Trip Reports - My First All-Business-Class Leisure Trip: LHR-SIN-MNL-HKG and back on SQ and CX

I’ve always been proud of the fact that travelling in economy, when I’m on vacation, doesn’t really faze me. Granted, that’s mainly because I’ve looked for the most comfortable ways of doing so (and therefore came to the conclusion that my sanity holds up best with SQ for Europe-Asia trips and BA for intra-Europe and Europe-North America) but still, I felt I could manage quite well.

After a year of working my a** off as the consulting industry finally began kicking off its doldrums, I found myself at the receiving end of a hefty company bonus. Wow! Disposable income! And to top it off, I was between projects, so I wouldn’t have to cancel the March flights I had booked in November. On this, my dad’s first trip to HK, I decided to splurge a bit, to live it up, and changed our economy class bookings on CX to business class. And since SQ was taking me from London to Manila, I thought I might as well sample long-haul Raffles Class as well, in line with the very first pieces of advice given to me on FT.

After the week’s travels, I have to confess that I’m now a bit of a changed man. I still firmly believe that I can travel in economy (well, especially if it’s on SQ), but you know that I’ll be looking for ways to get back in that business cabin as soon as I can. Use my miles for free economy class bookings? I’m not sure I find that a good use of my miles any more. Below is an account of my journey deeper into the ranks of the damned (a.k.a. FTers) … ;)

Friday, 4 March 2005
SQ317 LHR-SIN
Raffles Class

The thing I dread about taking a vacation is that the run-up to it usually entails a lot of tension as I tie up loose ends and ensure that my absence doesn’t disrupt any project. Despite not having a formal assignment, I was helping out with a variety of mini-projects, and so I had my usual pre-vacation drill of rushing around, finishing packing just before the cab came, and, as I was whisked to the airport, having a stunned “I can’t believe I’m actually on my way” expression on my face.

I was feelin’ gooood, however, because I was about to sample my first long-haul trip in Raffles Class, and doing it as a leisure traveller. (I suspect the experience would’ve been different if I were headed off to a meeting soon after landing.) Using the economy line checkin at LHR T3 requires you to zigzag to a first checkpoint, where they hold you back from zigzagging again on the actual line to the checkin counters. It was awesome to skip through those steps and just march right up to the Raffles Class counter. I felt a brief tinge of regret that I didn’t get to flash my status-matched BD card, but the twinge was all-too brief. I was already busy thinking about my trip. :D

The line at security, even for Fast Track passengers, snaked, which was surprising at 9:30 am or so. One woman in front of me whined about the line to anyone who showed an iota of interest in her self-imposed anguish. She was still whining, this time about some objects that the x-ray machine picked up, when I left the security area to find the SKL in LHR. Point one for travelling in Business Class on your vacation: you can be preternaturally calm about airport annoyances. You have an enjoyable experience to look forward to.

So off I went to the SKL, which was so much nicer than the lounge I’d had to tolerate on previous trips as a Priority Pass member :eek: . I was given a friendly welcome at the reception, and then I turned right, went up the stairs, and found myself in a bright, airy, and relatively empty lounge. There was a barman from whom to request drinks, but I felt it was a bit too early to be celebrating with alcohol. ;) I guess that at around 10:30 am, the transition from breakfast to lunch happens, because initially, there wasn’t much food around. Soon, however, the division between the kitchen and the lounge slid open, and a hand popped out to deliver a bunch of sandwiches, the same type you’d see at BA’s Terraces lounge, but in smaller quantities. Since I’m an inveterate comparison shopper, I have to rate the SKL against my standards at LHR: BA and CX lounges. CX gets my nod for design, BA for the selection of food and drinks, but SQ for the views of the runway. All three make the LHR airport experience so much more pleasant.

At the departure area, the usual-size crowd of passengers had gathered to wait for the boarding announcement. Point two for travelling in business: priority boarding rocks, especially if, at the end of it, you also get to enjoy the more exclusive cabins. Sigh. This was getting really good.

