Trip Reports - SQ FRA-NYC-SIN-KUL-SIN-FRA in Economy

I thought, it would be time for another boring trip report …. :rolleyes:

Prologue

In July I got a newsletter by my travel agent with an offer for a flight Frankfurt – New York – Singapore – Frankfurt or vice versa on Singapore Airlines for 970 EUR + taxes (ca. 1050,00 EUR); the offer was only for a limited time, the offer had to be booked before 25th October, the last flight must be flown before 31st October. SQ is as far as I know the only airlines which one could fly round the world, as beside the non-stop route SIN – EWR there is still SIN – FRA – JFK.

I thought some days about this offer, asked some friends and some flyertalkers about this offer and decided to book it, not only that I needed some miles to gain a least FTL Status by Lufthansa’s Miles and More program for another two years, I also wanted to be on the longest non-stop flight I have heard and read so much, especially on flyertalk.

So I booked this flight and because it should not be a real mileage run (you could do it without staying at any place for a night), I decided to stay two days in New York (for the first time), two days in Singapore (not the first time) and do a side trip out of Singapore to Kuala Lumpur for four days (again for the first time). Unfortunately my travel agent booked the flight SIN – KUL – SIN too, I just asked her about availability. I have planed to book this myself using the cheap first class fares, but as my travel agency booked it I ended up paying 170.00 EUR for a non refunding economy ticket. But as the rest of the booking was excellent – she reserved my favourite seats in the back of the planes without need tell her – I do not blame her for this booking.

As the flight to JFK leaves at 8.30 in the morning, I decided to use the Airrail service to fly to FRA the day before. I booked as usual Business Class Return QKL – FRA – QKL (at least at this time) in the end of August before the ticket service fee etc. appeared.

Living 35 km north of Düsseldorf I used another train to go to Cologne Main Station.

This train ride (Intercity train) was nothing special to report, it was very full in all classes (I booked a ticket for first class but thought it would not be necessary to reserve a seat, a mistake, I ended in a crowded smoking car but with a seat) and had a ten minutes delay in Cologne – as you see Deutsche Bahn as usual.

Cologne Main Station / Cologne City

I checked in at the Airrail counter at Cologne Main Station, but as my flight leaves FRA in the next morning, it was not possible to check my luggage for the flight the next day, although SQ has an evening check in at FRA. To be honest, I did not expect that it was possible, so I checked the luggage only to FRA, but one could ask. I got my voucher for a snack and a drink, but had to ask for a magazine.

After I head for a short visit to the nearby Four Points and asked for their availability in February (the Cologne Stammtisch weekend in February 2005) I waited for the arriving of my flight / train.



14 October 2004
QKL – FRA
[Cologne City – Frankfurt]
LH 6827 (Lufthansa); ICE
17.54 – 18.50
Business Class
Seat 1 H (81)



The train arrived just in time and I headed to the compartment, where one person was seating (no LH passenger), after some minutes another Airrail Passenger arrived. I took my seat and began to read, as I had done this train ride so many times before there was nothing to watch. Some other passengers showed up in the compartment after we had left Cologne, as the train was nearly full in both classes and there were two seats left in our compartment.

The DB / LH staff was very friendly and offered us the usual choice of sandwiches and also offered to look after some cake in the “Bord Bistro”. I took a chicken sandwich and had a coke light.

We arrived in FRA at the scheduled time and I headed to the Airrail counter to wait for my luggage to arrive. After 10 minutes it was delivered, I picked it up and headed to the Terminal.

Frankfurt Rhein-Main

At Frankfurt Airport I headed to the Iris Scan at Terminal 1. A colleague of me registered in April and told me about it. She and flyertalker cathaana told me also, that it serves some time, especially, if you are in the back of a plane and other planes arrived at the same time.

I can highly recommend this; the staff of the Bundesgrenzschutz was very friendly and explained everything to me. They biometrical dates of the iris scan are send to the Bundeszentralregister (the register, where every citizen of Germany is registered and also the criminal offences a citizen had done in the past). But the dates are not used in the moment, because the legal situation in refer to data protection is not settled. But it saves time, if you use it, because up to now, only a few people have registered. As far as I know, you could also register, if you are a citizen of the EU (but I do not know where the dates are secured in this case).

After I have registered I head to the evening check in of SQ and checked the luggage for the flight leaving the next morning. The staff – LH staff and one SQ supervisor – was very friendly and very efficient.

After I checked in, I head only with my hand luggage to the arrival level, where the shuttle buses to the airport hotel leave. I was lucky, the shuttle for the Holiday-Inn Express Frankfurt Airport has just arrived I got the last empty seat in the Van, a VW Caravelle.

Holiday-Inn Express Frankfurt Airport


Arrival Date:14th October 2004
Departure Date:15th October 2004
Room type booked:Standard
Rate Plan: Smart Breaks
Room Number:114
Room Rate:59.00 EUR (+ 5 EUR for Airport Shuttle)

Status of Guest Program:Base / Blue

In fact the hotel is not situated in Frankfurt but in Mörfelden, a 15 – 20 minutes drive in the shuttle bus.

The hotel itself is a quite new (opening 2002) and has small and functional rooms, a little bit like the IBIS Hotels but on a little bit higher level, it think it a three star hotel, I did not saw any ranking outside.

The staff was very friendly and check-in took less than a minute. The hotel is built like an “L” and has four floors with non smoking room on the ground floor and the first and second floor while the third an fourth floor are smoking rooms.

I had a room facing to the parking lot, not a nice view, but as I arrived in the dark and leave in the dark this was nothing to worry about. The telephone has a data port and there was a small working desk and a couch, which I think could be used as a bed. Tea and coffee facilities were available, but of cheaper quality. You could easy burn your hand by filling hot water in a cup.

The bathroom is normal; it had a shower cabin and a toilette. The hairdryer was placed in the room, which I dislike.

There is no real restaurant in the hotel, but you can have some food in the bar area beside the reception. I had a glass of an open white wine and a mushroom soup, nothing to report about, but with 5.80 EUR very cheap. I ordered a wake up call for 5.20 in the morning, because I wanted to get the first shuttle bus at 6.00, and called it myself a night at 22.30.

You can order the shuttle bus only the day before you need it, but you could request the hotel to book it before you arrive if you arrive late and need an early one like me.

All in all, I could recommend the hotel if you need a cheap airport hotel and do not need to go to Frankfurt city centre. There is also an IBIS Airport hotel available, but sometimes the room rates are a little bit higher than the Holiday-Inn Express room rates. I had chosen the Holiday-Inn Express, because I need a hotel to get nights for the 3000 point promotion.

Frankfurt Rhein-Main

Back at airport at 6.20 in the morning I wanted to visit the FTL Lounge in the Terminal 1 B. The security check took some time, but immigration was empty. Unfortunately the lounge was crowded, so I skipped it and head to Terminal C, as some friends of me had a UA Flight to ORD at 8.20. We had decided to meet if we see each other, but had not chose any time or place.

I had an extended security check in the concourse between Part B and C; I had to unpack my notebook, digital camera, handheld and my razor, as they could not identify the Gillette as razor as the only see some metal “T” piece in my carry on. Oh boy, ….

I arrived at the gate for the ORD flight some minutes past 7 and my friend and her husband saw me at once. We chatted a little bit, as my friend is (I think now I have to say “was”) a little bit afraid of flying.

