After take-off, meal orders were taken. I didn't notice any particular order in taking selections, and didn't hear any special thanks to top tier flyers. This flight had a bunch of 1K's, I was able to see at least 4 in the F cabin as I quickly glanced at the manifest during one of my bio-runs to the back. However, as the warm nuts and drink service came out, you started to notice the difference in service. The champagne was served in perfect fashion (label presented to you before pouring, napkin semi-covering the bottle to pick up any drops, bottle held from the base, etc.). Tables were set, and the bread was offered first right after you got your appetizer served (not 10 minutes later as it usually happens). The chicken appetizer was excellent. I remember this dish from my previous F flights in Asia with UA and was happy to have it again.
As the main course, I selected the snapper & prawn. It was very good, what a difference with the seafood entrée that I had been thrown at during my EZE-ORD segment. Perhaps this should serve as a lesson, order beef on outbound Latin American flights and seafood dishes on outbound Asian flights?
Service continued to be impeccable throughout the meal service, with my glass of La Grande Dame being refilled promptly. I skipped the cheese & dessert but did catch a glimpse of the service. Instead of the pre-served plates, a FA came around with a tray that included assorted fresh fruits and a variety of crackers. Warm bread from the main meals was also offered.
After the linens were cleared. I settled back & began writing this report while listening to my CD player. FA's offered water & drinks to everyone and came around the cabin regularly. The difference to the overall service compared to what I had experienced before was remarkable. It's very hard to understand how United seems to be content to have two different airlines operating under a same roof. Even from the moment the plate is presented, you can tell that UA's standards in Asia are different. It's so obvious the difference pops up in your face. Sure, the silverware is the same, the plates are the same, but the attention to detail is certainly different (and so much better that it's very difficult to describe). Lets hope the new management team picks up the good vibes from UA's Asian operations and get at least some of the same standards applied over in headquarters.
Flight time was 7'05" due to very strong nose winds during the first part of our flight (over 150 mph as the captain mentioned), and our initial cruising altitude was set at 31,000 feet. Captain also explained that we were most probably going to be around 10-15 minutes late, arriving at Changi airport around 10 minutes past midnight.
Arrived at Changi and was greeted by the Concierge. She had received the message I had requested be sent to SIN regarding my checked luggage. She took care of my requests promptly and escorted me all the way to immigration.
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Gaucho100K