TEX277

TG 431 BKK-DPS

We boarded from a remote stand that although inconvenient did allow for a close quarters photo of the aircraft. I was pleased to discover that the business cabin was relatively empty on this flight with only around 40% of seats taken. This was nice especially after the first cabin on the previous two SQ flights had a combined total of one spare seat!!! A choice of OJ, water or Champagne was offered as a preflight drink.

I was pleasantly surprised by the cabin in this TG A300-600! Although the seats did look a little old (with the old style dial to change audio channel and volume!!) the cabin was well maintained. There was no pen marks and signs of wear and tear like I usually find on US domestics.

The FAs through themselves into the drinks and meal service immediately as the fasten seatbelt sign went off. Their enthusiasm to serve us with food was fantastic and I only wished that I had them on some of my other short flight ie. LGW-CDG, LAX-LAS. The strange thing was that this was not a short flight - it was scheduled for over 4 hours! I later realised that this enthuasiasm enabled them to take the aft business cabin to a 'little' rest once the meal service was completed. I was quite surprised to find that they all retired without even leaving us with drinks.



I did notice on the flight that the seat pitch did cause problems. Although it was spacious enough for comfortable travel without being excessive, with the passenger in front fully reclined the lady opposite was physically unable to get her tray table out for the meal service. Rather unfortunately the passenger in front was fairly indignant with the FA when she explained the problem and asked him if he'd kindly raise his seat for the meal service.

Arrival at DPS

I know that they are on a different scale to each other but DPS proved that, unlike BKK, airports can be quick and easy to exit. From stepping off the aircraft, walking to immigration, purchasing and processing my visa on arrival ($25 for upto 30 days), having my handbaggage scanned, collecting my two pieces of luggage, having a chat with a customs officer about a query with the declarations, clearing customs and finally changing some money took my all of 20 minutes^

Sanur Beach Hotel

I suppose that the purpose of this trip, as well as wanting a proper beach holiday, was to revisit a hotel where my travel bug first began on my first ever overseas trip at the age of 8. Now, 22 years later I find myself at the same Sanur Beach Hotel where I had a stopover with my uncle and grandad on our way to Australia in 1984. The hotel itself is certainly nothing too special but the grounds, and its sentimental value, certainly make up for that. There are two swimming pools and of course the beach is just the other side of the footpath. I booked with the hotel directly on the internet for a seven night stay all-inclusive for $73 per night. I am here (with slow internet access and no ability to update the photos until I get back to SIN) until the 17th and will enjoy my time here by the pools and beach.

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TEX277

Taxi to DPS from hotel

I arrived at the airport in a taxi from my hotel. The driver was very friendly and gave me his card and said that if I return any time soon to give him a ring beforehand and he will collect me from the airport for only 75000 Rupiah instead of the usual 85000. I thanked him, took his card whilst calculating that whilst the proposed offer would save me around £0.6 it would cost me either the equivalent in postage or the telephone call! The gesture was appreciated though and I kept his card.

Check-in for SQ143 DPS-SIN

Despite small signs and a very crowded exterior, the airport was quite easy to navigate. It was good to see that only passengers are allowed into the terminal. Having shown the security officer my e-ticket (I am glad I printed it out!!) and after me and my entire luggage being x-rayed, I was allowed into the check-in area. Inside the terminal there was a sense of calm and tranquillity that was absent outside. I quickly found the check-in desk and was pleased to find that although all of the agents were busy with passengers, there was no queue. After being called to the desk and handing my passport over, the agent confirmed that I was travelling home to London. I said I was but I needed my luggage back for the overnight in Singapore (a proper hotel this time with a real comfy bed (courtesy again of the SPG points won at the London Do along with just $45 – I am not doing a SKL F lounge sleepover ever again!) and would be grateful if she would only check me in for the DPS-SIN segment. She printed my baggage stickers out, confirmed my pre-reserved seat (12K) and pulled out two F priority luggage tags for my bags. I was actually very impressed by this as the aircraft was only a two class configuration I expected her to pluck two tags from the mountain of Raffles tags in front of her. She had evidently noted that I was on a First ticket and acted accordingly. Nice touch! I took my BP and lounge invite, thanked her and went upstairs to the pay my Passenger Service Charge of 100000 Rupiah.

