First time on SQ J and I'm a little bit excited

[Homer]

Marge and I decided to take the girls to Bali for Easter. Then a meeting came up in Singapore a few days before the planned trip so the logical choice seemed to be to fly SYD-SIN-DPS-SIN-SYD and have a few days in SIN on the way to Bali. I was able to get reasonably good companion fares in J on the SQ 380 (including the shorter leg on the SQ 777) and now that I can credit Velocity, the trip will get me across the line on my Velocity WP renewal four months ahead of schedule.

So... the seats are booked and we're all set to go but, as I am a complete SQ virgin, I was wondering whether you frequent SQ types might have a few tips for me?

 

[markis10]

Two tips, book the cook where you can, and if you feel your amenities are lacking, check the draws in the loo.

 

[cove]

Enjoy the champagne to take away the nerves of being an SQ virgin.
The seats are wide so be ready to spread out.
The satay is something I really like.

 

[Homer]

Two tips, book the cook where you can, and if you feel your amenities are lacking, check the draws in the loo.

Thanks. I've heard that the amenity kits seem to be lacking but they stash a lot of stuff in the loos. I can live with that.

What happens if I don't "book the cook"? I assume you still get a menu with options but they aren't as good?

 

[markis10]

If you don't/ cannot book the cook, there will still be menu choices, but they may be limited.

 

[pagingjoan]

Marge and I decided to take the girls to Bali for Easter. Then a meeting came up in Singapore a few days before the planned trip so the logical choice seemed to be to fly SYD-SIN-DPS-SIN-SYD and have a few days in SIN on the way to Bali. I was able to get reasonably good companion fares in J on the SQ 380 (including the shorter leg on the SQ 777) and now that I can credit Velocity, the trip will get me across the line on my Velocity WP renewal four months ahead of schedule.

So... the seats are booked and we're all set to go but, as I am a complete SQ virgin, I was wondering whether you frequent SQ types might have a few tips for me?

My only recent SQ flight was during the Great QF Grounding Disaster. Re-booked at the last minute with SQ J, MNL-MEL via SIN. Astonishingly, given the general chaos around the cancellation of all QF flights and the reports of hundreds of passengers spending nights in airports and so on, our party of three would have been very lonely in the J Cabin ex-MNL, were it not for the one other solitary passenger.
As I recall, there was a better than one-to-one ratio of staff to passenger, and the Champagne flowed more freely than if they had left a bottle with each of us. We would not have topped up our own glasses as frequently as did the SQ FAs. Food was good. Lounge in SIN was excellent. Service was impeccable.
Enjoy.

 

[Homer]

I have no status with KrisFlyer. However I do have a lot of American Express points that could be transferred to KrisFlyer. Is there any point in me joining KrisFlyer and calling SQ to request an upgrade to F or would there be very little chance of that? I'd rather not waste the time or transfer the points if it's unlikely.

 

[moa999]

Book the Cook for Lunch/Dinner.
Dont for breakfast... There is only one option a vegetables and toast (ex Syd) - you are better with the menu,

 

[dajop]

- As mentioned above, seats are wide on A380, so spread out. Use the cushions they provide you with (including the one hidden behind the seat) to get into the most comfortable position.
- Take advantage of the fact that it is physically possible to get out of your seat during the meal (with tray down), by doing exactly that even if you don't need!
- If you need anything (an extra champagne, a Singapore Sling, earplugs etc), catch someone's eye, or don't be scared to hit the call button. Someone will be there in 30 seconds.
- Don't be afraid to ask for fruit, cheese and dessert, you are not just restricted to a choice of the three.
- Work out which after-take-off drink you want as soon as you board, as they will in all likelihood come around asking what you want before take off.
- If catching an overnight flight, and you don't want to be woken for breakfast, make sure the do not disturb button is illuminated and advise the staff accordingly.
- If in the SilverKris lounge in SIN, and you want champagne - you just have to ask.
- At SIN, If you are enjoying the lounge, don't fret about the words "FINAL CALL" next to your flight on the monitors. Keep enjoying the lounge, the gates close 10 minutes before departure - so allowing for at most a 10 min walk to gate, you can stay in the lounge right up to about 20-25 mins before the flight departs and the monitors say "GATE CLOSING". (Alternatively you may want to board early to settle in of course)

I have no status with KrisFlyer. However I do have a lot of American Express points that could be transferred to KrisFlyer. Is there any point in me joining KrisFlyer and calling SQ to request an upgrade to F or would there be very little chance of that? I'd rather not waste the time or transfer the points if it's unlikely.