And so I discovered what everyone had been saying all along: the upper deck is a very nice place to be spending a 12+-hour flight in, making you feel as though you were on the flight with just a few other people. (The only downside was that you do have to stoop to look out the windows. Not much of a downside if you don’t really like to see the outside scenery, but I happen to like the sight of the airport receding from me as the plane takes off.)

No, I didn’t get one of the vaunted exit row seats. But really, I didn’t care. I was plenty comfortable where I was (14C). I was even getting excited about not having a seatmate when someone moved from his aisle seat to take the window seat next to me. :mad: But he turned to be a nice guy, also travelling Raffles Class for the first time, so I can’t really complain.

For the rest of the flight, I actually acted as his advisor (and as a salesman for SQ :p). I explained about expecting to be addressed by name, about the cocktails he had to try, about Book the Cook, etc. He had to ask, of course: “I thought this was also your first time in Raffles Class? How come you know a lot?” My response: “Um, friends told me about it.” Him: “Lucky friends.” Me: “Damn right.”

My highlights:


Service service service. The cabin crew that flight was amazing. “Robotic” shmobotic, about SQ service. None of that quality was in evidence from what I experienced. (But see my comment about CX crews below.)
KrisWorld. My favorite way to catch up with the films and TV episodes I’d missed while working a consultant’s hours. No better way to pass flight time. My favorite movie on this flight was a movie about high school football in Texas. Riveting.
The menu, for the most part. The Singapore Sling is, in my opinion, the best cocktail in the air. Don’t bother with the SilverKris Sling; it simply doesn’t compare. I BTC’ed the lobster thermidor, as advised by some SQ regulars, but found it too creamy for my liking. Originally, I thought it was just my guilt pangs from blowing my diet that were kicking in. But maybe not: the tiramisu ice cream and the gourmet coffee soon had me purring again. OK, and the additional Singapore Sling might have helped a bit as well. ;-) The Singapore carrot cake for breakfast (no, it’s not a Western carrot cake, but a “fried rice pudding with prawns and egg”) had to be one of the best breakfast dishes I’d tasted. Utterly heavenly in combination with healthy helpings of SQ’s Kris chilli sauce. It was my seatmate’s first introduction to the chilli sauce as well, and I think I won a convert. In one word (and this from a by-now-cranky-from-lack-of-sleep man): yummmmmmm.
Service service service. I know, I already mentioned it, but it really bears repeating.

Finally, it was time to land. Why do good things have to come to an end? Point three for travelling in business (and I say this for SQ and CX): you find yourself treated to a fantastic start to your vacation. You almost fear that your destination experiences might not compare. ;)

Saturday, 5 March
Transit in SIN

Our flight arrived early. Outside, I could see the tropical lushness of Changi welcoming us to Singapore. Speaking as someone who travels most frequently to European destinations because of work, I find that those tropical fronds wave some of the best welcomes I’ve received.

At this point, I hadn’t really slept much and all I could think of was the shower I longed to take. Still, I had to smile at the familiar welcoming feel of Changi. Hong Kong’s airport really is much more airy and more striking, design-wise, but I still find that Changi lifts my spirits more.

Oy, but what construction since I was last there in November. I hope it gives travellers a much-improved Terminal 2. It was a bit confusing to find the SKL. And once I did find it, I didn’t find the tranquil oasis I expected. :eek: It was PACKED, and this was before 8 am. I couldn’t see a seat free (some were empty, but were next to exhausted- or grumpy-looking passengers, so I didn’t really consider them free). No wonder SQ is so tetchy about letting *G use the SKL. There just wouldn’t be room during the peak periods. Retreat was a good option for me to take.

NOTE TO SELF: Maybe I should avoid SQ 317 (arrive 7ish) if intending to connect to Raffles Class flights soon afterwards. The SKL experience will be ruined. Better to arrive mid-afternoon and not risk the crowded conditions.

