrives into the Gulf of Thailand. But since this is a wide-body aircraft, minimal movement and a comfortable ride for sure. (I've flown this sector using a B-737 and it can get really bumpy).

In-Flight Entertainment: No one can fault the world renowned Krisworld inflight entertainment system. By the time I finished breakfast, we had another hour of flight left and just flew past Kota Bharu, Kelantan in Malaysia. As the plane whizzed through the Malaysian sky, I had a great time listening to old tunes, classical masterpieces and latest love songs.

Investment: This was a promotion ticket, and a return journey was only THB 5800! The current promotion for October is THB 6690 return.

Conclusion: 1. For this price, it sure is better to fly a wide-body to ensure a comfortable ride, a hearty breakfast and the usual SQ-hospitality. 2. SQ flies 4 times daily from Bangkok to Singapore. Do check out their departure times and ticket prices at www.singaporeair.com. I booked mine less than 48 hours before departure, and CHEAPER than AirAsia or the other two low-cost airlines plying this route.

anderson_smart flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a A380 (Config 1) (07/10/2009 15:13)

Excellent!

Finding it hard to fault it. Flying from LHR Terminal 3 was a bit of a pain. I’ve got used to the hassle-free Terminal 5!

On board the food is good, the service excellent and entertainment first class. I would happily pay extra to fly with Singapore on this route.

paddyoo flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a A380 (Config 1) (10/09/2009 09:50)

A380 economy upper deck SIN to SYD and return. Paid extra for exit row on way down as night flight. Screen folding into seat reduces width and not really comfortable. Normal row ahead on return flight and really very good comfort. Best service in economy that we have experienced and best comfort.

michale flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a A380 (Config 1) (03/08/2009 19:17)

hi there i booked singapore airline flight return from london to singapore on 29/09/2009 by travel agent called southall travell.I really not sure about what flight they are using and really can't prebook the seat before fly.The e-ticket say SQ317 and SQ318.please advice me. thank a million

SahaWynnseree flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a A380 (Config 1) (24/03/2009 12:20)

A380 to and from Sydney was my best experience.

EdmundCarew flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a B747-400 (Config.1) (15/02/2009 09:04)

Noticeably poorer than SQ's 777s and other more modern Boeing aircraft. Not great for overnight travel. I hadrly slept.

EdmundCarew flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a B777-300ER (15/02/2009 08:56)

For an airline seat with its inherent limitations, a good effort. Of course not a patch on travelling by train!

EdmundCarew flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a B777-300 (Config.1) (15/02/2009 08:55)

Comfortable and modern.

EdmundCarew flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a A380 (Config 1) (15/02/2009 08:53)

Best seats are at the rear on the upper deck where there are some groups of 2 by themselves. Seat was a bit hard. Garish orangey colour scheme for the decor (the carpet was an appalling colour for 2008). I don't know who SQ's designer was but they ought have a more restful colour scheme.

mohammad2 flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a B777-300ER (14/12/2008 16:54)

Poor

mohammad2 flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a B777-200ER (14/12/2008 16:51)

Poor

Braveheart flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a B777-200 (Config.1) (26/10/2008 10:07)

SINGAPORE AIRLINES HONG KONG SINGAPORE ECONOMY

I arrived at the airport rather early and had no need to queue for check-in. I opted for a window seat at the rear and was allocated 52a. Boarding was straightforward and once on board a flight attendant courteously escorted me direct to my seat. The legroom was pretty good and there were plenty of pillows and blankets already on the seats. The 3-3-3 configuration felt fairly roomy and I estimate the economy cabins were about 70% full on my flight. We took off more or less on schedule and within about 25 minutes of take-off the first drinks and snacks service was started, very efficiently too. Unfortunately the same can’t be said of the inflight entertainment, which was creaky and patchy, I eventually gave up and switched to my own iPod. This was obviously an older plane but on such a key route as HK-SIN I expected a little better, the gap between the new AVOD systems and the older ones is huge. Lunch was healthy and light as well as genuinely tasty, a smoked turkey coleslaw appetiser followed by a fillet of fish in chablis sauce. I opted to stick to the cheese and crackers rather than take a Haagen-Dazs ice cream but the portions were more than adequate. Disembarkation was easy enough and I find the Terminal 3 immigration lines to be about half as long as at the other terminals, I was through in little over 6 minutes. Overall a great flight. I’ve now flown in all three classes of SQ on different legs of this key HK-SIN routes and SQ is miles ahead of the competition.

Florrie flew Singapore Airlines Economy, on a B777-300ER (30/09/2008 07:53)

The new economy seats on SQ is much more comfortable. I went BCN-SIN return even if I'm big no problems.