Nick C
Jul 24, 08, 7:20 am
5 July 2008
Sydney (SYD) – Singapore (SIN)
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Flight: SQ232
Aircraft: B747-400
Registration: 9V-SPF
ETD: 1130
ATD: 1120
ETA: 1745
ATA: 1720
Flight Time: 8 hrs
Seat: 11A (Business)
After a short break in Melbourne, it was time to go back to Singapore for a slightly longer break to get away from the cold and soak up the sun and humidity. Left my apartment at 0840 and was the airport by 0900. I simply love weekend morning traffic. The roads are so empty! The check-in counters were still rather empty and the business class counters were also serving the few groups of economy passengers and so I was ushered to the first class counter. The usual security questions and my boarding pass was issued. Picked up 4 dozen doughnuts (I have no idea why most Singaporeans love them so much it’s nothing special just loads of sugar!) and made my way through the fast track lane. Everyone (Immigration/Customs/TRS) seemed to want a doughnut! Settled my TRS (Tourist Refund Scheme) for my Wii and made my way to the SKL lounge for a shower and my morning dose of caffeine.
Nothing fancy but a shower is always good before a flight.
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/PIC-0001.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/PIC-0002.jpg
Caffeine is good for you!
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8708.jpg
Call for boarding was made at 1100. Made my way to the priority line at gate 57 (Same gate as A380) which had no queue and was onboard in 2 minutes. Pre-takeoff drinks were served. Only Piper Heidsieck was offered in J, no Dom or Krug.
Fizzy Bubbly
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8712.jpg
Useful storage compartments on the upper deck of the 744.
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8716.jpg
Boarding was done by 1115 and we pushed back slightly early. A very slow taxi to 34L allowed some spotting. Saw Whalejet 9V-SKD undergoing some maintenance.
QF 747 after landing on 34L
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8709.jpg
View of 34L from holding point
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8710.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8711.jpg
After take off, more top ups of fizzy bubbly before lunch was served.
lunch menu
A Savoury Note
Marinated salmon with feta, tomato and cucumber salad
Choice of balsamic or bush tomato dressing
The Main Event
*Roasted chicken breast, borderlaise sauce, bacon, sauteed spinach, linguine
Wok fried beef in black peppercorn sauce served with braised beancurd and vegetables, fried rice
Grilled kingfish served with roasted tomato coulis, buttered broccolini and steamed gourmet potato
Lamb shank korma served with mushroom and peas masala and briyani rice
A Sweet Note
Baked cheese cake
The Cheese Board
Gourmet cheese with garnishes
Fruit
A selection of fresh fruit
A Connoisseur's Choice
Gourmet coffee
Selection of tea
and pralines
refreshment menu
To Nibble On...
Thai style fried rice with pineapple, chicken and prawns
Penne with arrabiata sauce, roasted eggplant, wilted arugula, shaved parmesan cheese
A Connoisseur's Choice
Gourmet coffee
Selection of tea
and pralines
*Exclusively created by Matthew Moran of Aria Restaurant, Sydney
SQ232A SYD-SIN (L/HR) 28-1.1 07 RC
Marinated salmon with feta, tomato and cucumber salad
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8714.jpg
Had the Lamb shank korma served with mushroom and peas masala and briyani rice for my mains.
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8715.jpg
Had a good and fruitful nap after lunch and woke up just as the aircraft started it’s decent into Changi.
Over Batam
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8717.jpg
Touched down on 20R and we parked next to other 744s at gate A16 in T3. Immigration was fast with the biometric scanners and I was at landside 20 minutes after touch down.
Service: 9/10 Food: 8/10 Aircraft: 9/10
12 July 2008
Singapore (SIN) – Bangkok (BKK)
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Flight: SQ970
Aircraft: B777-300
Registration: 9V-SYE
Seat: 37G (Economy)
After bumming around for a week in Singapore, it was time to head off to Bangkok for shopping! Checked in at T2 and headed to T3 to use the Krisflyer Gold lounge instead of the horrible SATS lounge in T2.
T3 Krisflyer Gold Lounge
Entrance
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr005.jpg
Comfy seats
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr001.jpg
Nice skylight
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr002.jpg
Testing Wireless@SG
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr003.jpg
Open feel (I prefer this over the SKL)
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr004.jpg
Saw this while at the “oxygen intake” area
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr006.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr007.jpg
Flight
Aircraft today was a “STAR ALLIANCE” liveried B773, 9V-SYE (One of the 5 773s in SQ’s fleet without AVOD). Pushback was on time but there was a queue for takeoff, which caused a slight delay, but we still arrived on time. Seems like SQ has stopped giving out menus in Y for the shorter regional hops.
