by FLYGVA
We arrived at the airport at 06:25 and went straight to the First Class check-in of Singapore Airlines. The agent was not that friendly in the first moment, maybe she was thinking we are checking at the wrong counters – wearing casual clothes rather than business dressing and probably young. She became a bit friendlier as she realised we were flying on a paid first class ticket. We were able to check in the luggage all the way to San Diego. Immigration was really fast and after we headed for a short stroll through the shops at Changi Airport we finally went to the First Class Lounge.

And it brought back some nightmare memories to the start the trip in a crowded Senator Lounge: this lounge must be the big sister, it was a crowded and it took some time to find a free seat.

Oli headed for a quick shower while I got something to drink, I skipped breakfast in the lounge as I do not want to queue up in the lines at the cooking station. Instead I checked mail and send a text message to jpfield who had seen our note in the lounge meeting thread at the SQ forum at Flyertalker. It was nice to catch up with another flyertalker, who was in transit in Singapore Changi, and chat about flights, miles and life in the air.

At boarding time had arrived the monitors in the lounge showed the obviously “final call” sign. We decided to head for the gate. Security took some time and during check-in we were asked if we like to have an aisle seat, wondering what that means.

At the Economy Entrance passengers were still queuing, but as we were able to use the first Class entrance could avoid the lines.

21 May 2007
SIN – ICN
[Singapore Changi – Seoul Incheon]
SQ 16 (Singapore Airlines); Boeing 777 – 300ER (9V-SWE)
Gate
09:15 – 16:40 [effective 09:17 – 16:45]
First Class
Seat 01 F

As we boarded the plane we were greeted by two friendly flight attendants who again asked if we would like to change our window seats against an aisle seat. Seeing the lady in seat 1 E I did know the reason. She was in the middle seat and was angry to have someone aside. It seems she or her travel agent failed to get a window seat. It seems she had complained about it and wanted to leave the plane if she could not get a window seat. Since airoli had 2 F but wanted to have a window seat, we changed seats so I got the middle seat and airoli my 1 F and the lady was able to get the window seat 2 F. She thanked me and the crew was also happy and I did not care that much if I have a seat in the middle section or at the window. At least we were able to sit in one row in this way.

Predeparture drinks were offered, but have not eaten yet I stayed with an orange juice while airoli showed more style by ordering champagne (Dom). Headphones and pillows were already placed at the seat.

The new seat looks really nice, they are very wide and you could sit together with another person in one seat easily. They are beige leather seats with wooden application, have several reading lights, places to store your belongings. The seat is fully electronically adjustable. You could get a very relaxed seating position putting the foot on the foot rest. As there are not overhead bin, which on the one hand gives the cabin a nice airy atmosphere but on the other hand means you have to put all your belongings in the front of the seat. This limits the space for you feed a bit, on the other hand you could reach your belongings quite fast.

There is a power outlet at the seat (110 V, multinational plug incl. empower fit, but not the big German “Schuckostecker”, you have to use the US-adapter since an British / Singaporean plug will not fit, too). If you have to work, the table could adjust in height, but it is not very stable. Typing this during the flight half an hour before lunch service will start, it is a bit difficult, especially if the flights a bit bumpy, like in the moment. This said, the seat is otherwise very comfortable if you like to relax. To me, it a bit too wide, I would have preferred a narrower seat, but as I could not compare it with the old First Class on the 747-400 I had just to say, it is fantastic.

The restrooms are large, one wall all mirrored and a “smart” sink with deep basin. Toothbrushes, combs, shaving kits were available as well as a range of Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries. Surprisingly, EdT only for men.

After the “seat change” the flight attendants confirmed they had the right name after our seat roulette and addressed us by name for the rest of the flight. A hot towel service was done on the ground.

Slippers, socks and eye mask were also given out, but no amenity kits. It’s a pity, but somehow expected on a day flight.

Menus were distributed on the ground and glasses were refilled frequently. This time, the security video was shown.

Push back was nearly in time at 09:17 and we were airborne at 09:29 and headed to Seoul's Incheon airport.

