The world's most OVERRATED airline - Singapore Airlines
Jul 1, 2019, 3:51 am
#16
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: CGK SIN PER ORD
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Posts: 2,813
Or maybe the second best airline in the world. 
What SQ is trying to, and always tried to do meet the expectations of most of its customers, within constraints of trying to offer a reasonable network and still be profitable. With a lot of things, SQ seems to draw a line under, and tries to make up for it through in flight service. They have definitely ruled out, and trained their customers not to expect, "gimmicks" such as chauffeur drive (which some of the airlines who offer - or have offered - this service are cutting back on), amenities kit (instead having well stocked bath room), and pyjamas in business class. One assumes they understand the value (or lack of value) in providing different amenities.
Also remember, being in the top tier, isn't just about the premium cabins. Carriers that provide a decent economy experience (for example, not refitting 777's with 10 across seating) will move to the top of a lot of lists, as economy pax tend to outnumber premium cabin lists.
Each of us places value on different things, for example the "business/first stands" I am sure a lot of people couldn't care less (or could care less, depending on which part of the world you're from) about. Probably most relevant where there are long queues for immigration and luggage needs to be removed from carousel.
What SQ is trying to, and always tried to do meet the expectations of most of its customers, within constraints of trying to offer a reasonable network and still be profitable. With a lot of things, SQ seems to draw a line under, and tries to make up for it through in flight service. They have definitely ruled out, and trained their customers not to expect, "gimmicks" such as chauffeur drive (which some of the airlines who offer - or have offered - this service are cutting back on), amenities kit (instead having well stocked bath room), and pyjamas in business class. One assumes they understand the value (or lack of value) in providing different amenities.
Also remember, being in the top tier, isn't just about the premium cabins. Carriers that provide a decent economy experience (for example, not refitting 777's with 10 across seating) will move to the top of a lot of lists, as economy pax tend to outnumber premium cabin lists.
Each of us places value on different things, for example the "business/first stands" I am sure a lot of people couldn't care less (or could care less, depending on which part of the world you're from) about. Probably most relevant where there are long queues for immigration and luggage needs to be removed from carousel.
I also know this is F/C discussion but reality is I fly Y a lot and GA Y is absymal. I know for a fact that cost cutting happens but GA sinply does not stock 1 extra meal for Y. If they have 56 pax, they will load 56 meals. Wet tissues have been eliminated in Y, and no full cans of sodas are allowed. Sometimes even peanuts are not loaded.
If i did not have to fly them, I wouldn't. I personally still rate SQ on a different tier airline than GA, in any class of service.
Good thing about flying GA? Their flights are rarely full lol which is why I sometimes get 2 seats blocked for me.
Jul 1, 2019, 6:33 am
#17
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,279
Because I want your input, sbs2716g.
Even if SQ provide all the above 9 points you also won’t be happy. Like what another poster say, it would be better for you to fly private jets if you need special service.
Jul 1, 2019, 6:42 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 819
I know people claim that metal spoons change the way caviar tastes, but I'm pretty sceptical. Caviar is stored and sold in metal tins. However, even if using a metal spoon affects the taste of caviar, a mother-of-pearl spoon isn't your only option. A wooden spoon will do, so your second claim is just not true.
Jul 1, 2019, 6:44 am
#19
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 819
Qatar Airways gives out GODIVA branded chocolates as pralines in Business Class. SQ gives out no brand chocolates, created by SATS Catering.
Last edited by vsepr; Jul 2, 2019 at 3:21 am
Jul 1, 2019, 6:47 am
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 819
I will play along...
Just flew 2 segments on GA biz class last month and I am GA plat but not by choice.
No offer of hot or warm towels in both segments.
Their 'premium' arrival baggage service is having you wait in a sitting area and someone will take your luggage tag and wait at the baggage carousel for you. Not sure about you but I value my time. SQ in CGK T3 now has someone timing the first bag out to last bag, whereas I could wait 40 mins for GA to send my bags out. I will save the extra 30 seconds for the person to bring my luggage to me and pick it up myself.
