Singapore Changi

I left the Silver Kris Lounge a few minutes before scheduled boarding time and walked to gate E 3 for the last segment to Jakarta.

At the security checkpoint at the entrance to the gate was a separate line for Business and First Class Passengers as well as Star Gold Passengers, which had only a few people queuing while the regular line was still quite long.
After I queued for a few minutes – I think it was less than five minutes - it was the usual procedure I have experienced quite a few times in the last couple of days: Laptop out of the carry on and on the belt. This time I needed an additional check by one of the agents, not sure why as the x-ray did not beep. Boarding time had not yet started as I entered the gate area. But it was only a few minutes before the boarding announcement was made, first for passengers traveling in First Class as well as HONs and family with small children and those, who need some additional minutes for boarding. After the announcement was made, inviting passengers traveling in Business Class or holding Star Gold status, I headed to the jetbridge.

Onboard the plane, I was greeted and shown directions to my seat.

11 May 2011
SIN – CGK
[Singapore Changi – Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport]
LH 778 (Lufthansa); Boeing 747-400 (D-ABVE / ‘Potsdam’)
Gate E 03
17:00 – 17:45 [effective 17:29 – 18:10]
Business Class
Seat 27 C

I stored my belongings in the overhead compartment. The Business Class cabin was not fully booked on this flight; nevertheless I would rate the load factor quite high. But it seems the middle seats of the Business Class cabin remain empty and so did the seat next to me.

The cabin was cleaned, but the magazine I put in the rack with the inflight magazine on my flight to SIN was still there, so continued to read in the car magazine, while fellow passengers boarded the plane. This time no pre departure drinks were offered which I think was a bit strange. Maybe this was given to the fact, that we were already delayed by nearly 30 minutes.

Finally we were pushed back after the safety video was shown and taxied to our runway. We accelerated and climbed in the Singaporean sky – and it was again a bit bumpy. Something I have experienced quite often during my visits in the South East Asian cities and especially arriving and leaving Singapore.

The fast seat belt sings were turned off after 17 minutes and the crew jumped into action. Given that this is a flight of only 1:45 minutes I was sure, the captain tried to make up some time in the air limiting the time of the crew to serve passengers.

I had a quick look at the menu (click on the menu / opens new window)

Having skipped breakfast and as I was not sure, if I would make it to the evening reception in the lounge of the Le Meridien in Jakarta, I decided to have lunch on board the flight. Tray tables were laid with linen and approximately 20 minutes later the cart arrived in the last row and I got the tray with Indian spiced vegetable Salad, Lamb Kotta with rice and fresh fruit altogether on one tray. A small bottle of water was also placed on the tray, but an additional beverage service was done and I opted for a glass of the very same white wine I had on the flight from Frankfurt to Singapore.

During the meal service it was quite bumpy and the seat belt signs were turned on. The crew however continued in their service, but it was for sure a bit difficult to fill glasses without spoiling it over the passengers.

One flight attendant came around later and offered a refill of wine, as she had only filled the glasses half due to the turbulence.

Finally everything was cleared and we soon began our final approach into Jakartas Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. We touched down still delayed and taxied to our gate, but we were only delayed 25 minutes. It took some time, before I was able to leave the plane and entered the terminal.

Both immigration lines were staffed but the lines on the right side seemed to be shorter. These are the ones where one had to pay 25 USD first and then get to immigration. There was a group of Japanese business traveler having some problems and one of the two agents on duty was dealing with this. Then the second officer decided to leave his boot. Now, a few people become a little bit annoyed, but the officer was only calling some colleagues for help as the line was increasing quickly. Soon later two agents joined him and with the problem of the Japanese Business Traveler solved as well, the line moved quickly and I headed towards the exit for the taxies. Bluebird Taxis were not available, but a minivan of Silverbird was waiting and the agent offered me the van without additional charge. I made it to the Le Meridien in 75 minutes and arrived there at 19:40. I had a few minutes to enjoy the offerings in the executive lounge.

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