Immigration

Next was the Immigration desk that immediately brought back the recollection of my BKK faux pas. This time though I was prepared. Fearing another idiotic oversight I took the opportunity on the BKK-DPS flight (whilst the embarrassment was still fresh) to complete both the arrival and departure cards for Indonesia! The lady in front of me in the queue had obviously not been reading my trip report on FT and decided to provide me with a wry smirk by presenting an incomplete departure card to the official. She and her travel companion in the adjacent queue were asked to move aside whilst they fill in the necessary details so that the queue could keep moving. I approached the desk and handed my documents over. The official processed them before returning them to me. I picked them up and, just before I walked away, heard one of the ladies asking the other “What’s our immediate destination?” Perhaps I am not so bad after all?!

Premier Lounge

After a quick walk around the Duty Free shops (200 Marlboros for $13 seemed good!) I followed the signs to the Premier Lounge and turned in my invitation. Although the lounge did offer wireless internet access, to which I successfully connected, I just could not get any website to download. I gave up and took the opportunity to catch up writing my trip report into Word. The lounge itself is quite nice. Numerous airlines share the lounge but it has enough room to accommodate everybody without a crowded feel and plenty more space and seating available. It has a selection of food including chocolate éclairs (that I managed to resist) and a nice outdoor patio area with four small tables and around each table are four chairs. Both the patio and the main lounge have views out to sea and of the end of the runway.

SQ143 DPS-SIN

Thanks to the priority boarding line, I slipped past the masses and walked straight onto the aircraft. Every other seat in business was occupied as I took my seat. The predeparture drink was noticeable by its absence. My seatmate collared a passing member of cabin crew and asked for a drink. Only one FA was conducting the predeparture drinks service for the entire cabin and, after distributing drinks on the opposite aisle, he walked through the galley and appeared in front of me and offered a drink. The tray he was carrying now only held several glasses of orange juice. I asked for a glass of Champagne and was told "I am sorry Sir, we have ran out of Champagne!". The two seconds in which that statement left me speechless allowed my seatmate to jump straight in - "We have not yet even had a single predeparture drink and you are telling us that you are out of Champagne???" The FA said he'd have a look and see what he could find. He returned a couple of minutes later with a tray full of Champagne glasses. Out of Champagne?! Looks like he was just too lazy to open another bottle and pour some drinks! Poor service!

That opened up conversation between myself and my seatmate and I am glad to say that we chatted for most of the flight. We were interrupted by the meal service and tucked in. After finishing my salad and main course, I noticed a small plate on the lower left of my tray just behind a small bowl containing some butter. I wonder what they were for with the absence of bread? I was not until after I and everybody else in the cabin had polished off dessert that the FA approached with a bread basket. The FA was the same guy who had informed us (lied to us) of the absence of Champagne. He made the same mistake again and approached us firsts. My seatmate expressed a dissatisfaction with the timing of the bread offering and let it be known that he was not happy with the service provided on this flight. The FA received several more similar comments from other passengers before retreating to the safety of the galley. Personally of all of the flights on this trip, I found this one to be worsed. I was expecting the TG A300 to be a horrid experience but that came out ahead of the poor service that we all received on this SQ flight. To be fair with the FAs the cabin was full and it did seem that they were a crew member light. But my seatmate informed me that he had been noticing the SQ slip on this particular route for a while.

Due to the conversation with my seatmate, time flew past and I realised that we were starting our descent and I had yet to complete my immigration card . Again SIN was operating on only one runway which led to a further 15 minute delay (we were 30 minutes late leaving DPS due to the late arrival of the inbound flight). The approach had was not eventless. We hit some clouds and turbulance ensued. I was aware of some lightening in the area but then I looked out of my window just in time to see a bolt of lightening as close as I ever seen in my life. It was followed a nanosecond later by a crack of thunder. That was close!

As the crew did not retreive the menus on this flight, I took the opportunity of allowing one to walk into my carry-on. Apologies to whomever was seated in 12K for the return flight to DPS (SQ146) on 17th December. I have your menu



SIN arrival

I think we have a winner!! From touchdown, through taxi, parking, disembarkation, the walk from gate F58 to immigration, being processed at immigration, changing a few £s into S$, collecting my two checked-in bags, clearing customs, right up until the taxi door closing after I got in - 22 minutes! ^ ^ ^

Sheraton Towers Singapore

The taxi from SIN to the hotel cost S$18 and took us through a torrential downpour. Check-in was quick and the agent confirmed my cash and points redemption. 2800 points along with US$45 converting to around S$65. I was allocated room 1603 on the northern Scotts Road facing corner. After setting up my laptop my luggage arrived. I accessed the hotel's hi-speed internet access (S$29 for 24 hours) and rang my wife using skype. Despite it being 09:30 back in the UK, my wife was still in bed and missed my first call. A second call placed immediately after leaving a quick 'get of of bed, lazy' message was answered and we chatted for a couple of hours.

