Flight Number : SQ868
Route : Singapore (SIN) – Hongkong (HKG)
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Aircraft : B777-200 ( 9V-SVJ )
Class of Travel : Business Class
Seat : 16K
Date : 6 July 2018
I was greeted by friendly crews , and we are one of the first groups to board the plane. This is a 2-class aircraft. Gladys, the leading cabin crew brought me to my seat 16K ( Window Seat ). This escort is not mandatory for biz class but a must in First Class. Much appreciated
SQ868 was supposedly operated by an aircraft with a 2-2-2 regional biz class seat configuration. But there was a sudden equipment change so I got this 16 years old b772 with a 1-2-1 configuration ( 2008 SQ biz class seats ). I was elated about it. This means wider seats, less seats = more personalized service ), more comfortable seats, and no first class cabin lol so I am at least one of their important passengers onboard.
As I settled to my seat, I felt comfortable with the leather seats, with many compartments, I managed to put my jacket, a box of chocolates , passport and bag. Although during take off and landing the IFM ( Ms Kim ) helped me with my bag ( stored on the overhead compartment ).
The IFE screen, with the old Krisworld format/software. Quite ancient but still acceptable, and anyways SQ has one of the most extensive choices of movies, Tv shows and entertainment when compared with other airlines. And I can say they update their movies onboard with the latest releases
My book on this flight, The Rules Of Life by Richard Templar. I try my very best to be productive even onboard like either reading books or watching business-related tv shows. But seriously, sometimes when I feel tired and just want to chillax, I cant stop myself but watch episodes from Fresh Off The Boat comedy series or even Mr Bean…
I had orange juice for the welcome drink, served by Sulaiman, he’s such a pleasant person to talk to. Very cheerful and passionate. And also hot towel. On this specific flight, the cabin crews are very very passionate and pour their hearts in everything that they do, kudos to Ms Kim ( The inflight managers) lead.
Anyways, here’s a pic of the noise-cancelling headset for biz class passengers. The noise-cancelling feature functions very well. which makes the flight so peaceful and relaxing.
Hmmm, I still can’t believe this aircraft is 16 years old. It is very lean and well-maintained.
After pullback, Gladys ( the leading stewardess ) came to take my beverage order after airbone. I told her I wanted mineral water with sliced lemon.
And after the seat belt sign was switched off, Gladys came with my beverage request, she was so lovely, smiled the whole time, very sincere, and when she was about to put the almonds next on the drink tray, I smiled and told her, can you please get me the mix nuts from Economy ? She laughed and said haha I love the mix nuts more than the almonds too.. lol she made me feel better and yes cause I just liked the economy class’ nuts more, doesn’t mean I cant have them on my biz class rides, I’ll stick to what I like. Not long after that, Gladys came with 3 packets of Mixed nuts ( Im a happy girl ) ;)
This is the menu book on this flight, thick, well designed menu book. With extensive choices of meals and beverages. And for flights to and from Hongkong, SQ has Shi Quan Wei Mei option for biz and F class passengers, it’s a must try. Though ‘book the cook’ options from Singapore has the most options, Sticking to the Shi Quan Wei Mei option is a good choice ( Well, if only you like Chinese cuisine )
Soon, I took the table tray out, and the crew set the table up with plated butter, salt and pepper and cutleries.
I chose the same bread again, garlic bread and the thin cracker thing.
This is my appetizer, marinated scallops with grilled vegetable salad and lemon thyme vinaigrette. Im not a huge fan of scallops, but this one was great. Gladys presented the scallops to me and poured the sauce in front of me, she said, Ms Bensawan, let me pour the lemon vinaigrette for you…
So the Shi Quan Wei Mei option on this flight is… Pan Fried Smoked Duck Breast with Plum Sauce, with stir fried asparagus and Chinese yam rice. And I go for it. And it was the best decision ever, probably the best duck breast I’ve ever had in my life. Along with the right amount of sauce, great taste. Love the texture and tenderness. I didn’t eat the rice at all, I was actually full already.
The crews kept on going back and forth to ensure our glass are always full.
But… who can resist dessert?? Time for Chocolate mousse cake.
30 minutes of the flight was spent chatting with Ms Kim ( IFM ) , we talked about aviation, SQ, my day to day activities, and how obsessed I am with SQ ;) .. I even showed her my SQ A380 birthday cake on my 18th Birthday, just a week before this flight.. And also I shared with her how loyal I am to SQ and how frequent I fly to Hongkong for work trips. And I think she was shocked with the fact that I just turned 18 this year, maybe I look old lol.