Cheese Omelette with ???
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr008.jpg
Legroom shot
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr009.jpg
Arrived at the horrible BKK airport on time. Cleared immigration in 10 mins, which was fast compared to my last trip there. Instead of heading to the same immigration like everyone else, walk slightly further to the central section. There are less people there and more counters are manned.
Arrival Hall (Landside)
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr010.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr011.jpg
Limo to the hotel
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr012.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr013.jpg
Service: 8/10 Food: 8/10 Aircraft: 8/10
14 July 2008
Bangkok (BKK) – Singapore (SIN)
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Flight: SQ631
Aircraft: B777-200ER
Registration: 9V-SQM
Seat: 42G (Economy)
3 days in BKK passed too quickly. BKK really defines the word CHEAP. 400 Baht (Including tips) to the airport by taxi is cheap!
Departure Hall (Landside)
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr014.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr015.jpg
Departure Hall (Airside)
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr016.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr017.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr018.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr019.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr020.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr021.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr034.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr035.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr036.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr037.jpg
Getting to the SKL Lounge
Finding the lounge in BKK is no easy feat. Apart from the excellent signs to the Royal Silk Lounges, signages to the other CIP lounges are horrible. Just head towards Concourse C to get to the SKL.
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr022.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr023.jpg
SKL Entrance
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr024.jpg
Lounge Environment
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr025.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr027.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr032.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr033.jpg
F&B Area
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr029.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr030.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr026.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr028.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr031.jpg
Flight
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr038.jpg
SQ631 was operated by 9V-SQM, which meant food was ex-NRT!
Breaded pork with ???
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr039.jpg
Push back was 10 mins early and arrival was on time.
Service: 8/10 Food: 9/10 Aircraft: 8/10
24 July 2008
Singapore (SIN) – Sydney (SYD)
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Flight: SQ231
Aircraft: B747-400
Registration: 9V-SPL
ETD: 0030
ATD: 0031
ETA: 0955
ATA: 0957
Flight Time: 7.43 hrs
Seat: 11A (Business)
This flight closes the chapter on my enjoyable winter break (Southern hemisphere). 25 days on the go - 8 flights and lots eating.
I left the house at 9.00 pm and got to the airport by 9.25pm, could have been faster if the KPE (Kallang Paya-Lebar Expressway) speed limit was 90km/h instead of the pathetic 70km/h. Singapore uses lots of acronyms!
Proceed to very deserted Row 6 for check-in and was ushered to the counter. Along the way, I passed Row 3, which had a long snaking queue for Economy while Row 4, which was for passengers to bag drop after doing an online check-in, or SMS check in was “queueless”. Check-in was a painless affair, handed my KrisFlyer card, passport, e-ticket to the check-in agent. Boarding pass was issued promptly and to my delight, it was the new wider boarding pass for Business class. I know some frequent flyers prefer the previous generation ones but I like the newer one. I don’t misplace it that easily.
Wider Boarding Pass
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/sq231_9.jpg
Immigration clearance was fast with the E-IACS counters. They should clean the fingerprint scanners more frequently. There was a layer of oil on mine. Yucks! After which I proceeded to DFS to pick up a brick of oxygen sticks which was rock bottom cheap. Imagine a pack costs S$2 at DFS but it’s $10 at landside. A visit to the T3 SilverKris Lounge was next on the list.
T3 SilverKris Lounge
Main Entrance
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/sq231_4.jpg
Seat Area
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/sq231_1.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/sq231_2.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/sq231_3.jpg
Had some drinks and a few nibbles. Coffee was lovely! It’s so much better than the T2 SKL but I would rather go the KF*G lounge just next door as it’s less busy ignoring the fact that there aren’t any attached washrooms. The lounge was packed when I got in at 10.30 pm but people started leaving by 11.00 pm. By the time I left at 11.45, there were many pockets of empty seats.
Boarding was at B2, which meant that it the multiple gate holding area. Security clearance was slow. SLOW. 3 lines, no priority line at all. Took me 20 minutes to get through. This was a 747 flight not an A380 flight!