And speaking of lounges, you cannot possibly tell me in a straight face that GA lounges in CGK and DPS are better than SQ lounges in SIN.
Just flew 2 segments on GA biz class last month and I am GA plat but not by choice.
No offer of hot or warm towels in both segments.
Their 'premium' arrival baggage service is having you wait in a sitting area and someone will take your luggage tag and wait at the baggage carousel for you. Not sure about you but I value my time. SQ in CGK T3 now has someone timing the first bag out to last bag, whereas I could wait 40 mins for GA to send my bags out. I will save the extra 30 seconds for the person to bring my luggage to me and pick it up myself.
And speaking of lounges, you cannot possibly tell me in a straight face that GA lounges in CGK and DPS are better than SQ lounges in SIN.
Jul 1, 2019, 6:55 am
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 819
https://milelion.com/2017/11/29/phil...ge-doh-review/
SQ has NONE of the 10 points!! The gap is so big!!
Last edited by vsepr; Jul 1, 2019 at 7:14 am
Jul 1, 2019, 7:35 am
#22
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You should be sure to avoid EK, they don't even provide a caviar spoon in F
I agree with the earlier post, the biggest issue I have with SQ is their business class seat. In my book SQ is definitely a five-star airline. I prefer NH style of service, but don't find SQ overrated (except for the seat). I do find OP's comments trivial. Who cares about a luggage stand at the carousel?
I agree with the earlier post, the biggest issue I have with SQ is their business class seat. In my book SQ is definitely a five-star airline. I prefer NH style of service, but don't find SQ overrated (except for the seat). I do find OP's comments trivial. Who cares about a luggage stand at the carousel?
Jul 1, 2019, 7:43 am
#23
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 819
You should be sure to avoid EK, they don't even provide a caviar spoon in F
I agree with the earlier post, the biggest issue I have with SQ is their business class seat. In my book SQ is definitely a five-star airline. I prefer NH style of service, but don't find SQ overrated (except for the seat). I do find OP's comments trivial. Who cares about a luggage stand at the carousel?
I agree with the earlier post, the biggest issue I have with SQ is their business class seat. In my book SQ is definitely a five-star airline. I prefer NH style of service, but don't find SQ overrated (except for the seat). I do find OP's comments trivial. Who cares about a luggage stand at the carousel?
Jul 1, 2019, 7:52 am
#24
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I'm sorry, but this is hilarious.
And on Ryanair they strap a paper caviar funnel to your head and you eat it like you're a horse.
And on Ryanair they strap a paper caviar funnel to your head and you eat it like you're a horse.
Jul 1, 2019, 8:36 am
#25
Join Date: Feb 2017
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Posts: 441
Jul 1, 2019, 9:13 am
#26
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Join Date: May 2012
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A soup course and pajamas are not standard for business class on many airlines. Yes a few airlines exceed the standard, SQ is not one of them in this area. If you want soup and PJs, you've gotta fly in F. QR may offer these products in comparison, however keep in mind the majority of their fleet does not have F anymore. They market their J class as a step above standard J and as good as flying F (which is somewhat laughable). Don't get me wrong, QR J is a fantastic product, but it definitely isn't F.
It would be nice, no doubt. However even now, many airlines are trimming back this service. Again, not really the industry standard when you look at the broad picture.
The best part is the cabin crew does not know what is a mother of pearl spoon!!!!!!!!
Even Garuda Indonesia First Class is so much better in the presentation, with an onboard chef, see the way their caviar is served:
https://www.topmiles.com/blog/articl...-japan-for--76
Garuda Indonesia First Class Tokyo-Narita to Bali:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USZBN8SLqgw
You don't need to fly on all these airlines to know all these....just google n youtube!!
Business Class on Qatar Airways, ANA, EVA Air and Garuda Indonesia offers wine-tasting service when you order white or red wine like in First Class. First they bring the bottle to you to see, after that pour out a bit to taste and after that pour the rest. The interesting thing is, no matter how many times you order the red/white wine, they will keep on repeating the steps with a smile. I'm serious.