My Sister’s Lobster Thermidor from the BTC option
Mom’s Nasi Biryani, very big portion
Anyways, after the dessert, the crew brought the cheese platter for me. This point of the flight, I am seriously full. Like Ive mentioned before, you will never go hungry when you ride SQ biz class. I hardly ever finished any of my meals onboard.
I didn’t take photos of the fruit selections and pralines. But the crew was really attentive and really made sure we’re well taken care of. Ms Kim the IFM, she was an amazing person. She’s the best cabin crew Ive ever met in SQ, im blessed to have met and known her. She offered me fresh fruits, theres lots of choices like on the cart, but Im full so I said I’ll pass, but she insist I tried some of the fruits ( which I still refuse to take in the end ). Before landing, the crew brought pralines, sweets and hot towels.
30 minutes before landing, The crews threw a surprise for me, do check the special flight report section on my blog to find out what happened..
The old version of KrisWorld.
Love this SilverKris magazine cover!
Rewatching the same episode of PowerList Asia
BTW, this was the best SQ flight in my whole life. Because I got the best set of cabin crews, IFM Ms KIM, LSS Ms Gladys, Kenny and Sulaiman taking good care of us on this flight. One day, if any of you are reading this, I hope all of you know how glad I am to have met all of you I hope our paths crossed again.
They really deserve to be promoted, they are awesome, they go the extra mile to make my journey so pleasant and unforgettable. Well, I think this is why Singapore Airlines is my favorite airline. But don’t worry, on my flight reports I will be judgemental and neutral
Conclusion:
This was an unforgettable flight with Singapore Airlines. Comfortable seats, awesome crews, the food was far above my expectations. SQ is such a GREAT way to fly. I cant wait for my next flight with SQ. Something I love about SQ is their cabin crew, they are professional, polished, friendly and attentive but theyre not disturbing ( just enough to make us feel cared for ). They kinda like know what you need before having you ask for it. And always keep up with the refills. One thing that I think, that makes SQ unbeatable, is the fact that their crews are passionate and they really would do anything above and beyond to give their passengers the best flying experience. Regardless of your class of travel ( Trust me , I flew SQ Economy so many times and they never disappoint, like never!)
Direct flight to Hongkong from Jakarta : Cathay Pacific, China Airlines and Garuda Indonesia
Cathay Pacific ( CX ) always use wide-body aircraft on this route, but if youre travelling biz class, search for the seat configuration of the aircraft before booking your flight. Choose the 1-2-1 herringbone biz class seats instead of the 2-2-2 or 2-3-2 ‘best premium eco’ biz class seats ;)
China Airlines ( CI )used to fly with wide-body aircrafts but now flies single aisle 737s to Hongkong which is obviously not the best option, especially when youre flying biz class.
Garuda Indonesia ( GA ) flies with their A330s on this route, seats are comfortable enough for this 4-5 hour flight, expect menu books and flat bed seats, and champagne,hehe. And also Jus terong Belanda.
In terms of price, among these 3 airlines, CX offers the cheapest biz class fares. Such a great deal if you want to fly direct, and if you got the 1-2-1 seat configuration. The plus point is that they have such beautiful and many options of airport lounge in HKG so you can do lounge hopping, hehe. I’d least recommend CI because they operate 737s can you imagine 5 hours sitting on a 737 biz class seat while paying biz class fare? I rather not hehe. GA is usually the most expensive but is great for the seat that they offer. They use skyteam lounge in HK.
For SQ, its different because it is not direct. You have to fly to Singapore, then connect a flight from Singapore to Hongkong. Most people dislikes transits as firstly, it wastes time, and second, its tiring. Well, it’s a different case for me as an aviation geek, I love airport visits, love flying. And if you pay for a biz class SQ ticket to Hongkong then you get 4 flights lol ( CGK-SIN, SIN-HKG, HKG-SIN, SIN-CGK). For price, it actually depends on when and where you book your ticket. My advice would be to book your tickets during travel fairs ( such a good deal you can get up to 50% off from regular price, which makes it onpar to CX )…Or try your luck, try dates and search on OTA ( online ticketing agencies, like Traveloka ) during certain dates and times you can get steal deals
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