SQ Tips, Trips and Tales

[BacchusMarsh]

Am hoping ticketed is the difference

There's definitely room for them to generate some goodwill there.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Firstly whilst Qantas markets the suite seat no where does it guarantee that is the product you will get, few if any airline ever does that.

Also your comparison is not really valid as you were comparing it seems SQ sit-up seat to Qantas Skybed MKI !

Point still remains both Qantas and SQ do offer comparable 'old' product on comparable routes.

And disagree with the assertion that on SQ you know what you will get. If you are a serious aircraft nerd then yes but if you are not then it is seat lottery.

Just take my recent trip for example.

SIN-CGK offers mix of A350 with new long haul route, 777-300 with regional business, 777-300ER with long haul business and 777-200 with regional business and occasionally A330-300 with regional business.

SIN-BKK is a mix of A330-300, 777-200 with sit-up seats, 777-300 with regional business and 777-200 with regional business.

And Manila which I flew last year A330-300, 777-200 with sit-up seat, 777-200 with long haul seat, 777-200 with regional business and 777-300 with regional business.

Very inconsistent. At least with Qantas except for the PEK route getting the older product is just a case of bad luck these days.

No airline guarantees seating, but I think there's a difference between a last minute equipment swap for operation reasons and not actually having a plane at all with an advertised product.

With the exception of MNL - the SQ flights you mention are 90 mins. For customers in premium cabins those flights are probably about the streamlined journey rather than the seat?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

If it's any consolation these changes have come as a total surprise to KF call ctr staff also - they had no prior warning.

First emails were sent out to KF Members at 17:30 SIN time yesterday. KF call ctr staff have been briefed by SQ Mgmt as they report for duty from that time. My best girl was briefed when she fronted for work at 19:00 SIN time last night.

Obviously I do not need to ask all AFF members to be polite and understanding to KF call ctr agents re this matter - but believe me they are already receiving quite a number of unpleasant calls - it takes all types!

 

[LadyC]

Obviously I do not need to ask all AFF members to be polite and understanding to KF call ctr agents re this matter - but believe me they are already receiving quite a number of unpleasant calls - it takes all types!

Disappointing to hear. Agree there is no need to be rude - I have always found the KF call center staff polite and helpful.

 

[ajw373]

No airline guarantees seating, but I think there's a difference between a last minute equipment swap for operation reasons and not actually having a plane at all with an advertised product.

With the exception of MNL - the SQ flights you mention are 90 mins. For customers in premium cabins those flights are probably about the streamlined journey rather than the seat?

They were examples of massive differences in product on the same route. I could have done the same SIN-BNE, SIN-SYD and SIN-MEL too which I am sure you will agree is more seat sensitive. One needs to know what flight to book to get the desired product on these routes.

And fear not SQ also makes last minute flight changes with different product. Two trips ago my A350 was changed to an A330. Yeah it was a 90 min flight.

And yet you want to can qantas for two unrefurbished a/c aircraft that were orphans to begin with and which they needed some more thought in what to do. Yet your clearly favoured SQ runs the same product and has the same inconsistencies all over the shop.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

And yet you want to can qantas for two unrefurbished a/c aircraft that were orphans to begin with and which they needed some more thought in what to do. Yet your clearly favoured SQ runs the same product and has the same inconsistencies all over the shop.

That's a bit rough - MEL is a dyed in the wool CX lover.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

And yet you want to can qantas for two unrefurbished a/c aircraft that were orphans to begin with and which they needed some more thought in what to do. Yet your clearly favoured SQ runs the same product and has the same inconsistencies all over the shop.

SQ makes no bones about having different fleet configurations. Qantas told pax that all (all) a30s would have suites. Now we know QF5/6 doesn't, PEK doesn't, and various other random flights.

But perhaps more importantly... if you book and don't like SQ's seat you can change free of charge for a redemption booking, same as if you are on a revenue ticket. QF with only a single flight a day, and hefty change penalties... not so much option.

 

[dajop]

SIN-BKK is a mix of A330-300, 777-200 with sit-up seats, 777-300 with regional business and 777-200 with regional business.

And Manila which I flew last year A330-300, 777-200 with sit-up seat, 777-200 with long haul seat, 777-200 with regional business and 777-300 with regional business..

SQ A330-300's do not have "sit up seats", they are all regional business seats with angled flat beds. The two remaining 777-200's are the only cradle "sit up" seats left in the SQ fleet, used pretty much exclusively on BKK (2x daily) and MNL (1x daily) last time I looked. This is not terribly different to SQ's competitors. On SIN-BKK on TG, in the last 2 years, I've flown on A350, 747, A330, 777 and 787. On SIN-MNL PR offer A330's and A320's.

