You Trip Report

	DATE	FLIGHT NUMBER	SEAT	AIRCRAFT
28 Nov 13	SQ 2	17K	777-300ER
CLASS	VIEWS	LANGUAGE	AUTHOR
Business Class	87533	English	jetsetpanda

Prologue:

Hi and welcome to this TR from 2013 which introduced me to the joy of flying SQ for the first time. At the time I used miles to redeem for a J award.

I took the Airport Bus to the airport at around 7P and it was practically empty. The ride took about 40 min. and once at T1, I went to the SQ J desk. There was an agent setting up the counter and she asked me where I was heading. I replied to SFO and she directed me to the long line next to it. I then asked if the line is even for J passengers and she told me that she will be helping me and asked for my documents. She printed my boarding pass and advised me about the location of the SQ lounge. I thanked her and went through security which was pretty quick.

Once inside the terminal I decided to do some lounge hopping. I started with the TG lounge located by gate 40 on the mezzanine level. I showed my SQ boarding pass to the TG agent and he consulted with a colleague. I was then invited to come in and requested to use the shower. I was told that another guest was requesting it but the female agent said that if I took a quick one she could give me the key right away. I promised her that I will be as quick as possible and went to the male WC. There is only one shower located at the end of the WC and it was very basic.

Once inside there was a clean towel some packaged toiletries and a small space to change. If you have to use the toilet you should use it before entering into the shower room.

Catering was very decent with salads hot food an ice creams. The space is rather limited and it was very crowded when I visited. I did not stay here for long and went to the UA Club.

The UA Club contains the UA Global First lounge and is located by gate 61 on the mezzanine level.

The lounge was much more spacious than the TG lounge and had food spreads in different area.

There were 2 showers available.

SQ Silver Kris Lounge is located by gate 15 and is the best of the three lounges that I visited. At the time this lounge was not renovated yet. I believe this particular lounge went through 2 renovations later on.

Right behind the reception desk there is a room with several computer terminals with a few stationery sets with pens.

Right after the computer room there is a pantry on the left side with drinks snacks sandwiches and cheeses.

There are several seating areas in the lounge and there is a section at the end of a hallway with plenty of food options like salads hot foods pastries and dim sums.

Chinese steamed egg custard OR Œufs cocotte?

When I was leaving the lounge the agent stopped me and advised that boarding would be delayed and invited me to stay a little longer. A few minutes later she made an announcement to board the plane and most people got up and left.

SQ uses a separate line to board F and J passengers and I was greeted by a smiling FA at the entrance of the plane. .

As I walked down a FA inquired about my seat and I was escorted there She showed me the seat and opened the overhead bin for me. The cabin was not full and FA's offered pre-departure drinks consisting of orange juice champagne and one of their non-alcoholic cocktails. One of the FA's saw me taking pictures and immediately asked me if I wanted her to take one of me on my seat. I accepted her offer and she took about 3 pics making sure that I came out fine. A very nice touch!

The seats were the widest for a J product and felt nicely cushioned. If you want to sleep you had to ask the FA to flip it and turn it into a bed. A pillow and packed blanket were already in the back of the seat.

Once the door closed FA's passed around with hot towels and they were really thick and hot newspapers and reading materials. After take off they distributed socks and eye shades from a tray. I already had these in the compartment so probably they were left from the previous SIN-HKG leg.

Menu.

I have ordered the chicken rice from Book the Cook but wanted to try the Indian lamb. I asked the FA if I could change the order and she told me with a smile that there was no problem. She even suggested to have the chicken rice for the breakfast service if I wanted. I appreciated her suggestion and thanked her profusely. I might add that she was a Malay attendant who was a joy to deal with and spoke perfect Mandarin with the passenger across from me. I saw her make the bed for the passenger and she even placed the blanket and fastened the seat belt for him. Great service all the way. As a matter of fact she and another Chinese FA assigned to my row were wonderful. They represented the true professionalism and charm that the SQ girl is known for around the world.

Wine section.

I had a Tropical Fizz accompanied by warm nuts. I was offered seconds but declined wanting to save some room for the supper.

The duck foie gras with mirabelle plum and Dacquoise coconut fresh fig and balsamic reduction was ok. It did not have a discerning taste of foie gras but I appreciated the addition of coconut and fresh fig to come up with a creative way to present it.

Then came the main dish - Indian style lamb rogan josh with jaifereize vegetables dal curry and saffron rice. The dish was nicely spiced but I did not think that the paper container with the dal made for a good presentation. It was accompanied by a nice raita side dish to cool things off.

The passion fruit mousse cake tasted fine but did not impress. It looked like something bought from a regular Chinese bakery.

I had some cheese and grapes after the dessert which was served from a cart. I would have preferred water crackers for my cheese instead of these rice crackers.

To end the meal I finished with a cup of Paris-Singapore tea.

Before going to bed I visited the WC which was spacious and well stocked.

I then dozed off for about 4 hrs. There were periods of intense turbulence that interrupted my sleep from time to time. When I woke up I decided to have a snack and visited the galley.

The FA showed me a sandwich and Mediterranean wrap and I chose the croissant chicken salad. He asked me if I wanted it cold or warm. I had it cold and when he brought the tray he followed with the snack basket.

Pictures of seat and cabin before breakfast service.

Soon it was time for the second service and we started with a selection of juices fresh fruit and yogurt.

This was followed by my chicken rice which was served with ground ginger sweet and thick soya and chili sauce. The chicken was tender and the rice fragrant. I can't think of a better breakfast on SQ.

IC Grand Stanford

I had a chance to stay at the two Intercontinental hotels in Hong Kong. The IC Grand Stanford is smaller and with more character than its sister property the IC HK it retains a certain old world charm and exclusivity that makes a stay here such a memorable treat.