On the "world's best" airline, only SQ's First Class have this service. In Business Class they pour out in the galley and serve you the glass.
Something is very wrong with the system. Only the new seats designed by SQ is good and SQ is convenient and direct to SIN, saves time. Service is just above average at most. Not polished at all. I suspect it's because SQ has a HUGE group of DIE HARD loyalty supporters. Even though at the back of their mind they know that SQ is not the best airline in the world, they will still vote for SQ.
I would like to hear views from readers.
Even Garuda Indonesia First Class is so much better in the presentation, with an onboard chef, see the way their caviar is served:
https://www.topmiles.com/blog/articl...-japan-for--76
Garuda Indonesia First Class Tokyo-Narita to Bali:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USZBN8SLqgw
You don't need to fly on all these airlines to know all these....just google n youtube!!
Business Class on Qatar Airways, ANA, EVA Air and Garuda Indonesia offers wine-tasting service when you order white or red wine like in First Class. First they bring the bottle to you to see, after that pour out a bit to taste and after that pour the rest. The interesting thing is, no matter how many times you order the red/white wine, they will keep on repeating the steps with a smile. I'm serious.
On the "world's best" airline, only SQ's First Class have this service. In Business Class they pour out in the galley and serve you the glass.
Something is very wrong with the system. Only the new seats designed by SQ is good and SQ is convenient and direct to SIN, saves time. Service is just above average at most. Not polished at all. I suspect it's because SQ has a HUGE group of DIE HARD loyalty supporters. Even though at the back of their mind they know that SQ is not the best airline in the world, they will still vote for SQ.
I would like to hear views from readers.
EK? Maybe, but their F suites are well behind SQ as is their J seat. Yes they have a bar and showers but is that a trade you're willing to make for a lesser seat? I'm not so sure. Now if they were to roll out their new F suites across their fleet, that would be a pretty big game changer, but so far progress on this has been slow and let's not forget there are still many 777s flying around with a very poor J product.
EY? Maybe a few years back but their aggressive cost cutting has pretty much decimated most of that product.
QR? This is an interesting one because with their new J product QR could (and do) claim to have the world's best business class. I could agree with this, but does having the best business class alone make you the best airline in the world? Keep in mind QR only has very limited F offerings, and the ones they do are pretty far behind what is offered by SQ.
You mention GA a lot, however it's difficult to say that Garuda Indonesia is the best airline in the world. Much of the world has never heard of it, they fly a relatively limited network outside of Southeast Asia, and let's not forget as recently as about 10 years ago they weren't even allowed to fly into Europe. While I have seen some amazing things being turned around at Garuda, their limited utility and lack of brand recognition definitely hurt, and it would be hard to say that they are above all the best airline in the world. No doubt, they're doing many things right at the moment though.
ANA? Probably not. JAL? Closer, but also probably not. Cathay at one point might have been up there, however today they're not quite the airline they were a few years back. Cost-cutting has taken a bit of a toll.
Stepping back and looking at it, I can't really think of an airline that is truly all around better than SQ. Now if we limit things to a single class of service, that may change.
Last edited by cmd320; Jul 1, 2019 at 12:28 pm
Jul 1, 2019, 11:05 am
#27
Join Date: Nov 2013
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If paying the big bucks for F/J, I won't act like the finer details that you mention should be ignored. But Singapore seatmaps for longhaul show 4x or 5x more economy seats than premium seats, and SQ economy seats have a wider seat than some carrier PE (Looking at you, British Airways!). Throw in the slightly better than average pitch, meals, and in-seat power, and you might understand why SQ is coming out on top of lists.
Jul 1, 2019, 1:27 pm
#28
Join Date: Jul 2017
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Posts: 3,340
To bash OP some more... you’ve taken one or 2 points from some of the better airlines and you expect SQ to provide them all to be the “best”! 
Most of the other frequent travelers echo my sentiments... most of these aren’t really things we care about.
My complaints about SQ - J seats being at an angle, ground staffs famous “CANNNOOOTT” attitude and their average to sub-par lounges in SIN (J & *G) and fast becoming very average FFP.
