First trip in SQ J

[kiwitripper64]

Our unit got a last minute invitation to a meeting in Singapore. There had been discussions for a month about attending, but we ended up with 7 days notice. This meant only 2 of us could attend, and the flights were not cheap. It also meant I had no time to discuss alternate ( QF ) flights, so I got to try Singapore Airlines for the first time. I flew out on SQ282 and returned on SQ 285
SQ 282 departs at 01.20am from AKL. As expected, the airport was very quiet. I was offered the Air NZ lounge. Immigration was quick. Auckland security.... what can be added to this fiasco. There was only 1 station open, and that was probably enough, but the design of the 1/4 circle to put you luggage on is so poorly implemented with people pushing in and then you have to wait for a turn to get your bag onto the conveyor belt. If a tray actually does show up at the station.
The last ANZ flight left about 10.30, so the lounge was very empty. The still had buffet food and drinks. But why, when NZ has such a good selection of wine, does the lounge skimp on quality and selection. Boarding was supposed to be 12.50, but we got a call at 12.20 saying the flight was boarding. Everyone left and got the gate. There was no boarding, no sign of imminent boarding and lots of people. I suspect the lounge staff sent us of early so they could close up and go home.
Priority boarding eventually called and there was the usual scrum for everyone to get on. Lots of people getting to the scanner, then being told to wait for their turn. I got through and had my first look at SQ J on a A350-900.
The seat area is big. Lots of storage room for my phone, wallet and passport. But there were 2 strange things.
The TV had a protective cover, so its not a touch screen anymore. I suppose this is covid related? The remote worked, but its not as convenient, and you still need to touch it. So any non contact covid protection is instantly gone. But the actual seat set up is all wrong. There is a foot well in front of the seat that starts out being roomy. But you cant lounge with your feet up in front of you. Then when you want to lie flat, the back of the chair flips over and you end up on a weird Z diagonal. I am 188cm and I could not lie straight. I had to lie on my side and bend at the hip or knees.
The service was prompt. They cam around very quickly after takeoff to get the meals service complete. At this time of day, I had a champagne, a sleeping tablet and got woken for breakfast. The breakfast menu was fairly standard.
Things I liked. I like the timing of the flight. We arrived at 6.45 am. The service was quick and friendly. The champers was good and food seemed ok. No book the cook on the flight ex AKL.
I didn't like the seat. QF J is so much better. Even NZ J is more comfy. I thought the amenity kit was a bit light, containing a face mist, lip balm and hand cream, There are slippers, sock, eye masks and ear plugs available, but you have to as specifically for them. And no pajamas.
Overall, it was OK, but I prefer QF.
I will add a bit more in the next post

 

[RooFlyer]

Then when you want to lie flat, the back of the chair flips over and you end up on a weird Z diagonal

This is where SQ lost me as a J passenger quite a few years ago. I think it’s an extraordinary bad seat design.

I suspect the lounge staff sent us of early so they could close up and go home.

That seems a reasonable explanation and pretty poor form.

, and you still need to touch it.

and it’s harder to clean than the screen!

 

[mx838383]

Our unit got a last minute invitation to a meeting in Singapore. There had been discussions for a month about attending, but we ended up with 7 days notice. This meant only 2 of us could attend, and the flights were not cheap. It also meant I had no time to discuss alternate ( QF ) flights, so I got to try Singapore Airlines for the first time. I flew out on SQ282 and returned on SQ 285
SQ 282 departs at 01.20am from AKL. As expected, the airport was very quiet. I was offered the Air NZ lounge. Immigration was quick. Auckland security.... what can be added to this fiasco. There was only 1 station open, and that was probably enough, but the design of the 1/4 circle to put you luggage on is so poorly implemented with people pushing in and then you have to wait for a turn to get your bag onto the conveyor belt. If a tray actually does show up at the station.
The last ANZ flight left about 10.30, so the lounge was very empty. The still had buffet food and drinks. But why, when NZ has such a good selection of wine, does the lounge skimp on quality and selection. Boarding was supposed to be 12.50, but we got a call at 12.20 saying the flight was boarding. Everyone left and got the gate. There was no boarding, no sign of imminent boarding and lots of people. I suspect the lounge staff sent us of early so they could close up and go home.
Priority boarding eventually called and there was the usual scrum for everyone to get on. Lots of people getting to the scanner, then being told to wait for their turn. I got through and had my first look at SQ J on a A350-900.
The seat area is big. Lots of storage room for my phone, wallet and passport. But there were 2 strange things.
The TV had a protective cover, so its not a touch screen anymore. I suppose this is covid related? The remote worked, but its not as convenient, and you still need to touch it. So any non contact covid protection is instantly gone. But the actual seat set up is all wrong. There is a foot well in front of the seat that starts out being roomy. But you cant lounge with your feet up in front of you. Then when you want to lie flat, the back of the chair flips over and you end up on a weird Z diagonal. I am 188cm and I could not lie straight. I had to lie on my side and bend at the hip or knees.
The service was prompt. They cam around very quickly after takeoff to get the meals service complete. At this time of day, I had a champagne, a sleeping tablet and got woken for breakfast. The breakfast menu was fairly standard.
Things I liked. I like the timing of the flight. We arrived at 6.45 am. The service was quick and friendly. The champers was good and food seemed ok. No book the cook on the flight ex AKL.
I didn't like the seat. QF J is so much better. Even NZ J is more comfy. I thought the amenity kit was a bit light, containing a face mist, lip balm and hand cream, There are slippers, sock, eye masks and ear plugs available, but you have to as specifically for them. And no pajamas.
Overall, it was OK, but I prefer QF.
I will add a bit more in the next post

I flew with Singapore airlines J last month SIN to MEL . I also agree that I am not a fan of the seat and found it not as comfortable as some of the other airlines like emirates, cathay and qantas.
Amenity kit was by request only but they came pretty promptly. Service was good on my flight and probably the highlight.

