JetStar SIN-BKK-SIN
Nov 28, 2006 | 3:56 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Singapore
Programs: HH Diamond, Accor Gold, SQ*G, MH Platinum OWE, Marriot Bonvoy Titanium, IHG Ambassador
Posts: 359
JetStar SIN-BKK-SIN
12.45pm 3k517 SIN-BKK A320
I was completely dreading my second ever budget carrier flight, after a not-so-comfortable ride on Air Asia 2 years ago. Although this was a company-sponsored trip, I managed to find out that the trip cost only $58 (w/o tax) one way and $38 the other way back. Apparently all the el cheapo GV2 fares on SQ are sold out.
The website says check-in opens 2 hours before departure time but when I got to the airport at 10.30am two lines have already formed on the only two counters opened. The lines were moving very slowly but as luck would have it an entire group of passengers in front of us moved away from the queue after their leader realized they were not meant to check-in yet.
When it came to our turn a very young but sour-looking check-in agent took my passport and did not even bother looking up at us when I said my good morning. We only had a very brief conversation encounter:
Check-in Agent: aisle or window?
Me: Can I check if there are any emergency exit row seats available?
Check-in Agent: (Glaring) yes, aisle or window?
Me: Window then
I am not sure who pissed her off, or if that is the way the airport services are training their staff to do now, but it certainly didnt put the dreading of the flight away.
My partner and I were given seats 13E and F on a receipt-type boarding pass.
Passed immigration with no hassle except any display of I dont like my job attitude from the officers.
We walked around the departure lounge and did some shopping. I expected a lot from the service staff in the shops, after all the hype that was generated during the recent IMF event and how Changi won (another) award very recently. But no Im not sure if its because they could tell Im local or if its because it was a Sunday and I wasnt dressed in my businessman-type attire but I have gotten better service from working class provision shop owners in the heartlands. From the bookshop to the pharmacy to the main clothing area I felt I was intruding on their personal time, when they were standing around blocking the way of the customers talking about their weekends! Ive set up another thread on this earlier, will get the link later.
Boarding was from gate C1 which was a very short walk away from the main area. I usually dont bother going to the gate until 30 minutes before departure but I was so peeved with the treatment I was getting that I decided to just head towards the gate at 12pm. Headed inside, and got the usual security and boarding pass treatment. Sat down to wait and at about 12.20pm they started boarding from the back of the plane (rows 20 30 I think), before they board rows 10-20.
Boarded the plane and the plane did feel new. Was extremely comfortable with the leg room on the emergency exit (it was definitely bigger than UA E+). The flight appeared to be 75% full with two rows behind us unoccupied. Recline was pretty comfortable. This initial impression definitely set my heart at ease that I will probably enjoy this 2 hour flight.
There was a transparent panel in front of Row 1 on the left-side of the cabin, while normal bulkhead to block the galley on the right side. The cabin crew leader (they had a title for them, cant remember though) was seen reading her announcements from a folder, which was quite interesting to watch. What really impressed me is how the announcements didnt have the robotic fake-accented English that SQ girls are so fond of doing. Everything was very natural, and the cabin crew (4 of them, all female) were very friendly and professional and more importantly, non-robotic! There was an extra safety briefing for those seated in the exit rows (row 12 and 13 guys) about the operation of the exit doors. Very friendly.
Seats were leather and very comfortable (maybe it was because of the legroom once again). Captain came on and was a bit chatty about the usual pre-take off stuff (funny thing is that on the return leg, the captain did not come on, not once). I am not sure if this is any kind of indication but I saw the lights flicker just before take off and just prior to leveling. Hmmm..
When the flight leveled out the service began, one from the front and the other from the back. Ordered a 7-up (or was it sprite??) for S$2. Was asked with a smile if I wanted any snacks and I almost felt bad turning her down! Receipt was printed out on a handheld cash register.
After the food/drink service was completed they commenced their inflight sales. There were some jewellery specials going on with a flyer in the seat pocket and announced over the PA system as well. There was also a magazine-type inflight sales catalogue in the seat pocket (not mine though), but choices did seem rather limited.
The rest of the flight was rather uneventful but the cabin crew came around quite a couple of times to remove trash.
