this channel is nothing but a breath of fresh air for me. there are some channels out there that have sponsors, but still talk about their honest opinions and all, with their own takes in review and presentation styles and such. however, in terms of transparency, this one stands out. if things go well for RIA, then it’ll give me hope for your kind of reviews of them to be published. i just want an airline that i can finally be proud of, so i hope you can stick around till their launch. :)
Yeah, to be clear I take no issue with sponsorships in general. If you're making a flight review and it's sponsored by a watch company, that's great. Or if you're making a (non-review) video about an airline that is hosting you, that's okay too. My issue is when creators 'sell' a video as a review/experience/"how's so and so in 2023" but it's discreetly sponsored in some way by the company featured- in that case, simply telling the airline you're coming (even if you paid for your ticket) is a sponsorship. Reviews must be self funded and anonymous. There are plenty of content creators on YT that I have a lot of respect for and they do pay for their flights, but their faces are so well known in the industry that it would be near impossible for them to review a major airline without getting some sort of 'content creator' special treatment. Anyway, I digress 😂 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Nice to see a review of this flight for what's on offer in business class! I've done this flight numerous times over the years, in economy on 777-200ER's and premium economy on the A350, and have always enjoyed it - the holiday starts when setting foot on board and having that first Singapore Sling on the way to Johannesburg, and even in the "lower" classes SQ is definitely a great way to fly!
I flew SQ from Singapore to Heathrow in 2012 and it was just simply amazing. The 12 hour flight was so fast that when it was time to land I was like that it…can this flight be longer? I was also shocked that the flight attendant kneeled and placed her hand on my arm and asked me if needed anything.
Yes their Kebayas are tailored in such a way so they are able to come down to the customer's level when appropriate. It's the little touches that make SQ a competitive product. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Malaysia Singapore Airlines (MSA) became synonymous with excellent inflight service... So when they split, MSA became MAS (MH) and Singapore wanted to keep the initials MSA because of the reputation. SQ was briefly going to be named Mercury Singapore Airlines in an attempt to keep the abbreviation MSA alive. Thank god they didn't! For many years, the route map of the two airlines were duplicated. So CPT and JNB were also served by MH in a same fashion as a tag on. Eventually MH extended the CPT route to EZE, being the only SE Asian connection to South America. Ah yes, that SQ safety video. We all have NZ to thank for starting that trend of shooting these out of the aircraft type videos. Krisworld is right up there with EK's ICE system. Its so comprehensive. Not sure of you've flown MH, but SQ's satay does not compare. MH beats SQ many times over. I used to live in Singapore, and I'd fly via KUL just so I can experience MH and their business class satay service on a long haul. Crazy, I know. As usual, awesome video. Thanks for sharing!
Gr8 video as always, the depth of detail you go into is appreciated with full flight and plane details, historical facts, all so knowledgeable for us…I am yet to try out SQ and with your videos, I already have a very good idea of what to see and expect.
Regarding bulkhead selection, on long haul flights, Row 19 is open to all when booking. Row 11 is reserved for PPS and above till 96 hours before the flight, after which it opens to normal flyers if available
I've found Row 19 and 10 (where appliable) to occasionally be blocked, generally on ULH flights, perhaps becuase they expect more familites to be flying. But otherwise, correct. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I'm grateful for your format. You provide good information and honest reviews with music that does not destroy my eardrums. If you have a criticism you state ut clearly and don't whine. Thanks again for the reality, it is much appreciated. .
There are multiple versions of the A350-900 in the SQ fleet first is Regional followed by Long Haul and lastly the ULR used on SIN-SFO,LAX EWR/JFK🇺🇲 the last two are actually better than what you would have seen on your previous video PR A350-900 RP-C3501-RP-C3508 fleets. SQ used to be called Malaysia Singapore Airlines MSA in the 1960s which corresponds to the UA friendship paint scheme.
Very honest review Kevin, thank you- I do think you should have emphasised more the offset footwell (if not in a bulkhead seat) which means you need to contort your body lying flat and is frankly uncomfortable - this puts me off flying these old style business class any more, there are way better choices now.
