SQ Tips, Trips and Tales

[MEL_Traveller]

...beyond the flat bed which QF now matches I think they have some serious competitive issues now on this route.

There are three sticking points with QF service - the lack of flat bed (now being resolved), the inconsistency of crew (don't know how that will ever get resolved), and the length of time to complete meal services (again, QF is aware of that but doesn't seem to want to change it).

If the aim of your flight is to sleep, there are better options now than the SQ 'square seat' business class.

 

[Duffa]

QF on-board service is, in my opinion, invariably top notch. Sure you get the odd aberration but mostly I am very happy.


QF Skybed II is still "jointy" even when it moves flat
CX herring bone is VERY comfortable - probably the best I have had in J
SQ J, fold over bed is comfy, if a little thin. Despite that, I usually sleep OK

 

[dajop]

There are three sticking points with QF service - the lack of flat bed (now being resolved), the inconsistency of crew (don't know how that will ever get resolved), and the length of time to complete meal services (again, QF is aware of that but doesn't seem to want to change it).

Partner (SQ regular) recently did QF J (SIN/MEL) for first time in long long time and called out the slow service. Said it took 1:15 after takeoff to get a drink (SQ 20-30 mins, even in Y) and 3 hrs to complete service. No turbulence. Noted that some QF crew seem to go on their break after seat belts sign off, whereas SQ run with full crew until meal service done. Not sure if it is true, but if so may explain longer meal service.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Partner (SQ regular) recently did QF J (SIN/MEL) for first time in long long time and called out the slow service. Said it took 1:15 after takeoff to get a drink (SQ 20-30 mins, even in Y) and 3 hrs to complete service. No turbulence. Noted that some QF crew seem to go on their break after seat belts sign off, whereas SQ run with full crew until meal service done. Not sure if it is true, but if so may explain longer meal service.

I don't think it's a break... they seem to spend a lot of time in the galley getting everything ready. That's not the fault of the crew... it's the service pattern determined by management.

Many airlines you'll smell the hot meals heating during taxi... pretty easy when meals are pre-plated. I'm not entirely sure for QF business class - but if they are like First, there are some meals packed (cold) in their component parts... those have to be heated, then assembled.

Why a drinks service takes 1 hour I dunno. Maybe a lack of crew? My SQ flight had 6 crew for 30 business class passengers. I'm not sure QF is so generous?

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Flew qf sin mel in j at end of may. Entire meal service done in 90 mins. Very efficient. Its am abbreviated supper service. I was impressed at how good it had got.

 

[Alanslegal]

I'm minutes away from boarding EK204 JFK-DXB flight ... let's see how it compares my recent flights on SQ

 

[Dr Bob]

Just did a survey from SQ on wine preferences in flight. Everyone get it or did they take note of my consumption last flight Sydney to London?

 

[cove]

Yes I did one on the way up to the U.S. Dr Bob and my wife who was traveling with me did not.

 

[Kimster]

Yeah, asked for more NZ whites

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Yes received survey via email yesterday - only thoughts I have is that SQ are looking to downgrade wine offerings - there was even a question asking our thoughts on sparkling wine - I can sniff trouble a brewing.

 

[Kimster]

My thoughts exactly CE, albeit I am the only wine drinker in the family. Hopefully they do not introduce wines from regions that some of us from Asia Pacific haven't even heard of.

 

[Pushka]

Just flew SQ J Rome to Singapore. Was clearly expecting too much. While service was quick, no amenities kit - slippers, mask and socks in three separate bags. Flat bed was good but the usual seat had very limited foot rest incline (30 degrees or so) and poor back recline.
Meal service was prompt - promising satay starter but downhill thereafter. The main meal of lamb was inedible, slimy even, smelt bad with hard potatoes. I was actually waiting for people to start feeling unwell on this 12 hour flight.
What has happened with SQ? No longer the benchmark or maybe Rome is a poor leg?

 

[shifty]

Pushka, that sucks. What aircraft type for the FCO-SIN leg?

 

[Pushka]

Pushka, that sucks. What aircraft type for the FCO-SIN leg?

I think 200er?
My meal:

I will be providing feedback to SQ.

 

[dmitri]

Just flew SQ J Rome to Singapore. Was clearly expecting too much. While service was quick, no amenities kit - slippers, mask and socks in three separate bags. Flat bed was good but the usual seat had very limited foot rest incline (30 degrees or so) and poor back recline.
Meal service was prompt - promising satay starter but downhill thereafter. The main meal of lamb was inedible, slimy even, smelt bad with hard potatoes. I was actually waiting for people to start feeling unwell on this 12 hour flight.
What has happened with SQ? No longer the benchmark or maybe Rome is a poor leg?

I did the same flight a few years ago Pushka and I was of the same opinion. I did 4 business flights with SQ (SIN-IST, SIN-LHR-SIN and FCO-SIN seemed to be of a lower standard.

 

[Pushka]

I did the same flight a few years ago Pushka and I was of the same opinion. I did 4 business flights with SQ (SIN-IST, SIN-LHR-SIN and FCO-SIN seemed to be of a lower standard.

We have another overnighter with SQ tonight - Sin - Adl. So will compare.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Just flew SQ J Rome to Singapore. Was clearly expecting too much. While service was quick, no amenities kit - slippers, mask and socks in three separate bags. Flat bed was good but the usual seat had very limited foot rest incline (30 degrees or so) and poor back recline.
Meal service was prompt - promising satay starter but downhill thereafter. The main meal of lamb was inedible, slimy even, smelt bad with hard potatoes. I was actually waiting for people to start feeling unwell on this 12 hour flight.
What has happened with SQ? No longer the benchmark or maybe Rome is a poor leg?

Your observations are about right. The hot/warm food in SQ First and business is generally nothing spectacular - cafeteria/gastro-pub offerings. Chinese dishes ex Chinese ports are sometimes better (some of the soups looks ok). I pre-ordered Indian vegetarian for a couple legs and it was mediocre at best.

As for seating - the business class 'square' is not for everyone. It was a novel concept when introduced, but has been surpassed by most airlines with herringbone type offerings.

 

[Pushka]

Your observations are about right. The hot/warm food in SQ First and business is generally nothing spectacular - cafeteria/gastro-pub offerings. Chinese dishes ex Chinese ports are sometimes better (some of the soups looks ok). I pre-ordered Indian vegetarian for a couple legs and it was mediocre at best.

As for seating - the business class 'square' is not for everyone. It was a novel concept when introduced, but has been surpassed by most airlines with herringbone type offerings.

Yes. We had herringbone on CX three weeks ago - HK to CDG. Very nice.
Honestly the food in Y is better.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Honestly the food in Y is better.

You can (I have) asked to see the menu from economy and order from there if there's anything left after they've finished the main cabin meal service. The crew will insist (no matter how hard you argue) on plating on business crockery. Sometimes a simple pasta or stir-fry beef/pork dish from coach hits the spot just right.

 

[Pushka]

You can (I have) asked to see the menu from economy and order from there if there's anything left after they've finished the main cabin meal service. The crew will insist (no matter how hard you argue) on plating on business crockery. Sometimes a simple pasta or stir-fry beef/pork dish from coach hits the spot just right.

Totally agree. Satays (more of them) would have been perfect.