Singapore_Air

I flew SQ 22 on 25th October and thought it was an excellent flight. At 17 hours 41 minutes (according to FlightRadar24), it did not feel that much longer than a SIN-LHR which is around 13 / 14 hours.

Cabin impressions:



Seat:

Frequent SQ flyers will be well-acquainted with the seat. I did have the option of picking a bulkhead row but I wanted to a more common experience so picked 23K on this sector.

For me, this is the best Business Class seat due to the spaciousness (width), the various compartments available to be used and also the power outlets / USB ports (although the latter is more common across various airlines' J seats now).



Bed:

The bed is comfortable and I don't have the same complaints of firmness that more famous bloggers seem to have as a negative issue when it comes to these seats. The mattress made the bed slightly more softer than without which probably would be welcome by other passengers. At 172cm, I could lay flat on my back in a straight position or sleep on my side (I alternate between the two) without problems.


In terms of sleep, after take off the first meal is served and then I slept for about 7 - 8 hours. The second meal was served around the time I awoke and then I went back to sleep for another 2 hours before requesting a breakfast item to sleep.

I thought the meal times worked and it seemed most people awoke for the second meal and then ordered items at various times about 1 - 3 hours prior to landing taking advantage of the dine-on-demand concept.

Boarding / Post-Take Off:

I opted for a Canyon Ranch drink before takeoff and some Charles Heidsieck / TWG tea after take off.

The pick-your-own amenity kit came after take off and this seems like a good way of offering amenities without being too wasteful. You also get a leather Singapore Airlines-embossed pouch.



First meal:

I opted for the "Steamed Lobster Dumplings in Superior Soup - with Chinese greens and flower mushrooms".

Other options included: (i) "Pan Seared Lion Head Snapper Fillet with Red Wine Vinaigrette - grilled mushroom, carrots, bacon and garlic-chive mashed potato; (ii) "Beef Hor Fun - Chinese style wok-fried rice noodles with beef and gravy"; or (iii) "Croque Monsieur - warm smoked ham with Gruyere cheese sandwich and fine mesclun".



Second meal:

The second meal is more elaborate starting with the satay. I picked the Canyon Ranch main course which meant it came with an associated Canyon Ranch appetiser and dessert (not listed in the menu)

Canapé: "Singapore Chicken and Beef Satay - with onion, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce."


Appetiser: Prawns, diced cucumber, orange and other things. The non-Canyon Ranch appetiser was: "Salad of Crab - with witlof, frisee and mache".


Main Course: "Citrus Braised Pork Shoulder - White bean cassoulet, spinach and parsley Marcona gremolata" (Canyon Ranch).

Other options were: (i) "Beef Cheek in Red Wine Sauce - with fingerling potatoes, Portobello mushrooms, sautéed vegetables and salsa verde"; (ii) "Famous Singapore Chicken Rice - a renowned local favourite, fragrant poached chicken with pandan flavoured rice, grated ginger, soya and chilli sauce"; (iii) "Braised Egg Noodles with Seafood - Leafy greens, mushroom and Oriental sauce"; (iv) "Parsley Cheese Omelette - With chicken sausage, tomato, sautéed mushrooms and gratin potatoes"; and (v) "Selection of Dim Sum - Steamed fun quin with char siew, spare ribs with black bean, har kow and pork siew mai".


The pork shoulder was well-cooked and it was a nice, light meal which was needed. I usually go for a beef dish with carbs so this was a nice change.

Dessert: A lemon tart with cream on top (Canyon Ranch).

Other options were: (i) "Mango Cheesecake with Ginger Cookie Crumb - Sago coconut cream and mango coulis"; and (ii) "Petite Patisserie - Assortment of mini desserts and petite fours".


Cheese: "Selection of Cheese - Red Cheddar, Delice Des Bois and Cambazola served with fruits, nuts and crackers".


Drinks: For a limited time the Ch teau Rauzan-Ségla 2ème Cru Classé rouge 2006 was served which is normally a First Class / Suites red wine. It was delightful and robust.

Third meal:

I availed myself to some Ben & Jerry's ice cream mid flight and also decided to have the "Greek Yoghurt and Granola Parfait - garnished with homemade granola, fresh berries and coconut flakes" before landing.


Other "Light Bites & Snacks" included: (i) "A selection of bee hoon or egg noodles with choice of - (a) Fish balls and minced chicken, or (b) Black mushrooms and Chinese greens"; (ii) "Steamed Lobster Dumplings in Superior Soup - With Chinese greens and flower mushrooms"; (iii) "Tomato Soup"; (iv) "Mushroom Soup"; (v) "Foccacia with Oriental BBQ Pork and Roasted Vegetables"; (vi) "Panini with Grilled Mushroom and Vegetables, Gruyere Cheese and Sundried Tomato Pesto"; (vii) "Selection of Sliced Fresh Fruits"; (viii) "Selection of Cheese - Red Cheddar, Delice Des Bois and Cambazola served with fruits, nuts and crackers"; (ix) "Assorted Nuts - Roasted cashew nut and almond"; (x) "Chips - Barbeque flavour Cassava chips, cheese flavor potato chips and pretzel"; (xi) "Honey Mustard Flavored Popcorn"; (xii) "Trail Mix - Dried Mango, organic cashew and cacao nib cluster; and (xiii) "Cookies - Walkers cookies".

Crew:

There were probably around 6 / 7 crew in Business Class and they were really proactive and helpful in making beds for passengers. The meal services were conducted efficiently and they took time to address passengers by name and introduce the dishes / wines. A very friendly group.

Conclusion:

I wouldn't hesitate in doing the flight again (I would do the reverse 4 days later). Between the seat, meals and crew, it all seemed to work and the time saving to New York is substantial. Not sure how the Premium Economy passengers fared but hopefully they saw decent value out of the flight too.

Note to connecting passengers: all passengers have to retrieve their bags from the belt at EWR. You then have to go to the UA Ground Services desk around the corner so that they can note the details of your bag tag and load it onto the belt. An SQ representative should be able to assist. Avoid Air Canada if at all possible, especially if travelling with luggage.