Flying on Singapore Airlines

Of all the airlines that are part of the Star Alliance, none has better reputation that Singapore.  But this flight was a first for a couple of reasons.  One, I’m flying on a Boeing 777-300ER, a fantastic airplane, and two, this is Singapore Airlines.  Well known for its top notch service and the friendly staff, I can honestly say that this is one of the first time I’ve looked forward to flying in a long time.  So, where to start, the flight was 1:20 in the morning, but the red eye to Asia is just about perfect.  The flight is to Hong Kong, and then continues on to Singapore from there.  The timing is good since it enables sleep, and I actually had a few hours of decent sleep. 

The boarding process was smooth, the crew extremely friendly, got off right on time, now the flight wasn’t completely booked, but I would easily guess it was 80% plus full.  Economy here is pretty good, pretty good as in it is the best I’ve ever been on.  This is definitely one of those situations where the expectations are being exceeded.  

 

The 777-300 ER like all 777 has the nice overhead luggage bins I like.  It's nice and actually provides the high ceiling feeling when it closes up.

The seat pitch is slightly smaller compared to United economy class, but that is more than compensated for by the service, and the availability of a footrest.  It's the small things that counts.  The entertainment system is top notch, 10” screen, and a full selection of the latest movies.  The movies included some very decent Asian selections, and the only complaint I have is that they didn’t have Space Cruiser Yamato which was printed on the entertainment guide.  The live action version, I wish they had that one on, would have loved to seen it, a sentimental favorite from childhood I guess. 

Additionally, they have onboard power, iPod dock, and even the ability to plug in the laptop to the 10” if I wanted to.  The overwhelming number of choices are fantastic, almost feel as if I had to prepare ahead to just taken advantage.  Or I could do nothing and simply enjoy the flight.

 

Food was pretty good for economy, Singapore still provides a menu for the economy class, and the choices are pretty nice.  I had the fish for dinner and veal sausage with veggie frittata, pretty good stuff for airline food, they also had a collection of hard liquor, wine, and even though I didn’t really have any, but it beats having United charge you for it.

 

Overall, a wonderful flight experience, and made better by a great crew.  (Wish I took pictures of them, they were happy to pose with passengers)

I think the easiest conclusion to draw is that Singapore airline doesn't necessarily have a better plane, or the best food.  What makes the difference is their attitude and their focus on passengers, in short, the people is what makes this airline special I think.

Silver Kris Lounge of San Francisco

Ok, so it's fair to say I haven't been blogging for a while, but that's in part due to a change in my position.  Less flying in the future... sigh, there goes my gold status.  But never mind that, I recently had a long trip through Asia.  So, where better to start than an airport lounge report.

Now, I’ve been to the Silver Kris Lounge at SFO a few times before, the trick is always knowing where to find it.  It is well off the beaten path in SFO, situated right next to the Eva Air lounge but tucked away in an obscure corner behind the United Airlines lounge.  (Hence the above set of pictures to guide you)  This place is actually pretty nice compared to the UA lounge, any Star Alliance Gold member ought to opt for this provided that it is open.  Unfortunately, Singapore Airlines has only a couple of flights, so you have to time things just right to enjoy this lounge.

The amenities are pretty good, soft drinks, instant raman noodles, small sandwiches, fruits, a little dim sum, and even porridge.  Now, this is not exactly top of the line, but compared to what is offered in the United red carpet club (not much), it’s definitely an upgrade.   Free internet as well, but that’s less of a draw now considering there is free internet throughout the airport.  But the upside is you don’t have to hunt for power outlets here.  My only complaint is the lack of free booze, I remember they use to have half a dozen different types of hard liquor plus wine, but sadly, this time, it was just one bottle of tequila.  But at least they still have free ice cream (but it was frozen rock hard).  

But the lack of liquor certainly pissed off one guy a lot more than expected, a British accent, a bit of an asshole if you ask me, but hey, I guess there is one on every flight.

In all honesty, I’ve been to better lounges in Shanghai, Tokyo, Beijing.  The food is better in those lounges, and this one seems a bit understaffed, but this is still a nice lounge to hang out at when your flight is 1:20 am in the morning and considering that this is the US.