Why not? (MAN-MUC SQ J)
Jul 5, 2012, 2:22 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Usually travelling
Programs: BA, SQ, VS, Lifetime Diamond Club Appreciator, Mucci
Posts: 488
Why not? (MAN-MUC SQ J)
Why not? (MAN-MUC SQ J)
Since I started reading FT a few years ago, I've learnt more than I ever thought possible about flying! Gone are the days of crediting to rubbish FF programs, travelling long-haul in Y or spending without earning miles. So I thought it's about time that I gave something back, in the form of a Trip Report. Even better this was a FT style trip, because I could!
From my few posts you'll see that I'm a huge fan of SQ and their long-haul business class product. I was lucky enough to fly it on an A380 a few years ago and I've been hooked ever since. I recently managed to take a relative onto an SQ A380 in J as a surprise. I have a photo of their reaction on reaching our seats. What a fantastic moment and journey. They are now a fan of SQ too!
Anyway back to this TR. A friend (who's also an FT'er) told me a while back that SQ operate MAN-SIN as a MAN-MUC-SIN service with the MAN-MUC sector bookable on it's own. Ever since then I've been planning to do this trip. Who could pass up the opportunity to experience 2 hours of SQ J within Europe?!
I opted for the MAN-MUC sector instead of MUC-MAN due to the flight times. The MUC-MAN is a horrible departure at 0635, whereas MAN-MUC is a much more acceptable 0910 . I made my way up to Manchester from London the night before and stayed overnight in an airport hotel. It was nice to be able to check the flight leave SIN for MUC the night before and know that everything was running to schedule.
I arrived at MAN at approx 0730 and was surprise how busy the place was. Apologies for the blurry shot of check in.
Fast track security worked well and soon I was at the entrance to the Escape Lounge (SQ's partner lounge). The friendly agent then escorted me to the former Air France lounge which apparently SQ requests their passengers to use. SQ has a tiny section roped off at the back of the lounge, but with no windows, I stayed in the main lounge area. I think the Escape Lounge has recently taken it over from Air France, so there may be some changes forthcoming. I didn't take any photos of the lounge. It was pretty basic with simple refreshments and drinks. A typical non airline owned UK lounge.
The SQ 777-300ER (77W) arrived from MUC on schedule and boarding began a little late at approx 0840. Priority boarding was in operation and worked perfectly.
SQ long-haul configuration on a short-haul from MAN!
Nose shot
Boarding Gate Area
I had selected row 11 months ago. It's the forward business class cabin on a 77W with just 2 rows of seats, immediately behind first class. This front row has the benefit of being able to lie straight instead of at an angle, as in almost every other seat with this product. The lying flat wasn't a concern on this short flight, I actually just wanted to test this row out for some proper long-haul sectors on the 77W I've got booked for later in the year. I wasn't disappointed.
I was warmly welcomed aboard and shown to my seat (turning left for those into that!). After decanting my possessions into my seat space, the fantastic SQ service began. Whilst everyone else was boarding, drinks started flowing (champagne and orange juice), magazines and newspapers were distributed and my breakfast order was taken. A flight time of just 1 hours 30 mins was announced. I had been expecting a real flight time of a little under the quoted flight time of 2 hours 5 mins, but not by that much!
Seat 11A. It'll do!
The seat belt signs were extinguished 6 mins after take off. Breakfast was served shortly after and cleared away within 20 mins of take off. Really impressive efficiency. I opted for the chicken stir fry noodles which were tasty (although it was a bit early in the morning for me to eat them).
The flight was almost full in Y with about 10 people in J and 0 in F.
I listened to some music and watched some TV briefly on KrisWorld, which is a fantastic system (even if the remote is very slow to respond).
I had a quick chat with some of the crew about the route and SQ in general. They suggested I try SIN-NRT-LAX. Definitely something I'll get around to!
Before long we were about 15 mins outside of MUC and preparations for landing began.
We touched down early and had a 10 min wait for our gate to become free. I was quite happy to sit in my seat and enjoy it for a few extra mins!
We pulled onto the stand right on schedule.
Much better weather in MUC for a final photo of the SQ 77W
In summary, this was a fantastic flight and a great opportunity to enjoy SQ within Europe. If only it was longer, say SIN-HKG duration, it would be perfect. I also confirmed that I really like row 11 on the 77W. The cabin is quiet, with the bonus of being able to lie straight. I've already got this row confirmed on my upcoming flights.
Thanks for reading and for being such a fantastic forum.
Since I started reading FT a few years ago, I've learnt more than I ever thought possible about flying! Gone are the days of crediting to rubbish FF programs, travelling long-haul in Y or spending without earning miles. So I thought it's about time that I gave something back, in the form of a Trip Report. Even better this was a FT style trip, because I could!
From my few posts you'll see that I'm a huge fan of SQ and their long-haul business class product. I was lucky enough to fly it on an A380 a few years ago and I've been hooked ever since. I recently managed to take a relative onto an SQ A380 in J as a surprise. I have a photo of their reaction on reaching our seats. What a fantastic moment and journey. They are now a fan of SQ too!
Anyway back to this TR. A friend (who's also an FT'er) told me a while back that SQ operate MAN-SIN as a MAN-MUC-SIN service with the MAN-MUC sector bookable on it's own. Ever since then I've been planning to do this trip. Who could pass up the opportunity to experience 2 hours of SQ J within Europe?!