I headed approximately 25 minutes prior to my boarding time to C 13, which is quite a distance to walk. If you have an arrival flight from A or B you should calculate a walk and waiting time of 30 – 40 minutes. From my point of view, I think a transfer of 45 minutes could be a little bit short; form the Red Carpet Club at C you need 5 -10 minutes to reach C 13 and from the Priority Pass lounge between B and C you have to pass security and this could take some time.

As this was my first flight to the USA I find this situation annoying. You need a lot of time, have to walk nearly the whole way to terminal 2 (in fact gate C 13 is in the terminal 2) and if you are only FTL you do not have a lounge over there. I was told the situation in MUC is much better.

I headed to the gate and get the immigration form for the USA. We waited and boarding was late. The plane came form SIN and all passengers had to deboard the plane, so the waiting area became quite full.

15 October 2004
FRA – JFK
[Frankfurt – New York / John F. Kennedy International]
SQ 26 (Singapore Airlines); Boeing 747 – 400
8.30 – 10.45 [8.45 – 10.45]
Economy Class
Seat 63 C


With a little delay, boarding begun, as usual first First Class, Raffles Class, PPS and Star Gold Passengers, followed by passengers with small children and then by rows. As I had requested an aisle in the last rows, where the seating is 2-4-2, I could board with first Economy Passengers. But unfortunately the ground staff does not look at the boarding passes of the boarding passengers, so – as usual – there were passengers in the first rows block other passenger on their way to the back of the plane.

Boarding was completed a little bit late and we were airborne with 10 minutes delay. My seat neighbour was a very quiet man; we only had a few words to each other but I was also not in the mood for chatting. I usually change some words and greetings if my seat neighbour arrives, but I did not start a conversation myself.

In the air, the crew distributed the amenity kit, the menu for the flight and also the headphones. The crew began the beverage service, with took some time, as the plane was nearly full in Economy, I saw only remain two seats empty. After an hour in the air, the crew began to distribute the meal.



Brunch

fruit
Fruit appetiser

wholesome beginnings
Chicken Szechuan style with broccoli and steamed rice
or
Scrambled egg with herbs, grilled tomato, bacon and potatoes

dessert
Fruit-yoghurt cake

from the bakery
Roll
Butter – Fruit preserve

hot beverage
Coffee – Tea



I had the chicken, which was good and the portion was normal, not very big, so that you could have had another one without feeling to full, if you have skipped breakfast in the morning like I have done. Although from my point of view the meal quality and quantity of TG and sometimes of LH in Economy is better. With the meal service was a beverage service with soft drinks, beer and wine, but I preferred to stay with my diet coke. Okay, the connoisseur would have had a white wine, but hey, he would be in the front of the plane not in the back……

Our flight took us over The Netherlands, Great Britain, Ireland and the Atlantic. We had strong headwinds and the flight was a little bit bumpy. The captain informed us, that we would have to expect heavier turbulence just some miles north of Newfoundland. The seat belt sign was switched off as this time and although there was some turbulence over the Atlantic Ocean he did not switch it on. This was new to me, in the past SQ was very strict with the seat belt signs by air turbulences. During the flight, there was at least every 60 minutes a beverage service with water apple juice and orange juice.

The inflight entertainment system of SQ is fantastic; the Wiseman AVOD system has a very large offer of music, video and information channels. I preferred to hear some music instead of watching a movie, but unfortunately my headphone had a malfunction, the plug had some sort of lose contact. I requested a new one but the flight attendant forgot to bring it, so I decided to read my newspaper and a book.

To me, the air in the plane was very warm, so at every beverage service I tried to get some water or an orange juice.

Three hours prior to our expected arrival time a snack containing of nuts and a drink service were offered. During this time the lunch was prepared, and we could smell it in the plane.



Light Meal

appetiser
Roasted vegetables salad

main course
Thai style green curry chicken and vegetables served with steamed rice
or
Beef goulash with mixed vegetables and potatoes

dessert
Ice cream

from the bakery
Roll
Butter

hot beverage
Coffee – Tea



I again had the chicken, which was good, but as written above not as good as the food on TG in Economy.

During lunch – over Newfoundland – we had several heavier turbulences and the belt sign were switched on and it was a little bit difficult to eat. The captain reduced the altitude, but he had no effort in avoiding the turbulence, as air traffic was very high and he could only reduce the altitude some 400 meters (from 10200 m to 9800 m).

As we were over Long Island the turbulence was over and the seat belt sign were switched off. The rest of the flight – 20 minutes – was calm and soon we begun our approach to JFK.

Once landed, some passengers applaud, my seat neighbour and I looked each other and I it seems we had the same thoughts: silly German tourists. I am a tourist also, but I never would so such nonsense as to applaud for the work of a pilot (and nobody applauds if I have finished my work) ……

During the waiting time to leave the plane I chatted with one of the male flight attendants, as he asked me about the brand of my jacket (a small Gecko) and if I have a connecting service or stay in NYC. I told him, I would leave to SIN with the long stop and I asked him, if he is trained for it. He told, he was not and he also wanted not to be on this flight, as it is hard work for the crew, but he wished me a good flight.

John F Kennedy International Airport

Before one leaves the plane two members of the ground staff of SQ checked the arrival cards and several passengers had to fill out some positions on the card they have forgotten to fill.

My card was okay and I headed to immigration, where I had to queue, but only a few minutes; as our flight was the only one arriving at this time at this terminal. The immigration officer was friendly. I was fingerprinted and a picture was taken and than I was on my way to the belt. The whole immigration took 4 minutes 45 seconds (without queuing). My luggage was on the belt waiting. I cleared customs and headed for the JFK Airtrain to Jamaica Station.

As I had booked the Newark Hilton Gateway, I decided to take the E to Cortland Street and change a Cortland in the PATH to Newark Penn Station. The ride took app. 10 minutes to Jamaica. I had a 17 kg trolley with me and had no problems, also it would be nicer, if you have a direct access to the subway at Jamaica, but there are lifts to the subway or rollways to the platforms and it seems that in the future you do not need to leave the building. From Jamaica the subway needs app. 45 minutes to Cortland Street, where you could change easily to the PATH to Newark Penn Station. From the WTC Side the Path needs 22 minutes to reach Newark Penn Station and there is a covered walkway to the Hilton, so no problem.

Hilton Newark Gateway

Arrival Date:15th October 2004
Departure Date:17th October 2004
Room type booked:Hilton Guest Room, Standard
Rate Plan: Net Direct Rates
Room Number:319
Room Rate:98 US$ (+ tax and service charge)

Status of Guest Program:Base / Blue


I had first booked the Courtyard Newport in Jersey but decided to cancel it, as the Hilton suddenly offered a better rate and a free airport shuttle to the Newark Airport. Flyertalker airoli also recommended this hotel, so I decided to book a room for 98.00 US$ + taxes. I was without effort to get a hotel in Manhattan trough priceline and the rates on the homepages of the hotel chains were high (nothing adequate for less than 200 US$, many hotels show no availability).

You can reach the lobby by a covered walkway form Newark Penn Station, so no need to go outside, which is nice, especially if it is raining.

