Trip Report - Colombia, USA (NYC) & Singapore (August 2019)

[coyote25]

Flight Review - Frankfurt to Singapore (SQ25)

Singapore Airlines
Gate: B46
Seat: 3A (First Window)
Plane: A380-800
Boarded: 11.49
Pushback: 12.25
Departed: 12.36 (Scheduled 12.30)
Arrived: 06.43 (Scheduled 06.50)
Duration: 12 hour 7 minutes
Distance: 10,281 kms

This was the second leg of three flights going from JFK-FRA-SIN-MEL with this leg being on the same plane as the JFK-FRA leg and same seat but with a different crew and different menu service this time 16 lunch options. For lunch I selected the Fillet of Veal in Pommery Mustard Sauce which I didn’t actually like very much not having a lot of taste.

Being a much longer flight I got to sleep for around 5-6 hours intermittently. I found the bed comfortable (a little on the hard side but still good) and the temperature of the plane was good (almost too warm but still good).

The amenity kit was the same as the previous flight. The service was again top notch.

Full Flight Review.

 

[coyote25]

Lounge Review - The Private Room (Singapore)

As a result of flying First Class on a Singapore Airlines flight I had access to SIA’s First Class lounge - The Private Room. You can’t access this lounge via status or if flying on another Star Alliance airline in first class so this was a very exclusive lounge. I had almost 14 hours at Changi Airport (not all spent in the Lounge!) but the Lounge was definitely going to help with the jetlag, and feeling a little unwell.

i had planned on also visiting the SilverKris and GoldKris lounges but just didn’t have the energy or motivation other than to glance at that them on my walk into this exquisite and very private lounge.

The Private Room is all class and elegance with numerous staff ready to help you however they can. Firstly I used one of the three showers to refreshen up and change clothes for the last time of this multi airport journey home. From here is was time for ordering breakfast from the menu (freshly squeezed orange juice on request).

For a while I left the lounge to walk around an explore this airport which actually has a number of activities for long transits. On returning it was time for the lunch menu.

The staff are very attentive which starts from the moment to enter the SilverKris Lounge and are personally escorted to The Private Room and ask if you need anything. This level of service continued inside this lounge with bathroom staff always cleaning (and asking if i wanted my shoes cleaned) and waiters around this exclusive lounge.

While I was exhausted I still really appreciate this classy lounge and I’m glad i got to see it just once.

Full Lounge Review Here.

 

[coyote25]

Flight Review - Singapore to Melbourne (SQ227)

Singapore Airlines
Gate: A5
Seat: 1F (First Class Window)
Plane: B777-300ER
Boarded: 21.30
Pushback: 22.02 (Scheduled 22.00)
Departed: 22.20
Arrived: 07.17 (Scheduled 07.25)
Duration: 7 hour 15 minutes
Distance: 6,025 kms

This was the third and final leg of three flights covering JFK-FRA-SIN-MEL. This was a welcome flight home are an exhausting 2 days getting home. Unfortunately I couldn’t get an earlier flight on the First Class Award Saver but it did let me sample and compare a B777-300ER to the A380-800 (old configuration).

The first thing to note is security clearance is done at the boarding gate instead of when accessing the airside part of the airport. You need to allow time for this process not that it was a problem for me. As I was travelling in First Class I was given the first opportunity to board and was straight onto the plane as the the second passenger.

First Class seats are in one row of 4 seats being setup 1-2-1 configuration in a very private cabin. For this flight there were three passengers and one empty seat (the one next to me). I had a very attentive flight attendant for this flight. In fact the only issue was se was surprised that I wanted such a limited service (I was exhuasted).

During this flight we had both the Dinner option shortly after departure (served at 23.06 Singapore time on my request for as early a service as possible) and Continental Breakfast shortly before arrival (6.00 Melbourne time). Using the Book the Cook service there was a massive 69 dinner meal choices. I had the Lobster Thermidor which was amazing but didn’t order anything else until breakfast. Well I did order with dinner I ordered the famous Singapore Sling

The toilet on this B777 was much smaller than the A380 making changing into pyjamas a little harder but the toilet space size is similar to other airlines. The amenity kit also didn’t include the scented candle handed out on the A380.

