For the subsequent portion of my whirlwind Aeroplan journey, it was time to fly Singapore Airways’ Boeing 787-10 enterprise class from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. I used to be wanting ahead to this flight, as this aircraft options Singapore Airways’ new(ish) regional enterprise class product, which I hadn’t but flown.
I’m comfortable to report that the flight didn’t disappoint. As ordinary, Singapore Airways delivered in nearly each approach.
How I booked my Singapore Airways enterprise class ticket
I booked my Singapore Airways enterprise class ticket utilizing factors. Particularly, I redeemed 115,000 Air Canada Aeroplan factors to fly from Chicago to Vienna to Rome to Bahrain to Singapore to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis to Hanoi, all in enterprise class.
For extra particulars on how I booked that, see my put up about the way to redeem Aeroplan factors like a professional. Aeroplan factors are simple to come back by, as this system is switch companions with Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, and Chase Final Rewards. On high of that, there’s the Aeroplan® Credit score Card (evaluate) in america, which is phenomenal.
Particular to the Singapore Airways portion of my journey, right here’s the flight I took:
1/08 SQ186 Singapore to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis departing 5:30PM arriving 6:40PM
Singapore Airways enterprise class lounge & boarding
Within the earlier installment I reviewed the Singapore Airways SilverKris Enterprise Class Lounge in Terminal 3, the place I spent most of my layover. My flight was departing from gate F58 in Terminal 2, with boarding scheduled for 5PM, half-hour forward of the 5:30PM scheduled departure.
Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 are linked through a simple individuals mover. I couldn’t assist however chuckle at among the coronavirus messaging on the tram, like this tagline — “allow us to be gracious and maintain Changi spacious.” Lol…
As is customary at Changi (properly, besides at Terminal 4), safety is at every particular person gate. I headed over to the gate fairly early, and safety opened at 4:20PM, 40 minutes forward of the scheduled boarding time, and 70 minutes forward of departure.
When you undergo safety, your boarding move is already scanned, so that you’re principally thought-about to be onboard for all sensible functions, and don’t want to indicate your passport anymore.
I used to be excited to feast my eyes on the Boeing 787-10 that might be flying us to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. What a magnificence! I used to be flying on 9V-SCB, considered one of Singapore Airways’ oldest 787s, at practically 5 years.
Boarding began at precisely 5PM, with enterprise class being invited to board first. Vietnam nonetheless has a masks mandate for flights, so everybody was required to placed on their masks as they boarded.
Singapore Airways 787-10 enterprise class cabin & seats
Ah, there’s one thing so nice about boarding a Singapore Airways flight. I boarded via the ahead door, the place I used to be greeted by one of many flight attendants, requested for my boarding move, addressed by title, after which dropped at my seat.
Singapore Airways operates its Boeing 787s as regional plane, in order that they have a distinct enterprise class product than you’ll discover on lengthy haul routes. Particularly, the Boeing 787-10s (and choose Airbus A350-900s) have the Stelia Aerospace Opal Enterprise Class Seat, which you’ll in any other case discover on airways like Air Senegal, Aircalin, Turkish Airways, Vistara, and Uganda Airways.
Singapore Airways’ 787s have a complete of 36 enterprise class seats, unfold throughout 9 rows in a 1-2-1 configuration.
This can be a staggered enterprise class product, that means that the format varies in each different row. That’s as a result of area is maximized by putting the footwell for seats to the facet of the seats in entrance.
So far as the middle seats go, each different row has what are generally known as “honeymoon” seats, that are shut to 1 one other, and excellent if you happen to’re touring with somebody. Even if you happen to’re touring alone you could like these, since there’s a partition within the middle that you would be able to elevate, and this offers you far from the aisle.
In the meantime within the different rows, the seats within the middle part are nearer to the aisles.
So far as the seats by the home windows go, they alternate between being nearer to the aisles and nearer to the home windows. The seats nearer to the aisles don’t offer you a lot separation from the aisle (as you’d anticipate), although a minimum of this product provides fairly a little bit of privateness, due to the large defend alongside the aisle-seat of the seat. So that you gained’t really feel overly uncovered, and shouldn’t be ran into by individuals within the aisle.
Then one of the best seats on the aircraft are the “true” window seats, which get you nearer to the home windows and farther from the aisles. I assigned myself seat 19A, which was the window seat on the left facet within the second to final row of the cabin.
This seat not solely includes a ton of privateness, however actually appears like a cocoon, due to the defend alongside the facet of the seat. Some may discover the seat to be a bit tight or claustrophobic — personally I form of like that cozy feeling, however others don’t. I do discover it a bit unusual how even the seats proper by the home windows have the privateness defend alongside the fuselage, which can block your view out the window, if something.
I can recognize that it’s most effective to simply manufacture all seats in the identical approach, although arguably it’s not solely pointless, however counterproductive.
There’s quite a bit to love about Singapore Airways’ seat finishes. Alongside the aisle-side of the seat is a big counter that’s large enough for putting a laptop computer throughout the flight. There’s additionally a big storage compartment, which will be absolutely closed.
