On 31 July, my wife and I headed to JFK for our trip to Prague and Vienna.
Half the fun of these trips is the preparation. No. Not reading the travel guides; but researching the various ways of getting to my destination, and on what carrier.
I cashed in 2 business (C) tickets on United. My research indicated we could fly Lufthansa (LH) to Frankfurt (FRA). But who wants to fly LH when I can fly Singapore (SQ). I was looking forward to flying in SQ's spacebed in Raffles class (their business class).
I spent a fair amount of time on the phone with the UA Intl award desk. They were delightful. They helped me get this award on the first try. FYI, we returned on LH from FRA. I was curious to fly LH since I've read so much about them.
Anyway, my son and daughter drove us to JFK. I left with plenty of time because I wanted to check out the Swiss lounge at JFK. Plenty of hot food and drink; along with 2 free computers. . Since I don't have status with SQ, I couldn't get into the
bar like Virgin lounge.
We flew
SQ 25 JFK/FRA. Seats 24A 24C. The first thing I did was check the seats to make sure they were functioning. I had to do my wifes seat; and an older Asian lady sitting in the center. When she asked what I was doing...
Business is 2-3-2. It was half-full. Coach (Y) was full.
I loved that spacebed. This was the first time that I ever got
solid sleep on a redeye. That seats goes just about all the way back. The armrest on the side goes down too. That gives the feeling of more room.
Last summer we flew ANA JFK/NRT/BKK. I thought that service was outstanding. SQ somehow managed to top that. They seemed to be friendlier on SQ; as opposed to the 'obligatory' and friendly service on NH. Just an impression.
On SQ, when I pushed the call button, the FA came running. That's a first.
The FA even turned on my reading light when I was reading (studying) the menu and wine list.
I had an over-sized satin pillow. A 10" tv monitor in front of me. An in flight entertainment (IFE for you newbees) system with so many movies and tv shows, that I would have had to fly RTW to view them all.
My first drink was a Singapore Sling. I expected the drink to be good as it was prepared by a FA from SIN. Champagne was
Piper Heidsieck rare cuvee reserve
I was disappointed with the cheap, coach-like peanuts they served ala Southwest. It showed no class.
SQ provides noise-cancelling headsets. Another disappointment. A poster on the SQ forum suggested that I bring my
Bose. I was glad I did.
For dinner, we had:
Warm garlic bread, shrimp salad, extra virgin olive oil (in a small container).
I had the loin lamb; and my wife had the chilean sea bass.
A cheese selection followed. Fruit, ice cream and port was offered. Then, a wonderful piece of chocolate cake came. Hmmm
These SQ F/A's fussed all over us. ^
Breakfast offered 1 hour prior to landing in FRA.
I didn't want to get off in FRA. I wanted to fly SQ all the way to SIN.
This was the best use of an award ever.