It was a little bit before 14.00 as I arrived in the hotel. The check-in took only some minutes, but I was told, that no room was available in the moments, as they were fully booked the last night. I decided to wait some minutes and voila a room was available after a five minutes wait. I have several time experienced, that you are told, you are to early, no room is ready, but if you wait some time you get a room after some minutes already. I requested a late check out for the Sunday, but I get it only to 14.00. Well, better that nothing.

The Hilton Newark Gateway is a hotel built in the eighties (or late seventies) and the rooms are renovated some time ago, but there are some stains in the carpet and at the wall. The room was okay, nothing special, but a little bit dark. The furniture seems to be new, but the lamps have to be switched off at the lamp, no central possibility so switch off. At working desk with telephone and LAN-Connection was available. The air condition made a lot of noise and either was to hot or to cold. An arm chair and a small table were available and the room was not as small as I had expected remembering all the threads about this hotel.

The bathroom is a little bit dated. The tea and coffee facilities are in the bathroom, which I first thought was annoying, but as I prefer to have a coffee or tea in the morning it was nice to have it right with me. The bath had a curtain, which was somewhat dirty at some parts and so was the part where it was fixed to the wall. There was some small room before the bath with a sunk. The hairdryer was not very good; it was old and become hot during the use. Perhaps they should renovate the bathrooms in the nearby future.

The roof top pool was closed (why, we had 18 ° Celsius?) and the gym is not very big, but the facilities were okay.

There are two restaurants, one sort of sports bar and a normal one. I only had breakfast on Sunday in the Sports bar, which was okay. You could choose between a normal breakfast buffet or an extended American breakfast buffet for 12.75 US$ including taxes. I took the American breakfast and it was okay, the service was friendly and there was only one other quest at this time (7.45), another four guest arrive during the time I had breakfast.

The hotel offers a 24 hour free shuttle service to Newark airport every 30 minutes. You are dropped off right in front of you departure terminal.

The hotel is okay to me; it is nothing special and there are probably better Hilton Hotels, but if you leave / arrive at Newark Airport and stay only a few days (and do not want to do Hotel Hopping) it is a good choice, as you could use the PATH to travel to Manhattan. Also it cheaper than a downtown Manhattan hotel and the ride with the PATH is okay.


Interesting to me, I joined Hilton Honors some years ago, but did not stay in Hilton Hotels for the last two years. So my account expired and I could not log in. I tried to register new, which was also not possible, as the Homepage told me, that the users with this handle and e-Mail still exists. So I thought I am not a current Hilton Honors Members, but as I get the Confirmation-Mail without creating a new Hilton Honors Account my HH number showed up and later I could log in again. It seems, that your account is reactivated automatically (but your past stays are gone) if you book a room with your registered E-Mail address.

New York

Being the first time in New York, I walked trough the streets of this exciting city crowded with people. I stayed some time a Ground Zero, walked along Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and Central Park, visited St. Patricks Cathedral, several department stores.

Unfortunately, there was the opening of the Aztec (?) exhibition in the Guggenheim and it was crowded with people. I was told, I had to wait at least 30 minutes to get a ticket and another hour before I could enter the museum. So I decided to skip a visit. Being interested in architecture and especially in the masterpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright, this was a pity, but I do not want to be in a museum which was that full of people.

Also, it was a pity that MoMA was closed and become reopened on 20th November, but hey this is a reason to visit NYC again and by this was collect some miles (in the moment I plan the way and when I travel :D ) ….

I climbed the Empire State, but first I bought a book to read during the three hours wait for getting to the lifts and pass the security check.

The security screening one has to pass before entering a building / monument need much time, especially if there are so many tourist. I had never thought about my clothes while visiting a city, but in NYC you have: No metal belt, sport shoes or sneakers, no mobile, no keys, no coins in the pocket, no pocket knife…… I hope (but I doubt it) that this will change, as the new old president is elected now. At I waited for the ferry to Ellis Island, a visitor had to pass the metal detector four times because there was still a beep. This procedure took nearly eight minutes ….To be honest, it is very annoying, if you have to wait such a long time, only to security reasons.

Newark Liberty International Airport

I had the shuttle from the hotel to Newark at 20.00. because I wanted to have enough time to pass security etc.

As I was dropped off just before the check-in counter and no one was queuing it took only a few minutes to check in. I had reserved an aisle seat (I was told by SQ in Germany, they do not prereserve the seats 46 / 47 DG). At check in, I was told the plane was not full in economy and she would try to block my neighbour seat as they were not many passengers with Gold or Silver Status in Economy. This was a nice gesture and I hoped that it would remain empty.

I had a look at the terminal, but as there was nothing of interest, so I decided to pass security and head to the terminal.

Security took again some time. I had to put my notebook out of my hand luggage, took off my shoes and took of my belt. Later in the plane, I noticed that my nail case was in my hand luggage and security has not noticed it ….

I waited in the terminal for boarding which began at 22.40, as usual with Star Gold and Raffles Class, followed 5 minutes later with Economy by rows. As I again ha a seat in the back of the plane I was within the first Economy passenger boarding the plane, but before I could enter the plane our passports was again checked by security.

17 October 2004
EWR – SIN
[New York /Newark Liberty International Airport – Singapore ]
SQ 21 (Singapore Airlines); Airbus 340 – 500
23.00 – 5.35 (+ 2 days)
Executive Economy Class
Seat 44 C


While passing the Raffles Class I noticed that the Raffles Class seems to be nearly fully booked, so it was not as bad to sit “only” in Economy.

I reached my seat and my first impression, that the more of legroom was clearly visible. I stored my luggage in the overhead bin after I put off my belongings which I need for the flight such as notebook, glasses, handheld etc. The table is in the armrest instead of the seat in front of you; this means that there is much place to store your belongings. This is quite nice and a big advantage, so is the bigger screen of the inflight entertainment system.

While the other passengers were boarding, I discovered the function of the seat. The footrest is very comfortable and the seat reclines more than usual which gives you much more room. In comparison to my last flight in LH’s old Business Class, I tend to say, the legroom there could be worse, depending on the seat than in Singapore’s Executive Economy. The head set is adjustable as usual on SQ.

The armrest could not moved, which one could say is a disadvantage while travelling alone in a row, but I think it is an advantage if you have a seat mate. There is also a power outlet between every second seat which I could use without adapter which my German plugs; also it has only 110 V. I was a little bit surprised about this, because I phoned SQ in Germany and asked about the outlets and they told me I need an adapter.

A blanket was also placed on the seat. On the ground, the captain came over the micro and told us our routing and flying time. I was lucky to hear that we flew the North Pole route – so nearly a real RTW for me – and via Russia and China in direction Hong Kong and then to Singapore. Unfortunately the airshow was out of order. Krisworld could be used on the ground and during take off; I had not seen this before or at least had not noticed this up to now.

We took of just in time and while the plane accelerated on the runway I noticed how long it took before the wheels were up in the air, the plane must be really heavy.

Once airborne a hot towel service was offered followed by the distribution of the headsets and the amenity kits and a little bit later the menu. Just after the towels was collected the beverage service started, warm nuts were also given out. I ordered a Singapore Sling which was served by another flight attendant some minutes later. My impression was, there were a lot of flight attendants and therefore you had the impression of a much personalised service, in fact it was not only an impression.

