London Heathrow Airport Terminal 3
It was about 0532 local time. I was totally unamused. Unlike in
Singapore, there were no luggage trolleys at the gate, or indeed
anywhere to be seen. This is not the way to run an airport. FOR
SHAME ON YOU BAA. The route from the gate was extremely long to
passport control and there was a further walk. Altogether we spend
17 minutes getting from the excellence of the Megatop to the dreary
and cramped area of the baggage hall with very few baggage trolleys
available. Imagine hauling two 7 10kg bags in both hands for 17
minutes walking through a cold airport after a 13 hour flight. Its
not a nice experience. Ill say it again, FOR SHAME BAA. There in
the baggage halls they had stuck the two flights coming from Hong
Kong Virgin Atlantic Airways and the citys de facto flag
carriers flights baggage next to each other and the SQ322s was
next to the latters belt. Poor organisation I say.
Whilst waiting the thirty minutes it would take to get the luggage,
I made an effort to pass time by whispering to the people who were
waiting at the belt next to SQ322s, You should have flown
Singapore Airlines. I got weird looks from about ten people but I
got my message across. It should be noted that the Star Alliance
Gold, First Class and Raffles Class bags came off first.
We then proceeded through customs with out fresh food from Vietnam
and fake plastic flowers with ease and were not stopped. So much
for being scared of having our bags searched and we were picked up
at the airport.
Hoorah! We now end the primary part of my trip report.
------------------------------------------
KrisWorld:
KrisWorld: The Biggest Show In The Sky and its only on Singapore
Airlines. The system itself is easy to use as long as you know how
to actually use it. When the system begins, you do get an
instructional video, however, it lacked depth when coming to games
and interactive services. In addition, a help button on the
KrisWorld start screen that replays the instructional video would
be a big advantage. I remember flying on the SQ317 and instead of
playing games by using the control horizontally; a lot were trying
to use it vertically.
Only with WISEMAN is it really a gem. WISEMAN pushes the boundaries
of in-flight entertainment to the highest possible level at the
moment. Without it, KrisWorld without the WISEMAN add-on, it is
poor!
The quality of pictures is superb and sound well I dont notice
if sound quality is poor anyway unless its very noticeable. Once a
passenger travels with WISEMAN and then without, they will be most
disappointed.
The choices on board were had the cater for all attitude in mind
and I think that worked really. There was a lot to choose from and
the blockbuster movies definitely rated up there.
------------------------------------------
Conclusions:
Singapore Airlines are really the number one airline. In Economy
Class, one receives sumptuous meals, fantastic in-flight
entertainment, superb in-flight service that really other
airlines talk about and on Jubilee aircraft comfortable
seats.
Unfortunately, the airline is not 100% perfect. This issue needs to
be seriously addressed. First, lets start with the cons of the
trip:
Singapore Airlines Pte Limited was not perfect on my flights
The seats on Megatop 747s need to be revamped. It is unacceptable
to have differing seats to those on the new Jubilee ERs.
The toilets on the Megatop 747s need to be revamped. It is
unacceptable to have different toilet configurations and styles to
those on the new Jubilee ERs.
Aviance staff at London Heathrow need to be issued with
neutral-appearance pens or pens with Singapore Airlines insignia
when checking-in Singapore Airlines passengers at least. I
recommend such pens being used to check in any passenger
Singapore Airlines should take care of passengers wishes on the
ground. Specifically, if a booking is not to be amended by the
airline itself or a third-party, the passenger should have that
right and that right be enforced.
The safety video is out of date, cheesy and the part where they
show the emergency exits and positions is unprofessional. This must
be replaced.
The amenity kit in Economy Class is unimpressive. The plastic
wallet is shabby compared to the airline experience and the style
of amenities has not changed. This shows lack of adaptability and
if one does not adapt, one will be assimilated. The toothpaste
needs to be improved to normal high-quality retail outlet standard.
