SQ Tips, Trips and Tales

[Cruiser Elite]

RWT was on board for a short time.

Not long enough though - again Teusner Albert Shiraz still offered in F on 227 SIN-MEL last night - will be sending off more feedback to SQ again on this matter.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Unless the situation was absolutely dire, I would urge the exercise of caution if intending to write in to complain about crew however.

Interesting post MEL - care to elaborate?

FTR in my history of hundreds of SQ flts in Y, J and F can never recall less than satisfactory to stellar service on board from all crews with by far the majority towards upper end.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Have a June F after R from SYD from SIN to MXP
Would love the 77WN

227 SIN-MEL last night was 77WN - 831 PVG-SIN was on 77W - after stepping out of old F into new F 1 hour later gives you really clear picture of just how much of an upgrade new F is. Seat still a little 'benchy' to sit on but other appointments way superior - definitely try if you can.

I also went back into J cabin to do a brief test of J product - all I can say is WOW - seat so good to sit on - was not thorough test as I was only in there 5 mins got will definitely try to fly J on 228 MEL-SIN in 3 weeks and hopefully get to fully test it - first impressions are it is VERY VERY impressive.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Interesting post MEL - care to elaborate?

FTR in my history of hundreds of SQ flts in Y, J and F can never recall less than satisfactory to stellar service on board from all crews with by far the majority towards upper end.

Can't elaborate too much, save to say that crew on some asian airlines don't enjoy the same protections employees may have in Australia, Europe or the USA.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Charles heidsieck (nv) on board in J also so looks like taittinger promo has finished.

Probably best I reply to a J query here dd as not Suites matter - Taittinger Prelude definitely on offer in J on 831 PVG-SIN and 227 SIN-MEL yesterday. I had J flt SIN-MNL a month back and Charles Heidsieck was on offer then so clearly they are mixing it up a bit on different routes.

Whilst I was down in J on 831 yesterday checking out the Taittinger the IFS came looking for me - I advised her I was just checking J champers offerings - she asked did I want a glass - yes I said - already had downed most of a bottle of Krug and wanted to sample Taitt Prelude after that - she said I will bring glass to your seat and proceeded to open a new bottle as she said not acceptable F pax drink already opened bottle. Back to seat and samples it - good but a few steps down on Krug so reverted to the Krug.

So that got me thinking about a question asked here on AFF a week or 2 back about what happens to partially consumed alcohol bottles at end of flight - I quizzed IFS and this is what she conveyed:

"Almost universal position across all countries that customs / quarantine regulations stipulate ALL food not consumed on flight and ALL opened / partially consumed bottles of alcohol and non-alcohol drinks must be disposed / trashed at completion of flight - virtually NO EXCEPTIONS.

On turnaround flights - that is flights where same crew stay on board and crew inbound and outbound sectors then some countries will allow unused food / partially consumed bottles of alcohol to remain on board to be consumed on return sector".

Now I must admit I had had a few under the belt and did not continue the conversation any further but I am pretty sure that is a fairly accurate record of the conversation.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

So that got me thinking about a question asked here on AFF a week or 2 back about what happens to partially consumed alcohol bottles at end of flight - I quizzed IFS and this is what she conveyed:

"Almost universal position across all countries that customs / quarantine regulations stipulate ALL food not consumed on flight and ALL opened / partially consumed bottles of alcohol and non-alcohol drinks must be disposed / trashed at completion of flight - virtually NO EXCEPTIONS.

On turnaround flights - that is flights where same crew stay on board and crew inbound and outbound sectors then some countries will allow unused food / partially consumed bottles of alcohol to remain on board to be consumed on return sector".

That might explain why some airlines are moving to smaller bottles of alcohol? I noticed on a recent CX F flight the vodka was only a 1/2 bottle, and a small one at that (as in 350ml or something).

