City hops on Qantas/Cathay Pacific/Singapore Airlines

[Keith009]

SQ11 NRT-SIN, 22JUL2008, Business Class

Given that my last SQ experience was all the way back in August 2007, I could hardly wait for this flight. For reasons best known to those who've had to put up with my rants and moans about last September's PPS cuts, I have chosen to vote with my wallet and spend my money elsewhere on my other favourite airline. But when it came time to make some miles and cash redemptions on *A, SQ was still my first choice. The cherry was of course getting to revisit the SQ premium experience, and I couldn't help but twiddle my thumbs over it on the Airport Express ride from the Hilton to Narita Airport. I must say only one other airline in my entire flying experience has inspired this 'thumb-twiddly' feeling and the sense of being unable to wait to jump onboard - namely the Flying Kangaroo.

Checked in quick and easy all the way to MNL, and proceeded through security and immigration without much fuss. I was soon relaxing in the NH C lounge, a rather zen and well-appointed place with great food and drink options. I felt a little peckish and so ordered some ramen from the noodle bar.

The boarding call finally came, and on the way to the gate I managed to grab a picture of the SQ 747 for all you Megatop Lovers out there:

 

[Keith009]

I was welcomed by an LSS once onboard and directed to my seat, 17K the emergency exit window seat on the upper deck. For context, row 17 is QF's equivalent of row 16 (but the HK side isn't blocked for elites unlike on QF). The CS rushed to help me with my getting my laptop bag into the overhead compartment despite my protests, but he was so enthusiastic about it that I hadn't the heart to physically stop him - if only for fear of what harm he'd inflict on himself otherwise. There was almost enough room in row 17 to fit a small car, as the upper deck CS quipped. Due to the ample room I chose the window seat for a change on this flight, which also had the added benefit of the v convenient side storage cabinets.

I was soon sipping on some good ol Charles Heidsieck Mis En Cave as welcome drinks was served. Take off was delayed due to a long queue for the runway, which meant more champagne sipping time. I managed to fit in 4 glasses due to the slight delay, and both the FS and FSS were only too pleased with top ups without my prompting and of course I had to oblige. The IFS then came around to deliver my seatmate a special personal greeting, turns out that he's an LPP - a most friendly and down to earth guy much like the only other SQ LPP I know. Menus were handed out, as well as little blue pouches containing eye shades and socketes. Drink orders for post take off bar service were also taken - the bubbly for me thanks.

The crew sprang into action after take off, and drinks were served. My glass of CH was almost never left empty by the rather efficient crew, a theme that was to continue throughout the flight as I only had to press the call bell twice. Being v pro local produce when it came to wines I was disappointed that none of the choices on offer were Australian (or Kiwi) - had a bit of the Riesling which was nice but none of the other selections were really to my taste.

Had to give the Japanese option a miss yet again when dinner was served as it had shellfish all over the place - a pity as I remember the Hanagoyomi as being v tasty. However I'd Book The Cook'ed and had pre-ordered Unagi for my main course so all was not lost. We started out with satay - I was convinced by the CS that the peanut sauce wasn't spicy despite the description on the menu and that it was highly recommended that I tried the satay with the sauce - he was right, the sauce wasn't at all spicy (so don't let the menu scare you if you're not into the spicy stuff like I am), and the satay was rather dry and stringy without the sauce.

 

[Keith009]

The table was then set for dinner. I was glad I got the old serviceware as it looked more stylish than the new ones. I'd proceeded straight to my Unagi meal as the entree was scallops. It was my first time eating eel as I'd decided to be adventurous - having previously passed it over when I saw it on the menus in Japanese restaurants. It turned out to be delicious, the rather soft and silky feel took some getting used to though. The sauce that the eel was marinated in was yummy. We then had ice cream for dessert - not much imagination or flair there, followed by the cheese plate - which was unfortunately not one of SQ's strongest suits either. The meal was concluded with coffee - ugh I need to remind myself to refrain from airline coffee.

The meal service proceeded rather slowly at first, then some lower deck FAs appeared after the main course to help out and things proceeded much more efficiently. I suppose this is possible as SQ carries more FAs onboard its flights than the industry norm.

