Mrs. "No way am I going to India"... goes to India via Etihad & Singapore First
#136
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
Programs: No programs & No Points!!!
Posts: 14,203
#137
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, LH Senator *Gold, AA EXP OWE Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,556
Go for it!
+1
Not everyone is like Mrs. SFO777.
There are a number of independently operated lounges there. I mainly use * to Delhi, and there're the two LH lounges, one SQ lounge as well as the 2 AI ones. I believe Jet and EK have their own as well.
Oneworld was using Kingfisher's lounge initially until they shut down.
Oneworld was using Kingfisher's lounge initially until they shut down.
#139
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, LH Senator *Gold, AA EXP OWE Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,556
Singapore-Tokyo
SQ 12
SQ's pathetic premium ground product continues with no priority security line.
After waiting an annoying 10 minutes to clear security behind a dozen Economy passengers, we were in boarding area.
Singapore to Tokyo (Narita)
SQ 12
A380-800
9:20a-5:20a (sked)
9:20a-4:50p (actual)
February 24, 2016
Suites 2CD
Boarding had already started by the time we arrived at the gate.
Finally the premium experience begins with a separate First Class jet bridge.
Once in the air, a glass of Krug.
And the always excellent satay.
Today's menu.
And the wine list.
Taking lunch selections.
Showtime.
Starting with the Parma Ham and Perigourdine Truffle salad with shaved rock melon and honeydew. Pretty good.
The lavash was excellent and I may have cleaned them out on that.
Salad of Baby Spinach, Arugula, Frise, Sun-dried tomato and Kalamata olives.
For my main, I had Booked the Cook and went with Matt Moran's Seared Lamb Loin with salsa verde, Lyonnaise onion, aioli and bacon.
Unfortunately, it was awful... overcooked and inedible... with no sign salsa verde, aioli or bacon. Not that it would have made it any less inedible.
The Warm Lemon Tart with mango ice cream and citrus salad was good.
After lunch, I moved over to 4A, Mrs. SFO to 2K for a couple of hours of sleep.
We arrived 30 minutes early and headed to security and then wait to reboard the continuation of SQ12 to LAX.
SQ 12
SQ's pathetic premium ground product continues with no priority security line.
After waiting an annoying 10 minutes to clear security behind a dozen Economy passengers, we were in boarding area.
Singapore to Tokyo (Narita)
SQ 12
A380-800
9:20a-5:20a (sked)
9:20a-4:50p (actual)
February 24, 2016
Suites 2CD
Boarding had already started by the time we arrived at the gate.
Finally the premium experience begins with a separate First Class jet bridge.
Once in the air, a glass of Krug.
And the always excellent satay.
Today's menu.
And the wine list.
Taking lunch selections.
Showtime.
Starting with the Parma Ham and Perigourdine Truffle salad with shaved rock melon and honeydew. Pretty good.
The lavash was excellent and I may have cleaned them out on that.
Salad of Baby Spinach, Arugula, Frise, Sun-dried tomato and Kalamata olives.
For my main, I had Booked the Cook and went with Matt Moran's Seared Lamb Loin with salsa verde, Lyonnaise onion, aioli and bacon.
Unfortunately, it was awful... overcooked and inedible... with no sign salsa verde, aioli or bacon. Not that it would have made it any less inedible.
The Warm Lemon Tart with mango ice cream and citrus salad was good.
After lunch, I moved over to 4A, Mrs. SFO to 2K for a couple of hours of sleep.
We arrived 30 minutes early and headed to security and then wait to reboard the continuation of SQ12 to LAX.
#140
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, LH Senator *Gold, AA EXP OWE Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,556
A short walk from our arrival gate is Security.
And around the corner to the ANA Suites Lounge. Pics from last month.
With an hour to wait, I headed to the showers to freshen up.
And around the corner to the ANA Suites Lounge. Pics from last month.
With an hour to wait, I headed to the showers to freshen up.
#141
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, LH Senator *Gold, AA EXP OWE Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,556
Tokyo Narita to Los Angeles
Singapore SQ 12
A380-800
6:50p-11:55a
February 24, 2016
Suites 2CD
Boarding had already begun by the time we arrived at the gate.
Another warm welcome on board by a new crew who escorted us to our same 2CD seats.
The menu for the NRT-LAX leg of the flight.
For starters, another order of the satay. I now remember to ask for a spoon as toothpicks just don't cut it as a scooper.
Still good, but not as good as Malaysia...
Showtime, round 2.
My real starter was Suzanne Goin's Grilled Scallops with Rosemary on crispy potatoes, chorizo sausage and sherry glaze. Potatoes were not crispy but scallops were OK although not very warm.
Suzanne's Corn Chowder with Bacon Soup was very good, with poblano peppers, chili flakes and fingerling potatoes.
Salad of mesculin, asparagus, red radish and cherry tomatoes was ok, nothing special.
The mains were really disappointed. I had BTC'd the Lobster Thermidor. It looked great but tasted awful. One bite was all I could eat.