During I had my Singapore Sling I read the menu



Welcome Aboard Singapore Airlines

We are delighted to have you with us. Journey to you destination in an unprecedented level of comfort and luxury, and savour the finest cuisine in the sky.
In keeping with our signature Singapore Airlines hospitality, we are pleased to present World Gourmet Cuisine. Indulge in the finest dishes exclusively created by two award-wining chefs of our renowned International Culinary Panel – Alfred Portale and Yeung Koon Yat, as well as other dishes all meticulously paired with the finest wines.

For you dining pleasure, we have Between Meals option to make the journey eve more delightful.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the experience.

Tasty Beginnings
Ham with mesclun salad, Mustard Sauce
The Main Event
Chicken in natural jus with potato puree, sauerkraut with bacon and pear (Exclusively created by Alfred Portale of Gotham Bar & Grill, New York
or
Braised fillet of fish with spicy hoisin sauce, seasonal vegetables and steamed rice
The Cheese Corner
Cheese and crackers
Sweet overtones
Ice cream
From the bakery
Roll and butter
Butter
Choice Brews
Coffee – Tea – Chinese Teas



I opted for the chicken, with was tasted excellent. The salad however was a very small portion and it could have been a bigger portion. The cheese was only a small piece, packed in foil. But I had to be honest I was really full after the main course and the ice, so there was no need for more cheese. As the trays were cleared by the flight attendant just after the passenger had finished, so again a more personalised service and not trolley service to collect it. This was really nice, so the passengers could prepare for the night or begin to watch a movie. As I noticed, the most passengers prepare to sleep as I did.

Being really tired at this time (about 1.00 New York time) after a busy day in New York I feel asleep and woke up after nearly two hours of sleeping without waking up. This is to me a good sign as I normally could not sleep onboard a plane. In the next time, I tried to get some more sleep but also walked through the plane and in the back to the social area to get some orange juice.

During the first half of the flight, I tried to sleep and if I woke up, I walked in the back to the social area to get some orange juice and return to my seat some minutes later.

During my visits at the social area – the most time there were at least one other passenger – I chatted two times with one of them. It was quite interesting, because once one flight attendant joined our talk as she heard I was German and wanted to now why I flew this routing; she told me, there had been only a few Germany on this service in the past. I told her about this offer of SQ in Germany and that I wanted to try this longest Non-Stop service. We also talked about the flight attendants and how they feel during such a long flight. She told us, they had a special training and also need a special qualification for this flight. They will lose it, if they do not fly this non-stop a least twice a month and they have three days off after every flight. So the even spend more days in New York than I have done; they arrive in New York on Thursday. They stay in hotels (or in a hotel) in downtown Manhattan near Times Square, so they could see some places in New York. The only problem is there is also no back-up crew and no back-up plane. As I understand her correctly, they need all flight attendants for this flight. Although they have some time off during the flight, they are not really “off” during their free time as they think about the next things they have to do and stay still in touch with work. We talked also about some places to see in Europe and the US and she gave me some travel tips for Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur. It was quite an interesting time and the crew seems less robotic than the SQ crews normally are. As you have direct contact to the crew in the social area, you could easily talk to them and they are friendlier than on other flights. They offer to bring you hot water for a soup and even ask if you want to have one. The choice of food is some cracker, nuts, biscuits, rolls, bananas, apples, oranges and as beverage water and orange juice.

One point I asked myself in the time before this flight was, what on earth should I do sitting 18 hours in a plane? Okay, there were movies so show and music to listen to, but nevertheless this could become boring. In fact, I the time did not become boring, you have music to listen to, zapping through the uncountable music CDs in the Wisemann system, watch a movie (Terminal, what else  ) and I load the pictures from my digital camera to my laptop and put the in the right folder and write some notices for this trip report. With a little bit more than six hours of sleep, the upload of my New York pictures (which took some time) and place them in the right folders, rename them and delete picture I took twice I “worked” nearly two hours, watching the movie and listen to the music I had never the feeling, this flight was to long.

The first part of the flight, the most passengers were sleeping, only a few lights were switched on and only few screens were not dark. But the longer the flight took, the more lights were switched on. The light in the cabin was switched on after a flight time of app, 15.30 hours and the second meal was prepared, as we could smell in the cabin. But first we got another hot towel service, which was quite refreshing.

2 ½ hours prior to landing the second meal was finally served.


A Tantalising Note
Fresh fruits with champagne syrup
Tasty Beginnings
Fruit Yoghurt
The Main Event
Ah Yat’s braised beef brisket in five spice with Chineses greens and egg noodles (Exclusively created by Mr. Yeung Koon Yat, Hong Kong
or
Cheese omelette with chicken sausage, grilled tomato and potatoes
From the bakery
Assorted breakfast rolls
butter, fruit preserve
Choice Brews
Coffee – Tea – Chinese Teas



The meal, I had the beef, quite well. But I would have liked it more, if I could have another roll not only one. But again, the quality and quantity of the “Main Event” was very good. Again the tray was cleared individually not by using a tray. I am not sure, if they do this all the time or only on flights which are not fully booked?

So “my” 18 hours consisted of 2 hours eating first meal (incl. beverage and service before), 6 hours sleeping, 2 hours watching movie, 2 hours laptop, 3 hours music + reading + chatting, 1 ½ hour second meal.

I was a bit surprised, that not immigration cards for Singapore was handed out in the plane, you have to pick them just at immigration in Changi Airport. I just think you have plenty of time during the flight to fill it out ….

I stored my belongings and put my passport and a biro in and easy to reach pocket of my hand luggage. We touched down at Changi just in time and had to taxi to a gate, which took nearly ten minutes. Deboarding took a few minutes and I head for immigration through a nearly empty terminal.

Singapore Changi Airport

There was only one other passenger at immigration, but three offices on duty so no wait after I filled out the immigration form. Passport stamped and I head for the belt, where I had to wait some minutes before my luggage arrived.

After I changed money I head to the MRT Station and head to Singapore in this early morning of the 19th October; my watch told me it was just some minutes before 6.00. in the morning

I was a long time unsure where to stay in Singapore. I tend to stay in the Holiday Inn, but this was quite some minutes to walk from the next MRT Station. During several visits on the page of asia-hotels.com I found a rate for the Sheraton for US$ 111 including breakfast and taxes which was the cost for the Holiday Inn but without taxes and breakfast. Asiahotels quoted you will get SPG Points for the stay (they unfortunately changed this some days after I booked) but as I have requalified for Gold during this trip and will not reach Platinum this year (I will try it next year) this was okay. I reached the hotel after a 45 minutes ride with the MRT (which was quite full in this morning hour). I thought during my flight to take a taxi, but I like it, to get in contact to locals and usually did not take a taxi if there is a good connection to the city by public transportation and therefore I decided against it, especially as there are only 100 meters to walk from Newton Station to the Sheraton.

Sheraton Towers Singapore

Arrival Date:19th October 2004
Departure Date:21st October 2004
Room type booked: Standard
Rate Plan: Special Promotion via Asia-Hotels.com
Room Number:???
Room Rate:111.00 US$ (incl. breakfast, tax and service charge )

Status of Guest Program:SPG Gold

It was some minutes to 7.00 in the morning as I entered the lobby. I was the only one during this early hour at check in, but I noticed that several guests had breakfast. The lobby is very big and spacious with a big stair to the first floor, where the Executive lounge and some meeting rooms are located.