Flight
Aircraft today was 9V-SPL. One of the “newer” B744s in the fleet but it had the older fittings.
Had a glass of Piper Heidsieck for my pre-flight drink.
Push backed a minute behind scheduled and taxied to 20C for take off.
Made a feeble attempt to plane spot while taxing with the A710IS. Still it’s better for doing trip reports compared to the 1-series.
9V-VLB
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/sq231_5.jpg
Had some more bubbly after take off and I slept till breakfast.
Sunrise over Australia
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/sq231_6.jpg
I had made a BTC (Book The Cook) reservation when I made my flight bookings and selected Nasi biryani.
Fruits
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/sq231_7.jpg
Nasi biryani
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/sq231_8.jpg
Nasi biryani was so-so. Fragrant smell but just didn’t taste right. Rice was hard and under cooked. Chicken pieces were too dry. Doesn’t taste as good as it used to on BTC.
menu
To allow you a longer period of undisturbed rest, please let us know your preference for the following meal service options:
- To be served your meal soon after take-off
OR
- To be served your meal about 2 hours before arrival
To Start With
A choice of apple, tomato or freshly squeezed orange juice
The Main Event
Singapore nasi lemak
Malay style coconut rice with spicy prawns, peanuts, ikan bilis, grilled fish cake, egg omelette and fried chicken
A local favourite served with sambal chilli
Warm focaccia with chicken, pesto spread and fontina cheese, grilled vegetables
Braised rice vermicelli with scallops, prawns, fish and leafy greens
American Breakfast
Fruit yoghurt
Poached egg with bacon, sauteed spinach, tomato and potatoes
Bread selection with preserves
Continental Breakfast
Assorted bread with preserves
Prawn noodle soup
Noodles in broth served with prawn and fish cake
Your meal will be served with a selection of sliced fresh fruits
A Connoisseur's Choice
Gourmet coffee
Selection of tea
After breakfast was cleared, we began our descent into overcast Sydney touching down on 16R 2 minutes after scheduled arrival.
Being one of the first out of the plane meant no queues for a 10.00 am arrival which meant that I could save the fast track pass for another day.
Express Pass
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/sq231_0.jpg
Was cleared by a customs official at the carousal and I was home 30 minutes after touch down.
Service: 9/10 Food: 7/10 Aircraft: 8/10
Sydney (SYD) – Singapore (SIN)
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Flight: SQ232
Aircraft: B747-400
Registration: 9V-SPF
ETD: 1130
ATD: 1120
ETA: 1745
ATA: 1720
Flight Time: 8 hrs
Seat: 11A (Business)
After a short break in Melbourne, it was time to go back to Singapore for a slightly longer break to get away from the cold and soak up the sun and humidity. Left my apartment at 0840 and was the airport by 0900. I simply love weekend morning traffic. The roads are so empty! The check-in counters were still rather empty and the business class counters were also serving the few groups of economy passengers and so I was ushered to the first class counter. The usual security questions and my boarding pass was issued. Picked up 4 dozen doughnuts (I have no idea why most Singaporeans love them so much it’s nothing special just loads of sugar!) and made my way through the fast track lane. Everyone (Immigration/Customs/TRS) seemed to want a doughnut! Settled my TRS (Tourist Refund Scheme) for my Wii and made my way to the SKL lounge for a shower and my morning dose of caffeine.
Nothing fancy but a shower is always good before a flight.
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/PIC-0001.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/PIC-0002.jpg
Caffeine is good for you!
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8708.jpg
Call for boarding was made at 1100. Made my way to the priority line at gate 57 (Same gate as A380) which had no queue and was onboard in 2 minutes. Pre-takeoff drinks were served. Only Piper Heidsieck was offered in J, no Dom or Krug.
Fizzy Bubbly
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8712.jpg
Useful storage compartments on the upper deck of the 744.
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8716.jpg
Boarding was done by 1115 and we pushed back slightly early. A very slow taxi to 34L allowed some spotting. Saw Whalejet 9V-SKD undergoing some maintenance.