The colour of these amenities should match the colour of Economy
Class the advertised purple. The socks are of poor quality and
need to be redesigned. In addition, there is no eye mask (though it
is a bit understandable as youre in the dark when sleep time comes
around). In essence, the whole thing needs to be replaced.
Singapore Airlines have a habit of pouring portions of beverage
into those little plastic cups and smaller wine glasses. This is
unacceptable and can convey a sense of over-dependence on Singapore
Girls and/or stinginess. This needs to be rectified specifically
in the case of cans where the sharing of cans seems unprofessional
and again, depicts stinginess and the passengers will be
thirsty.
The sanitary napkins / towels have not changed as have not the
covers that contain them. The sanitary napkin has developed since
the 1990s at least and Singapore Airlines must provide higher
quality amenities of this sort to female and intrigued passengers.
Such a simple design simply does not cut it in this area
Duty-free shopping must be conducted more slowly and with more
grace and charm. Calling out, duty-free anyone, duty free? is
unacceptable. This must not happen.
Flight stewardess DPK failed to say, Thank you, to every
passenger when collecting hot towels on board SQ317 on 14 December
2002.
The supervisor at Tan Son Nhat International Airport representing
Singapore Airlines did not smile back at me. He was racist towards
his own people and is a scar on the Singapore Airlines Group. He is
to be released from the airline and given a negative reference.
We do not have time or money to waste on such people. I am not
impressed at his lack of courtesy.
Though Tan Son Nhat International Airport Ground Services staff do
not wear Singapore Airlines uniform, they represent the airline at
check-in. These staff are to be retrained if Singapore Airlines
continues to use them. They are cold and do not smile. They do not
portray the ethos of the airline. They anger me.
Flight stewardess LSL did not smile when delivering me by beverage
of Coca Cola on flight SQ/SQF/VN173 on 13 January 2003.
It is not acceptable for passengers who do not know of all
Singapore Airlines products and services and are not knowledgeable
in this area of intelligence to have to ask to see the second
bottle of red wine. If there is a choice, it should be openly-made
available. Hiding the other bottle and hoping people do not notice
is not the way.
Singapore Airlines in general need to improve upon the quality of
bread at all airports. Bread should be soft on arrival on the
passengers tray and not easily-broken, hard or crumbly.
Singapore Airlines KrisWorld system is confusing to operate for
people that skipped the instruction video of how to use the system.
A button on the KrisWorld start screen should allow passengers to
re-visit the video
Singapore Airlines KrisWorld systems instructional video should
be in parts and contain parts to all of KrisWorld and WISEMAN.
These include, how to select video and audio, how to navigate to
games, how to view FlightPath, how to navigate to multiplayer games
and more recently, how to use the in-seat SMS / e-mail
features.
Singapore Airlines comment forms distributable on board the
aircraft need to be enhanced appearance-wise. These are currently
bland and do not exude a feeling of warmth that should come with
any compliment or complaint received.
Oooh so many. Now the positive aspects!:
Sales Executive RL in London was very understanding and went out of
his way to satisfy the customer. This must be noted and praise
given officially by the company.
T from Aviance at London Heathrow was very kind and friendly. She
also smiled when conversing with us. This must be noted and these
details passed on to Aviance. Please remind her of the need for
neutrality or pro-SIA pens when checking in SIA passengers
Flight stewardess DPK on SQ317 on 14 December 2002 was impressive
and performed her duties very well taking care to smile and make
eye contact with passengers. She was warm.
Flight stewardess GO on SQ317 on 14 December 2002 seemed to be
doing well and had a medium-large smile when serving passengers.
This was impressive.
The lunch served on SQ317 on 14 December 2002 was fantastic. The
portions were generous and I was impressed by the quality. The
bread was dry.
Singapore Airlines regular snack service is very convenient and
the range of snacks is good.
Regularly water and orange juice rounds are welcome
The seat comfort on board Singapore Airlines MEGATOP 747 is
relatively comfortable. The ergonomic headrests are very convenient
and seat cushioning provides some long-term comfort during the
flight. However, the seat pitch needs to be improved.