Landed right on time. The new Bangkok airport leaves a lot to be desired (even more for the departure hall), although the immigration process did seem to have sped up slightly.
Will do the return leg later .
I was completely dreading my second ever budget carrier flight, after a not-so-comfortable ride on Air Asia 2 years ago. Although this was a company-sponsored trip, I managed to find out that the trip cost only $58 (w/o tax) one way and $38 the other way back. Apparently all the el cheapo GV2 fares on SQ are sold out.
The website says check-in opens 2 hours before departure time but when I got to the airport at 10.30am two lines have already formed on the only two counters opened. The lines were moving very slowly but as luck would have it an entire group of passengers in front of us moved away from the queue after their leader realized they were not meant to check-in yet.
When it came to our turn a very young but sour-looking check-in agent took my passport and did not even bother looking up at us when I said my good morning. We only had a very brief conversation encounter:
Check-in Agent: aisle or window?
Me: Can I check if there are any emergency exit row seats available?
Check-in Agent: (Glaring) yes, aisle or window?
Me: Window then
I am not sure who pissed her off, or if that is the way the airport services are training their staff to do now, but it certainly didnt put the dreading of the flight away.
My partner and I were given seats 13E and F on a receipt-type boarding pass.
Passed immigration with no hassle except any display of I dont like my job attitude from the officers.
We walked around the departure lounge and did some shopping. I expected a lot from the service staff in the shops, after all the hype that was generated during the recent IMF event and how Changi won (another) award very recently. But no Im not sure if its because they could tell Im local or if its because it was a Sunday and I wasnt dressed in my businessman-type attire but I have gotten better service from working class provision shop owners in the heartlands. From the bookshop to the pharmacy to the main clothing area I felt I was intruding on their personal time, when they were standing around blocking the way of the customers talking about their weekends! Ive set up another thread on this earlier, will get the link later.
Boarding was from gate C1 which was a very short walk away from the main area. I usually dont bother going to the gate until 30 minutes before departure but I was so peeved with the treatment I was getting that I decided to just head towards the gate at 12pm. Headed inside, and got the usual security and boarding pass treatment. Sat down to wait and at about 12.20pm they started boarding from the back of the plane (rows 20 30 I think), before they board rows 10-20.
Boarded the plane and the plane did feel new. Was extremely comfortable with the leg room on the emergency exit (it was definitely bigger than UA E+). The flight appeared to be 75% full with two rows behind us unoccupied. Recline was pretty comfortable. This initial impression definitely set my heart at ease that I will probably enjoy this 2 hour flight.
There was a transparent panel in front of Row 1 on the left-side of the cabin, while normal bulkhead to block the galley on the right side. The cabin crew leader (they had a title for them, cant remember though) was seen reading her announcements from a folder, which was quite interesting to watch. What really impressed me is how the announcements didnt have the robotic fake-accented English that SQ girls are so fond of doing. Everything was very natural, and the cabin crew (4 of them, all female) were very friendly and professional and more importantly, non-robotic! There was an extra safety briefing for those seated in the exit rows (row 12 and 13 guys) about the operation of the exit doors. Very friendly.
Seats were leather and very comfortable (maybe it was because of the legroom once again). Captain came on and was a bit chatty about the usual pre-take off stuff (funny thing is that on the return leg, the captain did not come on, not once). I am not sure if this is any kind of indication but I saw the lights flicker just before take off and just prior to leveling. Hmmm..
When the flight leveled out the service began, one from the front and the other from the back. Ordered a 7-up (or was it sprite??) for S$2. Was asked with a smile if I wanted any snacks and I almost felt bad turning her down! Receipt was printed out on a handheld cash register.
After the food/drink service was completed they commenced their inflight sales. There were some jewellery specials going on with a flyer in the seat pocket and announced over the PA system as well. There was also a magazine-type inflight sales catalogue in the seat pocket (not mine though), but choices did seem rather limited.
The rest of the flight was rather uneventful but the cabin crew came around quite a couple of times to remove trash.
Landed right on time. The new Bangkok airport leaves a lot to be desired (even more for the departure hall), although the immigration process did seem to have sped up slightly.
Will do the return leg later .
