Flight Review: the Singapore Girl is alive and well

Flight reports have become something of a joke. Rather than offering a short, sharp assessment of the elements that make or break a journey, they have evolved into lengthy, often tedious stories illustrated with endless photographs of meals. I see them regularly in publications such as The Age. You sometimes wonder whether they have been written for travellers or to impress the airline’s public relations department. My advice is to start at the bottom: if you see the words “the writer travelled as a guest of the airline,” a few warning bells should ring.

So, to Singapore Airlines flight SQ279. B787-1000. Economy class.

The flight departed on time, with boarding orderly and efficient thanks to a clearly managed numbering system. The welcome from the crew came with the big smiles for which Singapore Airlines is famous. The Singapore Girl is alive and well, folks, and our particularly attentive cabin host was Claire.

B787-10 seats are arranged in 3-3-3 (frugalflyer)

The seats in 3-3-3 arrangement were comfortable, with adequate legroom, while the cabin remained quiet and at an ideal temperature throughout the six-hour flight. The safety video was brief and easy to follow. Although the entertainment screen was relatively small, picture quality was good and the choice of films extensive—considerably better than on my most recent Qatar Airways flight. I also appreciated being able to control the overhead light from the entertainment console rather than having to stretch upwards.

Airline meals frequently mean overcooked food, frozen butter, impenetrable ice cream and dreadful cutlery. This time, however, we chose the noodles with chicken, accompanied by a warm bread roll, soft butter and crackers. Everything arrived at the correct temperature and tasted genuinely delicious—a rare commendation from me for airline food. A chocolate gelato followed.

Wine was served with the main course, while orange juice and water were offered after take-off. I requested sparkling water, and Claire said she would bring it later. On a busy flight, that can sometimes be the last you hear of such a request, but she returned with it within minutes. Toward the end of the journey, small savoury snacks resembling miniature pies were offered, although by then I was too full to try them.

The crew were immaculate, attentive and consistently professional. Complimentary internet was available and worked well. Baggage arrived quickly at the destination. Overall, SQ279 delivered exactly what a good flight should: an on-time departure and arrival, efficient service, a comfortable cabin, decent entertainment and, unusually, an airline meal worth praising.

All material (c) Copyright Traveloscopy.com unless noted otherwise.