Even though this was just a short hop from Jakarta to Singapore, I still made sure to make full use of my miles, since the redemption for sectors anywhere from zones 2 or 3 to Singapore is technically ‘free’ when you have a planned sector outbound from Singapore. For example, an award flight from Singapore to Tokyo would cost the same number of miles from Jakarta to Tokyo (via Singapore).
Arriving at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport that evening, there was not a queue in sight at the First Class check-in row. The process was swift and I was through to the airside in no time.
First, Business Class and PPS Club members were advised to use the Esplanade Lounge before the flight. However, Singapore Airlines has since moved its operations to Terminal 3. But more on these lounges in another post.
I proceeded to the gate just in time when First Class passengers were called forward for boarding. This flight was operated by a B777-300 in the Star Alliance livery.
The seats in First Class are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration across two rows. These seats that were introduced to the fleet in 2006 won’t remain for long as the airline constantly upgrades its cabin products. Nonetheless, at 35 inches across, it’s one of the widest in the industry.
Note how large the television screen is, as well as the ample storage space within the seat floor area.
There are pockets for literature, as well as storage compartments for loose articles.
In case you need to look your best, there’s also a vanity mirror at the seat.
There’s also a coat hook located right by the television.
In addition to the ceiling-mounted reading light, there is another one located within the seat headboard for your convenience.
The table is large and sturdy, and can be adjusted to any height for your comfort while dining.
As expected, the cabin was empty for such a short flight. Boarding was swift and we were soon on our way.
A light dinner would be served for this flight. It wasn’t going to be a full meal but it was more than enough for the flight.
The cabin crew came by to introduce themselves, as well as to take our dinner orders before takeoff. Of course, what better way to start the flight with some champagne.
As I settled in, I got reacquainted with the inflight entertainment system, which is pretty much outdated when compared to those onboard the newer aircraft.
In-seat power supply is also provided to charge your electronic devices.
After pushback and a short taxi, we were soon airborne. The cabin crew commenced the light dinner service once the seatbelt sign was turned off. Before the main course was served, the cabin crew came by with some warm nuts, as well as some apple juice which I had requested for.
I had chosen the braised oriental beef shank in hot black bean sauce, served with Asian leafy greens, carrot and ee fu noodles. No complaints at all as the dish was well prepared and flavourful.
For dessert, I had the roasted nuts praline cake, which was a nice way to round up the meal.
By the time dinner service concluded, it wasn’t long before the Captain chimed in on the PA system with the arrival information, just before we commenced our descent into Singapore. Overall, I don’t think it’s necessary to fly up in front for such a short flight. But as I’ve mentioned, it was just to maximise my miles by taking advantage of sectors within zones 1-3 with onward connections to other destinations out of Singapore.