The Albatross goes BNE-LAX via NRT in F

[albatross710]

A few months ago I took up the challenge of ticking off one of the items from the Bucket List. A flight across the Pacific in F. With all of my points now with SQ that meant a BNE-SIN-NRT-LAX and return.

Redemption was relatively easy. To ease the pain that dad would be away for quite a while I took the family to SIN for Easter also on KF points.

My first write up of this trip report was lost the other night. This version will be far less verbose.

SQ only operate a J service on the A330 in/out of BNE. Mr & Mrs Albatross in J while the teenagers were happily camped in Y. BNE check-in was painless. Staff were happy to check in all 4 of our party through the J checkin. This was painless. Through the express departure and we were soon into the lounge for a light breakfast. The food on offer in the lounge at 8:30 in the morning is very basis. We decided that most pax wait until they get the brunch service in flight.

Brunch inflight starts with a fruit platter. Fresh and crisp.

Pretty soon on this leg as we start to work our way through the IFE when not chatting in the relative sanctuary, away from teenagers, mobile phones and the many other life distractions. It is so pleasant to be cocooned in the SQ blanket.

Main breakfast fare is best described by picture.

The remainder of the trip to SIN went to plan. The flight arrived 15 minutes early. In keeping with the traveller spirit on this trip, the teenagers had to clear their way through SIN immigration. For added adventure we also bundled everyone onto the MRT for the trip through Singapore afternoon traffic.

While Mrs Albatross & I are happy to catch taxis, our teenagers have to learn how to learn the ropes of each foreign cities transport network. Let's face it, Singapore isn't really to foreign!

I'll save this leg now and return with stories of the F leg.

 

[albatross710]

Well the day finally arrived when I would get to try SQ F.

This time we took a taxi from the Conrad Centenniel and headed to Changi. SQ have a dedicated First Class reception similar but better than most hotels. As soon as the taxi has pulled up, an SQ staffer retrieves our baggage and escorts us inside. He stays with our bags and stands with them while I sit at the service desk to be checked-in. By this stage I am now assigned three SQ staff. One staffer is the original baggage man, one of the SQ people person and one dedicated SQ person to operate the terminal. The family are escorted to one of the vacant lounges.

With just four pieces of luggage but three separate booking references and the attention of three staff I was soon satisfied that the right bags were going to the right destinations.

The staff in this F area were happy to check in the rest of my family whom were now heading back to BNE in J.

Upon leaving the F check-in we are shown a direct path to a dedicated F immigration desk. Singapore immigration is usually very smooth, this was even smoother.

Mrs Albtaross was my one guest and we headed to the F lounge for breakfast. The food on offer was the same if not very similar to that which was available through the Silver Kris lounge. Main difference being that there is an extra person working the F tables for service. Food is cooked to order. I chose an omelette which was nice but not spectacular. I was impressed with the range of premium teas on offer. In general I found the set up of the food consumption area in the F lounge quite busy.

I did have a single invitation to dine in The Private Room. I did ask to take in Mrs Albatross but this was politely declined. While Mrs Albatross headed off for some shopping I headed into TPR. Certainly a lot quieter. I think I was the only person in the lounge area with 3-4 other people in the dining area. I was able to use this extra space to tidy up my various currencies and file away my SGD.

On the menu I chose the Waffles. Quite a treat for breakfast after spending Easter with noodle breakfast.

Dining at an adjacent table with two other people I believe was Neville Wran. By the time I was finished they had left and there was just two other solo diners in TPR.

By now it was coming close to departure. My flight SQ12 to LAX departs at 09:30 while the rest of the family headed to BNE on SQ245 at 09:55. Nicely co-ordinated on SQ and my part. I was getting anxious to check out the recommended seat 1B. This is my first glimpse of the seat which I believe is just behind that first window.

Regarding 1B it was described by the check-in agent as being 'without window' ie the window is blocked. While it is true that there is no immediate window 'at' the seat there is still a great view as will be shown in pictures later.

