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TRAVEL | Singapore Airlines operates a lot of daily flights between Singapore and Frankfurt. The route is a major one for Singapore Airlines, with Frankfurt acting as the stopover point on flights from Singapore to New York City. As one would expect on such an important route, the airline’s newest long range planes are used – currently the Airbus Industrie A380-800 (“A380”). It’s been a few years since I’ve flown Singapore Airlines, and the experiences I’d had in the past were always pleasant, so I was looking forward to this second and longest leg of my recent journey to New York. I was using Velocity (Virgin Australia) frequent flyer points so to fly from Melbourne to New York, meaning I had to go via Singapore and Frankfurt.
Check In
As I was flying from Melbourne, I’d already been checked into this leg of the flight back there. One of the things I love most about stopping over in Singapore is just how easy it is to escape the airport and spend a few hours in town. My wife and I dropped our cabin luggage off at the short term baggage storage desk and breezed through customs in no time at all. Shortly after we were in Jalan Basar in the heart of town, enjoying a beer at one of my favourite Singapore craft beer spots, Druggists, before grabbing a coffee at Chye Seng Huat Hardware, followed by some Scissor Cut Curry Rice at a hawker stall. Three hours after leaving Changi Airport we were back in the terminal, past security and had a shower before enjoying some surprisingly good food at Terminal 3’s Singapore Food Street, a hawker themed food spot.
Luggage
Checked luggage is included with all Singapore Airlines Economy tickets. You can check-in one bag up to 30kg, and one carry-on bag up to 7kg.
Service
Singapore Airlines often tops airline customer service lists and it’s easy to see why. Staff are attentive without being overbearing, are always smiling and are happy to help. Before take-off, you’re given a hot towel to help hydrate you and freshen up for the flight. Any requests are dealt with promptly and efficiently.
One slight criticism that I had of Singapore Airlines in the past was that service could be a bit too formal and stuffy and needed to be lightened up enough, but that’s not something I experienced on this flight. It certainly appears that staff have been told that they can step down the formality a notch while still being professional.
Cabin
The Singapore Airlines Economy cabins on the A380 that flies from Singapore to Frankfurt features 399 seats, in a 3-4-3 layout on the lower deck, and 2-4-2 layout on the upper deck. There are enough flight attendants around so getting the attention of someone should you need assistance isn’t an issue. Colour wise it’s blue, green, and grey, keeping in line with Singapore Airline’s branding and newer colour scheme. When it comes to cleanliness, everything is as expected – nice and clean.
Seat
The fabric seat has dimensions of about 81cm x 35cm. Like any economy seat, it doesn’t recline that far back, but it’s no better or worse than the competition. A little footrest was much appreciated too – its adjustability helping me keep my feet moving while seated. There’s also an adjustable cushioned headrest.
There are small armrests, and a pocket sleeve at the back of the seat in front to place your magazines and electronics. There’s not much space to get work done with the tray down if you’ve got a laptop, but for a tablet sized device it’s possible to get some productive stuff done.
Both a USB port and power outlet were available which was convenient for charging my phone and tablet.
Entertainment
There’s a 26.9cm screen on the back of each Singapore Airlines Economy seat which is your gateway to the KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system. Unfortunately this plane featured the old, smaller non-touch screen model rather than the newer model we had on the flight over from Melbourne. The entertainment offering however, is the same. KrisWorld features over 1,000 entertainment options – movies, television programmes, music, games and apps, all of which rotate regularly to ensure that the content remains fresh and current. Depending on the exact plane you get, there’s also the option to pay for Internet connectivity, as well as text and multimedia messaging. Provided headphones are acceptable, but if you’re anything like me you’ll bring your own noise cancelling headphones and an adapter for the headphone socket.
Food
Meals are included with all Singapore Airlines Economy tickets, with the exact options changing depending on what time of day you are flying. I was on the flight that departed at 11:55pm so my plan was to try and get some sleep for most of the 12 hour and 40 minute flight. I chose to skip supper, having had my fill in Singapore before the flight. The options for those who did eat were potato salad with smoked turkey to start, followed by a choice of pan fried fish fillet in dill lemon sauce, gaeng ped moo, or soy sauce chicken noodle. Dessert was coffee Bavarian cream and as always, a bread roll and butter was on offer.
When I awoke from my on and off again attempt at sleeping (I never sleep well on planes unless I’m flying Business Class), it was time for a “before touch down” refreshment. Seasonal fresh fruit, yoghurt, bread, butter and jam, and a choice of tomato and onion egg frittata or braised egg noodles. I went for the braised egg noodles which were cooked with pork in oriental sauce and served with vegetables. They were quite tasty and did the trick.
For drinks its a selection of wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, fruit juices, coffee and tea which are all available at meal time and throughout the flight on request. Also available throughout the flight on request are a selection of sandwiches, nuts, muffins, chips, trail mix, and fresh fruit.
Amenities
The provided amenities kit includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and socks, along with an eye mask for when you want to sleep.
Verdict
I enjoyed my flight from Singapore to Frankfurt and would happily fly Singapore Airlines Economy again on the same route. Everything is top notch, and it’s clear to see why Singapore Airlines has the reputation that it does.