Yah, understood- but this was my fourth review of the same seat… so I didn’t want to keep beating a dead horse for my regular viewers 😅 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Glad you got the history right. I flew on Malayan Airways DC-3s as a young boy growing up in Malaya & finished on one of their Fokker F-27 Friendships in '67 so probably already MSA by then. I was then stuck in high school in Sydney while all the changes were going on but finally had my first self funded trip with Singapore Airlines in their first colours early December 1973 on a Boeing 707-320 that had been bought from QANTAS I believe. So I guess as they took the black & yellow livery with them I went with them & have been with them ever since. I find it very difficult to choose any other airline. I have flown SWISS & Cathay pacific though as part of a mixed trip.
I thoroughly enjoy SQ flights when they are at the end of a busy and chaotic trip- coming home, if you will. They may not be the “best” at every aspect but they are pretty damn great and most importantly for me, consistent and reliable. Also great to hear about your personal introduction to SQ. There’s a reason their loyal customers are so loyal, but it’s hard to understand it if you’ve only flown with them once or twice. Thanks very much for watching & commenting 🙏🏻
Still working through your reviews Kevin, I am the welly bob wearing flip flopper Firstly the A350 on the tarmac was stunning, well shot. And I love your attention to detail on the background and things you spot during the trip, I guess that comes from your background of being in the same sphere? I jumped this first time to look at all your India travels, the airlines seem to be better than I expected though the terminals perhaps lagging. Oman next. You do one bad thing every video though that spoils it ? It's a noob mistake for a cinematic presentation that you are doing. Easy fix. You may have corrected it as I am still 1 year behind ! Your tweaks pretty good, though I would spend more time at the end fluffing out what might be considered a "Jeb Score" rather than more of the walk to the lounge. Having said that you have to fit in the history of the airline, which is fantastic, by the way. I might leave Oman to tomorrow. I think they and Garuda Indonesia first class are bushels under the bush from what I have seen. If Garuda are still doing First then you should rock on down there. Your neck of the woods
Some notes on Cape Town International Airport: Its the best airport in Africa according to Skytrax awards. International travel through the airport has recovered to 98% of pre-covid levels as of December 2022. It’s continuing to add major international routes, and recently added Delta and United flights to Atlanta and Washington DC. CTIA is a destination airport, not a hub like Doha or Dubai, so passenger levels would be much lower. At its peak, CTIA handles about 10million passengers annually.
Granted I was there in October, but if what I saw there was the same as pre-covid levels- then it's great for the airport, but I am shocked at how few flights there are (and how many services at the airport were still closed) for an airport that has a catchment population of nearly six million. Either way, good on them. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I flew SQ Business from FRA to BKK (via SIN) (A380 to and from FRA and A350 to and from BKK) and I was overall very very impressed. Cabin crew was extremely efficient and in 3 of the 4 legs just wonderfully friendly and warm hearted. (on the SIN-FRA leg I found them just a little business-like) Food was good on all 4 flights (yes I did get an appetizer without sea-food). Thanks for the interesting facts on SQ history - I enjoyed watching the video very much.
I really appreciate your efforts in bringing these honest to the core trip reports. Most people I follow have simply turned into mouth pieces of airlines via paid reviews.
My goal is to get 100 Airlines & 200 Hotel brands reviewed on the channel, without any of them being sponsored by the company being reviewed. It's exhausting trying to find 'real' content these days, but I'm trying my best to get it out there! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Loved this review and do like SQ a lot - just a note - Ive noticed that when making comments about flights - direct- ( which isn’t a non- stop flight ) and non- stop ( which is a non- stop) A small thing but a you’re a great reviewer I’d like to see the correct terms used 😁
Sorry but when did I say it was a non-stop flight ? Just searched my script and the word “nonstop” isn’t anywhere in there lol. I mentioned in quite a few places that it stops in JNB 🥹
@@tfft direct is what I meant sorry 😀I’m not sure it was this video or another - no big deal - lots of people refer to non- stop flights as direct 🤷♂️
Appreciate that! I shoot in 60fps and RU-vid publishes as a blended (lower) frame rate for multiple efficiencies and better consistency of playback when your internet connection isn’t blazing fast. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Hi Kevin, This is a very detailed review and feedback on your trip on SQ Ailines. Very impressive indeed. I particularly appreciated your detailed explanations. I liked the short aerial views of Cape Town International and ORT International. I was also impressed to see my South African Airports in your trip. One question: Does this SQ Aircraft also have First Class suites?
