Aviation
“Explore Singapore Airlines’ First Class – with SIA Super Fan, BK Tan”
Traveling in Style, Onboard the World’s Best
If flying is your thing, you owe it to yourself to do it in style. Fly with the world’s best and get that all high and happy feeling, even before indulging in the delightful onboard service!
Singapore Airlines’ Super Fan , BK Tan (“BK”) recently flew First Class this April 9th, 2016 to Houston via Moscow from Singapore. Changi airport, home base of Singapore Airlines is the world’s best airport, well complimenting the carrier’s brand image
Flight Details:
Carrier: Singapore Airlines (SQ)
Flight Number: SQ62
Route: SIN-DME-IAH
Duration: 10 Hours 40 Minutes (SIN-DME); 11 Hours 25 Minutes (DME-IAH)
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Registration: 9V-SWT
Cabin Class: First Class
Seat Number: 02F (Dining) 01F (Resting)
Date: 09/04/16
Exclusive and personalized, the experience kicks-off with a private check-in at the airline’s First Class Lounge. Porters greet his and her “Royal Majesties” (“HRM”) upon arrival at curb-side drop-off, readily assisting with luggage whilst HRMs are personally escorted to available counters for check-in.
Once check-in formalities are completed, travelers on First Class and Suites clear immigration out-of-public-sight.
“Elites” flying out from Singapore onboard Singapore Airlines’ First Class and Suites, get invitations to The Private Room accessible by a quick escorted sprint past the “First Class” lounge.
Once inside The Private Room, to the left, past the sofas and televisions is a classy dining area, where a host of culinary delights await
Having had an abundance of time before the boarding call, I sampled the Poached Lobster Provençale and US Prime Beef Burger with Foie Gras, Rocket Leaf and Fried Quail Egg, washing it down with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck champagne. Well, how else do the Dukes and Duchesses of Beverly Hills do it?
After savoring two mains and some champagne, I decided to check out The Private Room’s shower facilities. A heavenly indulgence, considering I had nearly a day and a quarter of travel ahead of me. Besides, regardless of my class of travel, my personal standard is to be well-groomed on every flight.
Time check: 02:00am. Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER (Tail: 9V-SWT / April 9th, 2016) was ready for boarding. Ecstatic about the 24 hour ride, I took wide brisk strides till the end of the “rainbow” where the aerobridge linked itself to “door two left”. “Good morning Mr. Tan”. I was escorted to my throne, 02F.
On Singapore Airlines, passengers traveling First Class (available only on selected Boeing 777 fleet) or Suites (available only on the Airbus A380 fleet) are offered a selection of either Krug or Dom Pérignon, versus that of Taittinger on Business Class.
Krug was my choice of pre-departure drinks, my taste buds remaining consistent from when I last flew First Class in November 2015 (Seoul-Incheon to Singapore / SQ15 aboard 9V-SWH), after having tasted Dom Pérignon in Suites previously in October 2014 (New Delhi to Singapore / SQ403 onboard 9V-SKJ). Personally, I find that Krug is smoother, less bubbly, more refined and exquisite in taste than Dom Pérignon. Well, am no Wine Sommelier but that’s my amateurish take on the difference between the two.
This First Class seat would be my “home away from home” where I’ll unwind and relax for the next 24 hours. With seven decades of “inflight service that even other airlines talk about”, a deep strong faith resides within me, confident that “finding something for everyone to love”; by “understanding your (my) needs, bringing you (me) a taste of the familiar”; and creating new levels of comfort” all comes naturally to my host, and the Singapore girl, for “it’s just one of the lengths we (Singapore Airlines) go (goes) to, to make you (me) feel at home”. (2013 Brand Campaign: http://youtu.be/jeiZ48BAr8A)
Momentarily lost in my own self, with a glass of Krug in hand, I was presented with a set of inflight amenities: Salvatore Ferragamo branded Male Kit; and Singapore Airlines house branded pajamas, eyeshades, sockets and cabin slippers. In the words of Smeagal from “Lord of the Rings”, these amenity kits were essentially “My Precious”.
Singapore Airlines’ branded amenities are offered to passengers traveling First Class and Suites for:
- a) Day flights between 0600hrs and 1800hrs, for flight durations in excess of 7 hours. Flights SQ12(SIN-NRT) and SQ634 (SIN-HND) are eligible
b) Evening flights between 1800hrs and 0600hrs, for flight durations in excess of 3.5 hours and which arrivals are after 0030hrs.
*On two sector flights with no break in journey, only one amenity kit will be distributed from point of embarkation.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, your Captain from the flight deck, wishing all a warm welcome aboard Singapore Airlines, SQ 62 to Moscow and Houston…..”
“Bringing you a taste of the familiar”
My Book The Cook (“BTC”) supper choice of Boston Lobster Thermidor would be served as breakfast; as I had decided to offer my breakfast selection of Nasi Lemak to the wonderful crew who had to forgo uninterrupted rest and attend to me on this red eye flight out of Singapore.