Fight stewardess DPK on SQ317 on 14 December 2002 promptly reset my
KrisWorld system after it crashed. She had to finish serving
breakfast first before she could attempt this though.
The seats on the Jubilee ER aircraft are very comfortable and the
one inch increase in seat pitch to 33 does make a difference.
Singapore Airlines must integrate this seat onto all of the fleet
when times are less hard.
The 6.5 screen is much better than on the MEGATOP 747s. However,
certain competitors have installed 9 screens and Singapore
Airlines must adapt and use this new larger size screen. A smaller
screen is unacceptable
Flight steward OKs diction of English on SQ174 on 15 December 2002
was astounding and he was very concerning and professional. He also
helped many people in the cabin stow hand luggage.
Leading stewardess S?K on SQ173 on 13 January 2003 was extremely
helpful and warm. She delivered baby food and her height assisted
her in helping passengers to stow overhead luggage. She also bought
baby food to a passenger promptly and kindly.
Compliments must go to flight steward TBL on SQ173 on 13 January
2003 who showed great skill and compassion when dealing with my
fathers fuel-smell query. In addition, his after-response is the
sort of things Singapore Airlines is made of. Kudos to him
In my opinion, Singapore Airport Terminal Services Catering in
Singapore has brushed off its negative image and the food provided
on all my flights (London, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City) were
excellent and portions where liberal. However, the plastic utensils
need strengthening. The food was stunning on all flights for an
Economy Class meal.
Flight stewardess HHC on SQ322 on 13 January 2003 stands out among
my interactions with flight crew. She was very endearing and her
delivery of service was extremely virtuous. She remembered her
training and though was a little shocked when I threw the blanket
on the floor, she did indeed drape it over me. In addition, she
conversed with me very well and was in no way robotic as some users
here generalise Singapore Girls. Kudos to her.
Flight stewardess SC on SQ322 on 13 January 2003 was very
professional and kept cool under pressure as in interrogated her
about the disappearance of the second red wine bottle under
Singapore Airlines silly ask if you want it mentality. She also
was very warm-hearted and impeccable service delivery was
attained.
KrisWorld with the WISEMAN add-on is a godsend. By allowing the
passenger to pause, fast-forward, rewind, stop and play audio and
visual choices Singapore Airlines has brought in-flight
entertainment to a level above every other airline and has allowed
control for the passenger. In addition, innovations like
multiplayer gaming, in-flight SMS and e-mail and the Nintendo
Gateway games are a very positive influence on the passengers
entertainment and the Airline should continue to work and enhance
in-flight entertainment along with Matsu#!!!a Avionics Corporation.
Singapore Airlines must hasten the installation of WISEMAN on all
the fleet.
------------------------------------------
Sanitary napkin absorbency test:
Tested were the Singapore Airlines sanitary napkin and the Kotex
brand sanitary napkin provided by Vietnam Airlines.
The Singapore Airlines sanitary napkin absorbed 0.25 pints /
118.25ml of water. The Kotex brand Vietnam Airlines sanitary napkin
absorbed 0.3125 pints / 147.81ml of water. Hence, the Singapore
Airlines sanitary napkin has failed against its competitor. It
should also be noted the inflexibility and lack of wings on the
former napkin compared to the latter.
So here after a total of 36 pages in Microsoft Word, editing time
of 2001 minutes, 302 paragraphs and 15890 words, you have come to
the conclusion of my trip report!
------------------------------------------
The bottom line Singapore Airlines is definitely a great way to
fly with service even other airlines talk about. Take the
opportunity to fly the worlds greatest airline and experience what
I have.
This trip report is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Cheong Choong
Kong who has since retired from Singapore Airlines Group after 29
years of dedicated service. Singapore Airlines fans and employees
alike will always remember what he has done to get the Airline
where it is today. Thank you Dr. Cheong and God Speed.