Full menu here.

The rest of the flight was rather uneventful. The crew were rather mixed - all extremely efficient and eager to please. However what elevated a decent crew to an awesome crew lies in the human touch, something beyond efficiency and courteous service. The CS was the most personable of the team of 3 UD crew - a rather light hearted, witty and charming character who made the effort to engage in convo with his pax, he was a true credit to SQ. His more junior colleagues unfortunately were extremely formal and seemed rather timid, and consequently appeared cold and distant. Despite the wide Stepford Wives-esque smiles, the lack of warmth was rather noticeable. It was almost as if they were afraid of pax, or going outside some sort of script or something.

Watched a bit of IFE - checked out 21. The concept of card counting was rather intriguing as I've never heard of the MIT card counters prior to the movie. Spacebed was comfy initially in the lounging position but the lack of adequate padding became apparent all too soon as my lower back and bum began to ache and I had to shift around to find a more comfy position.

All too soon and too few glasses of champagne later, we made a smooth landing at Changi and pulled up at T3 ahead of schedule.

The inevitable SQ and QF comparison thus begins (as I fly more JCL than FCL I'm doing this at this point):

- Seat: QF Skybed by far the more comfy option. There was more padding, and going by past experiences on the Spacebed (because I didn't turn it into a bed on this occasion) - the Skybed had a more comfortable degree of incline than the Spacebed.

- Crew: Both equally attentive, pro active and responsive. I like the fact that SQ has surplus crew which helped meal service proceed at a much quicker pace. However I've always found QF crews far more laidback and down to earth, and far more engaging - which made a QF flight more fun and relaxing to fly with than an SQ one. Service can be a bit 'much' on SQ - I feel bad when the crew help to carry my bags I am perfectly capable of doing so myself - I hope it's not a directive from management but I fear it is as they're so insistent on it even after my saying 'no.' Having said that there are individuals amongst the SQ crew whom can be just as cool as the QF lot, it's just as a whole I find SQ crews rather formal and less warm (though still better than the Japanese carriers).

- Food: Presentation pretty good on both, but I wish QF has proper salt/pepper shakers instead of the little plastic thingy. SQ is innovative with the BTC option, however the regular meals don't seem to have changed much over the years. QF meals seem more creative and well thought out. Quality of meals is excellent on both airlines, though QF far head in dessert and cheeses (with spiced pear paste to boot!).

- Drinks: They serve the same champagne in JCL, except QF varies it a little by throwing Lanson into the mix on certain flights which tastes better than the MEC on the ground. Premium Australia/NZ wines on the QF wine list gives them truckloads of brownie points for promoting decidedly superior local produce, again IMO. Coffee on QF uses Grinders beans - another yay. But I'm sure someone else out there would appreciate the French stuff and exotic coffee beans on SQ more than I do. Most importantly - both sets of crew are most eager in plying me with booze.

- IFE: More expansive on SQ but I don't really watch the foreign language options anyway so the availability or lack thereof isn't a factor of consideration for me. As far as the English language ones go, they are much the same but dig hard and you'd be able to find some fine Australian gems on QF that can't be found on other carriers.

In summary there's really no clear lead in the air, both are equally awesome in their own right and my only quibbles were relatively minor in the grand scheme of things. On a personal level, I have to admit the sense of familiarity with QF do give them a slight edge. Which must be why voting with my wallet was easy when SQ started falling behind with the cuts to PPS and ground services.

Next: SIN T3 Transit Hotel; SQ910 SIN-MNL F; The InterContinental Makati Manila

 

[Keith009]

Posted a review of the SIN T3 Ambassador Transit Hotel here.

Next: SQ910 SIN-MNL F; InterContinental Makati, Manila; Sighted in Manila

 

[Keith009]

SQ910 SIN-MNL, 23JUL2008, First Class

I hadn't slept the entire night, not by choice. I blame it on the late evening coffee I had on the previous night's flight. I gave up at about 6ish, got a shower and headed over to the SKL F in T3.