What always amuses me, particularly around the criticism of the SIN-BKK getting sit up seats in J, is many parts of the world, on a 2 hr sector like this, comparable in length to MEL-BNE, LHR-FCO, LAX-DEN, JFK-STL you will get a cradle seat on a narrow body with 40" seat pitch instead of 50" pitch. Oh except within Europe where you will get an economy seat with the middle seat blocked. I always have to remind myself, even with most of my travels in economy, how spoilt I am travelling around SE Asia on SQ, TG and even GA, than on similar length flights in the LOTFAP, Europe, China, or even domestic in Australia.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I saw posted here or maybe in other thread that as a consequence of Rdpt Chart 'Re-evaluation' their may be a surge in WL clearances - maybe coincidence but I just had WL for Mar 25 MEL-SIN-PEK clear - gotta love SQ - and just think of all the opps going forward now that all others have fled to CX!

 

[BacchusMarsh]

I saw posted here or maybe in other thread that as a consequence of Rdpt Chart 'Re-evaluation' their may be a surge in WL clearances - maybe coincidence but I just had WL for Mar 25 MEL-SIN-PEK clear - gotta love SQ

I was just talking to Abdul and apparently there might be a flood of waitlist clearances over the next couple of weeks in a bid to keep us peasants happy.

Yep, I've also had one clear in the past hour... fingers crossed for the other to clear, and then I won't feel quite so defeated by this round of the game.

 

[ajw373]

SQ A330-300's do not have "sit up seats", they are all regional business seats with angled flat beds. The two remaining 777-200's are the only cradle "sit up" seats left in the SQ fleet, used pretty much exclusively on BKK (2x daily) and MNL (1x daily) last time I looked. This is not terribly different to SQ's competitors. On SIN-BKK on TG, in the last 2 years, I've flown on A350, 747, A330, 777 and 787. On SIN-MNL PR offer A330's and A320's.

What always amuses me, particularly around the criticism of the SIN-BKK getting sit up seats in J, is many parts of the world, on a 2 hr sector like this, comparable in length to MEL-BNE, LHR-FCO, LAX-DEN, JFK-STL you will get a cradle seat on a narrow body with 40" seat pitch instead of 50" pitch. Oh except within Europe where you will get an economy seat with the middle seat blocked. I always have to remind myself, even with most of my travels in economy, how spoilt I am travelling around SE Asia on SQ, TG and even GA, than on similar length flights in the LOTFAP, Europe, China, or even domestic in Australia.

Sorry, my response wasn't that clear. Wasn't saying the A330's had situp seats they of course only have one style which is regional. I only differentiated the 777's as they have multiple configs, hence the comma after my reference to A330.

Also wasn't complaining about the sit-up seats anyway, like you I share the opinion that for the most part we in this part of the world are very spoiled. The point I was trying to make is SQ, on short and also longer flights offer a variety of product on the same route (which is a longstanding criticism MEL's has of Qantas, yet most if not all airlines do the same), and unless you have an interest in aircraft or aviation (so basically no one here!) you wouldn't have a clue what product you were buying until you got on board. So one flight might be long haul flat bed, next regional angled and another a sit-up seat! And Manila is one route where I have had all 3 at different times. Yes it is a short route, but if talking about product and constancy, which we were the length of flight, or what product is 'right' becomes irrelevant.

 

[ajw373]

SQ makes no bones about having different fleet configurations. Qantas told pax that all (all) a30s would have suites. Now we know QF5/6 doesn't, PEK doesn't, and various other random flights.

But perhaps more importantly... if you book and don't like SQ's seat you can change free of charge for a redemption booking, same as if you are on a revenue ticket. QF with only a single flight a day, and hefty change penalties... not so much option.

Qantas when advertising the A330 suite do not make claims about availability of that seat on any flight. Just like SQ.

Go to the Qantas A330 suite page and the first line says "Enjoy a new standard of luxury in our innovative Business Suites, progressively being introduced on our A330 aircraft"

Couldn't be any clearer in suggestion the whole fleet isn't done.

And go to the SQ website for J seats and it lists 3 of the 4 seat types, and makes no reference to what routes or flights you will or could get a particular product on. So again no better nor no worse than Qantas on that front.

So as I've been saying on the set product front they are both much the same in terms of what they offer and where and what they do and don't advertise. Though actually SQ maybe worse because they do offer multiple and varying products on the same route and only way to know is to know your aircraft types.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Qantas when advertising the A330 suite do not make claims about availability of that seat on any flight.

Not any more they don't.

SQ makes no such promises... that's the difference.

 

[ajw373]

Not any more they don't.

SQ makes no such promises... that's the difference.

And when qantas did make claims (when first introduced on SIN routes) they kept those claims as much practicable but ALWAYS had disclaimers about last minute schedule changes. No different to any airline and especially SQ.

Except of course the seat lottery that people not intimantly familiar with SQ's various aircraft play when booking say a MEL-SIN flight.

That flight could be regional, new long haul, or old long haul depending upon flight or luck of the draw.