I'd still find it hard to believe EK is throwing out a $600 bottle of cognac if a standard 50ml has been drunk out of it. While it may be true... it doesn't seem to make sense!

Ditching a half used bottle of red label, or absolute vodka is a different story.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Yes it does seem a total waste but according to info last night just ZERO choice in the matter for airlines.

Interesting that both QF and VA have official reps on this site - who knows one of them might even be able to provide 100% official clarity on this matter.

 

[diningdecadence]

just flew back in this morning from BKK on TG - we should be grateful that SQ stock 2 types of champagne, and more than 3 bottles worth. We went to have a champagne breakfast on TG and after the first glass were told they'd run out (full cabin 10/10), whereas heading up on SQ last week we drank til our heart's content for 8 hours.

those that are Krug > Dom - please enlighten a novice as to why you prefer?

 

[legroom]

That might explain why some airlines are moving to smaller bottles of alcohol? I noticed on a recent CX F flight the vodka was only a 1/2 bottle, and a small one at that (as in 350ml or something).

I'd still find it hard to believe EK is throwing out a $600 bottle of cognac if a standard 50ml has been drunk out of it. While it may be true... it doesn't seem to make sense!

Ditching a half used bottle of red label, or absolute vodka is a different story.

I had witnessed that at the EK bar once.

Same reply given to me when I queried the SQ Suite FAs - making me feel slightly guilty to drink "a sip or two" of any form of EtOH.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I received a reply from a friend working at another Asian airline (not SQ). They said wines are thrown out (along with food), but spirits go back into the cart.

I have asked for further clarification if they were talking about same aircraft/crew turnaround, or terminating (for example at LAX or LHR).

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I received a reply from a friend working at another Asian airline (not SQ). They said wines are thrown out (along with food), but spirits go back into the cart.

I have asked for further clarification if they were talking about same aircraft/crew turnaround, or terminating (for example at LAX or LHR).

Again a simple clarification from an official airline rep would quickly clear this up for all.

Anybody here on speaking / communication terms with Red Roo or the dudes / dudettes from VA? Maybe a request to clarify could be forwarded to them?

 

[Comoman]

I have observed the following on SQ, MH and QR recently (in J):

- Wines/champagne poured down the sink in the galley at TOD
- Spirits loaded into trolley/container thing. This is then sealed in the galley with a numbered seal which is written on a report - I assume recycled by catering/kept on board. I seem to think one of the carriers the galley cupboard was labeled "duty free" but could be wrong.

So to clarify - wines poured away, spirits not poured away but sealed.

 

[defurax]

In EY F the Camus XO bottle was already half empty when I asked for a cognac after take off, so I guess in some circumstances they don't have to pour the spirits down the drain.

A friend working in the maritime world (cargo ship) told me that they have a "duty free" trunk with cigarettes (and even alcohol once on a French ship!) and that the trunk needs to be locked at "x" nautical miles from the shore. I imagine similar arrangements are in place for aircrafts?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I imagine similar arrangements are in place for aircrafts?

I suspect something similar is in place... alcohol served on the ground in some places has to have duty paid (hence why some airlines serve 'cheap' sparking on the ground and open the good stuff in the air), and I've heard the 'we'll be closing the bar shortly, please order any remaining drinks now' on many flights.

I think I've seen bar carts locked and sealed with those special customs tags. They also put those tags on the duty free carts.

Maybe it's not worth the hassle for airlines to complete incoming declarations for a half used bottle of wine or cheap vodka. But expensive bottles?

if, as others have stated, they roll out a trolley with a half used bottle on it already, that must have come from somewhere.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

On that very point - any SQ pax F, J or Y who has any problem with either hard or soft product by all means post here for benefit others but please also priovide feedback to SIA directly via there online Customer Service Feedback page https://www.singaporeair.com/customerServiceFeedBack.form - don't just let it pass without alerting them.

I posted this when sitting in CA F Lounge in PVG and did not have access to my main computer to retrieve the actual direct email address to contact SQ feedback - that address is [email protected].