Available on selected sectors when flying in premium cabins of Singapore Airlines, passengers may choose their preferred culinary option, available up to 24 hours prior to departure, allowing the chefs time to whip up that storm for you. Healthier options, better referred to as “Wholesome Meals” were recently introduced by Singapore Airlines. No doubt, an awesome treat whilst flying over land and sea.
In any event, one can indulge in endless culinary pleasures when traveling in premium cabins. Pictured here are just some of the treats I savored during the 10 hours 40 minutes flight from Singapore to Moscow; and 11 hours 25 minutes flight from Moscow to Houston. Regretfully, no “Wholesome Meals” here. Bon appètit!
“Creating new levels of comfort”
Regardless of the class of travel, Singapore Airlines never fails to deliver, but it is a whole new world on the front end of the cabin. The word “pampered” takes on a whole new meaning, for what’s better than waking up to a glass of champagne in bed at 40,000 ft in the sky, whilst soaring through fluffy clouds in blue skies at 500mph?
Reality, momentarily tossed out of the windows could be a lifestyle change, but a fantasy and dream I could get accustomed to, twenty-four-seven. As chorused by Eurythmics in their 1983 Top Chart Hits of “Sweet Dreams”: “Sweet (“Suites”) dreams are made of this, who am I to disagree?”
“Finding something for everyone to love”
Inflight entertainment on Krisworld gets better with Bose noise cancelling headsets for the “Duke” in-question. With hundreds of entertainment selections in a variety of genres and languages to choose from, Singapore Airlines has indeed kept to its commitment in finding “something for everyone to love”.
10:51am: 9V-SWT arrives in Moscow’s Domodedovo International Airport. After a short transit of an hour and 30 minutes, doors were closed and the warm fuzzy feeling was relived, yet again, on the 11 hour 25 minute flight to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The angels from heaven called out as we flew in bright warm sunlight for the entire journey to the USA!
13:44hrs: “Welcome to Houston, Ladies and Gentlemen. The local time is 1.44pm on Saturday the 9th of April and the temperature is 23 degrees C / 73 degrees F. Please note that Houston is 8 hours behind Moscow and 13 hours behind Singapore….. It has been our pleasure serving you on this flight. Thank you for flying with Singapore Airlines, a member of Star Alliance.”
So, what really makes Singapore Airlines, now more than ever, a great way to fly? Thoughtfully scripted by TBWA in 2013, these words become a reality, on my flight to Houston, making the experience a branding success of unforgettable proportions.
“We search for what’s special;
For what lives an experience to another level;
And that unspoken feeling doesn’t happen by chance;
So no matter what changes, this commitment holds true;
We will find what truly matters, to make you feel at home.” – TBWA, 2013 Singapore Airlines Branding Content
If you have not enrolled in Singapore Airlines’ mileage rewards program, it may be interesting to note that a host of salutations are offered. With the exception of “Emperor”; “Empresses”; and “Dowager”, you’d find something suitable that rings a jingle to your ears. Here’s what I occasionally go by…. So next time you see me onboard, do drop by and chat with the “Lord”.☺
Contributed by:
Beng Keat TAN (“BK”) writing freelance. BK
may be contacted at bkeatan@gmail.com
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Airlines
US DOT says Airlines must now pay automatic refunds for cancelled flights
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a final regulation requiring airlines to quickly reimburse passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed, according to a statement made by the Biden-Harris Administration.
Under the new regulation, passengers will find it easier to get refunds when airlines dramatically alter or cancel flights, cause severe delays for checked baggage, or don’t supply the additional services they paid for.
According to a statement from the Biden-Harris Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has published a final rule mandating airlines to promptly compensate customers with automatic cash refunds when they are eligible. The new rule would make it simpler for customers to receive refunds from airlines in cases when they drastically change or cancel flights, cause significant delays for checked luggage, or fail to provide the extra services they charged for.
Under the latest rule from the USDOT, passengers are guaranteed refunds in several scenarios:
- Canceled or Significantly Changed Flights: Passengers are entitled to refunds if their flight is canceled or significantly altered, including changes in departure or arrival times exceeding 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally, departures or arrivals from different airports, increased connections, downgrades in service class, or changes less accommodating to passengers with disabilities.
- Delayed Baggage Return: Passengers filing mishandled baggage reports can claim a refund for checked bag fees if their luggage is not returned within specific timeframes after flight arrival.
- Unprovided Extra Services: If airlines fail to deliver paid extra services like Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment, passengers can request refunds for those fees.
The final rule streamlines the refund process, ensuring it is:
- Automatic: Refunds are issued automatically without requiring passengers to request them.
- Prompt: Airlines must refund credit card purchases within seven business days and other payment methods within 20 calendar days.
- In Original Form of Payment: Refunds are provided in the original payment method used for purchase.