QF 747 after landing on 34L
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8709.jpg
View of 34L from holding point
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8710.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8711.jpg
After take off, more top ups of fizzy bubbly before lunch was served.
lunch menu
A Savoury Note
Marinated salmon with feta, tomato and cucumber salad
Choice of balsamic or bush tomato dressing
The Main Event
*Roasted chicken breast, borderlaise sauce, bacon, sauteed spinach, linguine
Wok fried beef in black peppercorn sauce served with braised beancurd and vegetables, fried rice
Grilled kingfish served with roasted tomato coulis, buttered broccolini and steamed gourmet potato
Lamb shank korma served with mushroom and peas masala and briyani rice
A Sweet Note
Baked cheese cake
The Cheese Board
Gourmet cheese with garnishes
Fruit
A selection of fresh fruit
A Connoisseur's Choice
Gourmet coffee
Selection of tea
and pralines
refreshment menu
To Nibble On...
Thai style fried rice with pineapple, chicken and prawns
Penne with arrabiata sauce, roasted eggplant, wilted arugula, shaved parmesan cheese
A Connoisseur's Choice
Gourmet coffee
Selection of tea
and pralines
*Exclusively created by Matthew Moran of Aria Restaurant, Sydney
SQ232A SYD-SIN (L/HR) 28-1.1 07 RC
Marinated salmon with feta, tomato and cucumber salad
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8714.jpg
Had the Lamb shank korma served with mushroom and peas masala and briyani rice for my mains.
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8715.jpg
Had a good and fruitful nap after lunch and woke up just as the aircraft started it’s decent into Changi.
Over Batam
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/trip/_X1G8717.jpg
Touched down on 20R and we parked next to other 744s at gate A16 in T3. Immigration was fast with the biometric scanners and I was at landside 20 minutes after touch down.
Service: 9/10 Food: 8/10 Aircraft: 9/10
12 July 2008
Singapore (SIN) – Bangkok (BKK)
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Flight: SQ970
Aircraft: B777-300
Registration: 9V-SYE
Seat: 37G (Economy)
After bumming around for a week in Singapore, it was time to head off to Bangkok for shopping! Checked in at T2 and headed to T3 to use the Krisflyer Gold lounge instead of the horrible SATS lounge in T2.
T3 Krisflyer Gold Lounge
Entrance
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr005.jpg
Comfy seats
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr001.jpg
Nice skylight
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr002.jpg
Testing Wireless@SG
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr003.jpg
Open feel (I prefer this over the SKL)
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr004.jpg
Saw this while at the “oxygen intake” area
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr006.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr007.jpg
Flight
Aircraft today was a “STAR ALLIANCE” liveried B773, 9V-SYE (One of the 5 773s in SQ’s fleet without AVOD). Pushback was on time but there was a queue for takeoff, which caused a slight delay, but we still arrived on time. Seems like SQ has stopped giving out menus in Y for the shorter regional hops.
Cheese Omelette with ???
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr008.jpg
Legroom shot
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr009.jpg
Arrived at the horrible BKK airport on time. Cleared immigration in 10 mins, which was fast compared to my last trip there. Instead of heading to the same immigration like everyone else, walk slightly further to the central section. There are less people there and more counters are manned.
Arrival Hall (Landside)
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr010.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr011.jpg
Limo to the hotel
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr012.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr013.jpg
Service: 8/10 Food: 8/10 Aircraft: 8/10
14 July 2008
Bangkok (BKK) – Singapore (SIN)
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Flight: SQ631
Aircraft: B777-200ER
Registration: 9V-SQM
Seat: 42G (Economy)
3 days in BKK passed too quickly. BKK really defines the word CHEAP. 400 Baht (Including tips) to the airport by taxi is cheap!
Departure Hall (Landside)
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr014.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr015.jpg
Departure Hall (Airside)
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr016.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr017.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr018.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr019.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr020.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr021.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr034.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr035.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr036.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr037.jpg
Getting to the SKL Lounge
Finding the lounge in BKK is no easy feat. Apart from the excellent signs to the Royal Silk Lounges, signages to the other CIP lounges are horrible. Just head towards Concourse C to get to the SKL.
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr022.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr023.jpg
SKL Entrance
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr024.jpg
Lounge Environment
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr025.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr027.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr032.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr033.jpg
F&B Area
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr029.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr030.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr026.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr028.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii277/iexistiwashere/bangkok/bkktr031.jpg
Flight
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SQ631 was operated by 9V-SQM, which meant food was ex-NRT!
Breaded pork with ???
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Push back was 10 mins early and arrival was on time.