During the first minutes the flight attendants took orders if we like to drink some coffee, tea, soft drinks or alcoholic drinks and then asked for our choice out of the menu. Also eye shades, slippers and socks were distributed as well as one could have a blanket.

We were informed that they would serve the menu at noon Singaporean time if we did not choose an earlier or later time. After an hour or so in flight they brought a satay.

In the time between we had time to explore the seat and the in-flight entertainment system. I zapped through the various option of the in-flight entertainment system which is terrific. You have a selection of 500 CD's, uncountable numbers of movies and films. There is also a computer system available though it is a bit difficult to use the keyboard on the back of remote control. Games and learn programs are available as well. Definitively too many choices to explore on a six hours flight.

Well, time went by very fast and soon the preparation of the menu started, but first there was another hot towel.

time to remember the menu: and the wine list

The tables were laid with linen and metal cutleries were placed and salt and pepper were arranged on the table. You could choose of the wine selection and they recommended the wine tasting best to the selected menu. You were offered to try before the glass was filled with the selected wine. Service was individual; that means once you were ready with a course you got the next one. No tray or trolley, every course was served on a single plate. The crew was very attentive, your glass was not empty or not empty for a long time. Meal service took altogether app. 90 minutes.

We both had ordered the Book-the-Cook menu, for airoli it was lobster, I had chosen the fish soufflé. Surprisingly airoli got the caviar, although he was told it was not available any more. Someone had decided not to take it. We both had the New Zealand white wine for the menu, while airoli tried the Port Wine, which was good, so I decided to take it with the dessert, too. My fish soufflé was very good and consisted of several sorts of fish. The portion was large, while airoli told me the lobster was okay, but “not out-of-this-world”. We had a little discussion, if the portions tend to be smaller than before. While I think, they have the same seize than before, airoli thinks they might be a bit smaller. Anyway, you did not leave the plane hungry. A nice touch was the apple jelly between starter and main course - something you get in better restaurants as “greeting from the chef”.

While I skipped the cheese but had the dessert with ice cream instead, Oli went for the cheese. The selection was with Emmental, Caprice des Dieux, soft cheese with walnut and Boursin very ordinary and more of the cheap side.

Lunch was served on the new 777-300ER style china and again it were the details, like placing the “F” on the top.

We both had coffee and the crew convinced me to try not only one but three different types of coffee. They brought every cup of freshly brewed coffee together with a glass of water. Wow, I am really impressed to have such a tradition in an Asian plane. Though the flight was a bit bumpy and the fasten seat belt signs were switched on quite often, they did nit interrupted the service.

After lunch we walked through the back of the cabin. Business is also arranged 1-2-1. They have also a huge screen which is a bit smaller than the one in the First Class Cabin but still wider than on nearly all other airlines. The seats look very comfortable, there is a lot space and stretch you legs and the design of the seats seems to be very ergonomic.

Economy Class is arranged 3-3-3. The seat pitch seems to be wider than usual since the backrest is smaller than on the older seats. Every armrest has an power outlet and the screen is also bigger (the same seize than on Premium Economy on the Airbus A 340-500 on the Singapore – Los Angeles / Newark flights. The tray table is foldable, so it does not need that much space and you could place a glass there without unfolding the whole table, which is a big advantage. They have the same IFE system in Economy than in Business and First.


Crew was very nice and friendly. So we learned that they flew Singapore to Seoul on the first day and have 24 hours in Seoul. They continue the next day on the flight to San Francisco. They have app. 48 hours in San Francisco before they fly back to Seoul, where they have an overnight stay for 24 hours and then continue the last segment to Singapore. Total crew is 15 and were able to get a view in the crew rest area above the rear cabin where 6 flight attendants can bunk at one time. Funny, he makes us turn around as he punches in the combination to open the door – maybe they are afraid some pax chase the SQ girls to get more “great service with a smile” than they paid for ;-) .

Raffles Class


Economy Class

They have the most time a full or nearly full flight on this route. Therefore it is not an easy flight from the crew's point of view.

We began our descent into Incheon way to fast from our perspective and touched down at 16.35 local time and arrived after a longer taxiway at our gate at 16.45.
'
We could deboard first as the closed the curtain between first and business class. Soon we were on our way to the Asiana First Class Lounge.

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