Jetstar Asia or SilkAir

[medhead]

Currently planning a holiday. SWMBO has decided that we don't want to do SIN/HKG and Paris. So it's going to be SIN/HKT. Here is where her fear of flying kicks in. "We" want one flight between SIN and HKT. Apparently this means Jetstar Asia or SilkAir.

The issues are how do these compare to Qantas? Do they have the same standards of maintenance? I guess also the same pilot standards?

So help pick our airline, Jetstar Asia, Silkair or other

 

[yohy?!]

i'd go Silkair just to reduce possibility of delays or retiming - hard to guage how maintenance compares as they are probably both done by SIA Engineering (although 3K has a younger fleet possibly).

 

[dajop]

How are you getting to SIN? SilkAir can be included into SQ tickets with or without stopover in SIN for about same fare (or same number of points) as just traveling to SIN.

 

[medhead]

Great point about 3K delays.

How are you getting to SIN? SilkAir can be included into SQ tickets with or without stopover in SIN for about same fare (or same number of points) as just traveling to SIN.

Not sure. There are 6 travelling, looking to use various points for flights, hopefully in premium cabins. SQ is definitely an option as would be QF. Also factoring in a SIN stopover in one direction.

Could do VA/SQ award to HKT, then cash ticket to SIN, then QF award.

 

[LadyC]

Not sure how helpful this is but have traveled on Silkair a number of times without a problem (we redeem a lot through SQ). I just checked and you can redeem 6 award seats in J on Silkair (assuming availability on that day).

 

[medhead]

Not sure how helpful this is but have traveled on Silkair a number of times without a problem (we redeem a lot through SQ). I just checked and you can redeem 6 award seats in J on Silkair (assuming availability on that day).

Silk Air has J! I just assumed they were LCC. Thank you.

 

[moa999]

SilkAir is SQs regional airline but still full service -more like QantasLink in Australian context.
But would expect Jetstar to be a lot cheaper.

For a short flight both are fine.

 

[dajop]

Silk Air has J! I just assumed they were LCC. Thank you.

SilkAir are the narrowbody arm of SQ. They are very much like QF domestic 737 services - although do serve basic meals (not just "snacks") all day long. IFE is either streamed wifi (BYO device) or drop down TVs playing something that can be viewed without sound - such as Just for Laughs Gags.

As for safety - one major incident in 1997 involving dive into river and loss of lives of all on board - generally believed to be due to deliberate actions of captain (suicide), although civil lawsuits and out of court settlement by manufacturer also pointed to defective rudder controls.

 

[medhead]

Great feedback everyone, thanks. As per the fear of flying thread this information is great for considering all the issues for SWMBO. She basically asked me these questions, and I had no idea. I think my reply was depends how many and what type of points we're going to use.
What greater resource than AFF?

BTW this is the beginning of the planning process for October-ish next year. What airlines fly there? Can I fly with them? Need 12 months to get used to the idea.

 

[JohnK]

Air Asia or Tiger fly direct as well.

The SilkAir option should be OK. I have now flown them twice in business KUL-SIN and SIN-CNX and they are OK.

Malaysia Airlines via KUL would also be a possibility if using Qantas points.

 

[medhead]

My preference would be some nice cheap MH J promo fares. SWMBO sees things differently.

 

[SuzieQ68]

Have flown Silk Air (a number of times), Air Asia & Jetstar Asia and my vote is definitely for Silk Air. Never had a bad experience (touch wood). Always found the staff to be friendly & efficient, and have always felt safe. As a subsidiary of SQ, also able to earn status credits & points on VA. Bonus.