I recently had some concerns over the standard of a meal in F MEL-SIN and also pissed off that they are still serving Teusner Shiraz in F - so the right thing to do is alert IFS at actual time during your flight and follow up by sending feedback to SIA directly. I will post their response below so that all can see that SIA do appreciate customer feed back and do indeed take it seriously:

Mr Cruiser Elite

5 May 2015

150500144/CR/CY1

Dear Mr Elite

Thank you for contacting Singapore Airlines via email on 2 May regarding your experience on flight SQ228 from Melbourne to Singapore on 21 April.

I would like to acknowledge your comments regarding our service offering for Suites. I note that the seared wagyu sirloin served to you was unpalatable, and I offer you my sincere apologies for that. Our cabin crew has also documented this issue for our attention.

Additionally, I am sorry to hear of your disappointment with the 2012 Teusner Albert Shiraz. Our inflight food and beverage are an important component to the overall flight experience and are based on recommendations from culinary experts, trend analyses of passenger preferences, and feedback we receive from passengers from time to time. Your comments have been related to our Food and Beverage Manager, who will review the choice of meat with our caterers, and the wine selection with our panel of wine consultants.

Separately, I am grateful for your kind words for our cabin crew members Raymond Choa, David Goh, Lina Tan and Lye Chai Chung in Suites, and Cheryl Ho and Carol Hau in Business Class on SQ802 on 22 April, and I have conveyed your commendation to them via the Cabin Crew Performance Manager. I am sure they will be inspired to continue to delight our passengers and keep up the good work. I hope these encounters make for fond memories and a lasting impression of your travels with us. Indeed, we take great pride in our people, who have helped to maintain our reputation as an airline of choice.

As a gesture of goodwill, Mr Elite, I will be crediting 8,000 KrisFlyer miles into your account. They can be used toward future upgrades and award redemptions and will be reflected in your account shortly. With that, I look forward to more opportunities for us to provide you with an improved service experience.

Thank you once again for your feedback and support of Singapore Airlines.

Yours sincerely

Claire Yeo
Customer Affairs Manager
Singapore Airlines Limited

Forget the bonus of 8K KF pts - it's all about feedback to SIA which they do want to receive if you ever have a problem / concern in any of their cabins - don't just come on here complaining or go squealing to your mates - take the time to inform SIA directly of your concerns - SIA do take customer satisfaction seriously.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

So I was in PVG last week for 5 nts for a trade show - on the first night something bit me on the top / bridge of foot - during night I apparently scratched it with my toenail and opened it up a bit. Water in China is less than pristine so showering over next few days etc and walking all day at trade show really aggravated so was quite sore / ugly by time I departed PVG to return to Oz.

Changed as soon as I entered F cabin and senior cabin angel saw damage to my foot and said 'Of my god - what happened to your foot'? Oh just a scratch I said - 'When we get airborne I will come back and dress that for you she said' - NO NO is no bother - just needs a bit of air and it will be fine.

Gave it no more thought but lo and behold as soon as seat belt sing is off Sing Girl angel is back with medical kit in hand - absolutely insists I sit and relax until she dresses my foot - swabs it all down with antiseptic wipe - covers it with couple of band aid type strips - and says 'There you go - if you need me attend to it again on this flight please just call me'!

Any wonder people want to fly SQ?

 

[yohy?!]

So I was in PVG last week for 5 nts for a trade show - on the first night something bit me on the top / bridge of foot - during night I apparently scratched it with my toenail and opened it up a bit. Water in China is less than pristine so showering over next few days etc and walking all day at trade show really aggravated so was quite sore / ugly by time I departed PVG to return to Oz.

Changed as soon as I entered F cabin and senior cabin angel saw damage to my foot and said 'Of my god - what happened to your foot'? Oh just a scratch I said - 'When we get airborne I will come back and dress that for you she said' - NO NO is no bother - just needs a bit of air and it will be fine.