I hand my SPG card over and asked if it was possible to have an early check it, which I requested by Telefax and E-Mail (the only answer was, they had put a note, but not any word if it was possible) or at least could use the gym / pool area to refresh myself. The clerk told me, I had to pay half a day rate (55 US$) and pointed out that this was not a qualifying stay. This fact was a little bit annoying, because this was the reason why I asked for an early check in and the costs for it. Why could the hotel not send a Mail with the answer of my question instead of we noticed it? As I would like to have some hours of sleep and a hot shower, I accepted this, but pointed out, that I requested this information by mail and it would have been nicer, if I had gotten this by mail. To my surprise, the agent changed her mind and told me as she just noticed I will leave early she will wave the fee as I am SPG Gold (remember I hand her my card!). Okay, I was to tired to say any more word, so I thanked her and one of the bell boys guided me to my room and showed me the room.

The room was okay, very comfortable, but if you have a second look, there was some stain in the carpet and at the wall and also on one arm-chair. The equipment of the room contained of two arm chairs a bed, a working desk with telephone with a LAN Port, voice box. A minibar and tea and coffee facilities were also available.
The bathroom was also a little bit dated, but okay. A bath with shower, a sunk and a toilet, big mirrors on two of the four wall of the bathroom, but – as usual – they became foggy if you took a shower.

Breakfast was good, but you did not have as many choices as in other less-expensive hotels in Singapore. On the other side, you could order a fresh mixed fruit juice, which tasted very good and was refreshing.

The gym seems to be okay (did not use it) and the pool is big and nice and really big. It could easily reach from the rooms as the entrance is right beside the elevator. The changing room was dated, the water pressure in the shower was low and the room looked a little bit dirty and run down. But I think the changing room is not used often, as the most guests come to the pool in their bathrobe.

All in all a nice hotel at a good location, but there are several less expensive hotel which offer the same level of service for less money. I will stay there again, but only if I need a stay / night for requalification.

Singapore

After 2 ½ hours of sleep I took a hot shower and head to Orchard Road for some “shop looking” and a walk through the botanical garden. I also headed to the Raffles Hotel passing a note for fellow flyertalker Iluv2fly who stayed in the Raffles on business and then head to Chinatown.

The rest of the evening I spend at the pool (or in the pool as it began to rain) and called it a night at 10 p.m.

The next day I head for a short visit on Sentosa Island (okay, airoli, there are nicer places in Singapore but I wasn’t there yet and I could reach it just in a 15 minutes form Newton by MRT. Also it must be very nice, lying at the beach with a view on palms, sand, the sea – and some nice big cargoships).
Later, I had an excellent lunch buffet with iluv2fly in the Raffles Grill. It was nice to meet him and I enjoyed the conversation with him very much. He also was so kind to show me his suite (named after the English novelist William Sommerset Maugham) which was quite nice, a very comfortable and nice decorated room, colonial styled with modern equipment and a dream of a bath.

After a visit in the Asian Civilisations Museum at Empress Place (it is worth a visit) I head back to the hotel and get another hour in the pool area.

I leave the hotel the next morning as I had a midday flight to Kuala Lumpur. The MRT ride took me to the airport in app. 50 minutes.

Singapore Changi Airport

I headed to the Check-In for the Shuttle flights to Kuala Lumpur, where only a few people were queuing. So after just a few minutes it was my turn and my luggage was checked to KUL and my boarding pass printed. I pass immigration and head for the main terminal had a look at a newspaper and magazine stand and some duty free shops. I also changed my SGD to MYR and head for the gate.

21 October 2004
SIN – KUL
[Singapore – Kuala Lumpur]
SQ 110 (Singapore Airlines); Boeing 777 – 200
12.35 – 13.30
Economy Class
Seat 47 G


Boarding for this flight began at 12.10, as usual first with First Class and Star Gold and followed by the mass on the cheap seats. The flight was not full, I doubt, that the load was more than 50%, so I had a whole row to stretch.

We were airborne at 12.55 and the flying time to KUL was announced with 30 minutes. Just after the seat belt signs were switched off, the crew began the beverage service on this short flight.

The flight itself was uneventful – I read the Straits Times – and we landed at 13.30. We leave the plane through First Class – a new Raffles Class.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport

As I reached the terminal the shuttle train to the main building just left the terminal and the second shuttle was in service, so I had to wait ten minutes for the next train to arrive.

The queue at immigration was quite long, I had to wait nearly 20 minutes to reach the customs officers desk. After another minutes I was in the belt area and discovery that my luggage not yet was circling on it, but just fell on the belt as I arrived.

I purchased a ticket for the KLIA Express to Sentral Station and passed customs. I followed the good visible signs to the KLIA Express train station in a lower level of main building. As I reached it, I just saw the train leaving the station, so another 20 minutes wait.

As the next train arrive I boarded and it took again some time before it finally leaves the station for Sentral. The travel time took app. 30 minutes and it is a nice ride through fields passing some new town and finally the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur before entering Sentral.

Due to Flyertalk I know where the tickets for the taxi could be bought and decided this time to take a taxi to the Imperial Sheraton (15.60 MYR in deluxe). After 30 minutes in some sort of rush hour traffic and some ways through parking garages my taxi driver gets me to my hotel, the Imperial Sheraton.

Imperial Sheraton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Arrival Date:21st October 2004
Departure Date:22nd October 2004
Room type booked:Executive Club Room, Executive Lounge access
Rate Plan: New Club Promotion
Room Number:3601
Room Rate:375 MYR (+ tax and service charge, incl. breakfast in either lounge or coffee shop)

Status of Guest Program:SPG Gold


I decided to stay one night in the Imperial Sheraton and the other nights in the Westin, as they have a 3=2 special, but you have to arrive on a Friday.

As my taxi approached the driveway and stopped in front of the hotel the door was opened by a bellboy who took my hand luggage, so that I could get out the taxi more comfortable. He took my luggage and accompanied me to the reception.

Check in was effective, but a little bit slow. I think the reason was, that I had booked a room on the executive level and the reservations for this rooms were placed at one of the desk opposite the normal reception (which were occupied). They explained the benefits of executive level and pointed also out, that I could use the breakfast buffet on the fourth floor followed by an explanation of the gym, pool and the other restaurants. The luggage would be sent to my room some minutes later.

My room was on the 36th floor facing to the road. I was very big with a walk-in closet with safe, a nice bathroom with bath and separate shower. The room had a desk with LAN-Connection (I did not get a W-LAN sign, so I think W-LAN was not available, at least not in my room) and a Fax-machine. Beside the television there was a cd-player with cd-changer, so I could hear the cd’s I bought in New York in HiFi quality and no need to use my notebook.

A turndown service was also offered as two bathrobes and slippers were placed in the closet.

A settee and a table were placed opposite the desk with several magazines. The bed was big. One thing was annoying; I missed a central panel to switch on and off the lights in the room, as this was not possible from the bed. Oh well, I got used to this life …

All in all one of the nicest and biggest hotel rooms I stayed in. As I took a shower in the big shower cabin later, I noticed the heated big mirror as there was not fog on it. Very nice if you like to have a hot shower or a hot bath. Oh, and the nice rubber duck is now sitting in the bathroom of my flat …..