The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel (finally!)

This was the fifth time that I have spent at least one night in Singapore this year. The one thing that I really wanted to do was to enjoy a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar inside the Raffles Hotel but on none of my previous four visits had we/I managed to get around to doing it. With some encouragement from my wife, after hanging up I headed out bound for Raffles. The hotel door opened and I was immediately greeted by the sound and sight of rainfall that you just do not see (often) in the UK. Waiting a few minutes allowed for a lull in the rainfall and I darted out for the MRT station a couple of doors down the road.

I stopped off at the food court directly opposite Somerset MRT on Orchard Road for a quick bit to eat. S$7.5 got me a bowl of soup and rice along with a plate of sizzlingly hot fried lamb and a Sprite.

The Long Bar is located on the first floor (by UK defintion) and the first thing that you notice even before entering are the discarded nut shells on the floor outside the bar. I took a seat at a table inside, ordered my Singapore Sling and set about tackling the mountain of nuts on the table. The bar was fairly busy but seating was available. Obviously, everybody else was part of a group and as a lone solo drinker I became just a little conscious. That quickly disappeared when I realised that most of the others in there were also first timers and I noticed frequent flashes from cameras as people posed with their drinks. Upon delivery of my second Sling, I asked the waitress if she'd mind taking my photo.

Once my final drink was completed, I asked for my bill and presented my DPS-SIN BP stub that entitled me to a discount thanks to SQ's 'Boarding Pass Privileges' scheme. The bill came to S$35 (S$5 discount).

philfna

Wow absolutely wonderful report. Makes me want to goto the far east again...:-)

TEX277

I am currently lazing in bed at home with Mrs TEX277. I have made the final update to the photos and do hope that you all enjoy looking through them.

Sometime later today I intend to complete the final installment of the Trip Report covering the final leg of my trip from SIN-LHR.

Anyway, back to trying to persuade Mrs TEX277 to cook me breakfast in bed! @:-)

TEX277

Check-in for SQ320 SIN-LHR 18th December 2006

After a quick taxi ride to the airport (S$15), I was greeted by a porter at the First Class drop-off area of SIN T2. I think he asked if I was travelling in First once more than I'd have liked but loaded my bags and escorted me to the SQ First check-in lounge. Check-in was handled quickly and efficiently and soon on my way through immigration with my BP for 1B.

SIN Departure Lounge

The check-in agent had warned me that the gate (E28) was a long walk. I decided that I'd take a walk to the gate, have a look at the aircraft before entering the SQ SKL F lounge and searching FT to see if the aircraft had Connexion working. Walking was a big mistake for this gate was the last in T2 and jumping on the transit train to T1 and walking back would have been far quicker!!

However, just as I was approaching gate E28 I noticed a group of SQ girls walking towards me . One of their male colleagues made eye contact and asked if I was travelling on SQ320 to London. He informed me that the gate had been changed and that we were now scheduled to depart from gate E4. So I began to walk back towards E4 with them a few other passengers. It was great to see this guy approaching every passenger walking in the opposite direction if they were on SQ320. He must have saved 10-15 people an unnecessary long walk as the gate change at this time had not been made public.

Upon arrival at the gate area (which was not yet open) I took the opportunity to thank the FA for his consideration and went on to have a quick chat with him. An announcement was made about the change of gates and was soon followed by another stating that due to the late arrival of the inbound aircraft departure would be delayed by 40 minutes.

Making a friend out of a stranger

I took the prompt to seek out any other solo travellers. As the originally scheduled departure was still 1 hour away (and most passengers had not had time to get to the new gate) there were only a small group of people in the gate area. But I did spot us one person by themselves. I approached him and asked if he was travelling by himself. He was. I then told him that I am allowed one guest into the SKL F lounge and would he care to join me for a glass or two of Champagne. He took me up on the offer with very little thought. The offer did raise an eyebrow of these sitting near him. I hope it was a 'oh, Champagne in the F lounge - how nice!' rather than a 'that guy's trying to pull this poor chap!'. To be honest this is only the second time that I have approached a stranger and invited them to join me in the lounge. The other time was with a female in SYD last year. Luckily for me, she too jumped at the opportunity. And neither of them seemed under the impression that I was on the pull. The first time I get a dirty look and told to 'go away' will be the last time that I ever offer!

