Other than visiting New York city, this is another highlight of my December vacation. A once in a lifetime trip. I have accumulated sufficient miles to redeem an SQ A380 Suites class ticket to Auckland. And since the redemption is available for the date I wanted, I quickly booked it. A check on the website states that a one-way ticket costs ~S$6700, beyond my budget. Using my miles, I only need to pay the taxes.
For the return trip, I wanted to try out Emirates first class (Suites) on A380. So, I paid in cash for the one way flight from Auckland to Sydney, costs ~NZ$1300.
The Auckland-Sydney flight was blocked at 3.5 hours, but the actual flight that day only took 2hr 40mins. I hope it was longer.
For a longer flight, I could have took the Auckland-Melbourne flight for the same price. But then I wanted to explore Sydney.
For the Sydney-Singapore flight, I took Scoot. This will be the first time I'm taking Scoot and also try out the Boeing 787 dreamliner.
Fortunately for me, things went according to plan. Soon I'm on my way.
SQ Suites class is a must do for any aviation hobbyist. Just once. It all started at Changi Airport Terminal 3. There is a separate First Class terminal just before the departure hall. I had to walk out of the terminal 3 building and walk along the pavement to reach the First Class terminal.
Even before reaching the doors, a porter had walked towards me and took my luggage. Another lady appeared and asked for my destination.
The check in interior is made up of plush office seats. I sit on a leather chair while waiting. The decor gives a luxurious feel.
After getting my boarding pass and the Private Room invitation, another door leads me to a lone passport officer. After that, it leads to the duty free shopping. The escalator to the lounge is nearby.
After showing the Private Room invitation card to the lounge dragon, I was escorted past the Business class lounge, past the First class lounge, to the Private Room. The place felt like a small, high class restaurant.
Menu was given to me to place my order. The menu was only a few pages long, not a lot of choices. I ordered a lobster dish, a foie gras dish and champagne.
After a few sips of the champagne, while waiting for the food to arrive, I went for a quick shower. The shower room was kept clean, spotless and comes with all bathroom amenities.
I gobbled down my meal and asks the lady in charge to help print my travel itinerary from my email. As it is close to departure time, I requested for a buggy to send me to my gate.
There is no dedicated security for premium passengers, so I had to queue up behind a bunch of school-going Japanese or Korean children.
The Suites class on this flight was full. The usual pre-departure drinks and nuts were given.
After take-off, the amenity kit, slippers and pyjamas were given. My lobster thermidor meal was served.
The doors to my suite is manually controlled, unlike Emirates. The toilet is only slightly bigger than economy class, which I feel lags behind Emirates.
The bed is folded down flat and requires the flight attendants to do it. I feel that the bed and the duvet is more comfortable than in Business class. And I do not need to sleep at an angle.
In the morning, my strawberry waffles meal was served. And before I know it, it is time to descend.
All in all, SQ Suites class is a wonderful experience. However, once is enough, as the SQ Business class is also a great experience.
For the return trip, I wanted to try out Emirates first class (Suites) on A380. So, I paid in cash for the one way flight from Auckland to Sydney, costs ~NZ$1300.
The Auckland-Sydney flight was blocked at 3.5 hours, but the actual flight that day only took 2hr 40mins. I hope it was longer.
For a longer flight, I could have took the Auckland-Melbourne flight for the same price. But then I wanted to explore Sydney.
For the Sydney-Singapore flight, I took Scoot. This will be the first time I'm taking Scoot and also try out the Boeing 787 dreamliner.
Fortunately for me, things went according to plan. Soon I'm on my way.
SQ Suites class is a must do for any aviation hobbyist. Just once. It all started at Changi Airport Terminal 3. There is a separate First Class terminal just before the departure hall. I had to walk out of the terminal 3 building and walk along the pavement to reach the First Class terminal.
Even before reaching the doors, a porter had walked towards me and took my luggage. Another lady appeared and asked for my destination.
The check in interior is made up of plush office seats. I sit on a leather chair while waiting. The decor gives a luxurious feel.
After getting my boarding pass and the Private Room invitation, another door leads me to a lone passport officer. After that, it leads to the duty free shopping. The escalator to the lounge is nearby.
After showing the Private Room invitation card to the lounge dragon, I was escorted past the Business class lounge, past the First class lounge, to the Private Room. The place felt like a small, high class restaurant.
Menu was given to me to place my order. The menu was only a few pages long, not a lot of choices. I ordered a lobster dish, a foie gras dish and champagne.
SQ Private Room menu
US prime beef burger with foie gras
Sauteed lobster
After a few sips of the champagne, while waiting for the food to arrive, I went for a quick shower. The shower room was kept clean, spotless and comes with all bathroom amenities.
Private Room shower
I gobbled down my meal and asks the lady in charge to help print my travel itinerary from my email. As it is close to departure time, I requested for a buggy to send me to my gate.
On the buggy to my gate!
There is no dedicated security for premium passengers, so I had to queue up behind a bunch of school-going Japanese or Korean children.
The Suites class on this flight was full. The usual pre-departure drinks and nuts were given.
After take-off, the amenity kit, slippers and pyjamas were given. My lobster thermidor meal was served.
New generation Suites class seat
Only Row 3 window seats has 3 windows.
The TV screen is bigger than in Business class. Below is the ottoman
Pre-departure drink - Krug
The recline is definitely larger, compared to what I've read online before.
Pillow and bolster, great for sleeping!
Suites class menu
In a leather bound book
Satay with evian bottle (only for first class)
Lobster thermidor. I think the lobster is slightly bigger than for business class
Bose noise cancelling headphone. I think this is the same as for business class
After take off, I switched to Dom 2006
Cheers to SQ Suites class
The doors to my suite is manually controlled, unlike Emirates. The toilet is only slightly bigger than economy class, which I feel lags behind Emirates.
The bed is folded down flat and requires the flight attendants to do it. I feel that the bed and the duvet is more comfortable than in Business class. And I do not need to sleep at an angle.
Flat bed with duvet, 2 pillows and a bolster
Manually operated Suites doors
In the morning, my strawberry waffles meal was served. And before I know it, it is time to descend.
All in all, SQ Suites class is a wonderful experience. However, once is enough, as the SQ Business class is also a great experience.
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