The hotel was nice, but as it rained outside very heavy, it seems they have some problem with the water, as the floor to the pool area was wet and very slippery. The pool was nice and free formed with a nice Italian Restaurant beside it, which was also used as pool bar. Due to the heavy rain, the pool area was empty. The health club / gym looked nice, I did not use it during my stay. There was in the back of the hotel a big atrium, downstairs was the coffee shop of the hotel where in the morning breakfast was served.

The hors d’oeuvres in the evening in the lobby on the top floor tasted very good, the offered some sort of Sushi, Dim-Sum, olives, crackers, etc. If one plate was empty it was replaced soon as empty glasses were collected. Apropos empty glasses, alcoholic beverage was availale, some wines from France and Australia (sorry I did not remember the label), Whisky, Bacardi, etc. During the cocktail hour the lounge got somehow crowded also there was some empty chairs left and not every couple could have a table of their own. But there were still empty armchairs. I read some magazine in the lounge and had a look at the books which were available.

The Westin Kuala Lumpur

Arrival Date:22nd October 2004
Departure Date:25th October 2004
Room type booked:Executive Club Room with heavenly bed
Rate Plan: Buy 2 get 1 free
Room Number:3504
Room Rate:370 MYR (+ tax and service charge, incl. breakfast in lounge, 3rd night free

Status of Guest Program:SPG Gold

Have read much thread about the new Westin in KL (and also a very detailed hotel report of Chris26WI in another German speaking forum) I decided to book by using the 3=2 stay special and book a room on the executive level.

The hotel is near the main shopping district with many shopping malls in the neighbourhood. Unfortunately there is a big construction area just opposite the hotel and also at the rear, where a new skyscraper it under construction. But at least the building at the rear front is not a big issue in my eyes.

I was greeted by a bell boy and head to the reception to check in. This lobby were crowded and as they noticed, that I booked a room on the executive level they decided to check me in at the executive level and so we head to the 33rd floor where the executive level check in was located. During the ride in the elevator, I chatted with the agent about the hotel and its features and noticed that the hotel was now opened for a little bit more than one year.

At the check in on the 33rd level I was greeted by two agents. One of them checked me in, while the other showed me the executive lounge and asked if he could bring me some soft drink, which I welcomed and get an bitter lemon.

My room was located on the 35th floor, which is the highest floor of the hotel. I have a room facing to the back. The room was nice with a wooden floor in the entrance area and carpet in the room.

The bathroom is very big, I think it is even bigger than that in the Sheraton, with a separate w.c.. The sunk was stylish and very modern as was the shower cabin with its glass cabin with two separate shower heads and a separate bath. Two bathrobes were hanging in the bathroom.

The room had a very big window covering nearly the whole wide of the room. A desk was placed facing the entrance with a modern lamp. One problem by this position was you could hardly see the screen of you notebook without a curtain-darkened room while sun was shining. The phone has again a LAN Connection, but I did not get a W-LAN signal.

The bed was big and very comfortable, the closet in the entrance big to hang you clothes. Again a turndown service was offered.
But it seems that the housekeeping had some trouble with the coffee facilities in the room. They have the Hungarian style coffee pot, where you must push the filter to the bottom. They replace the coffee but did not clean the coffeepot on both days I used it.

There are several restaurants in the hotel, which I did not use, but the menu looked very good and the prices seem not too high.

The gym was well equipped; I used it twice and had a nice female staff. The staff was relaxed and young and we had quite some fun. The pool is okay, in fact there are two pools, one big pool and another smaller one, especially for younger children. Several chairs and tables and deck chairs were available and the staff of the Restaurant took care about the pool guests. On a sidenote, if would have been better, if you could enter the pool area out of the changing room directly; so you have to pass the restaurant.

The steambath in the changing room was out of order, the changing room had several lockers, the keys were available at the gym and this area was also designed in a modern style.

As written above, the lounge was in the 33rd level and offered superb view either to Petronas Twin Tower and KL Tower. Two conference rooms are available and also a room with two internet terminal (every guest of the executive level rooms could use it for one hour a day).

The hors d’oeuvres were good, again some sort of dim-sum, some sandwiches and petit-fours. Two hours in the evening were alcoholic drinks available (White, Red and Rose Wine, Whisky, Bacardi, etc.) and you could mix drinks of your own or get the drinks mixed by the lounge staff. Just before the cocktail hour (in fact two hours) is over, the staff addressed every lounge guest which a more or less empty glass that the cocktail hours is over and if hey could bring you some last glass. A very nice and personalized touch of the lounge staff. Non-alcoholic drinks are available during the opening hours of the lounge (6.30 – 22.00)

Breakfast was also served in the lounge – in this hotel I could not chose between either lounge or coffee shop, I have to had breakfast in the lounge – and contained of two warm meals and some salad, salmon, marmalade and jam, and several sweet cakes.

Kuala Lumpur

As I did not stay the whole day in my hotel room, I discovered the city. Using the monorail is a good way to do this as she passes the most points of interests and although the MRT is an easy and cheap means of transportation. The Petronas Twin Towers and the KLCC shopping mall are worth a visit.
You have to get a ticket for the skybridge between the towers in the souterrain of the main entrance. Tickets are available on and after 9.00 am but I get a ticket at 10.30 a.m. for a tour at noon. It depends a little bit of the number of tourist in the city, during high season it could be true, but in the other time tickets are available between 9.00 am and 11.30 am.

If it worth a visit? I would say yes, as you have a good view to the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, but you could not reach the top ob the building. You are member of a group and can spend there 15 minutes; then your group are called to leave the skybridge. As it is free of charge you do not have to lose money ….

KL Tower is on Bukit Nanas, its quite a little walk (10 minutes) from the nearest Monorail station. Bukit Nanas is a small hill and on the top is the KL Tower. From the bottom of the hill a shuttle bus is available, but you could walk it and get some nice views to KL.
The observation desk it the lowest levels and you have an audioguide. It seems that this is not obligatory as I asked for only observation desk but was told there was only the package including the autoguide tour.

Unfortunately it was foggy / misty but the view to the city KL was okay, the parts outside the city were indeed barely visible. You could easily locate the other points of interests and get a sight of the city with its small buildings beside high-rise buildings.

On my way to Merdeka Square with the famous Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad Building I visited the Muzium Telekom which offers a nice view in the development of the Malaysian telecommunication system, unfortunately some parts of the exhibition were out of order, but the entrance was free. Although it is very interesting, as the telecommunication system developed much faster that in Europe.

The National History Museum at Merdeka Square is worth a visit if you are interested in the history of Malaysia. It contains also the time before the colonial time as the second world war and the independence. If you have also visited the History Museum in Singapore (in the moment it is closed) a visit in this museum gives you a good overview of the development of this region of the world.

Central Market is some sort of big souvenir shop in an “art deco building”, this is at least the description of the building style in the guide book by the Tourism Office. If you have a look at the building you will see, that there is not much sort of typical “art deco style”, but if you are looking for souvenirs you should walk through the market and the stalls in the street beside. Chinatown is also just a few blocks away, if you need to buy some fakes (sidenote, the quality of the watches differ from dealer to dealer, the quality of the clothes is worse and more expensive than the fakes I got in Cambodia for example, DVD are available, but I did not buy any as the films I was looking for were not available).

The Islamic Arts Museum near the National Mosque (Masjid Negara) offers a manifold insight (in the history) of the islam in Asia, some nice models of mosques of China and the Arab are also visible as artefacts of Islamic World in China, India and Malaysia such as paintings, coins, frit ware.