For now, this is how I saw the seat:

 

[albatross710]

The star treatment starts as soon as I arrive at the door of the 747. Personally escorted to 1B by the IFS. Jackets, and bags are soon put into their places. Unlike other aircraft there wasn't any apparent baggage compartment. Items for inflight access are pushed to the front of the skysuite and sit under the front 'desk'.

I mentioned earlier how this seat is described as non-window. This panorama shots gives an indication of the available two windows on each side.

The really special thing about this seat is that I became totally unaware of my fellow pax, the status of their meals, whether they were sleeping, eating, standing. There simply is no one within view when seated in 1B. Quite a special experience. Seatguru does make reference to the jacket hangers which are located in the cupboards at the bulkhead. These are generally only accessed during departure and arrival.

This is my attempt to capture the spaciousness of the seat.

When the safety video started I truely thought I had bought a lemon. The quality of the pre-flight safety video is very grainy and doesn't reflect well on SQ. My fear was that that was going to be the quality of the picture and sound out of the IFE in 1B.

The seat has the built-in screen which can of course be tilted down to watch from the recline. There is a sliding table which slides and locks to any position between this picture and the pax. Also part of the Skysuite is a draw with writing needs, pad, pens and postcards. I was able to satisfy my need to send a postcard to family, parents and the office without leaving my seat.

 

[albatross710]

This was my arty shot as we taxied for takeoff on this fine morning.

 

[anat0l]

Nice pics and report so far albatross710. Keep it up!

I did wonder how you managed to get SQ F (unless you ponied up the cash) until I read that you were on a 747 (a bit of a receding breed for the SQ fleet).

 

[docjames]

Great pics.

Taking mid-teens on foreign PT is a great idea!

 

[albatross710]

Once I was settled into my seat the next big decision is the choice of Dom Perignon (2000) or Krug. Being just 0920 I settled for the Dom. From the rear of the cabin I heard the pop of a fresh bottle.

It isn't too much longer before you get the feel of exactly how close to the front of the aircraft this seat is. I was able to feel the gentle vibration of the diesel tow motor as it connected to the nose wheel for push back. As the tow motor prepares to start moving the aircraft this seat feels the extra revs. I'm not sure if everyone feels that.

One other observation in this area is the lower volume of the cabin announcements. In fact, the cabin announcements sound as if they are coming from just a single speaker at the read of the F cabin.

As well as a top up of the Dom, the FA take a post takeoff drinks order. I thought I'd try the Johnie Walker Blue Label.

Pretty soon we were on our way for a take off to NRT.

 

[albatross710]

When the IFE came on shortly after take off and the standard F/J noise cancelling headphones were handed out I was relieved to see that the IFE was in good condition. Being early April I was disappointed to see that the movies were the same as I had seen travelling from BNE-SIN in March. By the time I had finished this entire journey I was well versed on the new release movies that were on offer.

After the A330 IFE, the 747 IFE is a bit of a let down.

Starting to loose track of time now and the food service started. First up was the Satay with onion, cucumber and spicy peanut butter sauce..

Tasty little snacks. The satay are served at a temperature ready to eat. I do prefer mine served warmer. Interestingly on my return NRT-SIN leg they when I requested a late meal service they were unable to offer me a late serving of the satay. I wasn't worried as the food is plentiful.

I had some difficulty deciding how to dip the stick into the sauce which is difficult due to the depth of the bowl. I removed the meat from the sticks and worked from there.

 

[albatross710]

Main fare on this sector was preceded by Duckliver Terrine and a bowl of Chinese sweetcorn soup with chicken and crab meat. The duckliver was appreciated.

The Chinese soup I wasn't able to finish. Perhaps it wasn't exactly the sweet sweetcorn soup that we get in Australia. Didn't enjoy it so much that I declined it on the next sector as well.

