Spring 2020 - SQ and MI service reductions
Mar 7, 2020, 3:07 pm
#61
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA USA
Programs: SPG PLT, AA EXP
Posts: 3,732
SQ just rebooked us to 23 April SQ 451 MLE-SIN -- was originally booked for 22 April.
Our problem: we will be on a points stay at the Waldorf Astoria ending on the 22nd, and paying out of pocket for another night (currently USD $2,400 ex taxes/fees) is obviously not an option. SQ now have us stranded in one of the most expensive places on earth without accommodation on the last night.
What are our options? The way I see it:
- Rebooked on another airline on the 22nd?
* will be a downgrade in terms of the itinerary as no other airline (except Silk Air) flies direct to SIN from MLE
* will be a downgrade in terms of the experience (we're in J on the B787-10), unless maybe they rebook us on QR with QSuites which would add a lot of time to the itinerary anyway
- Rebooked onto one of Silk Air's flights on the 22nd?
* obviously huge downgrade in terms of experience.
* Flight also departs in the morning (vs just before midnight) which means we lose a full day at the Waldorf Astoria.
Our problem: we will be on a points stay at the Waldorf Astoria ending on the 22nd, and paying out of pocket for another night (currently USD $2,400 ex taxes/fees) is obviously not an option. SQ now have us stranded in one of the most expensive places on earth without accommodation on the last night.
What are our options? The way I see it:
- Rebooked on another airline on the 22nd?
* will be a downgrade in terms of the itinerary as no other airline (except Silk Air) flies direct to SIN from MLE
* will be a downgrade in terms of the experience (we're in J on the B787-10), unless maybe they rebook us on QR with QSuites which would add a lot of time to the itinerary anyway
- Rebooked onto one of Silk Air's flights on the 22nd?
* obviously huge downgrade in terms of experience.
* Flight also departs in the morning (vs just before midnight) which means we lose a full day at the Waldorf Astoria.
Mar 8, 2020, 8:17 pm
#62
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SIN
Programs: KF, MPC, BAEC // Bonvoy, WoH, Honors
Posts: 1,462
Not sure if you've made a decision on this yet, but just be aware that SQ has been canceling the Silk Air SIN-MLE-SIN flights fairly aggressively for travel ~ 1-2 weeks from now and further out. The later of the 2 daily SIlkAir flights is already gone, and the other one is 0'd out in all classes now even though 50-60 seats are open, which has been a sign that they will soon be canceled as well. That leaves only the SQ metal SIN-MLE-SIN late evening flight as operating, and that was recently upgauged to a 787-9, which given current loads can easily swallow up all of the passengers on both SilkAir flights with capacity to spare. It would not surprise me at all to see the SQ 789 be the only flight remaining to the Maldives in the next few days.
As of now, SQ have rebooked me onto the same flights (Silk Air on the outbound, SQ on the inbound) but one day earlier in each direction. Will see if they end up moving me to the SQ flight on the outbound as well.
As far as I can tell MI482 has operated daily as scheduled for the past week.
Mar 10, 2020, 5:57 pm
#63
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2020
Programs: SQ PPS Solitaire, CX Diamond, BA Executive Club Lifetime Gold, World of Hyatt Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 22
Are SQ flights that empty these days? (please see pics)
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...virus-12455566
Unfortunately, I am not allowed to fly these days. But I am curious nevertheless.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...virus-12455566
Unfortunately, I am not allowed to fly these days. But I am curious nevertheless.
Mar 10, 2020, 7:55 pm
#64
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Singapore
Programs: QF LTG, SQ EGTP, Bonvoy LTG
Posts: 4,844
How full was economy? There is a (remote) possibility that the DEL-SIN flight was much fuller, so needed the capacity on return, but I'm betting that it wouldn't be. Corporate travel is all but stopped for most companies, so I expect most flights are running at about 20-30% load factors.
Mar 11, 2020, 5:42 am
#65
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2020
Programs: SQ PPS Solitaire, CX Diamond, BA Executive Club Lifetime Gold, World of Hyatt Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 22
How full was economy? There is a (remote) possibility that the DEL-SIN flight was much fuller, so needed the capacity on return, but I'm betting that it wouldn't be. Corporate travel is all but stopped for most companies, so I expect most flights are running at about 20-30% load factors.
