Singapore Airlines B777-300 First Class SIN-BOM
Arriving from Bangkok late at night I decided to say at the new Yotel Hotel in the Jewel that has recently opened in Singapore Changi Airport. (Yotel is not recommended.) But the Jewel itself was stunning. The Jewel is basically a large round shopping mall with an interior that likens a rainforest with running streams, hiking paths, even a train that runs through it. All at a cost of course. But you can still roam the lower level which is cool and refreshing, no doubt a great respite to locals from the Singapore heat and humidity. The upper level is mostly restaurants that overlook the rainforest. It is a fun place to spend a day. Connected to Terminals 2 and 3 with a short walkway it’s great for layovers as well.
But the purpose of the visit was to fly from Singapore to Bombay to catch Swiss in first. Not a bad way to start flying Singapore in First Class!
While I wasn’t able to experience the drive up to the first class entrance where you are mobbed by Singapore agents grabbing your bags and escorting you inside the first class check-in area, at least I could walk through the dedicated first class security entrance. Inconspicuously you enter the main terminal across from the lounges without a hint of being recognized as someone about to visit The Private Room.
I was whisked through the first class lounge to the entrance of The Private Room. Immediately I was met by an attendant who offered drinks. I decided to head straight to the dining room.
For such a fancy bound menu the selections are limited. Quick Bites is it. There are no full meals.
All that is secondary to this offering. Probably my favorite airline wine, which Singapore has poured for a few years.
I ordered satay. And it was excellent as always.
This was followed up with Braised Veal Tips which was equally delicious. Unfortunately one of these items didn’t completely agree with me, and while I wasn’t sick, the stomach wasn’t happy and didn’t want to party on the upcoming flight to Bombay. Which is very unfortunate.
In addition to the small menu, buffet items are offered including a few small desserts.
The Private Room is a tired lounge. But no worries, it’s closed for renovation, due to open in mid 2020 I believe.
When I made this reservation 6 months prior, it was on an A380. I always set an aircraft change alert and within a day or two got the alert the 380 was out and a 777 was in. The 777 has 4 seats and today it was me, only.
Seats are staggered adding a level of privacy.
In general this isn’t my favorite first class seat. It just isn’t comfortable. I can complain, I wasn’t feeling good :)
The Suite itself has tons of storage.
We pushed back on time and got a glimpse of a few cool aircraft, including a Qantas A380.
A stunning view of Singapore Straight as well a downtown Singapore in the background. This would soon turn into a roller coaster ride for 30 minutes or so due to typical evening thunderstorms.
This gave me a chance to study the beverage menu. I know many will cringe at this, including SoCalNow, but due to the stomach being unhappy no champagne for me. Very disappointing!
And very little of my fav red. The flight attendant went by the name Mona, as you can tell her real name is much longer. She was fantastic as most SQ FA’s are. She offered to make 1D as my bed which I declined. She could tell I wasn’t feeling well and kept checking on me.
At this point I realized I didn’t book the cook. No worries, I wasn’t hungry anyway. Caviar was not served on this under 7 hour flight which I believe is the cut off for things like amenity kits, caviar and pjs.
It’s just not possible to turn these down. Since I didn’t get worse after eating a couple, I figure it was the Braised Veal in the lounge that messed me up.
Over the next 20 hours I would have 3 servings of Balik Salmon. This one would place 3rd.
The Rocket Salad was way too heavy on the pine nuts and didn’t have much substance for a salad. I found the chunks of pumpkin to be an odd addition.
The chicken (safe bet no?) was very good. While I refrained from indulging in all the sauce I’d get this again anytime.
I passed on dessert which really tells the story of me being below par.
In no time we were on approach into Mumbai where monsoons had just cleared the area.
Carrier: Singapore Airlines
Date: July, 2019
Route: Singapore - Bombay
Flight #: 424
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300 9V-SUK
Configuration: F4 / C48 / W28 / Y184
Seat(s): 1K
On Time: Yes
Reward Flying Rating: 7.4 out of 10 ✈
Cabin: ✔︎While the SIA 777 cabin is intimate and attractive, my opinion is the seats just aren’t very comfortable.
Cabin/Seats Rating: 7 out of 10 ✈
Food/Amenities: ✔︎This was a perfectly fine meal. Sure the salad wasn’t to my liking but otherwise everything was fresh and tasty. I certainly would have preferred participating in the generous Champagne offerings, but that wasn’t to be. Singapore doesn’t offer soft product items on short haul first class flights.
Amenity/Food rating: 8 out of 10 ✈
Flight Attendants: ✔︎ All SQ First Class crews as fabulous. If Singapore has once consistency in First Class it’s the grace and professionalism of their Flight Attendants.
Flight Attendant rating: 9 out of 10 ✈
Aircraft: ✔︎Boeing 777-300. One of Singapore’s older 777, delivered in 2007 which you’d never have known if not for looking it up.
Aircraft rating: 6 out of 10 ✈
