Review: Singapore Airlines (A330) Business Class – Bangkok to Singapore

Introduction:  Flying to Japan to Ride the Shinkansen
Review: Japan Airlines (787-900) Premium Economy Class – Dallas to Tokyo
Review: NAA Dayroom – Narita International Airport
Review: Japan Airlines – (787-800) Economy Class – Tokyo to Bangkok
Review: Aloft Hotel – Bangkok
Review: Singapore Airlines (A330) Business Class – Bangkok to Singapore
Review: Singapore Airlines (777-300) Business Class – Singapore to Tokyo
Review: Nozomi Shinkansen – Tokyo to Fukuoka
Review: Hilton Seahawk – Fukuoka
Day Trip to Uminonakamichi Island
Review: Gyozaya Ninoni – Fukuoka
Review: All Nippon Airways Lounge – Fukuoka
Review: All Nippon Airways (767-300) Business Class – Fukuoka to Naha
Review: All Nippon Airways (737-800) Economy Class – Naha to Nagoya
Review: All Nippon Airways (Bombardier Dash 8) Economy Class – Nagoya to Tokyo
Review: 9 Hours Capsule Hotel – Narita International Airport
Review: IASS Executive Lounge – Narita International Airport
Review: TEI Lounge – Narita International Airport
Review: Japan Airlines (787-900) Economy Class – Tokyo to Dallas

SQ979
BKK – SIN
Departure: 1830
Arrival: 2155
Flight Time: 3hr 25min
Seat:  16C
A330-300
July 8, 2019

Jet lag kicked my butt after flying around the world and spending a couple of days in Bangkok.  This meant that I eventually missed my flight to Japan Airlines flight to Tokyo. I arrived at the airport an hour after departure and plotted to make my way to Tokyo.  I had to plot my way because Japan Airline did not book me on the next flight to Tokyo.  Instead the airline wanted to charge me a $350 USD rebooking fee.  The kicker was the flight would not arrive in Tokyo until late the next day, which meant I would miss our Shinkansen ride.  This was not acceptable, I promised my son that I would take the Shinkansen with him so I needed to get to Tokyo. 

Since I did not have a ticket, I could not proceed through security to use the WiFi in a lounge.  This meant I spent the next five or six hours sitting in the food court trying to hop on someone’s WiFi to book a flight to Tokyo.  The terminal was so crowded. Nearing my wits end, I ended up booking a one way ticket in Singapore Airlines’ business class for $1,900 USD. It was a bit expensive but I needed to be able to lay down and get to Japan to see my son.  I charged the trip to my Citi Prestige card where I was able to earn 5 points for every dollar spent.  The 9,500 points definitely lessened the blow of the purchase.

Relieved, I processed security and customs.  The entire process did not take longer than 30 minutes.  At that point, I did not care, I only needed to make my flight to Singapore and onward to Tokyo.  I searched for a Singapore Business Class lounge, but it proved to be a daunting task.  Partly due to tiredness and not wanting to miss the flight to Singapore.  I eventually made my way down to the gate, which was on the lower level.

Boarding began normally with those needing special assistance and children, then economy class passengers.  Business Class could board at any time, but are usually called last on the airline unless there is not a first class option.  I experienced this very thing when traveling on Singapore Airlines A380 in Suites Class, a few years ago. 

I did not want to wait so I made my way aboard with the mass.  The Singapore Airlines A330 was beautiful.  This was my first A330 flight.  I guess the missed flight was not that bad.

I split off from the economy class passengers and headed towards boarding door 1L.  Two lovely flight attendants were there to welcome me aboard.  As I entered the cabin, I could not help but notice how dated the interior was.  It was older, especially when compared to Singapore Airlines’ 777-300 or A380, but it was clean and felt nostalgic.  The business class cabin consisted of five rows of seats in a 2-2-2 configuration.  I chose the last row on the right when entering the aircraft. 

The purser Pam came through the cabin as soon as I was seated with newspapers. I took one, with the intention of reading it, but it did not happen. 

A glass of champagne or juice was offered minutes later. I went with the Charles Heidisick champagne.  It is not surprising they serve this on the ground outside of the states.  If this flight originated in the US, the airline would have served sparkling wine or a lesser champagne.

The seat was spacious.  It came with a pillow and blanket.  Slippers could be requested. Complimentary headsets were in the setback pocket.

The cupholders, seat controls, and even storage showed the aircraft’s age.

The tray table came out of the center console, it could not be halved.

I have always liked Singapore Airlines’ individual reading lights at each seat.  The lights help keep the cabin dim.

The Inflight Entertainment Screen, USB, and power port were updated.  Does anyone know what the circular port of for?

I did not like it that the overhead panel only contained lights.  I like messing with air nozzles and call buttons…wait, I was not in economy.  NVM.

Welcome announcement by the captain Julien, with his first officer Han. He apologized for the slight delay out of Bangkok and asked us to keep our seatbelts comfortably fastened during the flight.  The safety video was played while the announcements were made. 

We had a long taxi, after the delay.  I began to think I would miss my flight to Tokyo, so my anxiety went through the roof.  I did not some plane watching to calm down. 

I dozed off as we climbed out. The flight attendant woke me up for dinner, which I appreciated. The options were pasta, fried pork, and roasted chicken. I went the pork. It was served with a choice of bread.  Garlic bread is a go to on most airlines so I had a piece.  The dish was really good.  The meat nor rice were overcooked. Not bad for a three hour flight. While the dish was good, Singapore Airlines’ Book the Cook would have been my way to go, if I booked sooner.  I asked for another glass of champagne to accompany the meal.

The tray table was cleared as soon as I finished my meal.  I took the opportunity to grab some sleep.  The flight attendant woke me up with 20 minutes left in the flight.  She asked if I needed anything so I requested a cappuccino. 

We touched down behind schedule.  After a short taxi, I was ready to bolt off the airplane to ensure I made my connection.

Final Word

Singapore Airlines is one of the best airlines in the world.  I have flown them a handful of times, but each time was as memorable as the others.  This time was more important to me because they had the availability and schedule I needed to get to Japan in time to travel with my son.