The bed while being on the hard side provides a lot of leg room and the two pillows provided were exceptionally soft and comfortable. However unlike the A380 seat / bed this one was a lot less comfortable as around my knees there was an uncomfortable ‘lump’ instead of a flat bed that I experienced earlier so this was disappointing in comparison.

A very nice and enjoyable flight even if not as good as the A380 experience.

Full flight review here.

 

[coyote25]

So that was it for this quick 26 day enjoyable trip.

I really ended up enjoying Colombia more than expected, in particular Medellín and got to do everything I wanted including flying Singapore Airlines (and in first class at that!), swim in the Caribbean Ocean, drink local beer in Colombia, go to US Tennis Open and the award winning Hamilton on Broadway, and sing (kind of) at a gospel performance.

I hadn’t planned or expected the negative issues and events like cancelled flights, delayed flights (over 8 hours!), missing hotel booking, stolen wallet, and being unwell but you separate these events out and I really enjoy Colombia and USA (New York City). So 10 flights later, 3 in F, 5 in Y and 2 in J and 5 lounges the journey was over.

Unfortunately this will probably be the last overseas trip for awhile. Starting back in 2017 I did a 57 day expedition across Africa, then in 2018 visited Nepal and Tibet (including Mont Everest) and now in 2019 visited Colombia and USA so I guess it’s time to build up award points, my savings and annual leave

Still 2021 I’m thinking Bhutan and probably the ‘Stans to make up for no overseas travel in 2020

Flights
Singapore Airlines SQ227 Singapore to Melbourne (First Class)
Singapore Airlines SQ25 Frankfurt to Singapore (First Class)
Singapore Airlines SQ25 New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (First Class)
Avianca AV244 Bogotá to New York (JFK) (Economy Class)
Avianca AV9267 Santa Marta to Bogotá (Economy Class)
Avianca AV9386 Medellín yo Cartagena (Economy Class)
Avianca AV9841 Bogota to Armenia (Economy Class)
American Airlines AA1123 Dallas to Bogotá (Economy Class)
Qantas QF007 Sydney to Dallas (Business Class)
Qantas QF442 Melbourne to Sydney (Business Class)

Lounges
Singapore Airlines The Private Room
Lufthansa Frankfurt Senator Lounge (Terminal 1)
Virgin Atlantic New York (JFK) Clubhouse
American Airlines Dallas Admirals Club (Terminal A)
Qantas Melbourne Domestic Business Lounge

Places Visited
USA: New York City
Colombia: Bogotá, Armenia, Salento, Medellín, Cartagena, Minca, Taganga, Tayrona, Santa Marta

Takes all folks!

 

[drron]

Really enjoyed travelling along with you on this trip.Well done.

 

[OZDUCK]

Another happy vicarious traveler. Columbia looked about 1,000% better than I thought it could possibly be. Thanks.

 

[NoName]

Loved the report. Glad you enjoyed the US Open. Can’t wait to get back to another edition one day. Were they still doing the Honey Deuces in the Virgin Clubhouse at JFK?

 

[coyote25]

Loved the report. Glad you enjoyed the US Open. Can’t wait to get back to another edition one day. Were they still doing the Honey Deuces in the Virgin Clubhouse at JFK?

Forgot to mention the Honey Deuces yes they were thanks for the suggestion

 

[coyote25]

Another happy vicarious traveler. Columbia looked about 1,00% better than I thought it could possibly be. Thanks.

Yeah I took this trip on speculation more than expectation and it was much more beautiful and interesting then I had thought.

I would recommend giving Colombia a visit especially if you like warmer temperatures and coffee.

 

[JohnM]

Nice TR. Agree that Colombia is great and that Medellin is something else, while Salento is fun. I particularly loved the Botero sculptures in Medellin.

 

[coyote25]

Nice TR. Agree that Colombia is great and that Medellin is something else, while Salento is fun. I particularly loved the Botero sculptures in Medellin.

Yeah they are pretty awesome.