Its Club is elegant and refined with a service level that is both personal and very attentive.

IC Hong Kong

The IC HK is grandiose starting with its magnificent lobby affording a breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour 24/7. The public areas have a contemporary feel and it houses a few renowned Michelin rated restaurants.

I was fortunate to stay at an executive suite which came with 2 bathrooms a living room dining and desk area. Drawing a comparison between a room here and the one that I stayed at the IC Grand Stanford would be unfair since we will be comparing apples to oranges.

View from the room at night.

IC HKG Club.

The pool at IC HKG

in the back there is a small jacuzzi area where you can admire the view of the city while you soak up.

Lunch at Michelin rated Din Tai Fung known for its dumplings.

Cold tripe appetizer.

Wood ear fungus in vinegar dressing

Chicken soup with noodles.

Truffle xia long bao

Sights of HKG

========== Hong Kong Intl (HKG) - ==========

Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10

Access and parking: 10/10

Services and activities: 10/10

General cleanliness: 10/10

========== United Club ==========

Staff Service: 9/10

Entertainment: /10

Business Center: 10/10

Food: 8/10

Lounge Design: 9/10

Spa and Bathroom: 9/10

Wifi: 10/10

========== Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Lounge ==========

Staff Service: 10/10

Entertainment: /10

Business Center: /10

Food: 10/10

Lounge Design: 9/10

Spa and Bathroom: 9/10

Wifi: 10/10

========== Singapore Airlines - Airline ==========

Cabine comfort: 9/10

Crew: 10/10

Entertainment: 10/10

On-time performance: 10/10

Appetizer: 0/10

Starter: 10/10

Main Meal: 9/10

Main Meal-2: 0/10

Cheese: 9/10

Desserts: 7/10

Alcohols: 0/10

Mid-flight snack: 9/10

Breakfast or light meal before arrival: 10/10

========== San Francisco Intl Arpt (SFO) - ==========

Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10

Access and parking: 10/10

Services and activities: 9/10

General cleanliness: 10/10

Summary:

HKG is one of the greatest airports for lounge hopping if you are *A elite.

t was a pleasure to finally experience SQ and this flight met my expectations. Without a doubt SQ has some very special crew members and they performed their job fantastcially. I still think SQ should provide an amenity kit in J and be at the same level with its competitors in that aspect.

15 Comments

Thomas — Jun 20,2020

What a stunning report my friend even if I'm not sold on your meal experience. Your lounges hoping are on par with my views. Great hotel too. Thanks for sharing your flight.
Reply

Thomas — Jun 20,2020

It reminds me the same flight I took back in 2011 in F ;)

jetsetpanda — Jun 21,2020

Hi Thomas,

Great minds think alike, right? ;) Looking forward to reading your TR's in F.
Casper — Jun 20,2020

Lost for words, incredible review with such a good product. As much as I love SQ in First, I do not find them great in J but I'm picky here.
Gracias Amigo.
Casper
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jun 21,2020

Hi Casper,

I find it odd that SQ J lacks a proper amenity kit compared to others. I have yet to experience SQ F. Thanks.
AAFlyer — Jun 21,2020

How can you still be so slim while eating so much food? It was a nice way to spend your miles, IC HK is one of the best for the view. A nice stay and a wonderful experience all in all.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jun 21,2020

Hi AAFlyer,

I think you will be surprised if you see me in person. :P A great experience for sure.
Emile — Jun 21,2020

Heavy review in the good way. Nice onboard experience even if I do find TK catering on par or above SQ from time to time. That room is breathtaking !
Thanks Adan for this superb report.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jun 21,2020

Hi Emile,

I agree with you that TK catering is top and more elaborate than what you are offered at SQ. Where SQ has the advantage is in cabin comfort and service. Yes the room was fantastic and location was perfect. See you.
samlecorsaire — Jun 22,2020

Hello
What an interesting report. Thank you also for the bonus.
Just one question . Why Singapore operates direct fly service from HKG to SFO?
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jun 22,2020

Hi Sam,

SQ has a fifth freedom right flying from SFO-HKG. The flight continues HKG-SIN as a through flight. I read somewhere that HKG-SIN is one of the most profitable routes the company has and the extension to SFO supplements that traffic.
Capoune — Jun 23,2020

Woooowww Adan!
What a report!!
I agree with you for the lounges at HKG.
Very nice flight onboard SQ, the catering looks great and the seat is huge!
Very nice bonus and I love the last pic with a statue of you, lol!

Thank you for this very nice report my friend.
See you soon.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jun 23,2020

Salut Seb,

Lounge, plane and hotel hopping. So many things to do with so little time. ;)

My first introduction to SQ was very nice, but as others have said I suspect that where SQ really shines is in Y and F.

"I love the last pic with a statue of you, lol!"
- It serves as a reminder to keep in shape. :P

See you later my friend.
GG_007 — Jun 28,2020

Thanks for sharing this TR

An usual lounge hopping like HKG is able to offer

On board wonderful FAs to care about you

" but wanted to try the Indian lamb."
Of course ! Indian blood doesn't lie ^^

"I was offered seconds but declined wanting to save some room for the supper."
Poor boy with a small stomach ;)

A rather good meal

Snacks are quite disappointing

The breakfast is perfect because of the Chicken rice

A very good flight with SQ

Very interesting bonus
I miss Hong Kong

See you soon for another report
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jul 04,2020

Hi GG,

"Of course ! Indian blood doesn't lie ^^"
- ?? not one drop according to my DNA test. ;)

"Poor boy with a small stomach ;)"
- Self control is a virtue. ;)

"Snacks are quite disappointing "
- Almost like what you get in Y after the meal except for the hot options. If you are in Y then it's great. If in J then OK.

HK is full of surprises. These days it can be more so.

Au revoir.