Los Angeles to Tokyo; better than most
Written: Mar 31 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Departure lounges; in-flight service; entertainment system
Cons: US catering; some aircraft lack new "space beds" in business class
The Bottom Line: We'll fly SIA again on our next trip to Asia. SIA is clearly the quality and service leader for flights from LAX to Tokyo-Narita.
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| bj0025's Full Review: Singapore Airlines |
My wife and I flew business class from Los Angeles to Tokyo (Narita) on SIA's 747-400 service. Our children flew in economy. Our seats were in the main deck business-class section. On balance, we would rate SIA better than any US carrier flying the route, but,that said, SIA isn't any better than what we've experienced flying business class on Air New Zealand and Qantas.
SIA uses the Qantas business class lounge at LAX. We've used this lounge when flying Qantas and it's a nice place to wait for the flight, with a range of snacks (you could actually make a meal out of the selection) to choose from.
The Silver Kris business lounge at Narita (the first class lounge is in a smaller section of this lounge) is far nicer. At NRT, there is internet access available, a much wider range of food and beverage, and more room. Surprisingly, neither lounge has areas for changing or showers. Both flights operated on-time.
If you're going to fly SIA in business class be sure to ask whether the plane you'll be on has been updated with the new "space beds". we didn't ask, and were disappointed to find that on both of our flights business class still had the "ultimo seats". Seat width and pitch are comparable to most other carriers, so nothing special in this area. As to the seats themselves, while my wife found the power-operated seats quite comfortable, I found both back support and the head rest to be very uncomfortable. Hopefully, the new space-beds are better.
Even though we had both used the "book the cook" advance meal selection service, we found the meal service (lunch and dinner) from LAX to NRT average at best. I elected to pass on the second meal (dinner) and instead had pre-made sandwiches, which were actually quite good. On the return flight (dinner and breakfast) catering was excellent throughout each course. Be sure to try one of the mixed drinks featured in the menu (my wife got hooked on SIA's version of the Singapore Sling) including an interesting range of non-alcoholic fruit juice-based drinks.
Cabin service is constant and personalized. A real plus on the 747-400 is that one of the two dedicated business-class bathrooms is huge and allows one to easily change clothes.
The entertainment system is outstanding. We had sixteen movies to choose from. All of them "on demand". A variety of short features. And 36 different Nintendo video games, again all on demand. In business class passengers get the use of noise cancelling Dolby headphones. I was amazed by how much the system reduced engine/wind noise.
SIA is the first airline I've flown on in 25+ years of international travel that takes "priority baggage" handling for business class seriously. Both at NRT and at LAX our bags were rolling onto the carousel as we walked up. Very impressive.
In economy, SIA was nice enough to give the kids three seats on the side to themselves. Seating was comfortable and comparable in most respects to what you find on Air New Zealand or Qantas. Meal service (chicken both directions) was OK for economy and the kids report that on-demand snacks were plentiful and good. While the seat-back screens are smaller, economy passengers have access to the same excellent entertainment system. On balance, the kids rated SIA's economy class on par with Qantas international economy class.
On balance, my wife and I would rate SIA's business class "very good" and certainly the best we've flown to Asia (we've also flown to Asia on American, Cathy Pacific, Delta [back when Delta flew to Asia], JAL, and Northwest). For flights from LAX to NRT we suspect that SIA sets the standard for quality of service in all classes.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
bj0025
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Reviews written: 11
Trusted by: 0 members
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