SQ leading the pack with some catering issues that should be improved, the shrimp appetizer it never ends🙃🙃🙃… like that atrocious carpet at SIN Airport. Thanks for sharing this wonderful review. Peace of I GG
Ha…..I just made our booking today to Denpasar on…..Qatar Airways. I wanted to wait for your review to make a decision, but in the end what it came down to was travel time and one connection on QR or two connections on SQ. I’m sure when we will be living in Bali, there will be plenty opportunities to fly Singapore. Thank you for the wonderful video that is my treasured me time with a nice ☕️ You keep improving even though I think the videos are already so outstanding. But somehow the flow, imagery and content seem to gel together better and better. Hope you’ll reach over at least 150.000 subs by the end of this year, but hopefully more 🙏🏼
Yeah, with a base in Bali SQ will become your defacto "home town" full service airline since Garuda's connectivity just isn't inspiring to say the least. Same reason I consider SQ to be my home town airline, despite not living in Singapore 😂 And thanks for noticing the changes I've been making. I edit in batches, so every few month or so, I try to elevate the vidoes without making them unnecessariallly longer or fussier. Thanks as always for your support Denise 🙏
Hey Kevin, would you mind telling me how you obtain the maps you use (similar to the one at 10:08)? I am asking due to the fact that I am doing my undergraduate dissertation soon with a focus on Newcastle International Airport (NCL; EGNT) and I am looking to include an aerial view of the airport itself! Thanks again Kevin :) p.s, loving the channel and the way you deliver your content!
Ah... great stuff! I get to fly SQ quite often, being based in Australia. Love the Singapore Sling (off-menu!) in economy :D. I've never not had a great experience with them. Thanks for sharing!
I watched the fireworks- but otherwise will just be enjoying the quietness that falls on the city today, the blue skies that will come tomorrow and continuing on editing all day 🤣
Great video. But I'm definitely not a fan of their business class seats so I avoid them on long haul. Too close togeather and that bed with the foot angle is a deal breaker for me.
Agree 100%, while the seats are the widest there is, the offset angle for the footwell means you do need to contort yourself to lie flat which is awful if you are not in a bulkhead seat but as Kevin says they often don’t close the curtain to the galley which makes it very bright. Also they don’t have sufficient quantities of the main meal so there’s a good chance you will not get your choice unless you get your order in amongst the first. Qatar Q Suites are the best business class in/out of CT with Emirates a close second. Singapore need to upgrade their planes on this route, it’s just not competitive any more.
Depends on the flight and status. Sometimes it's open for all- sometimes just for elites- always for anyone from between 24-96 hours out, depending on the route.
There is a pink elephant in the room. I was on one of these types of planes a number of times but I havent seen anyone compaining how short the seat it. so much so that I have to lie diagonally to fully stretch and Im 5'7''!!
Well I’ve reviewed this configuration four times and… it’s not really a pink elephant bc I talk about how important it is to get the bulkhead every time- that seat provides a comfortable bed for me (I’m 6’)- which I’ve included the exact measurements for. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I flew the opposite direction : CGK-SIN-JNB-CPT in Nov 2022. Book the cook was available, and that was one of the best flight experiences with SQ. I found CPT was sweet spot of krisflyer redemption but too bad after devaluation it will need 56500 miles instead of 49k. I like your honest review. Cheers!
56k is still pretty good. I originally had a long South Africa & Namibia trip planned but had to relocate the trip to Europe. At the end of that trip I flew from Italy back to Vietnam via South Africa just so I didn’t need to cancel this flight 😂 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Great food and service as expected of SQ! I suspect I know what your noodle snack is, but the prawn is throwing me off so I’m not sure 😅 Looking forward to your next video for SQ business class to HCMC! I have a family holiday that I’m doing in Dec this year and I’ll also be flying business, so I’m interested to see how this route is like since I almost never fly to HCMC at all despite flying frequently to the country. I usually just go straight to Hanoi or Da Nang instead.