We’re seeing how fast EY & EK are rolling back their chauffeur and other biz services. Look at EY’s new biz offering... J without lounge, seats or anything else.
I’m generally happy with SQ trying to strike a good balance with their products and services and profitability.
Most of the other frequent travelers echo my sentiments... most of these aren’t really things we care about.
My complaints about SQ - J seats being at an angle, ground staffs famous “CANNNOOOTT” attitude and their average to sub-par lounges in SIN (J & *G) and fast becoming very average FFP.
We’re seeing how fast EY & EK are rolling back their chauffeur and other biz services. Look at EY’s new biz offering... J without lounge, seats or anything else.
I’m generally happy with SQ trying to strike a good balance with their products and services and profitability.
Jul 1, 2019, 5:36 pm
#29
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: alaska
Posts: 108
Still Emirates. Their international economy class offering is worse than American and their hype is largely built on business class of about 10 years ago(which was amazing at that time).
Have yet to have a bad experience on an Asian airline(knock on wood) that wasn't a mainland china airline. JAL, Singapore, Cathay, Eva, Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airways, have all been great in my experiences.
Have yet to have a bad experience on an Asian airline(knock on wood) that wasn't a mainland china airline. JAL, Singapore, Cathay, Eva, Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airways, have all been great in my experiences.
Jul 1, 2019, 7:10 pm
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 819
No disagreement here. While SQ has some nice lounges in their home airport and some contract lounges are decent, many are also very mediocre and in some cases even poor.
A soup course and pajamas are not standard for business class on many airlines. Yes a few airlines exceed the standard, SQ is not one of them in this area. If you want soup and PJs, you've gotta fly in F. QR may offer these products in comparison, however keep in mind the majority of their fleet does not have F anymore. They market their J class as a step above standard J and as good as flying F (which is somewhat laughable). Don't get me wrong, QR J is a fantastic product, but it definitely isn't F.
Not a caviar person so I can't really comment, but yes, if this is a big deal then you've gotta fly someone else.
It would be nice, no doubt. However even now, many airlines are trimming back this service. Again, not really the industry standard when you look at the broad picture.
Again, it would be nice, however there are many other areas where NH, QR, GA, and BR do not compare with SQ.
I'm not really even sure what this would do...
Now this is a pretty big key. Arrivals lounges are very nice and I feel it is very important to offer some kind of a shower facility after a long haul flight. This is something that would be pretty easy for SQ to incorporate (and not just in SIN).
Again, this would be nice, and yes, showers on the A380 would also be nice, however this is something that's really just limited to the ME3. While it would contribute positively, I also don't think that the absence of these features weighs too negatively.
I'm pretty confident that many crews would be happy to let you sample some of the wine offerings if you request it. And if not then just sample them all yourself anyway by asking for them one by one? It's not like it costs anything...
Also while not a specifically spelled out benefit, if you requested to be served your meal at a different time, I would imagine you would be accommodated most of the time.
It's difficult to assess this because I don't believe there is a single "best airline in the world" hands down. There is definitely a group of better ones but as we've realized, they don't all do things the same way and in some cases some are better, in others they aren't. I suppose I ask, if it isn't SQ then who is it? I don't think it's anything from North or South America, Africa, Europe, or Australia, so that pretty much limits things to the Asia/Middle East region.
EK? Maybe, but their F suites are well behind SQ as is their J seat. Yes they have a bar and showers but is that a trade you're willing to make for a lesser seat? I'm not so sure. Now if they were to roll out their new F suites across their fleet, that would be a pretty big game changer, but so far progress on this has been slow and let's not forget there are still many 777s flying around with a very poor J product.
EY? Maybe a few years back but their aggressive cost cutting has pretty much decimated most of that product.
QR? This is an interesting one because with their new J product QR could (and do) claim to have the world's best business class. I could agree with this, but does having the best business class alone make you the best airline in the world? Keep in mind QR only has very limited F offerings, and the ones they do are pretty far behind what is offered by SQ.
