Bangkok Suvarnabhumi

(by FLYGVA)
After we got our luggage we went upstairs to the departure level and arrived right a row “K” where the Singapore Airlines check-in counters are located. We approached the first class counters and were friendly greeted. Our originally booked flight was SQ 979 which left Bangkok at 16.50 but having arrived at 11:40 at the check in counters, the agent checking us in was able to get us on the earlier flight SQ 975, because there was plenty of time. SQ 975 departed at 13:10. It took him a phone call, but we were able to get two First Class seats on this flight, which meant we would arrive 4 hours earlier in Singapore. We asked to check the luggage only to Singapore due to the overnight transfer, which was no problem but needed a separate print of the luggage tags.

With the nice red First Class Singapore Airlines Boarding Pass we headed for immigration. Unfortunately there is no extra line for elite passengers, but due to many open counters immigration took less than five minutes. I had expected a longer wait. After immigration we turned right where the Thai Lounges are located. One has to go one level down, were the entrance to the lounge is located. We were a bit surprised that there was no lounge agent checking boarding passes at the entrance to the business class section of the lounge and at least at this time around noon, it looks like everybody could enter the lounge. Be that as it may we passed the business class lounge which is really not small - and there are at least three other business class lounges at BKK - and finally reached the entrance to the First Class Lounge where we were friendly greeted by the lounge agents at the desk at the entrance. Our boarding passes were checked and we were accompanied into the lounge.

The lounge is really nice, a very warm atmosphere. Drinks were served by lounge staff and also food was served rather than self service. To celebrate the beginning of our mileage run in style, we off course ordered a glass of champagne.

There were not many passengers in the lounge and the service was very personal, friendly and very attentive.

Several rooms with lounge chairs are available and also a separate dining area.

Wi-Fi is free in the lounge and so we used our laptops to connect to the World Wide Web. Due to the earlier flight we only have an hour in the lounge, which we used with checking mails, organising meeting flyertalkers in Singapore, replying to waiting mails and sipping the Moet et Chandon.

Boarding time arrived faster than hoped and we said “Good Bye” to this nice oasis of calm and relaxness in busy Bangkok Airport. Opposite the lounge and before entering the gate area is a security check, which seems open only to guest of the lounge. It was empty and once again I saw me putting my laptop out of my carry on ... Our gate D 2 was near the exit of the lounge and our boarding pass and passport were once again checked before we made our way down to the gate area. But as boarding had started some time ago, nobody was waiting and so we could easily board the plane.

20 May 2007
BKK – SIN
[Bangkok International – Singapore Changi]
SQ 975 (Singapore Airlines); Boeing 777 – 300
Gate D 2
13:10 – 16:35 [effective 13:10 – 16:25]
First Class
Seat 02 B

We boarded through the first jetway and were friendly greeted by two flight attendants who showed us our seats.

Soon after we had stored our personal belonging in seat pockets and overhead bin, we were offered pre departure drinks. We both decided to go for a glass of Krug for our first First Class flight out of many flight in the next couple of days.

Menus and headphones were distributed on the ground. On this short flight were no amenity kits distributed.

Airoli learned that his pre requested Japanese Meal has made it on this flight. I got the menu, too, but the flight attendant does not ask immediately since I was filling the immigration form for Singapore at this time. But she appeared just after I have had a view into the menu, which came in a red leather folder. She asked what I liked to drink for aperitif and what my preferred option would be to accompany the main course. I choose a Silver Kris Sling an aperitif and the White Chablis for the main course. And yes, we were addressed by name the most time.

Our glass of champagne was never empty for a long time, before we decided it was enough of alcohol on the ground.

The safety demonstration was done by the flight attendants as they have had some problems with the safety video.

We pushed back right in time at 13:10 and headed for our runway. Wheels were up in the air 10 minutes later at 13:20 and we climbed into the sky over Bangkok. Soon after the seat belt signs were switched off, the flight attendants jumped from their seat and closed the curtains to the Business Class Cabin. It is always nice to be separated from the 'profanum vulgus' on the cheaper seats – meaning Business Class in this case.

First, we got a hot towel and some minutes later after the towels were collected my aperitif arrived together with cashew and macadamia nuts. While I thought life is good our tables were laid with linen and the first course arrived. After finished it I got the white wine which was offered to try before my glass was filled after I accepted it. That is true style, but I have to admit I experienced this in Business Class of SQ last year too. The halibut was very soft and tasted very good.

Oli had the Japanese Meal on this flight, which seems to be a bit surprising for the crew because they reconfirmed it not only once but twice. He told me it was simply stunning. He had the German Riesling with the meal, which was also good.

Read the Menu : and have a look at the wine list

The flight had the Asian First Class Cabin, but the seat though not up to date are still very comfortable and offers a lot of space. They have an empower power outlet which is a bit difficult to find. They are electronically operated and I had no difficulties to find an optimal seat position.

Oli and I had a lot of fun, especially since this was my first time in First Class on SQ and he had never been in another class than First on SQ. So I got a firsthand introduction in International and Asian SQ first class cabins and the attention of details I have to look for. So there it this nice little “F” on the plates and silverware and every plate is placed that the F is on the twelve o'clock position. From Oli I learned also, they have no special writing kit in F anymore, the one we got had no First Class signet on it and consisted of two envelopes and two card and four sheets of paper. In the past they offered a more generous writing kit. Perhaps, we get something different on the upcoming flight from Singapore to Seoul on May, 21.

Hey colleagues, if you have read so far, I am not the only one being so crazy on this planet ....

We both have a Jamaican Espresso after the dessert.

The crew was absolute fantastic. They really pay attention to the passengers, there was no need to ask for a refill, they notice your glass was empty and did the refill without being asked. Also, my impression was they are not that robotic any more. So the impression I have had on earlier flights got confirmed. They are now more focused on the passenger and open for some small talk and a bit more relaxed. And it's really the detail, like not addressing me while I am busy filling the Immigration form, bringing a writing kit for me also though only airoli had asked (but they know for sure I would have asked, too).

Flight time passed very quickly – too quickly – and we began our final descent into Singapore's Changi Airport. We touched down at 16:17 and were at our gate at 16:25, fifteen minutes ahead of schedule.

After we arrived at the gate the flight attendants closed the curtain between First and Business Class and let us disembark first.

With only one passenger in front, we headed for the main terminal and to immigration, which was very empty. Immigration took only a few seconds and up to the belt.

Priority Tags worked quite well again and this time it was Oli luggage which arrived before mine. But both were belong the first ten pieces of priority tagged luggage arriving on the belt.

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