Singapore Airlines is simply the best in the Asia- Pacific region even though they just cancel one of my upcoming flight in 9/23 -HND to SIN forcing us to hang around Changi Airport for 9 hours until our next flight home to SYD
IF you can get QSuites, then likely yes. But SQ's selling point for me is their consistency of hard and soft product. With QR, you *might* get QSuites, you *might* get phenomenal service... or it could be a blah flight without aisle access. If QR could get their act together with Airbus suit and get QSuites on all of their planes, they'd be lightyears ahead.
Good review - even it reinforces my view that Singapore, despite making record profits, hasn't quite recovered to pre-pandemic service standards in all areas. Nice to see that you're flip-flopping cabins on your forthcoming Oman Air reviews.
Yeah, I'll be the first one to admit that SQ is beat in a few areas (food & wine, amenities, etc)- for me SQ all comes down to consistency. On their worst day, I know I'm still going to have an enjoyable flight. The more I fly, the more that 'consistency' becuase my favorite word lol. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
My first thought was a 747-8 because I think it would be convenient to have my bedroom upstairs 😅, but I much prefer aircraft with lower cabin altitudes, so I'd likely end up buying an A350-900. With the $100+ Million that I'd save by making that reasonable purchase, I'd probably also get a Gulfstream G800 when they come out, because, why not 😉
If I could predict the future, I wouldn't be making videos on RU-vid 😉. Are the flights part of the same booking? If yes, that means SQ believes it to be enough time.
I have flown on SQ J only once, but opposite to your experience, I remember being impressed by their bread basket (pretzel AND kaiser rolls) and disappointed by their thin scratchy blankets (in contrast to TG's). I guess things change, and a good blanket is better than warm crusty fluffy salty carbs...
Hi Kevin, I was wondering if you are an American citizen? Do you do all your flights with just your US passport? Excuse my ignorance but I thought you’d be a great source to help figure out if I can fly domestically from Cape Town to Johannesburg with just my American/US passport as identification? And is it a similar process as flying domestically in America in regards to checking in and TSA? Please do help me out! K love your content! Just found and I’m subscribing NOW!
Whatever identification you use to enter a country is surely enough to fly domestically within that country as well. I do travel on an American passport but in this day and age I’m hesitant to give specific guidance on things like this as regulations change so rapidly. Rather, I’ll recommend you check out Sherpa which is the website I’ve used for the past years to navigate visas, arrival cards and Covid protocols. Contrary to their website name, there’s nothing to apply for or join, just put in your nationality and travel location/dates and it’ll give you a comprehensive rundown of everything you’ll need. apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions?affiliateId=sherpa&language=en-US
@TheFlipFlopTraveller - so without SQ status what strategies did you use to secure a bulkhead seat? Would that same strategy work ex-USA for any of those departures to SIN? I'm really hesitant about SQ's ultra long haul ex-NYC flights in biz class if I can't get good legroom without that weird angle. I do like a cradle position moreso than lie flat at times for sleeping. Never been on SQ before. Thx
Sometimes (I’m not sure of the rhyme or reason) row 19 is available for anyone to book- also on any of the A350ULR services 10A is occasionally available (10A is a nonstandard seats that only exists on the ULRs and is the only seat in row 10). If nothing is available, use a website like expertflyer to check if the seats are actually booked or just blocked. If a good portion are blocked then book the ticket and keep an eye on the seat map. Once a week perhaps. 72-96 hours before departure the remaining bulkhead seats are released. Most of the time you’ll be able to select at this point. If you’re unable to select and you see that there are blocked seats still available, contact SQ’s call center (Singapore hotline is best) and ask for a note to be put on your PNR for the check in supervisor that you’re requesting the bulkhead. If there are some still being held the supervisor will have the final authority prior to in airport checkin. Good luck!
I'm always on the lookout for it, but so many airlines are so inconsistent with availability and/or quality that I rarely mention it. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Brilliant idea, and thank you, for including prices of the wines served! To me SQ catering always looks so staid and boring except the satay and your main.
