The "world-class" airline that keeps falling short - A Singapore Airlines trip report to Frankfurt
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- Singapore Airlines is an airline that constantly receives accolades from organisations and magazines around the world. This is supposedly the World’s Best Airline (2023) according to Skytrax and even magazines such as Conde Nast. In my past review this year with Singapore Airlines there are lots of hints as to why they may not be wrong.
Being the so-called best I think it’s fair that passengers would expect a certain standard of service, but *(spoilers ahead)* I certainly didn’t get an idea that they’re the best airline at all with what seemed to be a messed-up menu and service inefficiency. While the seats, free Wi-Fi and the entertainment on board are consistently ranked as best-in-class, are these actually enough for most passengers to forgive poor and inefficient service?
Check out this trip report as I’ll be taking a 13 hour flight to Frankfurt with one of the airline’s oldest planes, and stay tuned to find out what actually went right (or wrong) on board.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Flight Number: SQ 26
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Flight time: Approx. 13 hours
From: Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN)
To: Frankfurt-Main International Airport (FRA)
When: October 2023
OTHER DETAILS
Total Price: CAD 1163 for a multi-part itinerary
Booking Class: Y (Economy)
Additional notes: I self-funded this trip
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#singapore #singaporeairlines #sq #changi #b777 #flightreport #badservice
Great video! I do agree with the relatively recent changes on Singapore Airlines:
It is with great regret that the new recent SQ standard have gone down, with several changes I believe moving in the backward directions. What I was expecting whenever I fly SQ, that is the uniqueness of SQ’s sense of luxury and elegance even in Economy class, as per what it used to be before pandemic, have been unfortunately missing post-pandemic.
For example, in-flight SQ meal presentation in Economy class does not look as elegant and aesthetic anymore, as also shown in the video, which started during the pandemic era. While I could understand the need for cost-cutting measures, etc. during pandemic years, it is hoped that SQ could return the sophisticated meal presentation towards pre-pandemic SQ standard. Previously, SQ meal presentation looks elegant, high-class, proper, well-thoughtful in every presentation aspect so as to have a formal and luxurious feel. This compliments other aspects of world-class SQ brand. For instance, using a refined white-colour plate for the main dish, a transparent classy glass cup is provided, two finest white-colour square plates for the side dishes with transparent lid (with SQ logo embossed on the lid) showcasing their contents, and all of these bright-coloured crockeries are placed against elegantly-designed mainly dark grey-coloured tray, enhancing its colour contrast. Exquisite indeed! However, nowadays, no more metal cutleries for some SQ flights. Black-coloured thin cheap-looking plastic plate is used for the main dish instead. This is placed against another cheap-looking pitch-black tray, which does not enhance its overall aesthetic / appeals, a downgrade from the previous elegantly-designed SQ meal tray. On some flight route, cheap-looking brown takeaway cardboard box is used. To a certain extent, that is not how it supposed to look for a reputable five-star full-service airlines with strong legacy. A comparison of current SQ in-flight meal presentation with the pre-pandemic SQ Economy class meals reveals how disappointing and dissatisfying it now is.
Another example of SQ service features that is also absent from the video is the hot towel service just after boarding. As far as I am aware of, this is unique to SQ. This seemingly simple act of service adds that sense of exclusive and enlivenment to air travel. Furthermore, on-board physical menu booklet in Economy class as well as physical magazines have gone missing or replaced, which are some of the stuffs that I look for whenever I fly SQ. This complements with the SQ legacy that focuses on providing differentiated services by having the balance of human five senses in mind, in this case, the sense of touch, that is understandably reduced during the pandemic but should be reinstated post pandemic.
All in all, I believe that the cabin details and services provided must also have a “wow factor” to commensurate with the legacy of “world-class image and standing” of Singapore Airlines. Unfortunately, I feel it is not there anymore. It is hoped that SQ could return the sophisticated Economy class services and cabin details once pandemic impact becoming more manageable in a foreseeable future.
Really enjoed your comprehensive overview and insight into Changi airport and this older Singapore Airlines plane.
A shame the service did fall short of some standards, hopefully it got better on other flights for you!
Nice video- thanks for sharing!
You're welcome!
Thanks for sharing this trip! did the crew forget your whole row?
No, apparently just me :(
SQ drastic cost cutting strategy certainly adversely affected its standard. besides premium ticket prices nothing else is premium. its signature hot towel service has not return to economic class
Towels are returning in December though!
@@dexplorer_vids fast in cutting services, slow in resuming. yet charging premium prices. other asian airlines are providing better service at cheaper prices. SQ is still in denial mode
Yes you are right, probably it is costing them too much these days to provide the same standard of service as 20 years ago.
Nor has it returned to Business Class.. just cutting costs wherever it’s possible
That economy class meal looked disgusting,
It certainly wasn't what I was expecting!
The pandemic made literallly EVERYTHING worse. Even SIA 😢
The service has definitely deteriorated over the years, they used to serve 4 course meals in economy and 20 years ago real porcelain dishes. I would select some European Airlines over them or even middle east ones. Delta serve far better meals too
Wow dissappointing !! I flew SQ for years and everytime it was fantastic and to see this video!! Sad sad ! I was told by a couple of friends that flew recently with SQ said the same thing it was terrible.
Yes, high standards for economy aren't what they used to be for Singapore Airlines apparently.
I honestly have no idea how they got "Best airline of the year" for 2023, this product doesn't even deserves to be in the top 10.
Sadly from what I've seen, it's a long way towards being the best airline.
@@dexplorer_vidsI think your high expectation led you to such frustration. Based on your verdict and evaluation, they may truly not deserve the “Best airline” title, but it can still be on Top 10, as I don’t think some airlines in Top 10 provide good things
That was the same question I had