I retreated to the Plaza Premium lounge to take my shower and then get a back massage. Aaaaah. The shower-massage combination makes transiting such a pleasure at SIN: it’s a ritual with me. Then I glanced up at the screen to see “FINAL CALL” flashing for my flight to Manila. In my sleep-deprived state, I forgot about the advice posted by SQ FTers, and rushed to the departure area. Yup, you can guess what I found: boarding hadn’t even commenced. :mad: This has to be the aspect of SIN that I hate the most: this near-hysteria about getting to the gate early. Frequent flyers know how to time their journey to the gates. Me, I still have to get the hang of it. Some bureaucrat / SQ apparatchik must be getting evaluated, and harshly, about flight delays. The cry-wolf announcements really do take away from the SIN experience.

The flight was amazingly full, and as a corollary, so was the departure area. My sleep-deprived self felt claustrophobia rising; thank goodness for priority boarding … ;)

Saturday, 5 March
SQ72 SIN-MNL
Raffles Class

This flight wasn’t a credit to SQ. In fact, if it had been my first Raffles flight, it would’ve soured me to trying SQ ever again.

The main problem was the plane itself. It was clearly nearing the end of its useful life. The seat fabric was showing visible signs of tear. When I opened the arm rest to take out the tray, the cover nearly came off its hinges! :eek: And then the tray table itself had one hinge missing, so you suspected it was probably a matter of time before it dumped the meal onto a passenger. I was really disappointed, and having to be moved some five rows back to a new seat with a working tray table (priority disembarkation in Manila is a BIG plus) didn’t quite make it up to me. (I also observed another Raffles passenger having to move seats, away from his friend / colleague, because his screen wasn’t working.)

Secondly, the FA took orders without telling me that she was skipping me because I had BTC’ed. In the other segments of this trip where I BTC’ed, the FA told me beforehand that my meal made it on board, so that I didn’t have to wonder why I was skipped when meal orders were taken. I chalk this up to inexperience on the part of the FA. I guess it’s easier to assume a customer remembers when he or she BTC’s. In my case, I forgot, my mind having been fogged by too little sleep. Ease shouldn’t be an excuse for an oversight in customer service.

Third, my BTC selection was disappointing. NOTE TO SELF: do not order the duck and yam rice again. The flavors just didn’t work together. I found myself gazing longingly at my seatmate’s off-the-menu selection. I probably could’ve asked whether an extra meal made it on board, but I was too tired. I was more vegetable than human at this point.

Postscript: as is customary with me, I fired off an email to SQ expressing my disappointment. Result: an apology, and 5000 service recovery miles added to my KF account. My brother in Singapore has ceased wondering why I like giving feedback.

Interlude in Manila

Stayed for a night at the EDSA Shangri-La, where my brother, a physician, had a room booked for him by a pharmaceutical company. Unfortunately, I was too tired to check out the hotel gym. Had dinner at one of the restaurants in Greenbelt (Makati City). For those visiting Manila and staying in the main business district (Makati), Greenbelt is the place to go if you can’t decide on where to eat for dinner and don’t want to travel too far. Lots of restaurants and bars, all at reasonable prices and very good quality.

Sunday, 6 March
Before CX900

The next morning, it was time for our trip to HK. My dad and I did the rituals at MNL: join the line outside the Terminal 2 for passengers; then passport and ticket check before entering the terminal; then security check; then to the counter where you pay the departure tax. (I wish MNL would just incorporate the tax directly into the ticket price.) Normally, all this would feel like a bit of a hassle. But it was my dad’s first ever flight in business class, so the anticipation served to make every bureaucratic hurdle that much more tolerable. I did discover that a Philippine passport holder who is a permanent resident somewhere else (in my case, the UK) was exempt from any departure tax. Fantastic. ^

Checkin was quick because of our business class tickets, and our luggage were given First Class tags because of my emerald status on OneWorld (courtesy of BA). I really like how CX is so good at recognizing elites from OneWorld partners. The minor glitch was that the checkin agent forgot to remind us to fill out the Philippine departure cards, which caused a bit of brouhaha at the immigration checkpoint. Politeness + smiles + look of surprise meant I wasn’t banished to the back of the line to start over with a properly filled out departure card.

