Singapore Airlines SQ221
Singapore (SIN) – Sydney (SYD)
Monday 14 April 2014
Airbus A380-800: Suite 3F (Suites Class)


“Where would you like to go?” asked my taxi driver, prompting me to reply, “to the Airport, Terminal 3, Singapore Airlines…First Class”. Ah, finally, I had been waiting to use that line ever since booking my Suites ticket in February this year. And, also, since then, I have had a warm fuzzy feeling simmering inside of me from the thought of flying Suites. That almost boiled over as my taxi pulled up towards the First Class check-in lounge.

Check-in

At the doors of the First Class check-in, I was greeted by an agent and porter, who akin to the concierge/bell boy at a luxury hotel, opened my taxi door, took custody of my suitcase and pushed it into the check-in lounge. The check-in lounge itself was spacious and opulently furnished with lamps, coffee tables and comfortable leather chairs.


First Class Check in Lounge








A check-in agent promptly tagged my suitcase and issued me with a boarding pass…with the sought-after yellow Suites strip at the top. I cheekily asked whether I could have a Suites Priority baggage tag as a souvenir (in addition to the one tagged on my suitcase) and to my surprise, the check-in agent acceded to my request.


The Prized Boarding Pass





The check-in “counter” was more like a marble study desk. Not only were the conveyor belts not visible, instead of standing, there were chairs to rest in whilst you were being checked-in.


Marble Check-in Desk





Immigration and the Private Room

I then cleared immigration through a dedicated First Class lane (which is segregated from the general immigration hall) and made my way to the Private Room.


First Class Immigration





I displayed my Private Room invitation to the agent and upon gleaning my name from the invitation, he apologetically informed: “Mr Y, I’m so sorry but your seat (3F) has mechanical problems. Would you like to me to change you to 2F?”. I was slightly disappointed with this because I chose 3F for its 3 windows, but I agreed to the change, albeit reluctantly.


Private Room Invitation





After re-issuing me a new boarding pass, the agent walked me past the Business Class lounge, through the First Class lounge (I believe it is for non-Singapore Airlines First Class passengers) and into the coveted Private Room. Exclusively for Singapore Airlines passengers flying Suites or First Class, the Private Room lived up to its name. At most, there were 10 other visitors making the Private Room unnervingly quiet (especially when compared to the adjacent First Class and Business Class lounges).


The Private Room








I sat myself down in the restaurant and from its fine-dining a la carte menu, chose the Chilean Sea Bass en Papillote, which was delicious. I consciously decided to save my stomach for the meal to come on the plane. I relaxed in the comfortable leather sofas and armchairs, enjoying a glass of champagne whilst doing some work on my laptop, before heading to my gate: a short 5 minute walk away.


Fine Dining





Chilean Sea Bass en Papillote