For the main fare I settled on the Grilled Sirloin. A very enjoyable piece of meat. Vegetables were fresh and crisp, not overcooked or soggy.

I'll post the complete menu further into this TR.

 

[albatross710]

SQ and crew do put a lot of effort into making sure the food is well presented. During the meal service they are polite and remain out of the way until a plate is ready to be cleared.

By the time I'm finished the chocolate dome and mango ice cream, the cheeses and the fruits I am full to the brim.

 

[albatross710]

At this stage it is worth mentioning the range of coffee and teas available on SQ F & J. SQ have installed a type of coffee pod espresso brewer which allows them to offer espresso based drinks inflight. They have further enhanced this offering by sourcing a range of different pods with different regional coffees.

The regional bean choices read Brazil Santos Bourbon, Colombian Supremo, Jamaican Blue Mountian and Kenyan AA. Base d more on the positioning hype of a premium cabin offering I found that the coffees were quite fresh, clean on the palate and of course far better than the usual stewed drip filter coffee.

This is a scan of the coffee selections. Further down I've included the impressive list of premium teas. I didn't try the teas...I prefer black coffee.

And the teas please....

 

[samh004]

Loving the TR so far, looks like a really good trip, although you can tell just how ancient the offering is in the 747. I guess it’s good to have a bit of the old with the new sometimes, and F is F, no matter what decor it is.

 

[albatross710]

After lunch I took the time to order a couple more of the coffees to be prepared simultaneously so that I could do a taste test. I headed back to the galley so that I could supervise the preparation.

While I was waiting for my tasting, the FA was preparing a milk based cappuccino drink for another pax. I was distressed to see that the FA was using one of the large wine glasses as a jug to steam the milk. Major safety issue as far as I can see. Using a stemed glass vessel designed for cold fluids with a steam outlet operating above 90c. You can see in this picture that the glass with stem doesn't fit under the steamer outlet.

I quizzed the FA on the use of the glass. She explained that that was the way she had been trained to do it.

Interestingly there were a couple of flat bottom, metal jugs also in the galley. These were only supplied as qty 2 and were used for serving other beverages. They are in the background in this pic. Basically there is currently no other option for the FA to prepare the hot drinks.

I'll make time in the next few days to write to SQ and let them know about how I consider it a safety issue.

 

[albatross710]

One of the questions I had posted on sqtalk was about the layover at NRT. I was pleasantly surprised by my experience at NRT. We were instructed to take all of our possessions off the aircraft at Narita for rescreening.

Once off the aircraft it was a quick walk from the gate to follow the transit signs and up one level. At the top of the escalators the bags are rescreened and each pax goes through the metal detector. USA immigration and customs paperwork is available to SQ pax at this point.

Walking around the corner on this level is access to the ANA Sky Suites lounge to which I presented my F boarding pass and allowed entry. I guest is also allowed at this point. I made myself at home in the lounge and stretched out. The staff (all young females) were incredibly polite and helpful.

Lounge view looking towards the food counter.

Nice selection of Japanese treats.

This is the view of Narita from the lounge, a rainy afternoon.

At the lounge I decided that I would hit the shower and freshen up. The front counter staff were very concerned that with just 20 minutes before reboarding SQ12 that I would not have time for a shower. I did try explaining that in Brisbane we had been restricted to 4 minute showers due to the drought. That didn't translate at all.

L'Occitane shower toiletries were provided with a cubicle key. Towel, comb and razor were available in the cubicle. A very refreshing experience completed with plenty of time to make it to the boarding gate.

After boarding at this gate, each passenger has their carry-on baggage searched by hand. Further towards the aerobridge there is the full body pat down. Once past that point it is back into 1B and into the comfort of SQ F.....new SQ crew, same Dom.

 

[albatross710]

FOr this NRT-LAX leg I planned to finish my meal early and then get as much sleep as possible. The FA take great care to get the meal service that way each pax would like it.