Cathay’s lounges in MNL are, like SQ’s, located in an area after a second, more stringent security check, which you reach turning left after the (limited) duty-free shops. Men are typically asked to take their belts off before crossing the metal detector, and some are even asked to remove their shoes. After going through, you then go undergo a patdown. But after that checkpoint, it’s only SQ and CX passengers who are in the area, and most of them head to the departure areas one floor downstairs. If you have access to a lounge, it means you’ll have a haven of tranquillity from MNL’s brand of chaos.

Cathay’s business lounge in MNL is relatively basic, and, I have to say, rather unattractive. It certainly compares unfavorably with the SQ Raffles Lounge, which is already very nondescript. The First Class Lounge, however, has a better ambience. More muted colors, therefore a cozier feel, and a rather nice view of the runways. As expected, the First Class lounge was much quieter than the business lounge, too. As our departure time approached, the business lounge grew more congested; the First Class lounge never did. The big downside to the lounge is that there are no toilet facilities, which means you need to walk towards Gate 7 to use the airport facilities in that area. I found the food and drinks selection limited. On the plus side, the computers in the First Class lounge had faster Internet connections than those in SQ’s Raffles lounge.

My dad, however, had never been to any kind of airline lounge, so he was duly impressed. I told him to wait until we travelled from HK!

Sunday, 6 March
CX900 MNL-HKG
Business Class
CX900 was served by a 744, so there was an upper deck. And that’s precisely where I booked my dad’s first business class experience. I think it made an indelible impression. He was wide-eyed about ascending a staircase to our seats. And the look on his face as I adjusted his seat to a reclining position was priceless.

I wanted my dad to experience the warm CX service (in business class) that I first got to know on an upgraded flight (thank you, CX). Thank goodness for CX consistency. The cabin crew members were uniformly warm and welcoming. As they went around the cabin greeting the passengers, they noticed my dad and I had the same first and last names, which initially led to a re-checking of the pax list to make sure it hadn’t been a typo. So they asked about us, and when they found out I was taking my dad to his first flight on CX and on his first trip to HK, they made sure he felt treated like a VIP. As CX’s ad says, it’s the little things they remembered, such as gently coaxing him to take some extra chocolates after lunch and asking how he enjoyed the meal service.

Of course, I had to introduce my dad to the delights I’d discovered in December:

Cathay Delight: IMO, the best non-alcoholic drink in the air

AVOD on Studio CX: smaller selection than KrisWorld, but I think the controls are more intuitive, and I love the fact that you don’t have 3 minutes of ads preceding any choice. I’m so sick of that damn Canon ad.

The CX wine list, which I found better than SQ’s. (The wine list included: Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne, Jaboulet-Vercherre Pouilly Fuisse 2002, Jamiesons Run Limestone Coast Chardonnay, Mercurey Domaine Louis Max 2001, Vieux Chateau London, Cru Bourgeois Medoc 2001 – I enjoyed the Pouilly Fuisse). I consider the dessert naked without the dessert wine (Chateau Roumieu “Haut-Placey” Sauternes 2001). ;)

For those who see the “sautéed shrimps and jade melon with marinated pork” on the menu, my advice is to choose whatever the other entrée is. This was not a good main course. Thank goodness CX desserts are great (on this flight: passionfruit chiffon cake with pistachio).

Soon it was time to land, and the cabin crew gushed some more about how nice it was for me to be treating my dad to this trip. (Gotta love it that Asian cultures place such a premium on filial piety!) I kidded them about how they really should be telling my dad about this, so they all turned to him and reminded him about how lucky he was to have a son like me. (And this being a multicultural crew, this was said in English and Tagalog.) I was lapping it up. :)

I have to say, I really like flying with CX, but mainly in their business class. I still remember, with a shudder, repeatedly having to tap my seatmate on a CX economy class flight, because his arm kept covering the immovable remote control on the armrest. Based on my preferences, I find CX’s economy class offering inferior to SQ’s (poorer IFE, worse food, less consistent service from the crew, higher price for trips to SIN and MNL). Because economy is where I usually fly when I’m on holiday, SQ remains my favorite carrier. But in business class, CX holds up pretty well against SQ, except maybe for the IFE selection and for seat comfort (see below).

