Breaking US news from USA Today (Codeshare with Singapore Airlines)
#16
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: HH Silver, MR Plat Prem & LT Plat, Hyatt Plat,SPG Plat, Hertz PC, National EE, UA 1K
Posts: 3,403
#19
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Southern California
Programs: US Airways,Hilton HHonors, Marriott, National
Posts: 1,341
Awesome News!!
I hope this influences SQ and US to get some nice flights from LAX and to also coordinate their services.
For me, it really does not matter, if I am flying to SIN , I am flying LAX-SIN on SQ non-stop... so no US for me.. but nice to see the link up. Would love preferred bonuses on SQ flights!!!
For me, it really does not matter, if I am flying to SIN , I am flying LAX-SIN on SQ non-stop... so no US for me.. but nice to see the link up. Would love preferred bonuses on SQ flights!!!
#20
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 810
Makes sense for SQ to partner with the worst-service *A airline in the US.
It serves as a reminder to regular SQ passengers how fortunate they are to fly SQ. Builds brand loyalty...
Seriously, though...makes sense. UA is a direct competitor flying out of SIN.
It serves as a reminder to regular SQ passengers how fortunate they are to fly SQ. Builds brand loyalty...
Seriously, though...makes sense. UA is a direct competitor flying out of SIN.
#21
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 66
This is SPOT ON...HP used to make lots of $$ off the "golden triangle" add-on routing of SFO-LAS-LAX.
#23
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle, WA USA
Programs: Ex-US GP
Posts: 309
Yeah, talk about polar opposites. US would do well to recognize that an airline can make make money while treating pax with top-class service at all levels, instead of treating it as an afterthought and rolling back amenities. Sadly, it seems the WN-worshipping beancounters won out.
Kendall
Kendall
#24
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: AVL
Programs: AA EXP ; Cunard Plat
Posts: 4,211
I think that's true only in the front cabins. Try flying in SQ Economy (excluding Exec Econ which has more legroom and stuff); while marginally better all round, it ain't nothing to write home about. The majority of SQ pax connecting to US for LAS and other places on package tours would probably view US as a step down, but not three steps down.
SQ's Raffles and FC are rated highly year after year, for good reason - it's as good as it gets for folks willing to pay the hefty prices. And SQ prefers to let the front cabins fly empty rather than complimentary upgrading even their own Elites. The luxury of SQ up front only applies to those select few able to pay (or have the company or client pay), and to the rest of us who save our Miles for once-in-a-lifetime trips.
Yes, SQ has invested a lot in their front cabins, but they also have a cheaper labor force, etc which gives them a cost advantage over any US legacy airline. Back in its heyday, US tried a real First Class transAtlantic (the present Row 1 seats) but found it was economically unfeasible. Others may be willing to pay for premium travel, but not enough USA-originating pax seem to want to.
I would be surprised, though, if SQ execs had not actually flown US thoroughly to determine a "good fit" before agreeing to the codeshare. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that SQ had extracted a memo of understanding from US regarding codeshare-needed changes to the FC and main cabin - e.g. Mandarin/Cantonese-speaking FA on LAS flights, hot towels in FC, whatever.
SQ's Raffles and FC are rated highly year after year, for good reason - it's as good as it gets for folks willing to pay the hefty prices. And SQ prefers to let the front cabins fly empty rather than complimentary upgrading even their own Elites. The luxury of SQ up front only applies to those select few able to pay (or have the company or client pay), and to the rest of us who save our Miles for once-in-a-lifetime trips.
Yes, SQ has invested a lot in their front cabins, but they also have a cheaper labor force, etc which gives them a cost advantage over any US legacy airline. Back in its heyday, US tried a real First Class transAtlantic (the present Row 1 seats) but found it was economically unfeasible. Others may be willing to pay for premium travel, but not enough USA-originating pax seem to want to.
I would be surprised, though, if SQ execs had not actually flown US thoroughly to determine a "good fit" before agreeing to the codeshare. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that SQ had extracted a memo of understanding from US regarding codeshare-needed changes to the FC and main cabin - e.g. Mandarin/Cantonese-speaking FA on LAS flights, hot towels in FC, whatever.
#25
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: DC|NYC
Programs: UA GS, DL Plat, Marriott Bonvoy LIfetime Titanium/SPG refugee, Hertz Prez, Amtrak Select
Posts: 3,201
SQ's Raffles and FC are rated highly year after year, for good reason - it's as good as it gets for folks willing to pay the hefty prices. And SQ prefers to let the front cabins fly empty rather than complimentary upgrading even their own Elites. The luxury of SQ up front only applies to those select few able to pay (or have the company or client pay), and to the rest of us who save our Miles for once-in-a-lifetime trips.
#26
Moderator: American AAdvantage & Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: PHX
Programs: American ExPlat; Marriott/SPG Lifetime Plat; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 8,114
. . . SQ prefers to let the front cabins fly empty rather than complimentary upgrading even their own Elites. The luxury of SQ up front only applies to those select few able to pay (or have the company or client pay), and to the rest of us who save our Miles for once-in-a-lifetime trips. . .
There were a total of 3 passengers in F on that flight, yet there was ABSOLUTELY NO WAY that they would allow me to sit in F. I politely escalated it all the way to the SIN station manager on duty. They would have none of it. He said it was important to "maintain the exclusive ambiance of the cabin" and that they simply do not allow more than a specified number of "free ticket" passengers to sit in any F or J cabin at any given time.
Now mind, you, I was flying in SQ F, am a seasoned business traveler and I was dressed appropriately and addressing everyone professionally. His position had nothing to do with me. It's just the way they do things. And they're not known for being particularly flexible with any rules.
#28
Suspended
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 903
On the codeshare you should get elite bonus miles as well.^
#30
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Continental Gold Elite, United Premier Executive
Posts: 6,766
SQ First is fabulous and among the very best in the world. OTOH, SQ Business is also very nice, but by no means worth half the overhype it receives.