Singapore Airlines

Recently flew SIN-CHC and AKL-SIN with SQ. They did not disappoint, although their drive for perfection seems to have the downside of making the whole experience a lot less personal. I would never have noticed this however, had it not been for the connecting flights on SWISS, where the personal approachability of the crew made all the difference. One point to note: The Child-Meal option is a grand array of a variety of children's favourites. Which certainly helps with a picky child.

Short midweek trip to BKK. No complaints about this regional business class service, but a little pricey compared to Thai Airways. However, Singapore Airlines have a more modern regional fleet than Thai Airways, and the flight times suited my schedule better. I did note an upgrade to the food offerings in the lounge at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, which made a pleasant difference. Used the Bangkok airport express train service for first time, as little bags to carry. That's recommended.

Have flown Singapore Airlines multiple times and is probably one of the best airlines I have flown so far in terms of quality and service. I decided to travel on their new premium economy flight. The first leg Sydney to Singapore a A380 premium economy and the next leg on a Silk Air Boeing 737-800 which I won't be reviewing here. There is a separate line for boarding premium economy which is good. The seats were 2-4-2 vs 3-4-3 on economy. There are altogether around 6 or 7 rows with a maximum of 48 or 56 in the section. The seats are wider with more leg room and a retractable thigh rest. I did not use this feature much. It has got a bigger seat which is more comfortable. It is not a flat bed similar to business class. The food was good and I know you can order certain special chef prepared meals before boarding on the website. Champagne is available along with wine etc. The entertainment system is a larger screen which I think is either 11 or 13 inch and there are noise cancelling larger headphones available as standard. Overall it was a good experience and would not mind travelling on it again.

Lounge in Brisbane had been "refreshed" since my last visit and looked more pleasant. Had booked a centre seat on 777 as travelling alone and had checked in on line but reallocated to an aisle next to another passenger at the window. It is difficult for a fellow passenger to get to the aisle without disturbing you if you are asleep. Cabin was full so could not move. My personal preference if for a herringbone layout when traveling alone. Crew on the leg Brisbane to Singapore were somewhat helpful and friendly, less so on the leg to Delhi but both were OK. I asked for a water on board when in the air after having left Brisbane but was told by the crew member that they were going to a "briefing" and I would need to wait. It arrived 20 minutes later. Sleeping on both legs was a bit challenging given that the beds are not flat and you do get used to them being so on other carriers. On the 777 the passenger beside me woke me twice trying to get to the bathroom. Asking for help with the A380 bed was met an explanation of how to do and that it was easy rather that actual help and I had to go back to ask again. Entertainment OK but had to rewind to get to the start of the movie and it "dropped out" twice on the 777. Sadly, food was not great, my special meal is almost always the same on SG and was overcooked this time. Coffee was good. Wine selection looked good and had a Tattinger and a Chablis with both being very enjoyable. No bubbly offered pre take off on either flight. A380 cabin a bit scuffed around my seat but otherwise interiors were fine. On time arrival and departures. On balance this was my choice to India as Qantas/ Emirates were via Dubai or on a 737 on Jet Airways via Singapore or Air India via Sydney. SG thus offer a good connection and better service than Air India but the flights were not anything special.

Chennai has no Business Class line through security so it was a long process, the benefit of this being that once you see the Air India Maharajah Lounge that you don't have long for the flight. The lounge is the poorest I have seen, looked more tired than those of Air Cubana in Cuba. Furniture was in disrepair, there was a bar that didn't appear to have been used for some time, sitting next to a disconnected fridge, no alcohol, food that looked inedible and was hardly warm and stained bulky furniture in the main room (this was full). Boarding was fast and efficient, the first leg meal was a salad of tomato, lettuce, cucumber and carrot with no dressing, butter but no bread and chopped chicken in tomato sauce that was dry and uninspiring. The dessert was melon and was the only thing I ate and went to sleep. The Brisbane sector was better in terms of food but still not great and the first meal I was served I have had four times this year (turkey breast which if you order GF you can also get for breakfast) but the crew on both flights was friendly and responsive. The Brisbane crew in particular was excellent and provided personalised service by name. Slight delay on the tarmac at Changi due to air conditioning warning light that was being checked by the pilot but arrived on time. Bags out within minutes as we were the only flight there. If it wasn't for the crew I couldn't recommend SG this time.

Wonderful service, hot towel and welcome drink for every passenger. In flight system is ok, new movie and TV series. Food is good, I had three choices of main course. Cabin crews were attentive and good attitude. But it's not cheap, Melbourne to London round trip cost me AU$2600, other airlines such as Thai Airways only AU$2000. The service was worth the price. Wi-Fi is available, but very expensive.

Flying SQ Suites is pure luxury in the sky. This was a newer A380, for the leather seats were the revamped ones, with beautiful detailed stitching. I love the SQ suite for it’s very spacious, much more than the Emirates one. And when converted to a bed, the mattress they provided was very comfortable. This time I didn’t order Book the Cook as I ran out of time, so I let myself be surprised by the onboard menu. Had the 4 course chef special that was excellent. The service on SQ is all about Asian hospitality. It’s all about you, which when done properly, like SQ does it, makes you feel like royalty.

First time on Singapore Airlines. Lounge in Sydney very basic. Apparently a renovation is in progress. Seat uncomfortable in comparison to others, staff did their job but without enthusiasm . Food good. Wine selection very average. Toilet at front of aircraft fantastic in size. Disappointing compared to reputation.

ADL-AMS (via SIN) return. Overall, cannot fault Singapore Airlines. The flights, crews, service and quality of food and beverages were excellent. Have flown SIA many times and to be honest are yet to have a bad experience - even in economy. The crew on SQ279 on Sunday 9 August 2015 were warm, friendly and welcoming.

Comfy, friendly, tasty food, no delays - even landed 20 mins early into Perth. I wish the IFE had more movies and games for children. Flight cost around £200 less than other airlines. Nice to be able to use WIFI, my mates were impressed to see me update on facebook.