For those who don't know, SQ recently opened The Private Room, a seperate lounge from the SKL F which supposedly offers a higher level of service and amenities, but has barred pax on redemption tickets from entry, ie you had to be on revenue First or Suites Class tickets. I feigned ignorance and waltzed up to the entrance of TPR anyway, and waved my brown First boarding pass for good measure. The lady asked for my invitation, still feigning ignorance I simply pointed out that I'm flying First. She then disappeared for a couple of minutes with my bp, returned with an apologetic smile, "Sorry sir but this lounge is for a certain type of passenger only." At any other time I'd have asked for a complaint form to let whoever came up with such a preposterous entry policy know what I reckon of it. But it was 0630, I was sleep deprieved and famished, and so I simply thanked her and wandered back to my seat at the SKL F - where lowly second class First plebs like myself belonged.

Whilst not the worst lounge in the world, I wouldn't put the new SKL F in T3 up there with The Greats (think the QF Flounges at SYD and MEL, Wing/Pier F, LH FCT/FCL or heck... the VS CH at LHR) either. The new lounge really showed a lack of effort when SQ could've wowed us off with something truly spectacular at the new terminal. There just wasn't anything special or memorable about it. Which of course is testament to the current direction the airline seems to be taking - services on the ground simply don't matter, despite the fact that, IMO, there is simply no clear lead in the industry in terms of onboard product as lots of major airlines out there are spicing up their inflight offerings. Yet these other airlines are also investing heavily in what they can offer on the ground, which IMO is where the differentiator lies.

Now where was I...

Ah yes, 6.30am - a totally famished and dehydrated Keith goes hunting for food and drink (no not tipples this time - saving up for the Dom!) in the SKL F. There was a selection of hot and cold stuff in the restaurant area, and a chef to prepare some more substantial items. I ordered some scrambled eggs with mushroom, beans and a sausage. All washed down with soya bean milk. The latte that came out of the coffee machine tasted horrid - suggestion for the SQ lurkers: a barista would be nice; QF offers one in even its domestic Qantas Clubs.

The lounge was rather empty at that time of the morning, but gradually filled up as the scheduled departures mounted.

I left the lounge extra early to give myself time to walk to T2, and my gate at T2 had to be at the furthest end of the terminal. So another epic hike. Arrived at the gate just as boarding was called, and I'd simply marched past the hoi polloi and onwards to the aircraft.

Was greeted at the entrance by an LSS, who escorted me to my seat upon glancing at my bp. Once again was v eager to help me lift my laptop bag into the overhead compartment, insisting that she needed her morning exercise. I was then offered a pre take off drink. Was Dom Perignon 2000 fine with me? But of course! Reading materials were also offered but I declined as I'd just wanted to sit back and relax. A male FA (can't recall the colour of his tie) then came back with my DP.

Shortly thereafter, the IFS himself came around to chat, he appeared quite surprised that I was only in MNL for a night. Boy would he want to chat with some of my fellow SQTalkers! I thought it'd be too tedious to go into the intricacies of my cheap ex-MNL DONE4, and simply told him that I'd be in MNL for dinner with a mate (Ric of AFF who lives there) and that I was also doing a spot of travel around the region.

Word had spread by galley fm that I was only in MNL for a night, and the LSS who came back with to spread a blanket over my lap remarked that I was such a nice friend to go all the way to MNL to have dinner - ok i did leave out the bit about knowing him from an internet forum. She then noticed my empty champagne glass and hurried off to fetch more DP - I must say that I rather prefer the 2000 vintage to its 1999 and 1998 siblings, it's less sweet and has a more fragrant aroma. The LSS then noted with a wink that there'd only be 3 pax in the cabin today and plenty of DP to go around.

I note with great irony that the crew in FCL were so much more relaxed and casual than the ones I had in JCL the previous day. The genuine warmth and sincerity were definitely there with all 3 crew members in FCL (IFS, LSS and the male FA whose rank I can't remember). The service was courteous and accomodating without being too OTT.

The JCL pax walked past the FCL cabin to get to their seats and I could sense some odd looks thrown at me - perhaps my slightly unkempt hair (had forgotten to put my product into my carry on)? Or chip-on-the-shoulder type glares? Who knows... Either way I was relieved when the other 2 pax, a couple, turned up and helped take away some of the attention.