First Time Visit in Hong Kong

My summary sentiment: I will have to come back to visit. I was very impressed, and had a fantastic time. It helped a lot that the weather was still cool, so I wasn’t melting into a puddle the way I normally do in tropical heat.

My list of highlights:

JW Marriott at Pacific Place. Great location, great service, and fantastic views from the lobby. Not a bad breakfast buffet as well – better than the Island Shangri-La’s, IMO – but I was disappointed not to find any fried rice.

Shopping at Pacific Place. I forgot my jacket in my brother’s car when he dropped us off at MNL, but it was easy to find a replacement here, and on sale! And the jacket’s still coming in handy in the spring evening chill of London.

The Peak: Despite the smog, the views of the cityscape were breathtaking.

Dinner (at the Yan Toh Heen restaurant) and drinks at the InterContinental Kowloon. My friend was right: Hong Kong’s nighttime skyline is second, at worst, only to Manhattan’s. It was magical for someone like me, an admirer of urban life.

HKIA and the Airport Express. Defines the notion of “seamless airport transfer”. How nice to be able to check your luggage in before heading to the airport. How nice not to have to schlep for what seems like blocks of subterranean gloom (read: Heathrow Express) to get from the train to the checkin counters.

The Pier (First Class lounge). I didn’t get to try the Wing’s FC side and the famous Cabanas, but my dad was plenty impressed with the Pier, especially:
o The quality of the food at the buffet table (he agreed that the fried rice and the cheesecake – this time a banana cheesecake – were excellent)
o The fact that drink orders at the bar (cappuccinos in our case) were delivered to where we were sitting
o The overall tranquillity of the lounge
I think CX lounges make the HKIA transit experience a wholly pleasurable one, rather than one you put up with.



Wednesday, 9 March
CX919 HKG-MNL
Business Class

This flight confirmed my previous impressions: CX business class crew had a certain spontaneity I’ve encountered less frequently among SQ crew; SQ entrees are better tasting IMO than CX’s.

One more thing confirmed: as shambolic as MNL can be, priority tags (for SQ and CX) are respected by baggage handlers. Our bags were among the first to arrive, meaning the First Class tags did signify something. Calling LHR!

Point four for travelling in business class: you get to start your holiday sooner because you’re first at the immigration counters, and if airport baggage handlers know what they’re doing, your bags are also the first on the carousel.

Thursday, 10 March
SQ73 MNL-SIN
Raffles Class

This was the flight that restored my faith in Raffles Class: warm service from the FAs, and very satisfying food. The “braised chicken with chestnut and mushroom served with assorted vegetables and fried rice” was delicious, and I loved the inclusion of ensaymadas (“cheese bread from the Philippines”, the crew called them) in the breadbasket. Ensaymadas are my favorite afternoon snacks, and they go so damn well with good coffee, which SQ serves (I like the Kenya in particular). (Another advice to visitiors in Manila: the supplier of ensaymadas to Starbucks makes fantastic versions. Go try them if you’re not on a diet!)

Singapore Interlude

There are two highlights from this part of my trip. The first is my stay at the Conrad Centennial. What a fantastic hotel. I didn’t get to take full advantage of its location – meaning its proximity to Planet Fitness in Suntec Mall – but still, I really liked the modernist, muted room décor and the expansive views from the oversized windows. Breakfast brunch (a key aspect of the hotel experience for me) was fantastic. (I did feel bad for the omelette lady, who had to serve the made-to-order eggs outside the hotel. Oy the tropical Singapore heat!) I also like the buzz in the bars and restaurants outside the hotel especially at the weekend. Very nice to feel the energy of those who live in Singapore as they relax after a week’s hard work. I now have a favorite hotel in Singapore! :)

The second highlight of my Singapore stay is probably non-replicable for other travellers. It’s my niece (and goddaughter). She has the most angelic smile and the most devilish laughter in the world – but I think she won’t do them for you the way she does them for me. :p