Service: 8/10 Food: 9/10 Aircraft: 8/10
24 July 2008
Singapore (SIN) – Sydney (SYD)
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Flight: SQ231
Aircraft: B747-400
Registration: 9V-SPL
ETD: 0030
ATD: 0031
ETA: 0955
ATA: 0957
Flight Time: 7.43 hrs
Seat: 11A (Business)
This flight closes the chapter on my enjoyable winter break (Southern hemisphere). 25 days on the go - 8 flights and lots eating.
I left the house at 9.00 pm and got to the airport by 9.25pm, could have been faster if the KPE (Kallang Paya-Lebar Expressway) speed limit was 90km/h instead of the pathetic 70km/h. Singapore uses lots of acronyms!
Proceed to very deserted Row 6 for check-in and was ushered to the counter. Along the way, I passed Row 3, which had a long snaking queue for Economy while Row 4, which was for passengers to bag drop after doing an online check-in, or SMS check in was “queueless”. Check-in was a painless affair, handed my KrisFlyer card, passport, e-ticket to the check-in agent. Boarding pass was issued promptly and to my delight, it was the new wider boarding pass for Business class. I know some frequent flyers prefer the previous generation ones but I like the newer one. I don’t misplace it that easily.
Wider Boarding Pass
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Immigration clearance was fast with the E-IACS counters. They should clean the fingerprint scanners more frequently. There was a layer of oil on mine. Yucks! After which I proceeded to DFS to pick up a brick of oxygen sticks which was rock bottom cheap. Imagine a pack costs S$2 at DFS but it’s $10 at landside. A visit to the T3 SilverKris Lounge was next on the list.
T3 SilverKris Lounge
Main Entrance
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Seat Area
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Had some drinks and a few nibbles. Coffee was lovely! It’s so much better than the T2 SKL but I would rather go the KF*G lounge just next door as it’s less busy ignoring the fact that there aren’t any attached washrooms. The lounge was packed when I got in at 10.30 pm but people started leaving by 11.00 pm. By the time I left at 11.45, there were many pockets of empty seats.
Boarding was at B2, which meant that it the multiple gate holding area. Security clearance was slow. SLOW. 3 lines, no priority line at all. Took me 20 minutes to get through. This was a 747 flight not an A380 flight!
Flight
Aircraft today was 9V-SPL. One of the “newer” B744s in the fleet but it had the older fittings.
Had a glass of Piper Heidsieck for my pre-flight drink.
Push backed a minute behind scheduled and taxied to 20C for take off.
Made a feeble attempt to plane spot while taxing with the A710IS. Still it’s better for doing trip reports compared to the 1-series.
9V-VLB
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Had some more bubbly after take off and I slept till breakfast.
Sunrise over Australia
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I had made a BTC (Book The Cook) reservation when I made my flight bookings and selected Nasi biryani.
Fruits
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Nasi biryani
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Nasi biryani was so-so. Fragrant smell but just didn’t taste right. Rice was hard and under cooked. Chicken pieces were too dry. Doesn’t taste as good as it used to on BTC.
menu
To allow you a longer period of undisturbed rest, please let us know your preference for the following meal service options:
- To be served your meal soon after take-off
OR
- To be served your meal about 2 hours before arrival
To Start With
A choice of apple, tomato or freshly squeezed orange juice
The Main Event
Singapore nasi lemak
Malay style coconut rice with spicy prawns, peanuts, ikan bilis, grilled fish cake, egg omelette and fried chicken
A local favourite served with sambal chilli
Warm focaccia with chicken, pesto spread and fontina cheese, grilled vegetables
Braised rice vermicelli with scallops, prawns, fish and leafy greens
American Breakfast
Fruit yoghurt
Poached egg with bacon, sauteed spinach, tomato and potatoes
Bread selection with preserves
Continental Breakfast
Assorted bread with preserves
Prawn noodle soup
Noodles in broth served with prawn and fish cake
Your meal will be served with a selection of sliced fresh fruits
A Connoisseur's Choice
Gourmet coffee
Selection of tea
After breakfast was cleared, we began our descent into overcast Sydney touching down on 16R 2 minutes after scheduled arrival.
Being one of the first out of the plane meant no queues for a 10.00 am arrival which meant that I could save the fast track pass for another day.
Express Pass
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Was cleared by a customs official at the carousal and I was home 30 minutes after touch down.
Service: 9/10 Food: 7/10 Aircraft: 8/10