 

[Keith009]

I must say the Regional seat is very comfortable, like a nice big lazy-boy. I wouldn't even mind this for the MEL overnight service (on which I'd booked on for another redemption for year end and was slightly miffed that the 744 wasn't available in F). The LSS saw me busy taking photos and offered to take one of me.

A leather bound menu was handed out, along with extremely hot towels. Another 3 glasses of DP later we were all set for departure.

Yet more champagne after take off with some warm nuts, and the meal service commenced. I'd lost count of the number of glasses of champers I've consumed (sorry jhm) but the LSS (a top character btw) came around and proudly announced that I'd finished an entire bottle of DP.

Oh yes, the meal service. My table was set. The LSS took care that all the service ware faced a certain way (F logo has to be facing the pax), but she did it with such grace that it looked rather natural and not at all ceremonial and contrived as others have observed. I was tempted to go for roti prata, but I've always had it as a lunch or dinner dish - not this early hour. Plus I wasn't sure about the fish curry, even if it turned out non-spicy curry sounded a bit too heavy and un-brunchy. So once again I went for the eggs - nothing like scrambled eggs, salmon and some bacon to start the day (though I wish there was also some spinach which is how I usually have breakfast at home). And lots of DP to wash it all down.

Full menu here.

I was feeling extremely full, this being my 2nd brekkies of the day. Plus v drowsy from the lack of sleep, and probably all those tipples. So I declined the rest of the meal, reclined the seat and had a nice warm snooze. The LSS was concerned that the food wasn't up to scratch; I had to assure her that the meal was perfect, it's just that I've had far too much to eat. Yeah silly me, wasting a nice FCL experience...

I woke up just as the captain announced that we were about to descend into Manila. The LSS immediately appeared, seemingly out of nowhere (was she watching me?!) and asked if I'd wanted more champagne as there was still time prior to landing, and who was I to refuse. She then noticed that there weren't any bubbles in the glass she's just poured, took it back into the galley and brought out a fresh bottle - i felt a tad guilty at the thought of her opening a brand new bottle of expensive champagne just for a few pre landing drinks - and consequently saw that I'd made it worth her effort. She then came back with a goody bag of postcards and SQ playing cards as souvenirs, suggesting that I could write to loved ones about my travels - nice gesture! The other crew members also came around to make small talk and wish me well on my travels.

We landed in NAIA T1 right on schedule. A great flight even though 'only' regional F. The crew makes a big difference i feel, and I had a set of excellent crew -top effort from the LSS in particular. I suppose the mantra 'F is still F' rings true, each higher class of service will always be that bit more special despite seemingly negligible difference in seat comfort (though I happen to think that the regional F seat is far and away comfier than the regional J seat).

NAIA T1 was every bit as outdated as Taoyuan Airport T1. In addition, NAIA had some sort of stench to it. Contrary to what I've been warned, there were no crowds or queues anywhere at that hour. Baggage took a while to appear, but not overly so. Met the IC rep at the arrivals area, who confirmed my pre-aranged hotel transfer. Traffic to the IC wasn't that bad either, and in about 25 minutes I'd arrived at the IC.

Next: The InterContinental Makati, Manila; Sighted in Manila; CX904 MNL-HKG J; CX785 HKG-DPS J

 

[Alanslegal]

QF009,

Sorry to be a quasi-proof reader of your nice TR's but post #65 has 23JUN08 listed rather than the should be 23JUL08

Al

 

[Keith009]

QF009,

Sorry to be a quasi-proof reader of your nice TR's but post #65 has 23JUN08 listed rather than the should be 23JUL08

Al

Ta mate - have rectified the error.

 

[Ric]

SQ910 SIN-MNL, 23JUL2008, First Class

Ric of AFF who lives there

More of a temporary abode in MNL/HKG/CAN much like Evans(?) in SIN/SGN/etc. Home sweet home is still good old Sydney in the Golden land of Oz!

Ric

 

[Evan]

More of a temporary abode in MNL/HKG/CAN much like Evans(?) in SIN/SGN/etc. Home sweet home is still good old Sydney in the Golden land of Oz!