Sunday, 13 March
SQ320 SIN-LHR
Raffles Class

Soon it was time to head back to London. My brother and his family dropped me off at Changi, and for the first time on a SIN-LHR leg, I could tell the driver, “Please drop me off at the SIA Raffles Class area.” Awesome. ^

The SKL wasn’t crowded this time, and I could once again see why *G’s tend to be miffed that SQ negotiated an exception for the SKL when it came to the *G lounge access privilege. I was able to check email (hooray, no disasters at work!), catch up on British current events via the BBC website, and re-connect with FlyerTalk discussions, all while enjoying a lentil curry dish and sipping a glass of white wine. So very civilized.

Because I booked my flights relatively late, I could only get a seat in the lower deck (seat 24H) for this leg. Oh well. At least I could experience what it was like to fly in the less-private feel of this section of Raffles Class.

It was still a pleasure. My BTC selection worked this time, so I can now give my thumbs up on the fish soufflé. (And this time, the chief steward informed me my selection had been boarded, so it wasn’t mysterious to me why I wasn’t asked for my lunch selection.) Everything from the appetizer – tian of lobster-avocado with gazpacho sauce and mesclun – to the Movenpick ice cream with citrus coulis worked well to create a satisfying meal experience. NOTE TO SELF: give up the diet when travelling business class on SQ and CX. And be thankful you have a gym membership.

Dinner was just as good as the lunch. I didn’t realize my BTC was good for only one meal, but it didn’t matter in the end. I started with the satay and moved on to the flavourful Thai style chicken massaman curry, ending with the coconut panna cotta. I was one happy (and slowly getting fat) camper.

Yes, naturally I had a Singapore Sling. But I also discovered the difference between an economy class gin fizz and a Raffles Class gin fizz. In economy, you order the drink and the Singapore Girl brings it to you soon after it’s made in the galley. In Raffles, the FA (in my case, the chief steward) makes it, brings it to your seat, and then stands there to make sure that he didn’t make it too strong or too weak. How could you not smile after that? :)

For entertainment, I had KrisWorld, of course: the highlights were a Jude Law film (what can I say, I’m a fan of his) and “Motorcycle Diaries” (I’m an even bigger fan of Gael Garcia Bernal). But I also was fortunate to be on one of the first flights where broadband access through Connexion was possible. There was an initial hiccup when the server wouldn’t allow me to sign up, but it was soon fixed, and I notified the SQ FT board members about the service. Very impressive. It made me glad I gave into temptation while in Singapore and bought a laptop much lighter than the one I have at home. It might become a companion on my SQ trips!

On this flight, I could tell who the “trainee” was and who the more senior FAs were, by the latitude they gave themselves in interacting with me. But all were uniformly warm, eager to fulfil my requests, and a credit to SQ. I emailed SQ to let them know how much the team lived up to my high expectations.

One last note: I did get to try the seat for sleeping. I still didn't sleep all that well, but despite the recline, I found the seat much better than the CX seat when I flew LHR-HKG. I never woke up with my feet wedged into the seat frame in front of me as a result of the infamous "slip forward because of the recline" phenomenon.

Postscript: Journeys of the Mind

Travelling is so fun, I think, because you learn some things about yourself as well. What did I learn about me? Well, not surprisingly, that I respond very well, and I mean, really well, to pampering. Will I blow a portion of my future bonuses on Raffles Class? Most definitely. Maybe not on every flight I take to Asia, but definitely for a flight every year or couple of years. Good Lord, what must it be like to travel, and not for work, in first class? I can only imagine.