Our FA offered another main and I went with the Seared Striped Bass "a la Nicoise". It was better but still a meh. Not surprising as the Purser told me it would take a few minutes as it was partially frozen.
On the other hand, the Bittersweet Chocolate Tart with pistacchio ice cream was delicious.
After dinner, we both headed to empty suites were our FA had made our beds.
I slept solidly until about T-60 and passed on breakfast before we touched down at LAX about 15 minutes early.
Another good SQ flight with the usual outstanding service. But what the heck has happened to SQ catering?
Add in continuing poor premium ground service and SQ has dropped out of my Top 5 First Class products.
Just posted the final segment Back to reality: United First Class Home to Denveron SFO777.com
New segments...
• Back to reality: United First Class Home to Denver
Will post to FT as soon as possible.
For an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com
And if you like these reports, we'd love if you would sign up for e-mail alerts from SFO777.com on new trip reports and our upcoming newsletter.
Please click here.
Singapore SQ 12
A380-800
6:50p-11:55a
February 24, 2016
Suites 2CD
Boarding had already begun by the time we arrived at the gate.
Another warm welcome on board by a new crew who escorted us to our same 2CD seats.
The menu for the NRT-LAX leg of the flight.
For starters, another order of the satay. I now remember to ask for a spoon as toothpicks just don't cut it as a scooper.
Still good, but not as good as Malaysia...
Showtime, round 2.
My real starter was Suzanne Goin's Grilled Scallops with Rosemary on crispy potatoes, chorizo sausage and sherry glaze. Potatoes were not crispy but scallops were OK although not very warm.
Suzanne's Corn Chowder with Bacon Soup was very good, with poblano peppers, chili flakes and fingerling potatoes.
Salad of mesculin, asparagus, red radish and cherry tomatoes was ok, nothing special.
The mains were really disappointed. I had BTC'd the Lobster Thermidor. It looked great but tasted awful. One bite was all I could eat.
Our FA offered another main and I went with the Seared Striped Bass "a la Nicoise". It was better but still a meh. Not surprising as the Purser told me it would take a few minutes as it was partially frozen.
On the other hand, the Bittersweet Chocolate Tart with pistacchio ice cream was delicious.
After dinner, we both headed to empty suites were our FA had made our beds.
I slept solidly until about T-60 and passed on breakfast before we touched down at LAX about 15 minutes early.
Another good SQ flight with the usual outstanding service. But what the heck has happened to SQ catering?
Add in continuing poor premium ground service and SQ has dropped out of my Top 5 First Class products.
Just posted the final segment Back to reality: United First Class Home to Denveron SFO777.com
New segments...
• Back to reality: United First Class Home to Denver
Will post to FT as soon as possible.
For an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com
And if you like these reports, we'd love if you would sign up for e-mail alerts from SFO777.com on new trip reports and our upcoming newsletter.
Please click here.
#142
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AA EXP2M, DL 1MM DM ext, UA PP <=> HH G/Marr PE/Hyatt G/IHG P FT RA ( Recovering Addict)
Posts: 4,588
SFO777, on your last trip, you gate crashed a wedding that my friend was attending at the hotel and this time, you got my colleague with you on the plane on the 16th and then you followed his visit to Jaipur. He told me he had a great time and will show me pictures soon and so I sent him your link - he now tells me, all he needs to do is show his friends and family your blog post and he can stop worrying about how to describe his trip
The 787 F class seat is sub par on Etihad. Very poor stowage space in front
The A340-600 is better.
Emirates suite may be cramped, but space inside is excellent
That info cannot be found on a TR with Mrs.SFO777. He is doing 5 Star India.
That window of the country is not the view of the backpacker.
Look at this report for that kind of info.
http://www.ridedot.com/india/
I have been on parts of the same route on a bike and every bit is true
(just much better photographed than by my limited skills)
The A340-600 is better.
Emirates suite may be cramped, but space inside is excellent
That window of the country is not the view of the backpacker.
Look at this report for that kind of info.
http://www.ridedot.com/india/
I have been on parts of the same route on a bike and every bit is true
(just much better photographed than by my limited skills)
Last edited by ffI; Mar 19, 2016 at 3:34 pm
#143
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, LH Senator *Gold, AA EXP OWE Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,556
SFO777, on your last trip, you gate crashed a wedding that my friend was attending at the hotel and this time, you got my colleague with you on the plane on the 16th and then you followed his visit to Jaipur. He told me he had a great time and will show me pictures soon and so I sent him your link - he now tells me, all he needs to do is show his friends and family your blog post and he can stop worrying about how to describe his trip.
I was really disappointed with the 787 F seat and space.
Strange that the window suites were disproportionately smaller than the middle suites.
The 77L First seat on our connecting DEL flight was so much more comfortable.
Indeed. Mrs. SFO777's idea of camping is a hotel without room service.
