My first Singapore Airlines premium class, do I need to say more? The step up from Economy Class to Business Class is indeed exhilarating! Back in 2012, I barely know much about the miles game, what more how to maximize it. Nevertheless, I decided to make use of what I had in my account to try out the Business Class.
My initial plan was to redeem SIN-TPE. I managed to get a pair of tickets to Taipei but I was unable to secure any return tickets. At 4.5 hours, Taipei is probably the best sector to fly to at 23,375 miles. However, availability is usually scarce (as compared to Hong Kong). Eventually I settled on Hong Kong as I was able to get the return tickets. I was initially booked on SQ860 (which uses the old 777-200 but with the regional business class seats). I managed to waitlist myself on SQ856 (on A380-800). One week out, my waitlist cleared and I managed to get myself on SQ856.
We arrived at Changi Airport Terminal 3 that morning full of excitement as this would be our first time on Singapore Airlines Business Class. We arrived at 7:30 am (as we had pre-checked in the day before). However, the Business Class counters were quite busy that it took us 20 minutes before we managed to drop our luggage. After dropping our luggage, we went into the transit area and proceeded to Silverkris Lounge. It was a very busy morning as the lounge was crowded but we still managed to get ourselves seats. The lounge was large and spacious and the food offered in the morning was very good! (Both quality and selection). Beverages options were plentiful.
Silverkris Business Class Lounge
Once done, we left the lounge and went straight to the gate. We boarded using the priority line (and boy were we happy that we do not need to queue at the green line) and headed straight to the upper level sky bridge.
Date: 11 December 2012
Flight: SQ856
Plane: Airbus A380-800 (unsure of built)
Photo taken: Canon Ixus 860
Seats: 17D/F
Duration: 4 hours
SQ856 back then was served on the All-Business Class upper deck. No doubt SIN-HKG is a very popular route, the Business Class cabin was quite empty that day (probably half filled). We were seated at the bulkhead (advantage of bulkhead seats is essentially a much wider foot rest). Once seated, we were served our pre-departure beverages and warmed nuts. As a newbie, I was struggling to look for the remote control (which I eventually found hidden under the armrest). Having a 15” TV from the usual 10” (or 7” on older planes) was a huge upgrade for me back then. The upgrade from Economy Class was even more mind-blowing after pairing it with the Noise Cancelling Headphones. The seats have been described before in my SQ807 post and hence I shall not write too much about it. The only difference I notice is that I had an arm rest in the seat on this flight and the seat belts were leather-padded (missing on my PEK-SIN flight). The chair is very comfortable for sitting and lounging (and both of us could fit in one chair too!). We however did not try the flat bed as the flight was too short.
Soon, the pushback began and we were on the runway in no time preparing for the take off. Not long after taking off, brunch was served. I chose BTC for our meal, which was:
Seared Black Cod Fillet ‘à la Niçoise’
With haricot vert, olives, kalamata olives, cherry tomato and anchovy butter. Designed by Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel Chef Suzanne Goin
Classic Lobster Thermidor
Lobster tail sautéed in butter, flambéed in brandy, sprinkled with cheese, and served with creamy mushroom sauce, garlic and spicy mustard, and buttered asparagus
The meal consisted of:
- Appetiser (comprising fruits, yoghurt and choices of bread from the bakery basket)
- Main Meal
- Dessert
It was very simple meal given the short flight duration we had. The seared cod was juicy and flavourful while the lobster wasn’t too bad either (except for the small portion). After meal, I took the opportunity to explore the cabin. After returning to my seat, I ordered some beverages not normally found in Economy Class (e.g. Silverkris Sling). Strange that I realised I have not ordered the Silverkris Sling on my subsequent flights (be it Business Class or First Class).
Before the excitement had even cooled down, we were approaching Hong Kong International Airport. We landed on time and this was the first time we get to be the first to disembark.
Overall, this was a good introduction we had to award travel in premium class. However, I was still too naïve about miles earning back then and I was happily relying on my Standard Chartered card that gave me 1 mile/$ (as compared to 0.4 mile/$ for most generic cards).
That Time Of The Year! 