Firstly, price: 180 ish booked three weeks ago with Amex (I've a plat charge card with them)
Arrival at Changi: Have been before and have used the 1st class checkin area before (I hope the new T3 for Virgin has this for UC and Gold!!!). I did have a three hour period between my out and return flights. Having checked the schedules, there was an early flight. Amex couldn't change as SA wanted at least 50 minutes between. Anyway, the supervisor hanging around the checkin area changed the flight to the earlier flight, meaning I had but 40 mins between landing and taking off! She also checked me in for the return flight also, which was handy
Silver Kris Lounge, T2, Changi: Was actually disappointed! Having spendt time in the MAS lounge at KL a couple of years ago, the SA lounge was a bit mediocre so say the least! It screamed North American carrier type lounge to be honest! Couldn't get onto the wifi also! The food looked good, but all I had was a latte.
Flight: Well, got onto the flight and was shown my seat and addressed by name, which was lovely. Had the normal glass of OJ and a newspaper whilst waiting to board. There was heaps of space, although as this was a 777, they were business class type seats and not 1st class. Neigh mind.... We were up in the air pretty quick and almost immediatley served food, which was either some panini, or the rather lovely piece of salmon which some salad garnish. delicious! This was followed by tea or coffee also. However, was swiftly moved away, and after some brief turbulence, my coffee was replaced after most of it ended up in the saucer! I didn't have to ask, it just happened! Within 35 mins of taking off, we were landing. Again, was waved goodbye to with my name being used.
I quickly joined the queue to go through security (I do love SE Asia for their way of doing security: At the gate!) and walking on board, the staff remembered me and my name. Food this time was some chicken and pineapple salad, again, delicious!
The quality of the cabin felt new, and the staff were simply wonderful I can't decide as to which are better: MAS or Singapore Airlines!!!
Overall, for the cost of the flight, and duration, I still think this was wonderful value for money, especially as the tier points awarded count towards 1/3rd of what you need for gold!