Ric

Yes, i live in the land of SIN
But still have a home in Melbroune although it looks like next year i may not be so i will wonsider renting my house and really basing myself in Singapore.
E

 

[Keith009]

Impressions of the InterContinental Makati, Manila posted here.

Next: Sighted in Manila; CX904 MNL-HKG J; CX785 HKG-DPS J

 

[Keith009]

Sighted in Manila

Or should that be eating out in Manila? I regret to advise that the only 'sights' I saw in Manila were that of the immediate area around my hotel (a large shopping mall) and the Mall of Asia.

I hadn't seen much of Manila as 1) I was only there for a short while; 2) I was way too tired to venture much further away from the hotel; 3) Manila seemed a rather 'challenging' city from what I'd heard, read about and seen on the short ride from the airport to the hotel.

Traffic is insane here, and in 17 hours I'd nearly gotten into accidents no less than 5 times. Think Bangkok but even less orderly.

On the plus side, everyone spoke perfect English, with a slight American twang. Road signs are 100% English. So language barriers are a non-issue in Manila.

I'm not sure everyone wants to see pictures of shopping malls so without further ado I'd simply move straight on to the food. As previously mentioned, I'd met Ric of AFF for dinner. I'd wanted to eat local cuisine so Ric drove me to a restaurant he owned at the Mall of Asia and we feasted away on some local delights on the house! Thanks again mate! Fillipino food is yum, I could totally pig out there had I stayed longer - defs something to come back for when I finish my new DONE4.

San Miguel - the local brew

Crispy Pata on the left: my fave of all, think Sunday roast - didn't know what the other dish was as we realised at the last minute that it might've had shellfish in it and Ric had it sent away

Garlic rice

Inihaw Manok (grilled chicken)

Bangus Ala Porbe (boneless milkfish)

Buco Pandang

I was almost literally comatose after dinner, and kept falling asleep in the car. (Sorry again Ric!) We'd planned to have a drive around but as I was extremely tired and had an early flight the next day, I simply went back to the hotel to get some much needed rest.

Next: CX904 MNL-HKG J; CX785 HKG-DPS J; The Elysian Bali Villas, Seminyak; Sighted in Bali

 

[JohnK]

Nice trip report and photos.

Are those shoes a present?

 

[Ric]

Sighted in Manila

and kept falling asleep in the car.

Company wasn't interesting enough???
Glad you like the food though!

Enjoy the MEL gathering you all!

Ric

 

[Keith009]

Are those shoes a present?

Nup, bought them myself earlier this year on my previous trip - can't remember where.

 

[drron]

Posting of points to Aadvantage is one area that QF beats CX hands down.

 

[Keith009]

CX904 MNL-HKG, 24JUL2008, Business Class: @ 'OMG!' o'clock

Connecting to:
CX785 HKG-DPS, 24JUL2008, Business Class

Manila to Hong Kong

Back to square 1: the start of a new DONE4. Ex-MNL this time as the ex-NRT price had gone up and the yen had also appreciated significantly. Plus AA MNL was willing to issue paper tickets without me being present in MNL, and also agreed to Fedex them to Australia. That was most handy as I was trying to beat the IATA eticketing deadline which would've saw a reduction of the maximum allowable segments from 20 to 16.

A shockingly early departure of 0630. However I only had 2 days to spare for Bali and wanted to maximise my first visit there. This was the most effective routing time-wise as it gets me into Bali in the early afternoon. The other option, JL/JO via NRT would've only got me in late at night.

I'd asked the IC for a wake up call of 0330, and set my own alarm clock for 0345. I wasn't alone trying to check out at half past 4, and the lobby was a hive of activity - seems like these ungodly hour departures are more popular than I'd thought. A taxi was promptly organised for me. The ride to the airport was swift, as the roads were clear at that hour. Cost me all of approximately A$5 to get to the airport.

