Difference between SQ 777-300 and 777-300ER J Cabin?

[dsotm]

1. I just transferred some points from Citi to KF and am about to book 2 x Flexi Y seats SQ MEL-SIN for June this year. I checked availability and there are saver J seats available.
2. The saver seats are only on the 777-300 standard aircraft.

Does my plan guarantee I'll get upgrades to J if I do it quickly after booking the flexis? ...and what are the main differences between the two types of 777 that operate out of Melbourne. We will have a day flight out of MEL and a night flight out of SIN. I have read that the old 777 is a bit rough for sleeping. I did an Air France 777 J to Paris last year and it was a damned hard seat that wouldn't go very flat. Many thanks for any insights.

 

[dajop]

Does my plan guarantee I'll get upgrades to J if I do it quickly after booking the flexis? ...and what are the main differences between the two types of 777 that operate out of Melbourne. We will have a day flight out of MEL and a night flight out of SIN. I have read that the old 777 is a bit rough for sleeping. I did an Air France 777 J to Paris last year and it was a damned hard seat that wouldn't go very flat. Many thanks for any insights.

I have no idea about the plan to upgrade whether it would work or not. Seems to make sense that it might.

As for the difference, you need to understand that SQ operate three types of business class in their 777-300's:

1) Old 777-300 is an old style "cradle seat" does not lie flat and is configured 2-3-2. With good old fashioned padding it is actually reasonably comfortable to sit in (probably better than the newer style seats) - but shocking for sleeping in, and has coughpy looped IFE and a small screen. Unless an aircraft goes unserviceable (or slides of the runway in Munich) you are unlikely to get this aircraft on the MEL route anymore (it did happen to me the day after the Munich incident!)

2) Refitted 777-300 - an angled lie flat seat, comfortable enough to sit in, same styling as newer product (ie brown leathers) and upgrade IFE. 2-2-2 configuration, and whilst the seats are still angled they do go pretty close to flat. At 24.5" wide, wider than many similar products. I slept soundly for about 5.5 hours on this product on Sunday night (SIN-MEL), without assistance from sleeping medication. Surprised how comfortable I got when sleeping on these, better than QF's Skybed MKI, or EK or MH's angled lie flat products. Currently operates afternoon departure from MEL, midnight from SIN.

3) 77W (777-300ER) - SQ's "premium" J product. Very wide in 1-2-1 configuration with every seat having aisle access, although feet tuck in under seat in front where the seat narrows (except when at bulkhead, where have entire width) - this is fine if you sleep on your side, but not as good for sleeping on back. Folds completely flat, which can be an advantage or disadvantage, as you have to get up to change to bed (although when in bed mode, you can prop yourself up with plentiful supply of cushions if you want to, to have meals etc which I have done). Has a mattress cover, but can be hard for some. Also some dislike the seat as being too wide, but I love it - plenty of "wing" space and you can arrange the cushions to get comfortable which overcomes one of the problems of being so wide (I have heard people complain, and asked did you use the two or three cushions they provide? No. No wonder not comfortable!), and you can get out of seat easily during meals without having to put away tray. Excellent IFE. Currently operates midnight flight from MEL, morning flight from SIN.

 

[dsotm]

Wow. So appreciative of your long and detailed response. The ER is obviously the go, but the difference between Saver and Standard makes this not possible. Although booking seven months ahead... anything could happen with plane allocation. Thanks again.

I have no idea about the plan to upgrade whether it would work or not. Seems to make sense that it might.

As for the difference, you need to understand that SQ operate three types of business class in their 777-300's:

1) Old 777-300 is an old style "cradle seat" does not lie flat and is configured 2-3-2. With good old fashioned padding it is actually reasonably comfortable to sit in (probably better than the newer style seats) - but shocking for sleeping in, and has coughpy looped IFE and a small screen. Unless an aircraft goes unserviceable (or slides of the runway in Munich) you are unlikely to get this aircraft on the MEL route anymore (it did happen to me the day after the Munich incident!)

2) Refitted 777-300 - an angled lie flat seat, comfortable enough to sit in, same styling as newer product (ie brown leathers) and upgrade IFE. 2-2-2 configuration, and whilst the seats are still angled they do go pretty close to flat. At 24.5" wide, wider than many similar products. I slept soundly for about 5.5 hours on this product on Sunday night (SIN-MEL), without assistance from sleeping medication. Surprised how comfortable I got when sleeping on these, better than QF's Skybed MKI, or EK or MH's angled lie flat products. Currently operates afternoon departure from MEL, midnight from SIN.

3) 77W (777-300ER) - SQ's newest product. Very wide in 1-2-1 configuration with every seat having aisle access, although feet tuck in under seat in front where the seat narrows (except when at bulkhead, where have entire width) - this is fine if you sleep on your side, but not as good for sleeping on back. Folds completely flat, which can be an advantage or disadvantage, as you have to get up to change to bed (although you can prob yourself up with plentiful supply of cushions if you want to). Has a mattress cover, but can be hard for some. Also some dislike the seat as being too wide, but I love it - plenty of "wing" space and you can arrange the cushions to get comfortable which overcomes one of the problems of being so wide (I have heard people complain, and asked did you use the two or three cushions they provide? No. No wonder not comfortable!), and you can get out of seat easily during meals without having to put away tray. Excellent IFE. Currently operates midnight flight from MEL, morning flight from SIN.

 

[dajop]

Wow. So appreciative of your long and detailed response. The ER is obviously the go, but the difference between Saver and Standard makes this not possible. Although booking seven months ahead... anything could happen with plane allocation. Thanks again.

No problems - hopefully help others to at some point! You are right anything could happen in 7 months with SQ, could change several time or even end up with A380! IIRC, by then 747 will be gone and the afternoon departure from MEL and evening from SIN will also be in the refitted 777-300 as well. But that of course could change several times too ....

 

[Cruiser Elite]

PV much better value to forget buying Y then upgrade - just snare a couple of J Saver redemptions - much better value.

 

[darkslayer88]

PV much better value to forget buying Y then upgrade - just snare a couple of J Saver redemptions - much better value.

This is definitely the way the go.