- Full Amount: Passengers receive full refunds minus the value of any portion of transportation already used, including government and airline fees.
Suggest banning family seating junk fees and ensuring that parents can travel with their kids at no additional cost. No airline promised to ensure fee-free family seating prior to efforts from President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg last year. Family seating is now guaranteed free of charge on four airlines, and the Department is working on a plan to eliminate family seating junk fees.
Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.
Airlines
The Nine Freedoms of the Air – Jetline Marvel
Most of us travel from one city to another city via road we need to get permission to that specific city if it is in another country like a visa or Road access permission to use its property for revenue purposes to carry passengers and Cargo. Similarly, In the airline Industry, it is also important that the Company have permission to fly and access that country whether it’s for stoppage flying above them, or Operating the passengers within that country This is called Freedom of the Air.
Some countries together they agree with certain conditions to access their Aerospace for to access for the airline to travel above their nation. If the bilateral is done for Their own countries’ airlines or other countries’ airlines. In this chapter, we understand how this thing is carried out. What all the condition has to look into that.
The Freedoms of the Air are international commercial aviation agreements (traffic rights) that grant a country’s airline(s) the privilege to enter and land in another country’s airspace. They were formulated in 1944 at an international gathering held in Chicago (known as the Chicago Convention) to establish uniformity in world air commerce. There are generally considered to be nine freedoms of the air.
Most nations of the world exchange first and second freedoms through the International Air Services Transit Agreement. The other freedoms,chase freedom airline miles when available, are usually established between countries in bilateral or multilateral air services agreements. The third and fourth freedoms are always granted together. The eighth and ninth freedoms (cabotage) have been exchanged only in limited instances
First Freedom:
The basic permission granted to an airline from one country (A) to fly through the airspace of another country (B)
Second Freedom:
The permission for a commercial airplane from country (A) to land and refuel (often called a technical stop) in another country (B).
Third Freedom :
The privilege for an airline to transport paying (Revenue) passengers from its home country (A) to another country (B).
Fourth Freedom
The rights for an airline to transport paying (Revenue )passengers from another country (B) to the airline’s home country (A).
Fifth Freedom
Fifth Freedom (also known as beyond rights): The rights for an airline to transport passengers from its home country (A) to a destination (B), then pick up and carry passengers to other international destinations (C).
Sixth Freedom:
Sixth Freedom (Combination of Third & Fourth Freedoms) The right for an airline to carry passengers or cargo between two foreign countries (B and C), provided the aircraft touches down in the airline’s home country (A).
Seventh Freedom:
The authorization for an airline to operate flights that start in a foreign country (B), skip its home country (A), and transport passengers to another international destination (C).
Eighth Freedom Air
The rights for an airline to transport passengers from one location within a country’s territory (B) to another point within the same country on a flight originating in the airline’s home country (A). This right is commonly referred to as cabotage and is notably scarce outside of Europe.
Ninth Freedom Air
The entitlement for an airline from a specific country (A) to begin a flight in a foreign country (B) and transport passengers from one location to another within that foreign country. This concept, also referred to as stand-alone cabotage, distinguishes itself from the traditional aviation definition of cabotage by not directly involving the airline’s home country.
Aviation
Air India’s B747 Makes Its Final Journey, Waving Farewell to Fans
In a poignant moment marking the end of an era in aviation history, Air India’s iconic Boeing 747 aircraft, affectionately known as the ‘Queen of the Skies,’ embarked on its ultimate journey from Mumbai’s international airport.
The departure, bound for Plainfield, USA, where it will undergo dismantling and part-stripping under the ownership of American AerSale, signals the closure of a storied chapter for the airline.
Once revered for transporting dignitaries ranging from prime ministers to presidents, the Boeing 747 has etched itself into aviation lore. Yet, as airlines worldwide pivot towards more contemporary and cost-effective aircraft, Air India’s decision to bid farewell to its remaining Boeing 747s reflects the pragmatic realities of today’s aviation landscape.
The sale of these majestic planes to AerSale represents a strategic move by Tata Group, Air India’s new custodian, towards optimizing operational efficiency and embracing modern industry standards. Out of the four aircraft sold, two will be repurposed into freighters, while the remaining pair will be meticulously disassembled to salvage valuable components.
The final flight from Mumbai witnessed a touching tribute as pilots performed a traditional ‘Wing Wave,’ symbolizing the conclusion of the Boeing 747‘s distinguished service with Air India. This poignant gesture encapsulates the deep sentiment attached to the aircraft’s departure and its significant contribution to the airline’s legacy.
As the Boeing 747 embarks on its journey to Plainfield, USA, nostalgia permeates the air, evoking memories of its maiden flight on March 22, 1971. Over five decades, Air India operated a total of 25 Boeing 747s, each leaving an indelible mark on the annals of aviation history.
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The Nine Freedoms of the Air – Jetline Marvel
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Air India’s B747 Makes Its Final Journey, Waving Farewell to Fans
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