If on A380 in both directions, not possible to upgrade to suites, IIRC. If on 773 refits, may be worth considering, but points cost is quite high. Not sure if SIN-DPS flights even have F, many short regional ones don't.

 

[oobi doobi]

Have a singapore sling when ordering an after takeoff drink.

 

[mel-world]

I have no status with KrisFlyer. However I do have a lot of American Express points that could be transferred to KrisFlyer. Is there any point in me joining KrisFlyer and calling SQ to request an upgrade to F or would there be very little chance of that? I'd rather not waste the time or transfer the points if it's unlikely.

No point joining Krisflyer for an upgrade. Even the most senior of PPS members do not get upgrades. Only think about joining if you are planning to fly SQ regularly. However, even in J you will really enjoy the experience. Despite some problems with their website and their call centre, the on board experience is still about the best you will experience. Enjoy.

 

[Homer]

Thank you for all the replies. It should be a very nice trip. You hear so many great things about SQ - I hope I don't have my hopes set too high . Thanks again.

 

[cove]

Homer I don't have any status either.
Do your first flight in J before you transfer Amex points to Kris Flyer.
We really enjoy the 777 run to London or Manchester so wait until you have a first experience.

 

[Homer]

Oh I thought of another question. Marge is currently in 17A as it has a bassinet position for our infant. Lisa and I are in 18D/F as there is no 17D/F. Seatguru is agnostic on practically all the J seats but I was thinking of switching to 18A and 19A (i.e. three window seats in a column) rather than trying to sit in a sort of split row way. Does anybody have any particular opinions about the best way to arrange three seats?

 

[cove]

We have been doing the window seats one behind the other so doing the A seat in a 1 2 1 configured plane is a good way.
Definitely do that in First for the second flight because if you are the only ones in that section you can use 2 seats....one as a bed and the other one for entertainment.

 

[simonpenny408]

There is normally a choice of Champagne in J and one of the choices is Bollinger (unless you happen to be on the same flight as me)

 

[Danger UXB]

Hi Homer
so the seating decision. I must confess that I prefer the forward cabin on the 380 as it is just a little smaller than the rear and slightly less noisy. The forward cabin on the 77W is my favourite only 8 seats and 2 of them are crew rest seats!) So for Marge go 11F yourself in 11D and Lisa in 11A (it's a windowless seat but has no seat infront so it has a massive bench under the TV.) MiniDanger aged 5 loves 11A as dad or mum can sit on the bench and play games when needed.
Mrs Danger will fly nothing else these days as shes loves the sleep position for the bed. Definitely book the cook for dinner. The lounge food is great especially the curries. Depending on Lisas age and the time you are in the airport the swimming pool on top of T1 is great entertainment, and each terminal has a playground aswell.
Enjoy the experience
Danger UXB

 

[cove]

By the way Citi Select is the best Visa card to run up Kris Flyer points at 1.333 points per dollar on anything you cannot put on your Amex. Their back office is incredible so I try not to call them as close to ever as possible. That said it has been my most productive card for Kris Flyer points if you get to like the product.
i remain a big fan of the A340-500 to the US in all J and the 777 to London or Manchester in the 8 seat First section.

 

[Foreigner]

You're very likely to use lavatories and I found there is at least one larger one...almost like it's there for disabled pax. I found it better for changing to my track pants and t-shirt post take-off, and back before landing.
Happy travels.

 

[Tooner]

You're very likely to use lavatories and I found there is at least one larger one...almost like it's there for disabled pax. I found it better for changing to my track pants and t-shirt post take-off, and back before landing.
Happy travels.

On the 380 the one at the front is by far the largest and has the baby table too.

On the seats subject, i find (as a tallish gent) that the front non-window rows with the full bench in front of the seat is much more comfortable. Only downside on some 380s is the lack of overhead bins, so if you need to put carry-on anywhere near it can be a bit messy if you board 10 mins before take-off. If in this situation, the FAs will probably move your bag to one of the front cupboards.

I found the window J seats on the 777 a little more comfortable than on the 380, too.

Good luck for the trip. I'm jealous as my next SQ trip will be in Y with the whole family to Europe!