#144
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: US Air, UA BA LH AI DELTA MARRIOTT CHOICE SGP
Posts: 9,882
SFO777, on your last trip, you gate crashed a wedding that my friend was attending at the hotel and this time, you got my colleague with you on the plane on the 16th and then you followed his visit to Jaipur. He told me he had a great time and will show me pictures soon and so I sent him your link - he now tells me, all he needs to do is show his friends and family your blog post and he can stop worrying about how to describe his trip
The 787 F class seat is sub par on Etihad. Very poor stowage space in front
The A340-600 is better.
Emirates suite may be cramped, but space inside is excellent
That info cannot be found on a TR with Mrs.SFO777. He is doing 5 Star India.
That window of the country is not the view of the backpacker.
Look at this report for that kind of info.
http://www.ridedot.com/india/
I have been on parts of the same route on a bike and every bit is true
(just much better photographed than by my limited skills)
The 787 F class seat is sub par on Etihad. Very poor stowage space in front
The A340-600 is better.
Emirates suite may be cramped, but space inside is excellent
That info cannot be found on a TR with Mrs.SFO777. He is doing 5 Star India.
That window of the country is not the view of the backpacker.
Look at this report for that kind of info.
http://www.ridedot.com/india/
I have been on parts of the same route on a bike and every bit is true
(just much better photographed than by my limited skills)
SFO777 has inspired me so I have some pics for TR, all I have to do is figure out how to paste photos in theT R. Writing , descriptions and opinions, background are not a problem.
Easiest way to add pics off a sd card or a thumb drive ? I know there is a thread, just don't want to wade thru.....
#145
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan Airmiles AMEX-MR Alaska Airlines
Posts: 691
i make it a point now to wait till you write your entire report and then read everything top to bottom. i find waiting for each segment KILLS me!
well written as always and love the pics.
well written as always and love the pics.
#147
#148
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SQ Gold, KQ Platinum, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hilton Gold, Marriott Silver, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,306
An enjoyable read, SFO777 ^
The BE Diamond seats that UA have on their international 757 in BusinessFirst are the same as the AA transcontinental Business Class seats on the A321. I agree theyre pretty comfortable, but the footwell is quite narrow and the seats arent particularly wide or private.
I like EYs onboard cabin styling, but their lounges are a little too cold in design IMO. Their onboard catering looks great. Its a shame that their ground product at AUH doesnt match their onboard service. Simply things like premium buses (although Im not sure to what extent a bus can actually be premium) and properly enforced priority boarding make all the difference.
The Oberoi in Delhi looks pretty dated, but luxurious nonetheless. Some nice images from around Delhi, bringing back memories of my first trip to India last summer (Bangalore) - I particularly liked the architecture shown on your second day. The aircraft with the birds over the archway is an excellent photo.
AI is one airline Im keen to steer well clear of. Looks dreadful - particularly the catering!
What an amazing property the Rambagh Palace is - truly beautiful. Jaipur itself looks equally lovely - definitely adding that to my places to visit list.
The Oberoi in Mumbai doesnt look bad, and the room is not what I would call crappy. Sure, its not as luxurious as some, but its not exactly horrid. Mumbai is so much nicer than Delhi - another city Id be keen to visit.
The Private Room is so elegant. Its a shame about a few dishes onboard not being great, and SQs ground product not being up to scratch. The styling of the interior cabins is very much to my taste, which is not something that can be said about the ANA lounge.
The BE Diamond seats that UA have on their international 757 in BusinessFirst are the same as the AA transcontinental Business Class seats on the A321. I agree theyre pretty comfortable, but the footwell is quite narrow and the seats arent particularly wide or private.
I like EYs onboard cabin styling, but their lounges are a little too cold in design IMO. Their onboard catering looks great. Its a shame that their ground product at AUH doesnt match their onboard service. Simply things like premium buses (although Im not sure to what extent a bus can actually be premium) and properly enforced priority boarding make all the difference.
The Oberoi in Delhi looks pretty dated, but luxurious nonetheless. Some nice images from around Delhi, bringing back memories of my first trip to India last summer (Bangalore) - I particularly liked the architecture shown on your second day. The aircraft with the birds over the archway is an excellent photo.
AI is one airline Im keen to steer well clear of. Looks dreadful - particularly the catering!
What an amazing property the Rambagh Palace is - truly beautiful. Jaipur itself looks equally lovely - definitely adding that to my places to visit list.
The Oberoi in Mumbai doesnt look bad, and the room is not what I would call crappy. Sure, its not as luxurious as some, but its not exactly horrid. Mumbai is so much nicer than Delhi - another city Id be keen to visit.
The Private Room is so elegant. Its a shame about a few dishes onboard not being great, and SQs ground product not being up to scratch. The styling of the interior cabins is very much to my taste, which is not something that can be said about the ANA lounge.
#149
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: BOI
Posts: 223
That should be a good thing. I haven't tried the '06 Dom, but it is overall a superior vintage for Champagne. '04 is a decent vintage, not more. '06 is one of the recent truly great vintages, alongside '12, '02, and '96.....