I have to admit, avid SQ fan that I am, that there are certain things about CX that I like better:

I’ve found the Business Class crews to be more engaging and personable; it’s not that I find SQ lacking in professionalism or approachabillity, it’s just that I’ve had an easier time connecting with CX crew from my seat (it may be a different story if I stood up and chatted with cabin crew in the galleys, for example). The CX BC crews (n=3 flights, mind you) seemed to sense that I didn’t mind a quick chat. I think the SQ Raffles crews (n=7 flights) wanted me to instigate the conversation, at which point they were more than happy to relax and chat.
I really like the multinational crew at CX: I’ve loved seeing Filipinas in the Business Class cabin and being able to chat with them in Tagalog. I also found myself warming up to CX when I heard announcements made in Tagalog (along with English and Cantonese). This has its downside, of course: your IFE gets interrupted for a period of time three times longer when the seat belt sign is turned on, for example, and this matters a lot on flights as short as MNL-HKG. I feared I wouldn’t get through my episode of Will and Grace before it was time to land. :rolleyes:

But SQ solidly remains my favorite airline, because they have been able to pull off something I wouldn’t have thought possible: they've made my flights a part of my vacations, I've grown to look forward to flying with them, and I always feel myself becoming measurably more relaxed as I board one of their aircraft (and turn right towards my economy seat!). My choice of * FFP is definitelybased on its ability to get me reward tickets on SQ: BD Diamond Club’s miles + cash program allows it to nose out, just, SQ’s KrisFlyer. Take that away, and I’ll be coming back to KF. (Heck, I’d have been a OneWorld flyer if it weren’t for SQ.)

And I do like the fact that other outstanding airlines (CX, BA, and I hear NH) are out there to keep SQ vigilant about its service standards. I want SQ to continue to earn my business. ;) As long as it does, SQ and I can happily tango together.

Wow jjpb3, truly a fantastic report! The details you were able to incorporate here show how much enjoyable this trip truly had been and I thank you for sharing it with us. It definitely made my day as I will soon head out to work.

Granted that you are now a "spoiled FTer" ;) who will always long for the premium services of SQ and CX alike, I admire you for taking your father to his first business class experience. I was born in MNL, and could definitely relate to the "premium on filial piety," and could only imagine how special this experience for both you and your father. As I've learned here at FT, earn miles from US carriers and use them up towards SQ, CX flights. I will soon experience F on SQ for an upcoming flight to MNL as well jjpb3, but I've promised myself that the next chunk of my miles would be alloted towards the enjoyment of my parents.

So are you fluent in Tagalog? I guess there weren't any Filipina FAs on you SQ segments ;) . Also, you seem very satisfied with the Conrad hotel in Singapore and now, will probably look into that property as well. Anyways, thanks and again, truly a fun fun read ^

Jeff

Sunday, 13 March
SQ320 MNL-SIN
Raffles Class
I think this one should be SIN-LHR
Great report ^

Wow jjpb3, truly a fantastic report! The details you were able to incorporate here show how much enjoyable this trip truly had been and I thank you for sharing it with us. It definitely made my day as I will soon head out to work.

Granted that you are now a "spoiled FTer" ;) who will always long for the premium services of SQ and CX alike, I admire you for taking your father to his first business class experience. I was born in MNL, and could definitely relate to the "premium on filial piety," and could only imagine how special this experience for both you and your father. As I've learned here at FT, earn miles from US carriers and use them up towards SQ, CX flights. I will soon experience F on SQ for an upcoming flight to MNL as well jjpb3, but I've promised myself that the next chunk of my miles would be alloted towards the enjoyment of my parents.

So are you fluent in Tagalog? I guess there weren't any Filipina FAs on you SQ segments ;) . Also, you seem very satisfied with the Conrad hotel in Singapore and now, will probably look into that property as well. Anyways, thanks and again, truly a fun fun read ^

Jeff

Oh no, you're heading out to work on a Sunday? I feel for you. Been working a bit from home today. :) Funny you should mention earning miles on one carrier and redeeming on another: that's what I'm doing with BD (mainly because their routes are hard to fit with my travel schedule; otherwise, I've heard they're quite good).

And yes, I'm fluent in Tagalog. Born and raised in Manila, and my brothers would hang me up by my thumbs if I ever forgot my native tongue.

Thanks for the very kind words. :)

Sunday, 13 March
SQ320 MNL-SIN
Raffles Class
I think this one should be SIN-LHR
Great report ^

Duly corrected. ;) Thanks.