 

[Plutonus]

Ok we get it, you don't like SQ's varied hard product and have a chip on your shoulder for some reason.

Can we get back to our regular scheduled programming of talking about 'SQ tips, trips and tales'?

 

[ajw373]

Umm I've flown them roughly 24 times in the past year and am about $1500SGD short of PPS qualification, more than any airline in the same period in fact. Next closest is Qantas with 12 flights, Thai with 10 and Garuda with 8.

Do I dislike them no, do I think they are overrated yes, do I think their product is inconsistent yes and more importantly if you read my first post in this thread I reckon SQ has gone down hill big time based on 3 years of regular use and 10 years of semi regular use.

That my friend is my tale, am I not allowed to share that in this SQ fanbois world and defend my view and experience with some facts?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Do I dislike them no, do I think they are overrated yes, do I think their product is inconsistent yes and more importantly if you read my first post in this thread I reckon SQ has gone down hill big time based on 3 years of regular use and 10 years of semi regular use.

I mentioned in another thread I did my first sq business flight in a long time and I thought they blow the competition out of the water! Maybe it depends on the route and the time, but the full dinner service PVG-SIN was streets ahead of their competitions... individual table settings (no tray), warmed bread plates (!!), canapés, individually plated meals (looked good), two choices for dessert, trolley service with cheese. And an abundance of staff to top up drinks, get hot drinks etc. I'm hard pressed to think of another airline in the Asia region offering that level of service in business for a (short) regional flight.

 

[ajw373]

I mentioned in another thread I did my first sq business flight in a long time and I thought they blow the competition out of the water! Maybe it depends on the route and the time, but the full dinner service PVG-SIN was streets ahead of their competitions... individual table settings (no tray), warmed bread plates (!!), canapés, individually plated meals (looked good), two choices for dessert, trolley service with cheese. And an abundance of staff to top up drinks, get hot drinks etc. I'm hard pressed to think of another airline in the Asia region offering that level of service in business for a (short) regional flight.

PVG route is another classic example of SQ inconsistency. 4 flights a day, 3 on long haul configured a/c (which is probably why you got the service you did, they will have the galley space to house the service gear) and 1 regional config flight, all on a 5-5.5 hour flight.

And ironically the regional configured a/c is the one that leaves SIN at around 1am for 630am arrival in Shanghai the one where people would most likely want to try and get a little bit of sleep.

Hong Kong much the same, about half the 6 flights a day long haul, half regional, look at the booking carefully.

 

[JohnK]

This is a tough one for a lot of people, more miles vs less cash ....

Makes economy redemptions much more attractive which I guess doesn't mean much to most in this thread.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

A bit of house cleaning appropriate I think - I had an extended chat with KF reps yesterday morn:
1. There has been a significant surge in calls from disgruntled pax post the rdpt overhaul - overwhelming majority of calls has been from genuine loyal 'bum-in-seat' pts earning pax who feel they are copping it the neck - all calls are recorded and SQ Mgmt are reviewing them closely.
2. Yes the ability to secure rdpt then change dates if availability of inventory permits is indeed open ended and will remain so under new rates.
3. SQ are indeed attempting to push through as many WLs as possible but only for PPS members (Qualified, Solitaire and Life) but basically no greater availability for non-status pax.

I had a F Saver WL clear for MEL-PEK last week but it had a real story to it. I need to be in PEK for a trade show Mar 26 but dates for this annual event only released mid Dec - I imm sought flts but both sectors MEL-SIN and SIN-PEK show WL only so I did so.

Mid Feb the SIN-PEK sector cleared and I had until until 12:00 SIN time on Feb 18 to confirm. I asked Mia to shake the trees to see if we could get MEL-SIN to clear also but it wouldn't. I logged in at 8am or so on 18th which was still 4hrs pre TTL to confirm but available flt already disappeared just like TTL had expired.

I called Mia next morn and she imm contacted back end boys to get it re-instated. For some reason they seem uninterested in accepting flt disappeared pre a TTL and indeed yield mgmt take a very unsympathetic view of pax not adhering to TTL and later seeking to WL same flts which was not exactly what happened to me.

There was availability for alt flts same day but arr into PEK at 23:00 instead 14:30 which is real PITA but we went with it anyway and then added original WL flts 218 and 802 to conf booking. Mia sent off a number of chasers and eventually both sectors cleared last Thursday. I sent SMS to Mia asking her to sub WL flts for conf flts which she did and I logged in Sat morn to select seats - no other seats selected on 380 on 218 so I grabbed 3C and only 3C/D selected on 380 802 - so again a SMS to Mia to grab bassinet seat 2C for me - all done - all good.

The reason for this long winded post is simply that I hold no status with SQ yet my WL cleared but no doubt it only cleared because normal inventory availability and not pushed through by some sudden surge in WL clearances - this surge only for PPS as I indicated above.