Gave it no more thought but lo and behold as soon as seat belt sing is off Sing Girl angel is back with medical kit in hand - absolutely insists I sit and relax until she dresses my foot - swabs it all down with antiseptic wipe - covers it with couple of band aid type strips - and says 'There you go - if you need me attend to it again on this flight please just call me'!

Any wonder people want to fly SQ?

Awesome - a whole new meaning to having bare feet on planes though!

 

[legroom]

I posted this when sitting in CA F Lounge in PVG and did not have access to my main computer to retrieve the actual direct email address to contact SQ feedback - that address is [email protected].

I recently had some concerns over the standard of a meal in F MEL-SIN and also pissed off that they are still serving Teusner Shiraz in F - so the right thing to do is alert IFS at actual time during your flight and follow up by sending feedback to SIA directly. I will post their response below so that all can see that SIA do appreciate customer feed back and do indeed take it seriously:

Mr Cruiser Elite

5 May 2015

150500144/CR/CY1

Dear Mr Elite

Thank you for contacting Singapore Airlines via email on 2 May regarding your experience on flight SQ228 from Melbourne to Singapore on 21 April.

I would like to acknowledge your comments regarding our service offering for Suites. I note that the seared wagyu sirloin served to you was unpalatable, and I offer you my sincere apologies for that. Our cabin crew has also documented this issue for our attention.

Additionally, I am sorry to hear of your disappointment with the 2012 Teusner Albert Shiraz. Our inflight food and beverage are an important component to the overall flight experience and are based on recommendations from culinary experts, trend analyses of passenger preferences, and feedback we receive from passengers from time to time. Your comments have been related to our Food and Beverage Manager, who will review the choice of meat with our caterers, and the wine selection with our panel of wine consultants.

Separately, I am grateful for your kind words for our cabin crew members Raymond Choa, David Goh, Lina Tan and Lye Chai Chung in Suites, and Cheryl Ho and Carol Hau in Business Class on SQ802 on 22 April, and I have conveyed your commendation to them via the Cabin Crew Performance Manager. I am sure they will be inspired to continue to delight our passengers and keep up the good work. I hope these encounters make for fond memories and a lasting impression of your travels with us. Indeed, we take great pride in our people, who have helped to maintain our reputation as an airline of choice.

As a gesture of goodwill, Mr Elite, I will be crediting 8,000 KrisFlyer miles into your account. They can be used toward future upgrades and award redemptions and will be reflected in your account shortly. With that, I look forward to more opportunities for us to provide you with an improved service experience.

Thank you once again for your feedback and support of Singapore Airlines.

Yours sincerely

Claire Yeo
Customer Affairs Manager
Singapore Airlines Limited

Forget the bonus of 8K KF pts - it's all about feedback to SIA which they do want to receive if you ever have a problem / concern in any of their cabins - don't just come on here complaining or go squealing to your mates - take the time to inform SIA directly of your concerns - SIA do take customer satisfaction seriously.

I always adopt a different tack here.

If the FAs and CSM acknowledge the issue(s), then I won't press it.

I allow their internal processes to work through the problems.

Even when the Suite's main meal was inedible, I didn't 'feedback' as they profusely apologised and promised to talk to the ground kitchen.

Didn't have a good record of feedbacks at all: recent cancellation of 3 Suite sectors because the remaining one stubbornly stayed wait listed despite numerous feedbacks (due to IN-voluntary aircraft schedule changes).

All I got was 'sorry' !

Maybe you're right, we should feedback more often.

 

[cove]

8,000 Kris Miles is sweet, CE.

 

[388]

Flew 9v-swy 2 weeks ago loved the new IFE with dual screens.. Screen seems clearer and doesn't lag as much as the system on the 380. Think the new 77Ws are my new found favourite until they retrofit the 380s