Prologue
I remember the days when I would read trip reports on SQ F in envy. Back then, being able to try out the likes of the SkySuite--let alone flying SQ and anything beyond economy class--seemed so distant. Years would pass and eventually that gap would close. Eventually I had my chances to go behind the curtain and try out C and F products of other airlines while SQ introduced newer hard products such as the F seat on the 77Ws and the suites on the A380. I finally flew the airline for the first time in April 2010 on SIN-MNL in business. Yet, my eyes were still set on being able to try out the SkySuite no matter what.
3 December 2010
Then came the moment where I would have to close that gap further: SQ would replace the 744 on the SIN-NRT-LAX route on March 27. In a nutshell, SQ shuts out flyers from *A partners from redeeming miles on their premium cabins on their newer long haul aircraft so not only would I not have the novelty of flying the SkySuite, I would also face a missed opportunity of trying any SQ longhaul F product of any sort out of LAX unless I switch over to KrisFlyer. I had to act fast.
Enter the golden opportunity...
I was hoping to get onboard NH's first NRT-MNL flight in February 27 but at first wasn't going to be using an award ticket to position myself at NRT. After the announcement that the 744 would be replaced on the LAX-NRT-SIN route, I decided to switch over and use my miles. Originally I booked myself in business class on NH's LAX-HND flight as a placeholder and backup just in case I couldn't bag the SQ F award seat as additional inventory wasn't released yet. Let the waiting game begin...
20 February 2011
It was T-minus four days when I finally witnessed the said inventory open up on the NH award tool and immediately called the UA 1K desk while I was at the LAX President's Club waiting for my flight to Oahu. I later boarded that HNL-bound 767 with the biggest grin...
24 February 2011
Kicked off this trip by taking Metrolink from my home station to Union Station in Downtown LA then connecting with the FlyAway to LAX. I've been a fan of the Union Station FlyAway since it started in 2006 it gives me a cheaper alternative to get from home to the airport. Union Station itself has slowly been changing. New concessions have opened up, including Famima!!, a convenience store owned by Japan's FamilyMart. Been frequenting this place ever since it opened, but alas I wouldn't be delving into the
onigiri as I'll be finding myself in Japan in half a day...
Hoping to join that contrail in the skies...
Arriving at Union Station
Main waiting area
Onigiri on the go!
Patsaouras Transit Plaza
Downtown LA
The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) has also been slowly changing. I've heard time and time again over how this place has been the bane of travelers. Worry not, a new TBIT is coming! Okay fine, we're still quite a ways away from the full realization of the
master plan but some improvements can be seen. A lot of the terminal was redone and looks a tad bit more appealing than before, though it seems the best has yet to come! Until then, the airport is littered with ads promoting the renovations.
SQ counters
Arriving at the SQ counters was an interesting affair. As I was going through the formalities with the check-in agent, it seemed like the passenger on the first class counter to my right was having a very animated talk with his agent whilst a couple in the other business class counter seemed to be waaaaaaay over the carry-on/check-in luggage limit.
Mind you I've had my experiences with travelers fully laden
balikbayan boxes, but these guys looked even more excessive, to the point that while they vainly attempted to reorganize and consolidate, a lot of their belongings spilled over into my lane and was slowly pushing me towards Mr. Animated. Wait, do I see a tennis racket sticking out?
shrugs... With that going on, I attempted to see if the illustrious seat 1B was available...unfortunately not.
You could see the overpacked passengers to the right.
Overview of Aisle B of the check-in counter area.
Next up, visiting my favorite landside hangout spot: the reLAX Lounge. This specific lounge was formerly the temorary first class lounge for all airlines operating out of TBIT while the old airline lounges were torn down and the current set-up of four airside lounges was being worked on. It's not exactly the most dazzling of lounges, but I love using it whenever I'm waiting for friends or coming out of an arrival and waiting for my shuttle home. Unfortunately this lounge will close to make way for new security checkpoints and a new incarnation will come in the Bradley West project, though it will be likely airside and out of my reach for my non-departure perusal.
Will be missing the launch as I'll be airborne an hour beforehand...
Construction work being done on the west end of TBIT.