 

[Lynda2475]

An amenity kit without toothpaste seems odd.

 

[kiwitripper64]

The amenity kit was weird. They brought the kit, then came back and asked if I wanted slippers and socks. No mention of ear plugs. They had toothbrushes and razors in the bathroom. I grabbed a toothbrush early and noted there were none left 1 hour before arrival

 

[Cruiser Elite]

If any amenities in bathroom missing just ask crew to replenish - they regularly check supply but pax are always lifting quantities also.

If you want Sox and slippers just ask - some flts IFM will insist Crew distribute to each seat pre boarding some don’t - I don’t understand this inconsistency - I will check this next flt on 24th unless someone can ask in mean time

 

[kiwitripper64]

We arrived on time into Singapore. I left the plane and at the gate entrance double checked. Phone, wallet, passport. Oh dear, the passport was still in the handy seatside container. I told the SG gate agent, had to wait for 5 min and was then escorted back onto the aircraft to collect my passport and complete the walk of shame back out. The only consolation was my colleague had entered an incorrect digit into the e-Arrival doc and got held up as well.
We were met and had an uneventful trip into town. We were staying at the Voco on Orchard Rd. The company had booked us an extra day so our rooms were ready on arrival. So I went up, showered, sorted the emails, had breakfast and found a taylor. Shirts sorted and the meeting started.
The Voco is nice.The rooms are a good size, but a little dated. The staff were all exceptional. I managed a couple of swims, the pool is about 20mand is fine if no one else is in.
The meeting finished the next afternoon and I picked up the shirts before dinner. The last day I had a walk into the Marina and back before a last swim and back to Changi. Check-in was surprisingly slow in J. There were staff at the desk, but no one was very interested in calling us up. It was a bit strange.
I had forgotten that at Changi you clear immigration then proceed airside to shps and lounges and only clear security at the end before boarding. We found the SG lounges. We safely negotiated the trap that Gold is the lesser lounge and we found the SilverKris J lounge. It is nice. Probably a bit better than QF J in Sydney. The F&B were decent for snacking, we found some seats and had a shower. You need to book the showers and they are good.
There is no flight announcement in the lounge, so I left 10 min before boarding, cleared security and got straight on. This time we were SQ285 in a 777-300. We boarded through the first cabin which was small and nothing special, then I got to seat 14k, a window seat this time. It has the same layout and flaws that theA350 had.
The service was very good and I had the chance to order book the cook. The lobster thermidore was terrific, and the wines were good. I had a brief sleep and was woken for breakfast. Another book the cook, pancakes with strawberries and marscapone. A few coffees later and we were landing.
It was a busy few days. It was fun trying a new airline and seeing the SG lounge. Singapore is busy, but not my favourite destination. And while the SG service was great, and book the cook is amazing, I cant share the love because of those weird seats.

 

[kiwitripper64]

On a final note, I left AKL Wednesday and arrived home on Saturday. When I checked my emails after getting home, I saw this from the Singapore Government approving my stay in Singapore after I had completed my stay. Proving that governments around the world are full of red tape that is meaningless.

Welcome to Singapore​

IMMIGRATION ACT 1959
VISIT PASS​

Based on the SG Arrival Card that you have submitted for immigration clearance on 08/03/2023, you have been issued this Visit Pass that allows you to enter and remain in Singapore for the following purposes only:

(a) social, business or professional visit; or
(b) as a tourist; or
(c) to seek employment or to be employed in Singapore.


The details of your Visit Pass are as follows:

Disembarkation/Embarkation (DE) Number (The Disembarkation/Embarkation (DE) Number is required if you wish to apply for other immigration facilities while you are in Singapore. You may also check the number of day(s) of stay granted at ICA website at “e-Pass Enquiry Portal”.)	xx_xx_xx
Passport Number	****xx_x
Date and Time of Issuance of Visit Pass	08/03/2023 07:21
Number of Day(s) of Stay Granted	90
Last Day of Stay Allowed in Singapore	06/06/2023 Please note that remaining in Singapore beyond this date without a valid Visit Pass or any other valid immigration facility is an offence under Immigration Act 1959. Visit ICA website at “Apply for Extension of Short-Term Visit Pass” to apply to extend your Visit Pass.

Please retain this email for the entire duration of your stay in Singapore.

 

[Denali]

I was surprised when I first read your words, The seat area is big, but then I read further and totally agree - the seat config is terrible. Im 178cm and the worse leg cramp I ever had was from this seat and I hobbled myself to a empty bulkhead seat that slept next to a stranger the rest of the flight.

Thanks for the pics and report!

 

[drross]

I was surprised when I first read your words, The seat area is big, but then I read further and totally agree - the seat config is terrible. Im 178cm and the worse leg cramp I ever had was from this seat and I hobbled myself to a empty bulkhead seat that slept next to a stranger the rest of the flight.

Thanks for the pics and report!

Sure it was just ‘a cramp’ and not a DVT?

 

[Quickstatus]

I think it’s an extraordinary bad seat design.

Good for amputees...

 

[AIRwin]

Good for amputees...

This reminds me of a recent negative news article on SQ...

 

[TomVexille]

The IFE have never been touch screen AFAIK