In my opinion, SQ can do more with its capacity management and cost containment in view of falling demand. Adhoc cancellations are confusing and does not do justice for passengers making bookings, causing inconvenience especially for those who are travelling for business.
So far, Cathay Pacific and Qantas Airways in the Asia Pacific that have taken prudent steps with its network changes and capacity discipline.
Mar 11, 2020, 6:14 am
#66
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,276
As I was in Business Class, I was told that the loads in economy and premium economy were very light and the return sector was expected to be the same. One reason why SQ might be flying their A380 might be linked to their power by the hour contracts they have in place with OEMs. However, having said that, extreme times such as what we live in calls for extreme measures.
In my opinion, SQ can do more with its capacity management and cost containment in view of falling demand. Adhoc cancellations are confusing and does not do justice for passengers making bookings, causing inconvenience especially for those who are travelling for business.
So far, Cathay Pacific and Qantas Airways in the Asia Pacific that have taken prudent steps with its network changes and capacity discipline.
In my opinion, SQ can do more with its capacity management and cost containment in view of falling demand. Adhoc cancellations are confusing and does not do justice for passengers making bookings, causing inconvenience especially for those who are travelling for business.
So far, Cathay Pacific and Qantas Airways in the Asia Pacific that have taken prudent steps with its network changes and capacity discipline.
Mar 11, 2020, 7:08 pm
#68
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2020
Programs: SQ PPS Solitaire, CX Diamond, BA Executive Club Lifetime Gold, World of Hyatt Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 22
To be clear, SQ has been practicing adhoc cancellations to adjust their network as and when changes to demand impacting their flights. However, what I am saying is that they could be more prudent with how some of their changes are implemented as here and there cancellations can be very confusing for the travellers.
Flying an A380 with very light loads on both directions can be minimised just like what Qantas has implemented with their network review. As fuel continues to drop and with global recession setting in with recovery that may take longer than what some are suggesting, the oil prices are probably going to stay low for some time impacting SQ's hedging losses that are planned up until 2025 at significant volumes.
Flying an A380 with very light loads on both directions can be minimised just like what Qantas has implemented with their network review. As fuel continues to drop and with global recession setting in with recovery that may take longer than what some are suggesting, the oil prices are probably going to stay low for some time impacting SQ's hedging losses that are planned up until 2025 at significant volumes.
Last edited by DestinAsian; Mar 11, 2020 at 7:15 pm
Mar 11, 2020, 7:31 pm
#69
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: PHL, NYC, DC
Posts: 9,708
Mar 11, 2020, 7:34 pm
#70
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Singapore
Programs: QF LTG, SQ EGTP, Bonvoy LTG
Posts: 4,844
Yes I wondered if SQ 25/26 will be cancelled altogether or be rerouted via LHR, or somewhere like NRT now that flights from Europe to US, except UK, will be banned? I suspect the former and economy pax in for a bump up to Y+ on 21/22.
Mar 11, 2020, 11:16 pm
#71
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 876
CX taking prudent steps with network changes ? They did not even bother to issue any press release on what flights are cancelled. Just random cancellation here n there. For some route, just total suspension n no alternative provided. And till now , have not announced any cancellation for April.
to me, SQ staff's mentality is very much like civil servant.
Mar 17, 2020, 7:11 am
#72
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,276
SQ will be cancelling more flights to Australia n New Zealand
carins/Darwin / Christchurch/Wellington / Adelaide services will be cancelled. Adelaide will be one weekly service in may.
brisbane/Perth will see more reduction
Melbourne n Sydney will retain most services for the time being.
carins/Darwin / Christchurch/Wellington / Adelaide services will be cancelled. Adelaide will be one weekly service in may.
brisbane/Perth will see more reduction
Melbourne n Sydney will retain most services for the time being.
Mar 17, 2020, 11:20 pm
#75
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,276
SQ will be cancelling more flights to Australia n New Zealand
carins/Darwin / Christchurch/Wellington / Adelaide services will be cancelled. Adelaide will be one weekly service in may.
brisbane/Perth will see more reduction
Melbourne n Sydney will retain most services for the time being.
carins/Darwin / Christchurch/Wellington / Adelaide services will be cancelled. Adelaide will be one weekly service in may.
brisbane/Perth will see more reduction
Melbourne n Sydney will retain most services for the time being.
syd/Mel/Perth only 1 flight per day.
London also 1 flight per day