Redeye Perth-Beijing
Written: May 04 '02 (Updated Jun 12 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good price, good reputation
Cons: None in particular
The Bottom Line: Airline with a good reputation for service and safety
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| heidifromoz's Full Review: Singapore Airlines |
Intro
Along with Thai, Malaysian, Garuda, Cathay Pacific and others, Singapore Airlines services most of the South-East Asian routes. Obviously, they pass through or originate in Singapore, and in keeping with that country's reputation for order and discipline, the airline operates in a similar way.
I recently flew with Singapore Airlines from Perth to Beijing - the cost return is around $1,100 Australian (halve for US$). It wasn't the first time I'd traveled with them and as the airline has a good reputation for service and safety, I had no problems with that choice.
The Flight
I wasn't looking forward to this particular flight which leaves Perth at 0100 hours and arrives some 13 hours later (incorporating a three-hour stopover at Changi International Airport). The night flight Perth-Singapore was the worst section, with no opportunity to stretch out anywhere.
The second leg from Singapore to Beijing was more pleasant, since the plane was about one-third empty, I was able to have three seats all to myself and grab an hour of sleep. All in all, a good flight.
Check-in and Punctuality
There were no queues, nor a single murmur about the 8kg excess on my suitcase. The check-in lady simply attached a "Heavy Luggage" tag to it and let me through. Ditto with hand luggage, supposed not to exceed 7kg - mine came to nearly 9kg. So far, so good. Both flights arrived and departed on time.
In-Flight Service
The staff were polite and efficient, although I did have to ask twice for a cushion - however this was a detail.
The in-flight announcements, as usual, had that particularly Asian flavour ("In the interests of the safety", Please remain in your sit", "People with babies and infant, please board first", etc.) which I never fail to find both charming and endearing.
Food
The meals and snacks were adequate and unexceptional, with one hot dish featuring sus-looking potatoes, which I didn't touch. There was no fruit (both flights served ice-cream for dessert) and what salad there was consisted of a parsley sprig, a hint of tomato or a lettuce leaf buried somewhere in a sandwich. Coffee was good, though, and they were fine about alcohol refills.
Seating
In Economy or Coach Class, seats were about standard, with the expected amount of leg room (not so great for tall or big people).
Also, because of the layout of the cabin - 3 x 3 seats across (as against two lots of window/aisle seats and five center seats) - it is very awkward when one has to leave one's seat. I usually opt for a window seat and have only one pair of legs to manoeuvre across. In this case, I had to disturb the couple next to me and while they were very understanding, I felt embarrassed each time I wanted to get up. (Since the scare about the negative effects of being cooped up for long periods in cramped plane seats, I made a point of moving about as much as possible).
Video Screen/In-flight Entertainment
One unusual feature was the little TV monitor set into the backs of the seats. In this way, one does not have to crane one's neck to watch a movie or keep an eye on the flight path. This is a great way to go because unlike the set-up on other airlines, where only one thing can be shown at a time, each passenger can choose his/her own viewing preference.
This was up to the minute, with movies like A Beautiful Mind, Vanilla Sky, Lord of the Rings, Snow Dogs etc. available.
There was music for different tastes, reflecting the multicultural requirements of the airline's passengers: Western music (modern, classical, C&W, easy listening) to more specifically cultural: Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Tamil, Japanese.
General
The airline seemed to have a preoccupation with maintaining hygienic standards, as the toilets were constantly being cleaned, toiletries replenished and surfaces wiped down by the hostesses (something I had never seen before). This meant that one could always be sure of using them, knowing they were in pristine condition. In addition, small kits of socks, toothbrush and toothpaste were handed out to the passengers.
On arrival in Beijing, the flight attendants sprayed the cabin with a vile-smelling product which made me gag and reach for my inhaler (If the Beijing pollution doesn't kill me, I thought, this stuff probably will).
Conclusion
Singapore Airlines is probably on a par with most others insofar as Economy/Coach Class is concerned, and as I always maintain, the bottom line is: If they get you there safely, that's all that really matters.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
heidifromoz
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Location: Perth, The Wildflower State, Land of Oz
Reviews written: 213
Trusted by: 50 members
About Me:
If Time is Woman’s greatest enemy, a plastic surgeon has gotta be her best mate!
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