LHR-SINTPE return with Singapore Airlines

I am lucky enough to go to Taipei 3 times a year on business. Previously, I had always used Cathay Pacific as flight times, routings and prices were more suitable than any other airline. However, this year their prices have shot up, so after much time spent sourcing more economic flights, I was delighted to be able to fly Singapore Airlines, who were £200 cheaper!

Saturday 10th July, LHR – SIN
SQ317, Airbus A380 9V-SKG
Main deck, seat 47K

Boarding at LHR was painless, even with a full flight. seat comfort seemed better (at first) than the usual Airbus seating and legroom was better than I expected. Departure time was 11.55, but we had a short delay and finally took off at 12.15.

On taking off one thing stuck in the mind – just how quiet an A380 is! its very quiet, with none of the noises from undercarriage / flaps etc being operated.

Routing over mainland Europe, into Asia via Afganistan, India and eventually over the Bay of Bengal to Singapore, the service onboard was excellent and I managed to get some sleep. The IFE was a mix of good and bad. The screen is larger and the sound quality is excellent. However, the range of films and music wasnt as good as Cathays, which was disappointing.

I was served dinner and supper on board. Dinner is pictured here-

Landing at Changi, on schedule (07.45 local on 11/7/10) was smooth and uneventful. Just one comment about the economy seats, At first they seem comfortable, but after about 5 hours, they tend to dig into your lower back. After 12 hours they are truly uncomfortable!

I had a very short transfer from gate A10 to A4. luckily Changi is not big compared to HKG so I quickly had my hand baggage re-scanned and boarded for my flight to Taipei.

Sunday 11th July, SIN – TPE
SQ876, Airbus A330 9V-STA
Seat 50K

For the 4 hour flight I selected a good seat on an A330. It was interesting to compare with the A380. Although I was impressed with the A380, I felt that the cabin on the A330 was a bit brighter, fresher and generally a nicer place to be. Service was again, excellent, and brunch was served, with tasty ice cream. I landed on schedule at Taipei, 13.20, but then my problems started.

With the short connection at SIN, my bags didnt make the connecting flight, however, this was excellently handled by China Airlines, who handle SQ flights at TPE. Within 6 hours of arriving, my bag was delivered to my hotel and I was given 2100TWD (£40) as compensation – very good service!

My return journey was equally smooth.

16/07/10
TPE – SIN
Airbus A330 9V-STC
SQ879, seat 33A

A good, smooth 4 hour flight, 20 minutes arriving early at SIN, so plenty of time to meet my connecting flight to LHR.

16/07/10
SIN – LHR
Airbus A380 9V-SKE
SQ322, Upper deck, Seat 74H

Its true, flying economy on the A380 and selecting the upper deck is a much better option. Why? boarding is quick, with less people in the cabin it doesnt feel crowded and if you have a window seat, you get a large storage bin beside you. The roof height is lower that on the main deck, but overall, with good cabin staff, 2 x toilets and galley, service seemed even better. The upper deck is even quieter than downstairs, which is good if you want to sleep.

I got plenty of sleep and was served dinner and a breakfast, before landing, 20 minutes early, at LHR. Overall I would say that flying on SQ was slightly better than CX, but, theres not much in it as both have an excellent product, which is why they are so often considered amongst the Worlds best airlines. for me, SQ’s schedule isnt quite so convenient, but for a place to travel long distances in, the A380 takes some beating!

PS – I’m sorry about the poor quality photos. All were taken through glass, sometimes heavily tinted, with a simple point and squirt camera. The cabin shots, taken at night, were taken without flash so as not to disturb fellow passengers.