The compartment has sufficient area for plenty of smaller gadgets (headphones, telephones, glasses, a pockets, and many others.). It additionally has two USB shops and an AC energy outlet.
There’s additionally a small mirror that may be prolonged from the facet of the seat, which is a function many will recognize.
Beneath the console are the seat and leisure controls. The seat controls will be powerful to determine at first, for the reason that display goes completely “black” if it’s not touched. Nevertheless, as quickly as you contact it, the buttons mild up, permitting you to regulate your seat, activate lights, and many others.
Then there’s the leisure controller, which will be prolonged and used to manage the features on the non-public tv. Nevertheless, the TV can also be touchscreen, so I didn’t find yourself having a lot use for this.
Beneath the seat and leisure controls is an armrest, which will be lowered to create a wider floor, if you happen to’d like.
The tray desk on this configuration folds out from beneath the non-public tv. When saved, it’s folded over in half, so you may prolong it by pushing a button, pulling it out, after which flipping it over.
One problem with staggered configurations will be that footwells are fairly limiting, although I discovered this to be one of many bigger footwells on the market, so I used to be comfortable about that.
As talked about above, the privateness defend alongside the window is a bit odd, however on this case it wasn’t an enormous deal, because it didn’t block the window by my seat.
This defend additionally accommodates a number of studying lights.
My solely actual criticism of this product is the dearth of particular person air nozzles. Why is Singapore Airways so against air nozzles?!
Anyway, all-in-all this is able to be a strong lengthy haul enterprise class product, and it’s a spectacular regional enterprise class product. For a 90-minute flight, it doesn’t get a lot better that. Let me take it a step additional — I feel I truly desire this seat to Singapore Airways’ lengthy haul enterprise class seat.
Singapore Airways enterprise class facilities
So far as facilities go, there have been a pillow and blanket at my seat, which weren’t solely fairly, however very comfy. The pillow was giant and thick, whereas the blanket was cozy.
There have been additionally a pair of headphones ready at every seat. Singapore Airways’ headphones are simply wonderful — they’re not dangerous, however it’s not an distinctive a part of the expertise both.
For years Singapore Airways didn’t have any form of amenity kits in enterprise class, however that lastly modified in late 2020. Now the airline even has small facilities briefly haul enterprise class. The equipment was from Penhaligon’s, and consisted of hand lotion, lip balm, and facial mist.
As is customary on Singapore Airways, the crew welcomed every passenger, and requested if they’d any questions concerning the seat. Pre-departure drinks had been served, with the selection of champagne or orange juice. I chosen the previous.
Singapore Airways 787-10 departure from Singapore
The flight was packed, although boarding was extraordinarily environment friendly, and was accomplished by 5:15PM. There have been solely three empty seats in enterprise class, whereas economic system class was additionally fairly full.
At 5:20PM, the captain made his welcome aboard announcement, informing us of our flight time of 90 minutes. Okay, that is going to sound bizarre and random, however the crew was within the gate space previous to boarding, and my eyes had been drawn to the captain’s flight bag, which had a bunch of Boeing 787 stickers on it. There was one thing about his vibe that simply gave off that he was an enormous avgeek. I used to be already pondering to myself “I like this man.”
Then there was his welcome aboard announcement, which was maybe my favourite and {most professional} announcement I’ve ever heard from a pilot. Typically pilots are fumbling and say “ummm, people, ummm, that is, ummm, your ummm captain talking.”
I all the time takes notes on my cellphone whereas reviewing flights, so let me simply copy and paste what I had written on the time — “captain appeared like {most professional} robotic ever — I’m not satisfied he’s human, as a result of it’s that skilled and ideal.” He didn’t fumble a single phrase, and it was so good that you just’d suppose he was studying it off a script, but he stated it with such enthusiasm and confidence that I don’t suppose he did.”
Sorry for that tangent, and thanks captain. Should you ever promote an album together with your inflight bulletins, I’d wish to be your first buyer. In any other case, Singapore Airways actually ought to have this man make automated bulletins that play onboard, within the terminal, and many others.
At 5:30PM the primary cabin door was closed, at which level the security video was screened. I get pleasure from Singapore Airways’ present security video, and discover it to be calming, very similar to the provider’s boarding music.
At 5:35PM we started our pushback, after which at 5:40PM we started our taxi.
We had a roughly 15 minute taxi to runway 2R, after which we had a couple of 5 minute look forward to takeoff, as we needed to look forward to AirAsia and Bangkok Airways planes to depart.
By 6PM we had been cleared for takeoff, and rocketed down the runway.
The seatbelt signal stayed on for 10 minutes (a bit longer than ordinary), as we had fairly a little bit of turbulence on the preliminary climb out, on account of some thick clouds.
The second we cleared the clouds, the seatbelt signal was turned off, and crew sprung into motion.
Singapore Airways 787-10 leisure & Wi-Fi
Singapore Airways’ general leisure providing is among the many finest on the market, between the massive library of films and TV reveals, stay TV, and even complimentary Wi-Fi in enterprise class.
