SFO777

I've always loved SQ and cherish the wonderful memories I've had from memorable trips, including my RTW SQ First trip with my dad a few years ago before he passed away.

But times have changed and so has SQ, unfortunately.
Thought I'd share my impressions after our six recent experiences with SQ First.

We flew 6 SQ First flights since the beginning of the year.
• AKL-SIN A380
• SIN-NRT A380
• NRT-LAX A380
• BOM-SIN 77W
• SIN-NRT A380
• NRT-LAX A380

Cabin crews continue to be universally excellent. Warm welcomes and perfect level of doting with excellent anticipation of needs. We were almost always addressed by name. Proper plating, presentation and pacing during meals. Crews were happy to make up beds for us in unoccupied suites. Solid and wonderful service as always.

But what on earth has happened to SQ catering? I remember wonderful Georges Blanc and Matt Moran meals that rivaled restaurant quality. Unfortunately, with only a couple of exceptions (BTC Singapore chicken rice ex-SIN), food was dismal, disappointing and at times, downright inedible. SQ has also cut the wine budget with the list, except for Dom/Krug, now featuring mostly mid/lower priced and/or unexciting selections.

The worst part of the SQ premium experience has been and continues to be its ground service, where SQ is positively terrible compared to many of its premium competitors. I'll give them a pass at out-stations like AKL and BOM, but there is no excuse at SIN. While Changi is a great airport to visit, not so much for the First Class passenger who must at times walk lengthy distances to and from the SKL/PR. On the outbound, one must of course then endure security checks at the gate. A couple of weeks ago, with no priority security line at the gate, we wound up behind 10 Economy passengers at B2 security. Compare this to Thai (golf cart pick ride from and to the gate), Lufthansa (with private FCT security and limo service to the jet bridge elevator) and Air France (agent escort thru security, meet and greet at the gate with private limo pickup drop off at La Première Lounge and the reverse for departures) and SQ isn't in the same league. With a historically superior in flight product, one could perhaps have accepted a lesser ground product. Unfortunately, the days of a superior in flight product are no more and SQ's poor ground experience becomes more noticeable and important.

I realize that things change over time and, of course, these are all first world problems that seem silly to most. But if you are offering a premium product, the entire experience should be premium. My 2 cents, for what it's worth.