I opted for the MAN-MUC sector instead of MUC-MAN due to the flight times. The MUC-MAN is a horrible departure at 0635, whereas MAN-MUC is a much more acceptable 0910 . I made my way up to Manchester from London the night before and stayed overnight in an airport hotel. It was nice to be able to check the flight leave SIN for MUC the night before and know that everything was running to schedule.
I arrived at MAN at approx 0730 and was surprise how busy the place was. Apologies for the blurry shot of check in.
SQ's Check In Area at MAN. Right next to VS
Fast track security worked well and soon I was at the entrance to the Escape Lounge (SQ's partner lounge). The friendly agent then escorted me to the former Air France lounge which apparently SQ requests their passengers to use. SQ has a tiny section roped off at the back of the lounge, but with no windows, I stayed in the main lounge area. I think the Escape Lounge has recently taken it over from Air France, so there may be some changes forthcoming. I didn't take any photos of the lounge. It was pretty basic with simple refreshments and drinks. A typical non airline owned UK lounge.
The SQ 777-300ER (77W) arrived from MUC on schedule and boarding began a little late at approx 0840. Priority boarding was in operation and worked perfectly.
SQ 77W at MAN. Fantastic!
SQ long-haul configuration on a short-haul from MAN!
Nose shot
Boarding Gate Area
I had selected row 11 months ago. It's the forward business class cabin on a 77W with just 2 rows of seats, immediately behind first class. This front row has the benefit of being able to lie straight instead of at an angle, as in almost every other seat with this product. The lying flat wasn't a concern on this short flight, I actually just wanted to test this row out for some proper long-haul sectors on the 77W I've got booked for later in the year. I wasn't disappointed.
I was warmly welcomed aboard and shown to my seat (turning left for those into that!). After decanting my possessions into my seat space, the fantastic SQ service began. Whilst everyone else was boarding, drinks started flowing (champagne and orange juice), magazines and newspapers were distributed and my breakfast order was taken. A flight time of just 1 hours 30 mins was announced. I had been expecting a real flight time of a little under the quoted flight time of 2 hours 5 mins, but not by that much!
SQ 77W Forward Business Class Cabin
Seat 11A. It'll do!
Looking forward into the F cabin and cockpit
The seat belt signs were extinguished 6 mins after take off. Breakfast was served shortly after and cleared away within 20 mins of take off. Really impressive efficiency. I opted for the chicken stir fry noodles which were tasty (although it was a bit early in the morning for me to eat them).
Menu for this short flight
A bit early in the morning for this!
The flight was almost full in Y with about 10 people in J and 0 in F.
I listened to some music and watched some TV briefly on KrisWorld, which is a fantastic system (even if the remote is very slow to respond).
You can lie straight in row 11!
I had a quick chat with some of the crew about the route and SQ in general. They suggested I try SIN-NRT-LAX. Definitely something I'll get around to!
Before long we were about 15 mins outside of MUC and preparations for landing began.
We touched down early and had a 10 min wait for our gate to become free. I was quite happy to sit in my seat and enjoy it for a few extra mins!
We pulled onto the stand right on schedule.
View from the air bridge at MUC
Much better weather in MUC for a final photo of the SQ 77W
In summary, this was a fantastic flight and a great opportunity to enjoy SQ within Europe. If only it was longer, say SIN-HKG duration, it would be perfect. I also confirmed that I really like row 11 on the 77W. The cabin is quiet, with the bonus of being able to lie straight. I've already got this row confirmed on my upcoming flights.
Thanks for reading and for being such a fantastic forum.
Jul 5, 2012, 11:25 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
You read my mind 
I was perusing SQ's award chart and noticed the intra-Europe flights ... was wondering which routes those were. Found out they were MAN-MUC and BCN-MXP, but haven't found TRs on them. Great report! ^
I was robbed of seat 11A BOM-SIN a couple months back because of an aircraft swap ... from your report, it looks like F on any other airline!
On the SQ chart, 22.5K one-way in J, 32.5K one-way in F. A more reasonable 7500 one-way in Y.
There might be partner awards available for the short flight, but I've resigned to the fact that if I want to fly an SQ premium cabin long-haul, I'll have to redeem SQ miles.
I was perusing SQ's award chart and noticed the intra-Europe flights ... was wondering which routes those were. Found out they were MAN-MUC and BCN-MXP, but haven't found TRs on them. Great report! ^I was robbed of seat 11A BOM-SIN a couple months back because of an aircraft swap ... from your report, it looks like F on any other airline!
There might be partner awards available for the short flight, but I've resigned to the fact that if I want to fly an SQ premium cabin long-haul, I'll have to redeem SQ miles.
Jul 6, 2012, 12:47 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Usually travelling
Programs: BA, SQ, VS, Lifetime Diamond Club Appreciator, Mucci
Posts: 488
Thanks for your comments.
It was a redemption via BMI. That wonderful ~6 month window of redeeming BMI miles on SQ has gone 
SQ used to price tickets on this route at stupid prices, but recently they're about £250 in J (or <£100 in Y) (one-way). Not too bad. Previous prices were £375 then £600+!
AFAIK BCN-MXP isn't bookable on it's own and it's an even shorter sector if it was!
SQ used to price tickets on this route at stupid prices, but recently they're about £250 in J (or <£100 in Y) (one-way). Not too bad. Previous prices were £375 then £600+!
You read my mind I was perusing SQ's award chart and noticed the intra-Europe flights ... was wondering which routes those were. Found out they were MAN-MUC and BCN-MXP, but haven't found TRs on them. Great report!