Glad to see that you enjoyed your well deserved SQ Raffles Class & CX Business Class trips.

Just some comments from me... :)
- Like you, I feel SIN is somehow more uplifting than HKG. HKG is sleek & cool, but SIN is warm & welcoming.
- I like Cathay Delight alot - although too many wouldn't be good on the waistline ;)
- No need to worry about dieting on airplanes IMHO ... that's StarG wisdom ;) :D. I always lose 1 kg after a long haul flight, because the food portions are smaller than my normal meal portions. :P

A very nice trip report, jjpb3! ^ Keep it coming!

Nice trip report. You know there's no turning back now? :D

Nice report - especially the sharply observed differences between SQ and CX. 2 great airlines, 2 different styles, both with happy customers.

This was truly one of the most enjoyable reports I've read here, jjpb3! Reading this, its obvious how much you love your dad so much and how important it was to share this experience together.
My parents have long since been deceased and never had this kind of opportunity but I was some how able to imagine what it could have been like through you.
I don't know you but I truly respect you! ^

Thanks for the kind words, everyone; I'm glad you enjoyed the trip report. Yes, Kiwi Flyer, I'm way down the slippery slope. :)

Nice report!

Would love to try CX C-Class at some time in the future... But unfortunately not enough money or Oneworld-miles available at the moment!

Did you stay at the Conrad Centennial Hotel or the "M" by Millenium Hotels? Coz I can´t find any info on the "Conrad Millenium" you mentioned!

Greetings, Tom

It's actually called the Conrad Centennial.

MAN Flyer has it right: I meant the Conrad Centennial. :D

Sunday, 6 March
AVOD on Studio CX: smaller selection than KrisWorld, but I think the controls are more intuitive, and I love the fact that you don’t have 3 minutes of ads preceding any choice. I’m so sick of that damn Canon ad.


jjpb3 - Excellent! ^ Enjoyed your trip report. BTW, I found a way of getting rid of those pesky 3 min ad on SQ- use the fast forward button at the bottom of the handset. Since that discovery, IFE was a lot more enjoyable :D

Great report. I've taken quite a few friends and family for their first premium class flight and really enjoyed watching them soak itall in.

My father-in-law had never even been on a 747 when we took him on CX to South Africa in First Class. He made a comment "I like 747s." So I made him take a walk back to Y and he changed that to "I like CX first class."

I look forward to your future reports.

jjpb3 - Excellent! ^ Enjoyed your trip report. BTW, I found a way of getting rid of those pesky 3 min ad on SQ- use the fast forward button at the bottom of the handset. Since that discovery, IFE was a lot more enjoyable :D

The problem with me was, I could almost never stop the fast-forward action close to where the show was just about to begin. Instead I would tend to catch the start of the Canon ad (which I think was the last in the series of ads). Looks like you have a far more adroit thumb than I, SQFAN. ;)

When I quibble like that, a friend reminds me, "Well, would you like to go back to the alternative?". :eek: It's a matter of perspective, isn't it? olafman, I really enjoyed reading about how your dad refined his.

I also discovered the difference between an economy class gin fizz and a Raffles Class gin fizz. In economy, you order the drink and the Singapore Girl brings it to you soon after it’s made in the galley. In Raffles, the FA (in my case, the chief steward) makes it, brings it to your seat, and then stands there to make sure that he didn’t make it too strong or too weak. How could you not smile after that?

Great stuff, and typical of the Singapore Air experience. If only I could trade one of my First Class on Cathay awards for a First Class on Singapore award. Not to take anything away from Cathay, but hey - variety is the spice of life.

Thanks for this interesting report

Thanks for the kind words, everyone; I'm glad you enjoyed the trip report. Yes, Kiwi Flyer, I'm way down the slippery slope. :)


Im down that slope too, did my first RTW in business earlier in the year and ive already booked one on "the world journey" for jan 2006. My excuse last time was a 50th birthday present. Dont know what im going to tell my partner for this one, she doesnt know ive booked it yet!