Good discussion.
Originally Posted by
Phaze
Their food has gotten noticeably worse compared to their competition but I don't agree that there has been a decline in ground services. They never existed in the first place so I don't see what has declined. But yes, there's no denying SQ's cost cutting is in full effect.
I don't believe I stated that there was a decline in ground services, just lamenting the same old non-existent ground service which IMO is now more irritating given the decline in SQ catering.
Originally Posted by
Phaze
Regarding conducting security at the gate, a tip; while the absence of fast track is not ideal it really isn't a huge issue. If you're a premium passenger just turn up as late as possible. They won't refuse you and why would you want to turn up early? To sit in the holding pen? I fly out of Changi weekly and I never have an issue.
We didn't sit in the holding pen. After we finally cleared security, we boarded straight away as it had already commenced.
Originally Posted by
Phaze
I also don't think TG should be on that list. Mediocre airline with a poor F lounge at a horrendous airport. It's horses for courses at the end of the day. I'd fly SQ over LH and AF for the service alone, which you touched on.
Have you actually flown AF long-haul First recently? IMO, their new 77W La Première is the #1 First Class product in the world. Amazing ground service, meet & greet & escort, limo transfers between the jet bridge and the Alain Ducasse FCL at CDG, meet & greet & escort even at outstations, spectacular on board catering and gorgeous and intimate 4 seat F cabin with solid ceiling to floor privacy curtains.
Originally Posted by
Big_Foot
The flight (SQ 25) was outstanding, a great crew and some amazing food.
The lobster bisque appetizer (everybody goes for the caviar choice, big mistake!)
was to die for. I booked the Lobster Thermidor and it was exceptional.
Skipped everything else and slept like a baby for 5 hours or so.
I think the way to make it great is to go for a good BTC choice.
And be lucky to get a great crew (not too difficult).
I just booked more SQ suites and can't wait. What else is so great out there?
Glad to hear. We did BTC three times but two of them (ex-SIN Matt Moran's Lamb loin and ex-NRT Lobster Thermidor) were inedible.
Originally Posted by
Thunderroad
So...I guess it depends on what one prioritizes. I certainly understand your expecting a top F product in every way from a top airline. My own YMMV assessment is that the things that matter most to me - great hard product, great service, extremely reliable - are the things SQ continues to get right. And it also scores very well in terms of my next tier of priorities - very nice lounge, great bubbly, wonderful airport, good IFE.
I agree. It's not like I won't fly them again as SQ's hard product is excellent and cabin crews still wonderful. IMO, SQ is no longer so much better than the competition that one can ignore the ground service failures. I view the entire First Class product from arrival at your departure airport to exiting at your destination. AF and LH understand this and that's why I rank their overall F products as #1 and #2.
Originally Posted by
shuigao
Maybe it's not so much the "decline of SQ" as it is the "rise of the other airlines?"
Suites (hard product) have been one-upped by EY
J seat is no longer industry leading since many other airlines already have 1-2-1 (I tried AF's new J the other day and I prefer it to SQ cos of the 'reverse herringbone' layout)
Ground experience inferior to AF @ CDG and a host of other lounges / airports.
Good points.
Originally Posted by
Kiwi Flyer
I also have generally had good luck with gates close to the SKL - mostly low A gates and sometimes B gates.
As for SIN security at gate I've also not had to wait more than a minute or so. Perhaps the OP is not good at picking which queue will be slow vs fast?
I think arriving from BOM at B9 with an already cranky
Mrs. SFO777 probably set the mood for the day.
And I always seem to wind up in the slow lane.
Guess I'm so used to walk right thru US PreCheck that I'm out of practice when given a traditional security line choice.