You mention GA a lot, however it's difficult to say that Garuda Indonesia is the best airline in the world. Much of the world has never heard of it, they fly a relatively limited network outside of Southeast Asia, and let's not forget as recently as about 10 years ago they weren't even allowed to fly into Europe. While I have seen some amazing things being turned around at Garuda, their limited utility and lack of brand recognition definitely hurt, and it would be hard to say that they are above all the best airline in the world. No doubt, they're doing many things right at the moment though.
ANA? Probably not. JAL? Closer, but also probably not. Cathay at one point might have been up there, however today they're not quite the airline they were a few years back. Cost-cutting has taken a bit of a toll.
Stepping back and looking at it, I can't really think of an airline that is truly all around better than SQ. Now if we limit things to a single class of service, that may change.
A soup course and pajamas are not standard for business class on many airlines. Yes a few airlines exceed the standard, SQ is not one of them in this area. If you want soup and PJs, you've gotta fly in F. QR may offer these products in comparison, however keep in mind the majority of their fleet does not have F anymore. They market their J class as a step above standard J and as good as flying F (which is somewhat laughable). Don't get me wrong, QR J is a fantastic product, but it definitely isn't F.
Not a caviar person so I can't really comment, but yes, if this is a big deal then you've gotta fly someone else.
It would be nice, no doubt. However even now, many airlines are trimming back this service. Again, not really the industry standard when you look at the broad picture.
Again, it would be nice, however there are many other areas where NH, QR, GA, and BR do not compare with SQ.
I'm not really even sure what this would do...
Now this is a pretty big key. Arrivals lounges are very nice and I feel it is very important to offer some kind of a shower facility after a long haul flight. This is something that would be pretty easy for SQ to incorporate (and not just in SIN).
Again, this would be nice, and yes, showers on the A380 would also be nice, however this is something that's really just limited to the ME3. While it would contribute positively, I also don't think that the absence of these features weighs too negatively.
I'm pretty confident that many crews would be happy to let you sample some of the wine offerings if you request it. And if not then just sample them all yourself anyway by asking for them one by one? It's not like it costs anything...
Also while not a specifically spelled out benefit, if you requested to be served your meal at a different time, I would imagine you would be accommodated most of the time.
It's difficult to assess this because I don't believe there is a single "best airline in the world" hands down. There is definitely a group of better ones but as we've realized, they don't all do things the same way and in some cases some are better, in others they aren't. I suppose I ask, if it isn't SQ then who is it? I don't think it's anything from North or South America, Africa, Europe, or Australia, so that pretty much limits things to the Asia/Middle East region.
EK? Maybe, but their F suites are well behind SQ as is their J seat. Yes they have a bar and showers but is that a trade you're willing to make for a lesser seat? I'm not so sure. Now if they were to roll out their new F suites across their fleet, that would be a pretty big game changer, but so far progress on this has been slow and let's not forget there are still many 777s flying around with a very poor J product.
EY? Maybe a few years back but their aggressive cost cutting has pretty much decimated most of that product.
QR? This is an interesting one because with their new J product QR could (and do) claim to have the world's best business class. I could agree with this, but does having the best business class alone make you the best airline in the world? Keep in mind QR only has very limited F offerings, and the ones they do are pretty far behind what is offered by SQ.
You mention GA a lot, however it's difficult to say that Garuda Indonesia is the best airline in the world. Much of the world has never heard of it, they fly a relatively limited network outside of Southeast Asia, and let's not forget as recently as about 10 years ago they weren't even allowed to fly into Europe. While I have seen some amazing things being turned around at Garuda, their limited utility and lack of brand recognition definitely hurt, and it would be hard to say that they are above all the best airline in the world. No doubt, they're doing many things right at the moment though.
ANA? Probably not. JAL? Closer, but also probably not. Cathay at one point might have been up there, however today they're not quite the airline they were a few years back. Cost-cutting has taken a bit of a toll.
Stepping back and looking at it, I can't really think of an airline that is truly all around better than SQ. Now if we limit things to a single class of service, that may change.