I don't believe there can be any controversy that Singapore and British Airways offer the finest service in the air. Over the past four days I have been fortunate enough to fly Singapore Airlines Raffles class from Singapore to Sydney and Britsh Airways Club World from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur. Both flights were eight hour evening flights, so I can give an apples-to-apples comparison of the two:

Both seats were very comfortable with electronic adjustments for lumbar, recline, footrest, etc. Singapore seats were slightly wider and seemed to have slightly greater pitch (did not confirm with a tape measure). The BA "cradle"" system where the seat bottom tilts was very comfortable. Singapore seats had a remote control for the A/V system which was better than the BA system where the armrest has to be left flipped open to channel surf. Singapore had noise reducing headsets which BA did not; this is a very significant feature to me. BA had better wine. BA had better selection of video programming. Both had excellent food. Both had excellent service, but the stewardess on Singapore was much prettier. The pilot on BA was more amusing. ("Flight attendants, would you be good enough to take your seats for landing?")

Overall winner: Singapore, but it was very close.

Comments on First Class: I did not get a chance to compare the service or food, but I did get a chance to walk around both FC cabins. The lighting in the BA cabin was nicer, but both "Sky Suites" seem the ultimate in long-haul luxury. Merry, are you certain you have seen the new Singapore seats which are currently being installed in the fleet? They seem to be the equal of the BA version, altough I have not tried both.

Cheers,
HKF

HKF: Thanks for your insight. In answer to your question, yes I have seen the new Singapore First Class seats, and although they are excellent, I still do not think they are as good as BA's - let me turn the question 'round though and ask have you heard about the new BA First seats?

I think something to remember when we talk about our airline preferences is our cultural preferences.

For me BA stands head and shoulders above everyone else for First Class. This I am sure is because they over the facilities and services I expect.

As an example, there are often posts here about US carriers offering Starbucks coffee or cookies - these are US preferences and don't appeal to me at all. I am much happier with a bag of pork scratchings or a minature pork pie (which much to there annoyance, BA will happily supply).

My point... it is interesting to talk about new features, but airline 'supremecy' is not a clinical thing, it is a matter of taste.

I think we all know who the truely world class airlines are, and any differences really boil down to a matter of personal taste.
MF

Attractiveness of flight attendents is surely in the eye of the beholder. Gosh, I feel like we have time warped to the sixties/seventies when airlines (e.g. Braniff) would blatantly use sexual overtones in their advertising to lure the traveller (remember the one where the stewardess would rip off her skirt to reveal hot pants underneath).

Most of the first class sleeper seats are similar, the difference is in the details. Like the quilt that BA provides. The one thing that SQ has that is a definite winner in my mind is the relatively huge 14" video screen at each seat.

Merry - are you serious? I can ask for a bag of scratchings??? I can't wait to find out!!! What about a piece of black pudding? (Definitely not for me, but my old mum would love it).

[This message has been edited by mgm (edited 03-10-99).]

Krug and pork scratchings?

I gotta try that one!

It is a strange but true fact that BA catering contractors have pork scratchings - they are also available upon request in BA's full-service lounges at Heathrow and Gatwick.

If BA will put it on your Pax profile that you would like them on the plane, you shouldn't have a problem (catering will just and them to their list) - it beats pretzels anytime!

Just remember that muching Pork Scratchings in a quiet cabin will not help you in the popularity stakes.

Now as for black-pudding I'm not sure about that. I can't stand the stuff so have never asked.
MF

For those of us who are not familiar with British cuisine: What is a prok scratchings? Is similar to pork rinds (American)?

HKF: Just a guess here, since I've seen NEITHER the BA nor the Singapore seats, but I believe that you will have an impossible task convincing merry that the Singapore seats are better than the BA seats for one simple reason: The Singapore seats are not on a BA aircraft

So lets pose this "apples to apples" question: Merry: Assuming you don't mind dealing in hypotheticals, IF the Singapore seats replaced those currently on BA aircraft, would you be happy or sad???

It's true . . . one's culture and taste inform requirements, expectations and preferences. Speaking of which, I really wish Virgin would lose their boarding music. It jangles me nerves which can't even be soothed in the Virgin lounge's special music room because it's not stocked with classical tunes. Sigh.

I very much fear Tony Blair's 'new Britain' will be about as British as the U.S.'s New England is English.

Merry...can you ask for Spotted Dick?

Matt:

I have to amend your "apples to apples" questions.

Merry wrote in the UA thread "Flying First Suite": "Singapore is very nice, but it is no nicer than the new UA and not quite as good as BA."

So, the new amended question would be "If British Airways replaced their first class seats with those from UA or Singapore, would you be happy or sad??? "

Ok the great First class seat debate,

In SIA's favour:

-14inch Screens
-'Book the Cook'


In BA's favour:

-More privacy
-More relaxed cabin
-Larger seats
-Guest Dining Seat

BA still has the edge in my view.


Premex: I have elected to take the 5th on your Spotted Dick question (of course under new UK laws that makes me implicitly guilty - guilty of what I don't know).
Nick

I must say that I am very surprised by that answer, merry...

Matt: Why is that? What could I possibly do that would suprise you? I thought you knew me every quirk and foible by now.
Nick

merry - after getting my pension, where shall inscibe myself (which english university, is it Oxford or Cockney?) to learn to understand and use "spotted Dick", "every quirk and foible", etc. etc. etc. HELP!