Aside from flying on to pretty much anywhere via the brilliant hub of Changi, spending a few days in the Merlion city is always a great idea. And since Qantas has returned to flying via Singapore, this route just got a whole lot more exciting again.
After a few exhausting days (and late nights) exploring a dynamic city I always love visiting, I had the opportunity to fly back to Sydney overnight with Qantas in their A330 Business Suite. Here’s what I thought of the flight.
CHECK IN & PRE-BOARDING
The Qantas Club Lounge, Singapore
There’s a reason Changi Airport has won Skytrax’s #1 Airport in the world six years in a row. Actually, there are tons of reasons, and the check-in experience is just one of them.
Qantas flights depart from Terminal 1 with Business Class travellers able to check-in via an exclusive Premier Check-in Lounge located at row 5.
Here you’ll sit back like a boss in a comfy leather seat, hand over your travel documents to the accommodating staff and perhaps grab a cold drink while your luggage is handled gently with white gloves and sent on its way.
Once you’re through immigration (literally 2 minutes later), you can walk the short distance to the recently renovated Qantas Business Lounge and enjoy some last local Singaporean or contemporary fare before your flight.
THE CABIN & SEAT
The A330 Business Class cabin features 28 seats in a 1-2-1 all aisle layout from (staggered) rows 1 to 8. The seat offers 31-inch (78cm) seat pitch and width of 21.5 inches (55 centimetres) to fully flat recline.
There’s lots of space in the stylish console for all your tech gadgets, books, passport and in case you forgot you were in Business Class – your daggy neck pillow. (Doh!) You’ll also find a bottle of water, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones and an AC power and USB outlet. (Hack: The AC charges faster than the USB for your phone).
The plush seat also has a world-first “take-off recline” option which allows you to kick back and relax during take-off and landing. A nice touch, especially tonight as I was half asleep by the time we’re taxiing down the runway.
A snug mattress which rolls out along the seat with an oversized pillow and blanket and comes in handy later. All up, the well-designed space means you can eat, work, enjoy all of the in-flight entertainment options without cramping your own style.
IN-FLIGHT COMFORT
I absolutely love the design of the Qantas Business Class Suites. Having flown on the Qantas Dreamliner a couple of times too (which features the same product), the experience is a consistently wonderful one.
Aside from the privacy, the suite design brings, the seat itself is super comfy at whatever angle you choose. Sleeping in lie-flat mode is a dream as for me at 196cms tall, there’s ample space to stretch out unencumbered, and the width is great too. I slept well for a good 5 hours or so on this night sector.
Billie Justice Fairy Bread Amenity Kit
The Qantas Curates ‘Billie Justice Thomson’s Fairy Bread’ themed Amenity Kit’ contains an eye mask, socks, toothbrush and paste, plus earplugs and a hydration kit that comes in handy before we land in Sydney. Plus there’s a pair of swish Qantas PJ’s to change into and dial up the comfort factor which I duly do. (Available on night sectors only).
ENTERTAINMENT & SERVICE
There’s some 1500 hours plus of new and classic content at your fingertips here and a gorgeous front-facing LCD screen 27cm entertainment screen to watch it all on.
The new Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system also features ‘Q Streaming’ technology, allowing travellers to stream content from an extensive library directly to their own devices. I discovered the wellbeing videos this time which feature gliding Australian landscapes and a choice of guided meditations. They were so relaxing that five minutes later I was asleep.
The service was classic Qantas with all of the relatively senior crew being personable and efficient throughout the flight and plenty of water top ups and informal chats.
FOOD & DRINKS
Neil Perry, Qantas/Rockpool
I chose a customary glass of bubbles after settling into my seat (It’d be rude not to). Drinks were served not long after takeoff and given this is a (relatively short) night sector, meal orders were taken, and the service followed swiftly afterwards.
The Neil Perry Rockpool menus are all about choice and give you the option to eat something light or a three-course meal. You can also choose when you eat so that you can maximise your sleep onboard.
I opted for the relatively light and tasty roast chicken with potatoes, green beans and chipotle lentil sauce followed with some delicious apple and vanilla crumble with cinnamon cream.
When I woke around an hour before landing, I ordered a tasty bacon and egg brioche roll with roast tomatoes and hot sauce that came with a juice and a coffee.
THE VERDICT
I rate this product highly in every respect. From the fabulously comfy seat (especially the lie-flat bed) to the menu and entertainment options and the high level of service. All of it comes with the warm Qantas familiarity Aussies love regardless of where they may be headed.
THE DEETS
The Airbus A330-200
Aircraft: Airbus A330-200 (Int V1)
Class: Business Class, seat 8F (aisle)
Flight time: Departs Singapore 2110, Journey eight hours and 25 minutes
Frequency: Qantas operates twice daily services between Sydney and Singapore
Baggage: Two pieces of checked luggage up to 40 kilograms, 52 kilograms for Qantas Club Silver members, 56 kilograms for Gold Frequent Flyers and 60 kilograms for Platinum One. Karryon is seven kilograms
Loyalty: Qantas Frequent Flyer and One-world
More information: www.qantas.com.au
Matt flew as a guest of Qantas.
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- READ: FULL SPEED AHEAD: Qantas announces profit and new First Lounge in Singapore