The guy was called Ray and was on his way home to Canada. We spent around an hour in the SKL F lounge drinking Champagne and chatting away. He was into the miles game but had not heard of FT. We headed back to the gate around 30 minutes before the delayed departure. Placing my close to legal limit carry-on onto the xray belt, the security officer asked if I my bag contain a laptop. I confirmed that it was. He turned to me and asked 'Just one???' I laughed and agreed just the one but a lot of other crap too. He smiled and waved me through.

In the gate area I asked Ray if he had a good economy seat. He had 44H (IIRC) and I offered to ask the GA if any bulkhead or exit row seats were available. After finding out and confirming with Ray, she altered his seat assignment to the bulkhead 32H. We preboarded together and said goodbye and shook hands at the entrance to the premium cabins jetbridge. He thanked me for the drinks, conversation and improved seating and I thanked him for his company.

SQ320 SIN-LHR

I was greeted and shown to my seat (1B). I was pleased to note that the cabin was only half full. Six F passengers and three F crew looked like a nice ratio for some good service. After introducing herself my SQ girl and I had a quick chat about my trip and the journey home. She inquired as to what I would like to drink predeparture and I asked for a (another) glass of Champagne. I took her up on the offer of Krug over the Dom as I had OD'ed on that on the outbound. I pushed my luck a little and explained that I had a friend seated in 32H back in economy and would be most appreciative if she could arrange a glass of Champagne for him too. She confirm the seat number and his name and promised me that she would sort that out. Around 10 minutes later one of her colleagues approached me to confirm its delivery. I thanked them both for going above and beyond the call of duty and expressed my heart felt thanks. My glass was topped up and I enjoyed sipping on it until it was empty again. The SQ girl reapproached my with the bottle of Krug and offered yet another top up. I accepted (rude not to right?) but asked for just half a glass.

Both runways were open this time and we made a speedy departure. Unfortunately, we experienced some light turbulence. Usually this would have been no issue whatsoever. As we climbed with the seatbelt sign still illuminated I could feel my bladder struggling to cope with the influx of Champagne that I had consumed. The fact that I had yet to eat anything at all that day (and it was now 13:30) certainly did not help. Eventually, I just could not take it and asked the SQ girl as she accessed the closet that I know that the sign was still illuminated but I was desperate for the lavatory. She said okay but just be really careful. I was and very grateful for the relief.

The meal service was just fantastic. I informed the SQ girl of my meal preferences to accompany my BTC Lobster Thermidor but had noted that there was an alternative Indian menu. I asked rather cheekily if I could have the papadum and chutneys from that menu with my meal. She said it was no problem.



I struggled to eat all of the offerings and felt rather full upon completion despite leaving sizeable quantities of rice and vegetables.

After swapping my L PJs for a M pair (the wife loves them) I asked if I could have a female amenity kit for her instead of my male version. She returned and reluctantly informed me that they only had two female amenity kits and as they had two female First passengers it would not be possible for me to have one. I thanked her for checking anyway. Upon reflection later I found this hard to believe. Does that then mean that they were not carry any female amenity kits onboard for the return flight either? Or were there some onboard but they wanted to hold onto them for female passengers on the way back. Mrs TEX277 appreciated the effort but was not too disappointed.

Due to the repeated problems I had been encountering with my ipod that had now decided to give up functioning altogether, I asked for and recieved an adapter for the inseat power supply. I plugged in my laptop and by headphones, loaded up itunes and spent the flight listening to music whilst I had the IFE tuned to the map and flight details. I snoozed for a sizeable portion of the flight, awaking a few times to check our location, use the lavatories and on one occassion to help myself to a Snicker from the selection of mid-flight snacks.

All too soon, we were around two hours away from Heathrow and the second meal service began. I was just not hungry but I had to at least tuck the Caviar didn't I? The canapes (satay) got off lightly but I was looking forward to the caviar. I was rather dismayed to see the caviar serving. It was bearly enough to provide a light covering of the three slices of the accompanying melba toast. From memory of previous SQ F flight, there is usually enough for a good covering whilst leaving enough leftover to eat alone. I though that such a meagre was quite strange especially since the cabin was only half full. I was not bothered by it enough to bring it to the attention of the crew though.