Great reviews, checkeing youtube for flight reviews for flights I had booked came out with your reviews. Air France CDG>HEL Singapore CPT>SIN and now VIE>TPE. Great honest reviews keep it up.👏👍👍
There are quite a few babies I've flown "with" over the years who I'd much prefer to be sat next to instead of some adults that I've seen over the years lol. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Being honest is not wrong, if its bad its bad(!) and knowing your other reviews I'm sure your words reflected the reality as I have used all the airlines you have reviewed.. I flew with them from Europe via Istanbul to Manila last year and can attest to the airports ridiculous size and distances and lounge being a huge machine with poor service and choice of food. Flight was slightly better than yours, food is just average.. both Qatar and Etihad have easily way better service, despite the lounge of Etihad in Abu dhabi being a bad experience as well, but for other reasons than Turkishs lounge... Thanks for your objective and interesting, real reviews!
It's simply their IATA designator. When they were formed "SI" and "SA" were already taken and they are said to have chosen "SQ" to stand for Superior Quality, but I've yet to see that actually verified anywhere. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I flew SQ on an 8 hour flight, the meal service served shortly after, the lights then went out an we were expected to go to sleep for the next six hours. I will not fly SQ business class again, waste of money.
Every mid or long haul SQ flight has a supplemental all day menu if you were looking for a second meal- besides that, not sure what the problem with your flight was...
I love Qatar, but until they get their act together with Airbus and start offering QSuites reliably on all LH and ULH flights, I'd still pick SQ in most circumstances becuase at least I always know exactly what I'd be getting. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Since the pandemic I now rate SQ consistently good, not great like they were before. I don't find the crew as attentive & many of the little things have been missing. Most noticeable the hot towels. But also the amenity kits, inflight magazine, printed menu & even that previously distinctive restroom deodoriser. Arrival cards when required had previously been issued prior to boarding but on recent flights this hasn't been the case, no like every other airline they get handed out onboard. With the increase in fares SQ needs to serious focus more on what they have previously been excellent at, customer service. Oh and their call centre hasn't improved either should you require to speak to a real person, real lack lustre service there. Not sure than uncovered food in lounges should be tolerated these days either. Your video was comprehensive & nicely edited. Will watch some more of your video's. Safe travels.
Except for earlier in the pandemic, I've always received menus, even on sub 1 hour flights. Amenity kits were also always on offer on ther LH/ULH flights. Stange that you didn't have them. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Pretty good I have had 4 business flights on SQ in the last few months and another booked. I should try some other airlines. BUT did I see you wearing thongs (flip flops) in BC very disappointed, 😠
Oh you definitely did see flip flops, it’s literally the name of my channel lol. It’s not 1959 anymore, passengers should wear whatever they feel comfortable in. I’m curious why a free pair of slippers provided by the airline is acceptable but your own personal pair are not haha. You’ll see my flip flops in my upcoming First Class videos as well 😉.
I pity any person who ends up in Singapore Business class who also happens to be gluten free! Is there anything - at all - on their menu that isn’t bread and/or noodles? Gosh! What a disappointing menu. Especially for Business class. Nothing about ciabatta whispers “world class”.
@@tfft I appreciate “special menus” but I think you are missing my point. Paying thousands of dollars and then being restricted from ordering a snack, because the only choice is noodles or ciabatta is not really in line with “world class” cuisine, which is your words and Singapore’s promise. Simply put, I would have flown Johannesburg to Australia on a 16 hours flight also available on Qatar, Emirates and Qantas. I wouldn’t want to pay that amount of money to then only have one choice of food when I know other carriers have diversity. It’s just a bland and boring menu. I can’t think of any airline, other than British Airways, who have such a cheap and mundane menu. Thanks for the review. I’ve read loads of great things about Singapore Airlines, but for me, the comfort and reputation isn’t worth being hungry and forced to eat only one bland meal in 2023.
Certainly can stretch your legs out as far as you’d like in the bulkhead seats, which I show in the video- one of my all time favorite seats- which are usually easy to snag right when check in opens.
