It was not the first time I was flying business class. It was not my first time with Singapore Airlines either. But the combination was. And I was looking forward to it. 🙂
As long as I remember, the first time I flew Singapore Airlines was sixteen years back in the year 2000 from Sydney to Mumbai via Singapore. Since then I have been a great fan of them. There are more memories to that journey to be told later; here I will tell you how this reunion was with the airlines.
Mumbai – Singapore sector … it wasn’t a very long flight like 10-12 hours but I got a chance to experience the business class of the airlines.
Here is how they spoilt me on both onward and return flights:
At the airport: On reaching Mumbai airport, I was treated like a princess. By the time I realized, I was already priority checked in at the dedicated Business class check-in counter! I had access to business lounge with free wi-fi and a large variety of snacks and food. There was also a fully-stocked bar with excellent bar snacks. The lounge was very spacious and I could see some of the passengers relaxing leisurely as if they don’t have to go anywhere! I wish to do that sometime.
In-flight Services: This is an area where Singapore Airlines excels. That’s what matters the most. The in-flight services. Right? The moment I entered the aircraft, an air hostess led me to my seat and made me comfortable. Before I could even settle down, another one came with those magic words “Would you like a pre-takeoff cocktail or champagne?”
I opted for a champagne to celebrate the occasion. Later came the magazines & newspapers and then an airhostess came asking my preferences for meals & drinks.
Food & Drinks: Known for its world class catering, including the Economy class, the food choice was comprehensive. They have a variety of options to choose from. Why not? The airlines often has famous chefs consulting on the dishes to be served aboard. In the First and Business class, passengers also have access to a unique service called ‘Book the Cook’ which enables passengers to pre-select their main course meal choice at least 24 hours in advance from an impressively extensive selection of local and international delicacies.
The first thing I had was my glass of champagne. I was pretty pleased to note that there were four main course choices! It looked very appealing. Before serving the dinner, my tray table was beautifully laid with a real linen tablecloth and set with crockery and expensive looking cutlery!
For dinner, there were a selection of the finest wines and other alcoholic drinks. The conversation between me and airhostess went like this.
‘Would you like to have a beer, whisky, wine or something else?’
Wine please. Thank you.
Red wine or white wine, madam?
Red.
Would you like to have an Italian or a French red wine, madam?
. . .
She mentioned the names of the wines as well which I don’t remember now. In short, you can very well see how they spoil you for choices.
First up was the pre-starter of chicken and lamb satay … a classic Malaysian dish … succulent meat with a good spicy peanut sauce. For main course, I opted for Grilled Fillet of Cod in roasted bell pepper sauce. It was a generous portion with excellent presentation. Oh, delicious too! Even at sea level, this would have been an impressive restaurant dish but at 35,000 feet, it was nothing short of a dream.
No, I do not have a photo, I was busy eating. 😀
After a delicious meal, came the desserts and fruits. Once again plenty of choices. I settled for Tiramisu. Of course, there were tea, coffee and non-alcoholic drinks as well.
Inflight Entertainment: An 18” HD enabled LCD TV screen was looking at me curiously wanting to know what I was going to watch. There were films of innumerable genres, periods, languages and countries of origin, besides, television shows, music albums and games to entertain in their inflight entertainment program. I chose to browse the movie options. A video touchscreen handset and noise-cancelling headphones made my job easy. I watched two movies back to back. 🙂
Interiors: This was one of the most practical arrangement in business class, I had ever experienced. There’s plenty of places around you to keep your things including a vanity mirror with light for women! A tray table that doubles up as a working table. Also there are eXport, HDMI, USB ports, mains sockets for UK, US and EU plugs for charging your gadgets.
Best of all was the seat’s ability to transform into a fully flat bed. My cushioned seatback actually folded down to create a flat bed, and the bedding was hidden behind it! Seats are forward facing in a four 1-2-1 configuration, meaning that all passengers have direct aisle access. No need to trouble your co-passenger for your visits to washrooms.
On the return leg, the airport experience at Changi was similar. The dedicated check-in counters meant almost zero waiting time and more time to explore the wonderful Changi airport. Will write on the airport separately. Again large SilverKris lounge offered comfortable seating and a range of snacks and drinks. I restricted myself to mostly fruits. There was a giant TV screen for those inclined to watch. Meeting rooms, showers, free wi-fi, and fully stocked bar were some of the facilities available.
No wonder why the Airline has been named the Best Airline in the Business Traveller (Asia-Pacific) Awards for an astonishing 20+ consecutive years.
Have you flown business class anytime? What was your experience?
Recommended read: Review of Singapore Airlines economy class.
Disclaimer : I was invited to experience the business class by Singapore Airlines. As always opinions are my own.
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