I hardly touched my salad and when the SQ girl came around to check on me seemed genuinely concerned that it was largely untouched. She enquired if I did not like it. I said it was fine but that I was just not really that hungry. She then continued to ask if I was feeling okay. I assured her that I was but after such a large first meal service even 8 hours later I was still not hungry. She understood and asked if I'd like a drink instead. I asked if I could get one of their Singapore Slings. She seemed pleased to have been asked and enthusiastically set about providing one to me. Upon serving it to me, she said that she hoped that I enjoyed the drink and that it would bring back some good memories from my visit to the Long Bar at Raffles on the previous evening. To be honest I am not sure if it had anything to do with the pressurisation, but his Sling seemed to have a bit more of a kick to it than yesterdays. Nonetheless, it was enjoyed and the memories that it brought back put a wry smile on my face as I sipped away.

LHR arrivals

We touched down around 25 minutes late having made up only 15 minutes of the 40 minute delay to departure from SIN. I deliberately noted the time that the wheels hit the tarmac at LHR and thought that there was absolutely no way that I could be through LHR quicker than either DPS or SIN. The looong taxi to the gate in T3 certainly did not get things off to the best start. Neither did the walk from the gate to immigration. IRIS took a dislike to my carry-on luggage entering the booth with me at immigration. I was called back out, then in, then back out, waiting for the door to close, gave up waiting, directed to the other IRIS machine which worked straight off and allowed me admission to my country.

After a slash and dash visit to the lavatories in baggage reclaim I headed for our carousel. As I walked towards it, Ray walked past me on his way towards the green customs channel, placed his hand on my shoulder and thanked me for sending that glass of Champagne back to him upon our departure from SIN. I said no problem and wished his farewell. I was surprised to see bags begin to appear only a couple of minutes after me arrival at the carousel. I was pleased to see my bag as one of the first off and grabbed it and headed for the green customs channel too. The total absence of customs officers made me regret really not stocking up on Marlboros at US$13 per 200 carton.

As I exited the customs channel I noted the time. 36 minutes after touchdown. Now as much as I love to bash BAA I was quite impressed with this. Admittedly, it failed to beat DPS or SIN but considering just how long we had to taxi for, 36 minutes was acceptable.

I then had the long walk from T3 arrivals to the Central Bus Station where I had to wait 45 minutes for the first coach to my home town of Brighton. Despite touching down at 19:10 it was not until 22:30 that I walked through the front door and was welcomed home by Mrs TEX277.

TEX277

I have now completed this TR in full and have gone back through and inserted links to the relevent photos for ease of use. Many thanks to everybody for reading my TR and I do hope that you enjoyed it.

This month is certainly proving to be rather busy for me. After my Vegas trip at the start of the month, this Bali trip and tonight I shall be attending my final Christmas Do with my old colleagues from my now previous employment. So far this month I have only spent one full day in the country!!

Now on 19th December I am beginning to count down the days until our (Mrs TEX277 gets to come along this time ^ ) BA First class outbound and Business Class return trip to NYC departing on 24th December. But that's another TR altogether!

jswong

Many thanks for this. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Will have a little taste of it in March flying TG to BKK and SG to SIN in F from AKL. Your TR makes me look forward to it even more

Jeff

Bundy Bear

Thanks for the a very interesting trip report. Sorry to hear about the job, does this mean a new username is required.

For me flying MH this year doesn't get you the legendary Singapore Sling like on SQ. I'm surprised you weren't hungry I flew a SQ day flight to London last year and I was starving. Seems like the portions in First are probably better than economy.

Great use of the SPG points.

f4free

This great report is highly appreciated! Thank you!

gallagher

excellent report

out of interest (as I'm planning a LHR-DPS trip in October) how many miles (miles + cash) did you pay for this itinery?

hairpeace

A marvellous report by a fine gentleman!

Keep up the good work. ^

ua_to_ord

Among the most well-written and delightful TRs that I have had the pleasure to read on FT.

Excellent work, TEX277! ^ ^

More Champagne Sir?

An old TR that deserves a bump. Great report TEX277!! ^^

TEX277

Many thanks for the bump MCS? ^

Due to the bump I realised earlier today that I had allowed by fotki account to lapse, therefore making the pictures unavailable. I have now sorted this out and the photo links are now working again.

My next trip report should be up this time next month, BA CW LHR-NYC return for a 10 day Caribbean cruise on the QM2.

More Champagne Sir?

Thanks TEX277, this time next week I'll be on SQ321!!! Seven sleeps to go!!