Lake Garden is a park with a lake in some small valley facing the Sentral Station with the new Le Meridien and Hilton Hotel, but a little bit difficult to reach from there as there is no pedestrian crossing.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport

The taxi driver, who drove me from the Westin to the Sentral Station, where the KLIA Expres leaves charged not only the first 2 km – the should be included in the base fare of MYR 2.00, but also gave me no money back as I handled him MYR 10.00 and told him to give change on 8.00 MYR on the fare of MYR 6.90, put my luggage out of the bump get in his taxi an drove away. Okay, this is not a matter of money (1 EUR = 4.70 MYR or 3,80 USD) but a matter of fact.
And another question I will not understand, why the round fare trip Airport – Sentral – Airport is as expensive as two single tickets?

The ride in the KLIA Express was nevertheless nice and convenient.

At KLIA I headed to the Check In counter of SQ in row L. The guy at the counter was a little bit confused as I handled him three tickets, a ticket SIN – KUL – SIN, a ticket FRA – NYC – SIN – FRA and a ticket QKL – FRA – QKL, as I want to check my luggage the whole was to QKL.

What happened now was still a bit amazing and funny. First he pointed out that I was a bit too early to check in for the 21.45 flight (it was 17.30 at this time) and there was no flight out of Singapore booked for me. I told him, I came early, because it could be little bit complicated to get all this tickets issued, but if I can catch the SQ 117 at 19.50 this would also be fine. My outgoing flight, I told him also, was the flight FRA – NYC – SIN – FRA. It seems, that he now realised for the first time, that this was no usual return ticket. The ticket QKL – FRA – QKL was then too much. He called a supervisor, I think, that he should tell me, to come back later as I was booked on a later flight, but unfortunately to him, he advised to rebook me on the earlier flight. So he worked on. Next problem, he could not find the airport code for Frankfurt, but a colleague pointed on my ticket where the code was printed and showed him also in his check in screen where to look after airport codes. So he worked on, but get only printed a baggage sign to SIN. He wanted to put this to my luggage, but I advised him, to check my luggage to QKL, not only to SIN. At this moment, another colleague, switched to his seat and handled the rest of the check in. She also marked several mistakes he had made, by ignoring that the last segment was in Business (Priority Sticker), I had a seat preselected (new boarding pass for the segment SIN – FRA) and Cologne City would not be Cologne Airport. But a this time she asked me again, if I know the airport code for Cologne City, which I told her (I told this the guy three times during check in) and she rechecked it in the computer. She told me, the computer only showed them CGN as airport for Cologne but as she put QKL the result was Cologne City. The young guy looked a little bit worried, but I was told by her colleague that he is new and not as firm to such a complicated itinerary.

By this moment we had 18.05 and I passed security and customs and headed to the Satellite with the gates A-B-C where I arrived at 18.20. The waiting area was opened so I skipped the lounge and went to the waiting area.

25 October 2004
KUL – SIN
[Kuala Lumpur – Singapore]
SQ 117 (Singapore Airlines); Boeing 777 – 200
18.45 – 19.45
Economy Class
Seat 47 K


Boarding was announced to begin at 18.20, but began a little bit late at 18.30, as usual with Star Alliance Gold, PPS and families but the announcement for the last rows in Economy was made only a few seconds later.

The flight was only two third full, the two seats beside me remain empty, but as this is only a short flight, I did not care for it as much as I would do on a longer flight. I still hoped at this time, that also the following flight would not be fully booked, but the late night flight to FRA is mostly fully booked.

The captain came over the microphone just after the last passenger boarded the aircraft and announced flying time with 40 minutes due to heavy traffic over Singapore and expected turbulences due to thunderstorm at the coast south of Singapore. We were airborne at 19.05and soon the seat belts signs were switched off the crew began the beverage service. A hot tea for me and I continued reading the newspaper, I picked up boarding the plane.

We landed at 19.45 and had quite a way to our Gate. We exit the plane through the first class, this time it was not the new Raffles Class, but an old Business Class Cabin.

So again nothing spectacular to report about this flight, just economy as usual.

Changi Singapore Airport

I tried to get access to the Silver Kris Lounge, but as Star Silver I failed as I had expected. Okay nothing to worry about, I headed to the Plaza Premium Lounge where you have access as a Priority Pass Member or could just pay a fee of SGD 30 to have access.

The Lounge offer some fitness facilities as well as showers.

Beside the normal beverage as water, juice, coke, bitter lemon etc. there was also available food, some sort of snacks as sandwichs, a soup, spring rolls, pastries. The lounge was empty, only a few people were sitting and sleeping, reading or chatting.

So I waited there, read some magazines and put some work in this report.

At the entrance you get a sticker to wear so you can leave the lounge and return as you like.

At 23.10 I leave the lounge and headed for the gate, where an additional security screening of the hand luggage took place.

25 October 2004
SIN – FRA
[Singapore – Frankfurt]
SQ 26 (Singapore Airlines); Boeing 747 – 400
23.50 – 06.30 [00.40 – 6.25]
Economy Class
Seat 62 H


At the gate were quite a lot of people waiting and boarding began just a few minutes later at 23.15 as usual with Star Gold and First and Raffles Class, followed by families and after some ten minutes the hoi polloi I also belonged to.

Again I had a seat in the back of the plane where the seat configuration is 2-4-2. My seatmate at this time was a young lady, who was on Bali in a wellness resort. We chatted a little bit about wellness hotels in Asia and Europe, our both itineraries and the comfort of this section. She was not aware that there was in the back of the plane this seat configuration. She had only requested a window seat and it seems to me she was a little bit disappointed, as there is quite some space between seat and window. But a least she discovered, that she had a lot of space to store her belongings.

Unfortunately we had to wait due to some late passengers on a connecting flight and lost our slot. So push back was at 0.30 and we were airborne at 0.40.

In the air, the crew distributed the amenity kits and the headphones followed by the printed menu, which I already know, as it was the same menu as on the flight on the 15th October, but the SIN – FRA segment. The crew began with the beverage round and offer some drinks during the time the meal was prepared. This time the plane was only 75% full and some passenger could switch to free seats in other rows.

During this time I discovered the entertainment system and was lucky to could see an episode of CNN Business traveller with Richard Quest (I have it seen, but I like to see Quest as he is in a certain way amazing); on the other flights this channel was not available. Unfortunately the rest of the system was a little bit disturbed in some parts, e.g. the channel shown and the screen and the channel played were not the same and the German time on the info screen was one hour back.

I heard one flight attendant saying, that they could not restart the system airborne, they have to wait until Frankfurt; I am not quite sure, if this was the truth, as All Nippon Airways had to restart their system twice on the flight Frankfurt to Tokyo I took in April. Be that as it may I had to choose the meal before I finished thinking about the flight attendants answer.



Supper

Appetiser
Salad of tuna, green bean, potato and tomato in vinaigrette
main courses
Thai style perch curry with spiced vegetables and steamed rice
or
Cicken in white wine basil cream with roasted vegetables and potatoes
cheese
Cheese and crackers
dessert
Viennese chocolate cake
from the bakery
Roll and butter
hot beverage
Coffee – Tea



I had the perch, which was good, the vegetables very spicy and the portion again of normal size, not very big, but at this hour of the day I did not feel like I need a full meal service, also I had had some food in he lounge at Changi Airport. The salad was somewhat small, one slice of potato and one slice of tomato I would not name as salad, more like sort of amuse gules.