With each pre-flight session you become aware of the meticulous attention to process that is a part of the organisation to make everything happen. So, from memory the order goes something like this:

When first settled into seat:

1. Offer of pre-takeoff drink, wine, water, juice
2. Offer of newspaper and magazines
3. Delivery of menu
4. Delivery of amenities kit & socks
5. Ordering of after takeoff drink

After takeoff
6. Serving of drink
7. Meal choice for flight
8. Selection of PJs

After my 4 sectors with SQ F this really became quite a system. Changing it is allowed but the framework is there. I welcome any alterations and additions to this process if I have it out of sequence.

 

[cove]

Great pictures Albatross.
I had the family look at their future travel on SQ.
We are around 2 million Kris flyer points from Westpac so we are warming to your idea of being up the front in SQ.

 

[djm1965]

Great pictures and an enjoyable article.

 

[albatross710]

Prior to the flight I had been looking through the Book The Cook options which were available via the SQ website and links from My Bookings. I had been think of BTC for the Lobster Thermidor. I had actually selected it a few weeks prior. About two weeks out I decided to just go with the standard menu offerings knowing that they would be pretty good anyway and, that having the higher turnover items would make it better quality that a single 'pre-prepared' dish.

In spite of my thoughts, SQ must have read my mind as the Lobster was listed both on SQ12 & later to be discovered on the return SQ11.

The meal service on this leg started with the same Satay as the previous leg.

Next up I chose Chilled Malossoi Cavier. At this stage let me assure my readers that Lobster and Cavier are not dietary staples at the Albatross nest. I enjoyed this serving which was of course served with matching condiments and a shot of vodka.

Next up was the Ceasar Salad. Astute observers will notice the remaining portion of vodka.

This is the Lobster Thermidor served with asparagus, fetticcini and tomato pesto. A very tasty dish which i finished completely. Always amazed that such a fine dish can be served hours after takeoff. When the dish first arrived I would have preferred to have it hotter.

 

[albatross710]

Let's be honest. Sometimes we have to tolerate the best entres and main courses just so we can get the dessert. On this leg, this course was worth the effort. Described on the menu as Strawberry, Strawberry, Strawberry.

Strawberry shortcake, strawberry ice cream and champagne jelly with strawberry. Delicious finale tot he meal.

With my experience from the first leg, the cheese and fruit course are very generous. On this leg I decided to forgo these in preparation for the sleep.

 

[albatross710]

After dinner I flicked and jumped my way around a few IFE channels. I tried to catch up on the latest news from USA Today and decided that that paper is a waste of time. Certainly the US newspaper industry has descended far faster and further than the Australian print media. In reality it was time for bed. While I went to the WC to change into my SQ PJs, the FA went to work on my bed so that by the time I returned it look like the above photo.

Plenty of pillows, undercover and a nice wide duvee. Supplied eye shades and I was off to sleep.

It was in this next period that I was to truly experience SQ F service. Even though I was tired I was fidgetty and eventually thought that the cause was that I didn't have my ear plugs. My thought process went along the lins of me needing to sit up, undo the seat belt, locate my bag, locate the ear plugs and eventually reverse these steps to go back to the sleeping position. The sort of process that I was becoming convinced was painful but necessary to get to sleep.

Half asleep, half awake I probably tossed these ideas around for 10 minutes before finally sitting up and opening my eyes.

As I sat up, a lovely SQ FA asked me what was the matter, I mumbled that I was looking for my ear plugs. She smiled and produced a set from her pocket. I thanked her and she replied "We are always here for you Mr Albatross." An excellent moment of truth for SQ F service. I slept well from there being sent off to sleep by my dream SQ FA.

I awoke a few hours later ready and refresh for the LA day ahead. The rest of the F cabin was in darkness so I did some laps through J & Y to stretch the legs. With F&J mostly still asleep, the IFS ended up giving me a mini 'tour' of the J upper deck and then spending 20 minutes talking and chatting, A380, Suites, SQ and her 20 year career with SQ.