There was security screening at the entrance to the terminal, which I'd cleared without too much of a fuss. A massive queue for the CX check in desks, but thankfully the line for JCL and shiny cards was totally empty. Without further ado my bag and I were quickly checked in all the way to DPS. Was given a lounge invitation to the CX Flounge at MNL, not sure why given I was only oneworld sapphire at that point (a popular theory was that they'd confused my AA Platinum status with AA Executive Platinum status) but unfortunately only a J lounge invitation for the Wing/Pier in HKG. Murphy's Law struck as I got stuck behind someone who wasn't prepared for the departure tax and consequently took an age waiting. Immigration and post immigration security were cleared rather swiftly, though security this time involved the Shoe Carnival.

I wish I could say my CX Flounge experience at MNL was something to write home about but unfortunately it wasn't, as it didn't seem too different from the J lounge and was nothing like the Wing/Pier. Some juices and San Miguel beer were on offer, didn't really really notice the food. At least there was wifi and I'd spent the remaining time I had before the flight doing my emails.

The boarding call was soon made, and I headed to the gate where my "BN" (bag number??) was highlighted on a list. Seemed like a full house today, this dreary early morning departure was more popular than i'd thought - must be a v convenient connection to long hauls. Priority boarding was strictly enforced which was a relief.

Got the NRBC config today, it is less comfortable than the ORBC but certainly adequate for a regional flight and some of the criticisms on FT are rather unfair I felt. JCL was totally full.

Pre-departure drinks were offered. I reached for what appeared to be champagne but it turned out to be apple juice. Upon enquiring, I was told that champagne would only be served on request after take off as it was simply "too early." Heresy!

 

[Keith009]

The breakfast post take off was a bit slow as service started from the back. Went for the scrambled eggs yet again, and the v nice FA remembered that I'd requested for champagne as a glass was brought to me. Nothing like champagne to wash it all down. Oh and Cathay has great garlic bread - possibly the best on any airline. It was crispy, not soggy which is common on other carriers - and they've got the blend of flavours right.

In no time at all I'd arrived once again at HKG.

To be continued...

Apologies for the delay, things have been a bit hectic for the past few days.

 

[Keith009]

Hong Kong to Denpasar

Got special attention at transit security yet again because of my epi pen. This time they'd decided to take apart the whole thing to examine it, but were nice enough to put it back together for me. Off to the Pier, being the closer lounge of my next flight. Spent some time to catch my breath in there with a glass of Lanson, before once again heading to the boarding gate for my onward connection.

Got a glass of Billecart-Salmon for pre take off drinks - ahh back to normality. Managed to fit in another one but not without a surprised look on the FA's face who didn't seem v happy about it. I can't help but feel that Cathay FAs aren't as proactive as SQ or QF - whereas on these latter carriers pre take off drink top ups tend to happen automatically sometimes before you even get a chance to blink, one actually has to ask on Cathay. Ok maybe I've been spoilt.

NRBC yet again, and I've got the bulkhead this time with no one next to me. The cabin seems reasonably full, and there were lots of pax interlined over from AA and BA flights.

The ISM came around to confirm that my shellfish allergy has been noted on the manifest, and ensured that I got the (non shell)fish meal as my main. Service post take off was rather leisurely as this was a relatively long regional flight. Got quite a few glasses of the most delicious Billecart Salmon in, unfortunately this involved a bit of call bell pushing as the FAs weren't v attentive with empty glasses.

Had to skip my entree as it was a shrimp dish, so I had salad and waited for the trolley to come around for the mains. The main course of fish was v average, and like the brekkies from the flight before - wouldn't look out of place in YCL. I've said it before and I'd said it again - Cathay's regional JCL catering needs some serious work on. I was peckish and ended up having both cheese and ice cream.

As noted, v average and lacklustre set of crew with 1 exception - a v cheerful white blouse who made the effort to make small talk with her pax. She was probably more proactive than her colleagues in filling empty glasses - the other crew members would simply collect the glasses without asking if I'd like more bubbly.

Next: The Elysian Villas, Seminyak; Sighted in Bali; CX784 DPS-HKG J; A Night Out in HKG

 

[Keith009]

Review of The Elysian Villas, Seminyak posted here.

Next: Sighted in Bali; CX784 DPS-HKG J; Night out in HKG; QF30 HKG-MEL J