Singapore Airlines SQ226 flight review

On July 16 2015, I received the chance to experience, explore and enjoy a flight. Flight has always intrigued me and having a keen interest in aviation combined with a scarcity of time in the sky, this experience seemed eye opening and exciting. As my opportunity to fly is so limited, I made the decision to review my flight and post about it online.

Flight information:
Flight: SQ226
Airline: Singapore Airlines, based in Singapore.
Airport of departure: Perth international airport, (PER/YPPH)
Airport of arrival: Singapore Changi Airport, (SIN/WSSS)
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200
Aircraft registration: 9V-SRM, This particular aircraft was 12.3 years old and its previous service was to Bangalore to Singapore prior to arriving at Perth.
Class of travel: Economy class
Date: July 16, 2015

At the airport:
I arrived for my flight, SQ226 with an abundance of time. My family and I opted to have a small lunch consisting of pizza and sandwiches in an effort to pass time prior to passing through customs. The ground staff working for Singapore Airlines were indeed very friendly and welcoming. They also worked efficiently. Whilst the airline service was fairly good, the airport service itself was of not as high standard. I felt that Perth international airport (PER) was in limitation of leisure activities and facilities such as restaurants and duty free shopping. On the positive aspect of things, however, I think the viewing terminal was pretty good and provided planespotters with amazing views of aircraft. As a result of this, I opted to pass time via planespotting as this is always a fun activity.

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Boarding process and before take-off:

The boarding process was efficient and comfortable. The cabin crew were indeed very warm, friendly and welcoming. I was welcomed aboard the aircraft by numerous members of the cabin. In addition to their vibrant attitude, they were helpful and willing to assist other passengers in locating their seat and placing baggage in the overhead compartments. Prior to take-off, the cabin crew distributed headphones and a hot towel service. In my opinion, the hot towel service is a kind and effective gesture to settle passengers into the flight. The safety video was displayed promptly commencing pushback. The safety video was informative and clear to understand.

 This is the hot towel I received from the crew.

 

 

Take-off and shortly after:

Take-off on-board SQ226 was smooth with a low level of turbulence. Shortly after take-off and the seatbelt sign was disabled, the crew came around serving beverages and peanuts. I think that the distribution of peanuts is a good idea and a welcoming snack. Although I rejected the peanuts due to my brother sitting nearby who had an allergy to nuts. The beverage service was also very nice and I opted for the apple juice.

My apple juice.

 

The inflight entertainment:

Singapore Airlines offered an array of very good entertainment. The airline offered a variety of reading material and programs on the PTV. A PTV was provided to every single passenger in economy class. The inflight PTV was operated via the use of a handset. I found the handset was very sophisticated in its design and functions, along with ease in operation simultaneously. The PTV offered programs including Just for kids which included programs for the specific use of children, Travel information which is a program allowing you to view the aircrafts flight information including position, local time at destination, altitude etc. The PTV also provided an array of movies, TV shows and music. To make utilization easier, these were all divided into distinct categories to make browsing easier. The only function which I felt was missing aboard was inflight Wi-Fi. Singapore Airlines has inflight WI-FI aboard Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 777-300/ER aircraft as these aircraft are operated on long haul routes. As I was traveling in the Boeing 777-200, inflight WI-FI was not available. On the whole, very good job Singapore Airlines!

 

                                                   Headphones for operation of the PTV.

 

 Headphones

 

 Handset for the PTV

 

 Reading material in the seat pocket.

 

 

Meal service:

The general expectation of airline food is low among the public, so regarding this, I think Singapore Airlines has excelled at breaking the boundaries. The options for the food were available in a small booklet handed to each passenger. These small books also provided information in regards to beverages. On board SQ226, a lunch service was provided as the flight departed at about 3:30 in the afternoon and landed in Singapore at approximately 7:30pm. The options that were available consisted of a choice between a pork or chicken main; I opted for the chicken as I am not a fan of pork in general. The airline also offered a tea or coffee along with the meal service, and a complimentary cold beverage! Desert was also offered, and in the case of this flight it was an appetising vanilla ice-cream. On my meal tray, I had a small milk for tea and coffee, a warm bread roll, a seafood salad, my main dish and cheese and crackers. I can say that the timing of meal collection and distribution was accurate and the quality of the food was to die for. Singapore Airlines, you have done this very well!

 

 The meal as a whole

 

 My main dish; Chicken with vegetables.

 

 Toothpick :)

 

 Sugar, salt, pepper etc.

 

 Vanilla ice cream

 

I opted for the tea :)

Seat comfort:

The seat that passengers are provided with in economy class is luxurious and comfortable. The economy seat aboard Singapore Airlines can really compare with business class on some other airlines. Each passenger was provided with their own PTV, pillow and blanket. As it can get cold in the air sometimes, the blanket is really a great resource. The seat had a recline, useful for passengers wanting to relax. I was comfortable during all stages of this flight. The seats provided ample room and plentiful legroom, hence there was no cramping or discomfort.

 Inflight blanket

 

 My seat :)

 

   

Legroom

Staff service

I found that the staff service and attitude can be a highly prominent aspect of making a flight enjoyable. Singapore Airlines, you did not let me down. The ground crew were efficient and kind, whilst the cabin crew carried radiating smiles. The cabin crew were very polite, welcoming and elegant although, they were not overly friendly per se. They made me feel welcome aboard the aircraft at al times.

 

Conclusion:

The flight SQ226 service from Perth to Singapore failed to disappoint me. I was very impressed with all aspects of the flight and commend Singapore Airlines on providing such amazing customer service. The entertainment wasn't just sufficient, it was absolutely astonishing. I was also highly impressed with the politeness of the crew, comfort of my seat and the meal provided by the airline. I recommend Singapore Airlines to everyone!