With the meal service was again a beverage service with soft drinks, beer and wine; this time I took a glass of white wine.

After the tray was cleared I read in some magazines I bought at Changi and listen to music. I get an hour of sleep and listen to the music, the tracks were sometimes one or two positons different from the track list and the AVOD System of the music section had some sort of malfunction, as you could not see the song you were listening to.

The flight attendants offered during the night some water and orange juice but in a lower frequency than the segment FRA – SIN. So I used sometimes my own water bottle.


Two hours prior to our expected arrival time the light was switched on and the breakfast was prepared. I was served 30 minutes later after a first beverage service.



Breakfast

fruit
Fruit appetiser
light starter
Yoghurt
wholesome beginnings
Braised egg noodles with chicken, black mushroom and leafy greens
or
Parsley omelette with sautéed mushrooms, chicken sausage and potatoes
from the bakery
Assorted breakfast rolls
Butter – Fruit preserve
hot beverage
Coffee – Tea



I had the omelette, which was little bit dry and the mushroom, well it was good, you could read, you had mushroom as there was not taste at all. This meal was a disappointment, the rolls were only one roll, no other rolls were available. In comparison to other carriers in Economy, the quality of SQ differs from flight to flight, but every time I had a flight out of SIN the quality is not as good as on the inbound segment. This may be my subjective impression but perhaps I am only unlucky with the quality; perhaps the food in the front of the plane is better, I will try in the future.

The rest of the flight went fast, the headphones were collected and the crew prepared the cabin for arrival. I missed an announcement pointing out more direct, that the local time shown on the screen was one hour back; they only told us the correct local time by the arrival announcement.

Once landed, again some passengers applaud: Fellow passengers, this it not a charter plane!!

I took some time, but finally I was on my way to the gate through Raffles Class and showing my passport to the German Immigration officers at the gate, again C 13.

Frankfurt Rhein Main

I decided to take a shower at the FTL Lounge in the B part of terminal 1 and again it was a long distance to walk. My hand luggage was heavy and there was no trolley available so I had to carry it.

The FTL Lounge was full and while the agent was printing my boarding pass for the “flight” FRA – QKL I put my name on the shower list. There were several people in front of me, but as I had two hours, it should be possible to reach the head of the list in the next 90 minutes.

I took a seat and read some newspapers to get an update of German politics during the last two weeks. After an hour, there was the nice call “Mr Klein, please contact housekeeping”.

A shower in the morning after a long flight is always refreshing and I take it every time I have enough time for it, to me, this is one of the most enjoyable benefits of lounge access.

At a 8.45 I head for the airport station, could cut the queue as I used the iris scan this time, no malfunction and everything worked fine. I passed immigration in less than a minute and saw a passenger, who had sit in the lounge at my table, but left 10 minutes earlier also just passing the normal immigration.



26 October 2004
FRA – QKL
[Frankfurt – Cologne City]
LH 6806 (Lufthansa); ICE
9.08 – 10.06
Business Class
Seat 1 H (81)


The was only another couple in the compartment and we chatted a little bit about the new runway the FRAPort authority will build as we passed the chemical industry complexwhere it should be built.

The DB / LH staff was again very friendly, but only offered some beverage service. As I asked if a sandwich were available, they offered the usual choice of sandwiches. I took a panini and had a coke light and read in my magazines

We arrived in QKL at the scheduled time and I headed to the Airrail counter to wait for my luggage to arrive. After 10 minutes it was delivered. It seems, that QKL staff does not handle priority marked luggage priority, me suitcase was the last one, the last of three suitcases on the belt…..

I continued my way home in an Regional Express of Deutsche Bahn leaving Cologne at 10.30 and was at my Duisburg main station at 11.18 where my parents welcomed me and drove me back home to my flat…..


Only three day later I was on my way to my second ever DO, the fabulous BCN DO, hosted by alanw. Now I am back at work for more than two weeks and will plan my next trip as soon as possible and consider if I stay with Miles & More ore switch to Mileage Plus and try to reach Star Gold.

Thanks for this great report! I thought about the same trip before in Y but finally decided not to take it this time. What a shame... :(

My my, what a great and detailed report. Must have been tiring all that travelling. Please do write more often. Thanks.

Great report! Thank you.

Does SQ have a different amenity kit in Y for the EWR-SIN segment ? I remember for SQ's other long haul flights, they had those zip-log bags, inside have a pair of socks and toothbrush set, kinda cheap compare to CX Y.

Does SQ have a different amenity kit in Y for the EWR-SIN segment ? I remember for SQ's other long haul flights, they had those zip-log bags, inside have a pair of socks and toothbrush set, kinda cheap compare to CX Y.

No, it is the same amenity kit you got on every flight with SQ in Economy. It would be nice, if the amenity kit on this flight would include an eye-shade.

Thank for the report, it sure was detailed. Too bad you didn't score an upgrade on any of your segments.

It took me two days to read all of this excellent and very detailed report, but I don't regret having read it - thanks a lot.

Two questions:
1. What is this "other German-speaking forum" you mentioned?
2. Do Europeans need a visa for Malaysia? I'm thinking of going to KUL next year...

It took me two days to read all of this excellent and very detailed report, but I don't regret having read it - thanks a lot.

Two questions:
1. What is this "other German-speaking forum" you mentioned?
2. Do Europeans need a visa for Malaysia? I'm thinking of going to KUL next year...

The "other German-speaking forum" ist www.ciao.de, it is not a travel related forum, it is a forum, where people write reports about their experience with products like dvd-player, food, hotels, restaurant or give suggestions for travel

No, you do not need a visa for Malaysia

That's an interesting itinerary. Thanks for your detailled & excellent report

It was nice to read something about your recent travel adventures! Unfortunately I´ve never got the chance to fly SQ so far, .... but maybe in February. You´ll soon receive a private message!

Again, thanx for this great report. And I´m glad you liked New York, which is still my favorite place on the planet! Two visits a year are a must.

Greetings from Austria, Thomas

The Westin Kuala Lumpur

Arrival Date:22nd October 2004
Departure Date:25th October 2004
Room type booked:Executive Club Room with heavenly bed
Rate Plan: Buy 2 get 1 free
Room Number:3504
Room Rate:370 MYR (+ tax and service charge, incl. breakfast in lounge, 3rd night free

Status of Guest Program:SPG Gold

Have read much thread about the new Westin in KL (and also a very detailed hotel report of Chris26WI in another German speaking forum) I decided to book by using the 3=2 stay special and book a room on the executive level.

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Thanks for the extensive review of the Westin KL. I will travel to Malaysia in May ( KL and Langkawi) I have stayed some years ago in the Imperial hotel and it is one of my favourites! By the way, it was the first Sheraton / Starwood hotel I have ever set foot in, and it made me stick to Starwood!

My first intention was to stay only in the Imperial, since I have noticed some travelers review the Westin as:
noisy rooms
no turn down service
bad housekeeping
unfriendly personnel
construction work in front of the hotel.

Reading your review, I am thinking of splitting my stays between the Imperial, my favourite, and the Westin. Both Executive since the rates seem to be rater low for European standards.

I think I will give it a try?!