I managed to get a lift to the airport and since beggars can't be choosers and all that stuff, I was there quite a bit early.

For a 12:15 scheduled departure check-in was closed at 08:30, but after a lap of honour to pickup some outbound passenger cards for my next trip, it was open by the time I returned at 09:00.

Checkin was quick and painless and promptly I was in possession of 3 boarding passes and my luggage checked all the way through toe Milano Malpensa.



Unfortunately Checkin K is at the far end of the terminal to the Express immigration and security entrance, but if I was going to be sitting down for over 24 hours a short walk certainly wasn't going to kill me. This time the Express Card made quite a time saving at security - not that I needed it this day.

I bought a few gifts for friends I would be visiting then received a warm welcome at the lounge and the WiFi password was offered without me asking for it. (Why don't all lounges and hotels do this?)

There was a good breakfast selection to accompany the good view of the Star Alliance corner of the terminal.



My A380 was parked on the opposite side of the E-W runway waiting patiently.



An Indian couple (I presume) came into the nearly empty lounge, she in a wheelchair. As soon as the ground attendants left she promptly jumped up and helped themselves to the breakfast buffet reminding me of Lou and Andy from Little Britain. The returned to sit some distance apart from each other then talk loudly to each other from across the lounge. She then ordered red wine from one of the lounge attendants before a good long, loud conversation on a mobile phone.

A lounge attendant circled the lounge offering top ups of champagne.

After a few of these it was time for some Beef Vindaloo which was rather dry and average.



Boarding was announced at 11:40, versus the advertised 11:45. Priority boarding was done well for the longest jetway in the world at gate 61. Onboard was the usual efficient welcome, headset, menu and pillows in place. Newspapers, magazines, hot towels and refreshments (champagne of course) from a tray that also held a glass of dry ice were offered. A nice trendy touch. Pre-lunch drink orders and meal selections were taken prior to doors closed at 12:06.

SQ has adopted a new champagne:



There is an interesting bug in the Book the cook system. My meal selection from last time was remembered and because I booked this flight through a travel agent, I wasn't able to change it online. Never mind - it was the Lamb Shank curry which I quite enjoyed last time.

There was an announcement that the mobile wireless and messaging system could be used after take off - but not voice.



Push back was at 12:12 and take off at 12:30 to the South. Shortly after socks and eye shades were distributed, but you had to ask for ear plugs. Toothbrush, razor, combs and smelly stuff were available in the toilets.

I chose my favourite drink, the SilverKris Sling and it was accompanied by warm nuts.



This was followed by a hot towel. Service was slower than I recall, but probably ok for a day-time flight.

Here's the menu:



























The prawn entrée was excellent:



The wine service was a bit disjointed. The main meal was excellent, but I had no wine until after it was finished.



The chocolate ice cream was at a perfect temperature, and not rock hard like it sometimes can be on airlines:



Then there was a cheese & fruit selection:



I watched an Italian movie "A Fidanzata per mia moglie" which was ok and a very funny Spanish movie "Spanish Affair". I then got 2 hours "sleep" in recliner mode while Australia passed away below us.



2 hours out the lights slowly came on and a light meal was offered with choices of chicken or radish cake with prawns. I chose the radish cake which was quite tasty and the Chablis on offer was really very good.



I was sitting above the wing but was still provided with reasonable views:



Descent started with ETA of 17:15 (scheduled 17:40). Landed at 17:17 and arrived at Terminal 2, Gate 31 at 17:24.