I have flown Singapore Airlines (SIA) several times in the past and have always been pleased with their service. So when hubby and I planned a trip to India, with a stop in Singapore, I insisted that we fly SIA. Since he had never flown them before, he agreed.

We paid $1360 each for a economy class ticket from Los Angeles to New Delhi, and from there to Singapore, and finally back to LA. (This was peak season -- December) The price was about $100 higher than the competitors, but we felt that it was worth the comfort.

The thing I love about SIA is that you don't have to re-confirm your seats before flying. Once you have that hot little ticket in your hand, you are confirmed on all legs of your flight.

Check-in at LAX was a breeze. We were worried because one of our check-in pieces was a golf club for my father-in-law. We were told that we might have to pay a fee for it. The reservations clerk told us everything was fine, and even stuck some special handling stickers on the box so it wouldn't get crushed between suitcases.

SIA offers personal entertainment screens, with about 10 TV channels, and 10 movie channels, Nintendo, and an interactive channel where you can view info on various destinations, as well as follow your flight path. They offer great shows like The Naked Chef, Friends, and other popular shows. Movies were newer movies like The Replacements, and Woman on Top. The flights to and from India also showed a new Indian movie. The screen is embedded on the back of the headrest in front of you, and is adjustable. The seat also has a foot rest so your legs are more comfortable.

SIA is well known for its great food. The flight from LA-Delhi served dinner, a snack, breakfast, and lunch. Among the choices were grilled chicken, noodles, roast lamb, and an all indian option, since SIA has a partnership with Air India. The midnight snack consisted of a candy bar, some crackers, juice, and a small fruit cake. Breakfast was a choice between an omelet and chinese style noodles.

The flight from LA-Delhi had a one hour stop in Taipei, which was effortless. The flight arrived and departed on time. In Singapore, we had a 5 hour layover before we boarded another flight to Delhi. All of our flights arrived and departed on time.

Baggage claim was smooth in all cities, and our baggage was always grouped together, making it easy to get. Our golf club arrived unscathed in Delhi, and we were impressed that the box wasn't even dented or torn.

Delhi to Singapore was smooth as well. Check in was slower in Delhi since they had 3 counters open for 2 flights. The flight itself was wonderful, and they served dinner during the 5 hour flight. Again, they had 3 choices, including an indian food option. I had the roasted chicken breast, served with carrots and green beans, and duchess potatoes. I remember because it was so good, I wished I could have more! I should also mention that meals come with salad, dessert, and beverage, which can include wines. SIA offers complimentary drinks throughout the flight. And their desserts are always great!

From Singapore, we decided to try out their shuttle service from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, since we wanted to go visit some of my aunts and uncles. It's easy -- you pay for the ticket at the shuttle counter, then get a number. They call numbers until the flight is full, then move on to the next shuttle flight. They have flights every 1/2 hour-1 hour, so you never have to wait long. The flight was about 1/2 hour, and they served coffee and peanuts. On the return trip, we took the shuttle back to Singapore, and it was just as easy and comfortable.

Our return from Singapore to LA was good. Again, we had a one hour stop in Taipei, but since you get back on the same plane, you don't need to take your carry-ons. The movies were the same as our first flight, so I watched some TV and played some Tetris. I read all of the in-flight magazines (they are actually pretty good!). Food was wonderful again, and we enjoyed all of our meals.

Service on SIA is unbelievable. The staff goes out of their way to assist their customers. Want something? Just press the button on your seat control and a staff member will arrive quickly. Hungry? They'll fix you a small sandwich of a cup of instant noodles. They are always willing to please. They also keep the plane clean during the flight, and you will notice someone going to clean the lavatories every hour. They also replenish the toiletries in the lavatories, which include disposable razors, toothbrushes, and everything you need to make a long trip comfortable.

SIA has always been my choice for overseas travel, and now it's my hubby's as well. From the food to the seats to the staff, SIA is number one in our book.


Recommended: Yes