I began by searching the KrisWorld leisure system, which had infinite choices, from films to TV reveals. I significantly appreciated how the library has whole seasons of TV reveals, with the intention to simply binge watch (I imply, that’s most likely extra helpful on an 18-hour flight than a 90-minute flight, however nonetheless…).
There’s additionally a collection of music, plus a number of channels of stay TV.
At this level I hadn’t but seen The White Lotus, so I watched that for a lot of the flight (if you happen to’re one of many seven individuals who hasn’t seen it, you actually ought to).
I additionally took a take a look at the map function, which was simple to customise relying on the view you wished.
Simply as spectacular because the leisure choice is that Singapore Airways these days provides complimentary Wi-Fi in enterprise class.
I simply needed to enter my final title, e-mail deal with, and seat quantity, and I might then instantly join. The speeds had been glorious, and there have been no information caps.
For these curious concerning the pricing in any other case, Wi-Fi price anyplace from $3.99 to $15.99, relying on the plan you wished.
Singapore Airways enterprise class dinner
There was a dinner service on this brief flight to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, and you will discover the menu beneath (which was at my seat upon boarding).
On this flight there was one flight attendant in every aisle with a cart, and so they labored their approach down the aisles entrance to again serving dinner. Meal orders weren’t taken prematurely, however fairly had been requested for when the flight attendant obtained to your seat (in contrast to on US airways, I discover that Singapore Airways not often runs out of choices).
Of the three fundamental course choices, I chosen the Malay type braised beef, sambal prawns, omelette with onions, spiced fish cake, and coconut rice. This was served with an appetizer of marinated smoked salmon with capers, and a dessert of banana cheesecake with butter crumble. There was additionally a collection of bread, together with the all the time tasty garlic bread. Drinks had been provided off the identical cart, and I chosen a glass of the New Zealand sauvignon blanc.
A couple of minutes later the cart was rolled down the aisle once more, each to gather trays, provide drink refills, and likewise to serve espresso and tea. I requested a cup of espresso.
The meal was actually phenomenal, particularly for such a brief flight. It’s humorous how Singapore Airways marketed this on the menu as a “mild dinner.” It was a fairly full dinner, if you happen to ask me.
Singapore Airways 787-10 enterprise class mattress
Whereas there was no time to really sleep on this flight, I did need to take a look at out the mattress, to see how comfy it’s. As a facet sleeper, I discovered it to be particularly comfy to sleep dealing with the home windows, and will simply fold my knees. I additionally thought the footwell was loads spacious.
Singapore Airways 787-10 enterprise class toilet
There have been two toilets in entrance of the enterprise class cabin, after which two extra behind the cabin. They had been immaculately clear, and likewise had dental kits, in addition to merchandise from Penahligon’s.
Singapore Airways enterprise class service
Singapore Airways is among the most constant airways on the earth with regards to service, and this crew was no exception. They only carry out service with such grace, heat, and precision. From greeting every passenger upon boarding, to how they deal with passengers by title throughout the service, to their consideration to element, I persistently discover Singapore Airways to be nice on this regard.
As I wrote about in a separate put up, the man behind me had some severe complaints concerning the flight, and I used to be impressed by how professionally the crew dealt with that state of affairs. It’s good to see a crew skilled in deescalation and customer support, fairly than what all of us too usually see in america.
Singapore Airways 787-10 arrival in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
One hour after takeoff, the captain was again on the PA to tell us that we had been at 38,000 ft and can be beginning our descent in about 10 minutes, with a touchdown anticipated at 6:45PM (Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is one hour behind Singapore). Certain sufficient, we began our descent 10 minutes later, after which at 6:15PM the seatbelt signal was turned on, and the crew was instructed to arrange the cabin for touchdown.
It’s all the time unusual to me how service begins so rapidly after takeoff on Singapore Airways, however then service has to finish so quickly, with the cabin being ready for arrival so early. As we descended, Singapore Airways’ conventional touchdown music was performed, which I get pleasure from much more than the boarding music.
We ended up touching down at Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Airport at 6:40PM. From there we had a 10-minute taxi to our arrival gate, the place we parked subsequent to a Cathay Pacific Airbus A330. We deplaned via the ahead door, the place the captain personally stated goodbye to every passenger.
I then headed for immigration, the place there was an hour-long queue (every of those traces is for a single immigration officer). Ugh, going from Singapore Airways enterprise class to this line was fairly the adjustment.
Even perhaps worse than the lengthy line was that the woman behind me tried to chop me each jiffy. She’d persistently begin standing in entrance of me, I’d stare her down, then she’d transfer behind me once more. And that occurred time and again and over. WTF.
After clearing immigration, it was time to go to the home terminal for my journey on Bamboo Airways. I used to be equal elements exhausted and excited!
Backside line
Flying with Singapore Airways is all the time such a deal with. 90-minute flights don’t get a lot better than this, between the comfy seats, nice facilities, scrumptious meals, free Wi-Fi and infinite leisure, and gracious service.
It positive is tough to return to america and fly with US carriers after experiencing this sort of service.
What do you make of Singapore Airways’ 787 enterprise class?
