Fred was originally booked on BA Business Class and me Economy. A few weeks before departure, his company decided he had to take a work visa. As getting the documents ready seemed an eternity (with a notably 'uncooperative' HR dept) and the length it needed to be processed uncertain, I cancelled my BA booking. Those few weeks leading up to his departure was highly unsettling for me. I was trying to take 2 weeks off from work, and book on the same flight. Ultimately, he was rebooked on SQ Business, awaiting the British Consulate's green light. The Consulate didn't take that long afterall. I was able to get Economy tickets on the same flight a few days before departure, thanks to the credit crunch, I guess!
So we flew together, him on Business and me on Economy on 5 April 09. As typical Singaporeans socialised into conformity, I felt highly awkward moving in and out the economy and business cabins. As discretely as I could, I would raise the curtains dividing the 'better' class from the 'cheaper' class, acting nonchalant in response to curious looks from fellow economy passengers. I didn't have the SQ uniform on. So I looked suspiciously like I was sneaking into the Business class to steal a good spacious seat I guess!
The cabin crew was obligingly polite when we informed them of our intention to swap seats so I could sleep. The stewardess offered to turn the seat into a flat bed for me. Good service! I even told her to wake me up few hours later, which she did. The only time we were approached by a service 'manager' was when we were seen talking together in the Business cabin.
He very diplomatically allowed us 10 more minutes. He knew I sneaked in I guess. Of course, we wouldn't test their limits at all & he was slightly embarrassed that I apologised so sincerely for any 'inconvenience' caused. Anyway, I appreciated his take on maintaining 'order' and 'rules' since we were fellow Singaporeans & really, didn't see any need to kick up a fuss on our part.
Fred decided I was to stay in Business for meals & so I was served hot meals, complete with tablecloth and a layout of cutlery. However, I did feel the stewardess who asked me if I was staying for the meal sounded a little stern, as if I was a schoolgirl who broke a rule. She forgot to smile. Subsequently, the smiling crew who served me made me feel at ease again as I was politely addressed as Mrs Tan throughout.
Caught 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'
Ordered hot prawn noodles as the next meal was to be served only hours later. Couldn't 'tahan' any longer. The satay above was starter for the actual meal, as seen below. Would have ordered Chinese cuisine prepared by Chef Sam Leong but Fred had preordered 'seafood'. Still, it wasn't too bad at all!
For 6 times more, would I pay for an SQ Business experience? I guess yes for long-haul flights. The service is attentive, the food is absolutely GOOD! Nothing beats a spacious flat bed and a crew very mindful of maintaining 'order'. haha! Good job, SQ!
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