With the dedicated row of check in counters for Business Class passengers travelling on Singapore Airlines at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, I didn’t have to wait long before I was issued my boarding pass, before making my way to the SilverKris Lounge prior to boarding my flight to Melbourne.
I headed to the gate well just in time when Business Class passengers were being called for boarding.
This flight was operated by the retrofitted B777-300 aircraft. Business Class seats were the older regional ones that you’ll find on the A330-300 fleet.
Boarding was brisk, and having settled in my seat 15A, I had a look at the menu and was not surprised to see that this was a sleeper service plus. Business Class passengers can opt to have their meal immediately after take off, or 2 hours prior to landing. There is also the option to have ‘both’, for those who have the appetite of course.
Very soon the doors were closed, and just by glancing around the cabin, it was to be a fairly empty flight in Business Class. Note that these regional Business Class seats are much less private in comparison with the newer ones introduced on the B787-10 fleet. If it’s any consolation, there is quite a lot of leg room, and it helps if no one sits next to you if you’re seated by the window.
After take off, the default was to dim the cabin lights to allow passengers to catch some sleep. I, on the other hand, obviously had not had my fill at the lounge, and decided to have a go at the braised udon noodles with beef and vegetables for my supper. I also had some fruit to round off the meal.
I managed to get a few hours of sleep after that. There was no real need to showcase the underwhelming inclined lie-flat bed. Note that you’ll tend to slide down the seat and there’s not much you can do about that.
At about 2 hours prior to landing, the cabin crew prepared for the meal service proper, beginning with some fresh fruit and a croissant.
This was followed by a full American breakfast, with yoghurt, poached eggs with Hollandaise sauce, chicken sausage, roasted tomato, spinach and potato. It was very filling, and satisfying.
As we began our initial descent into Melbourne, I managed to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunrise over the horizon.
The cabin crew began preparing the cabin for landing. Soon all the seat backs were upright, tray tables stowed, and window shades drawn up. Lovely weather in Melbourne beckoned, and it’s always a great way to start your trip with Singapore Airlines!
