MI351 PEN-SIN 14 NOV 11 (ECONOMY)

After a few days at the conference in Penang, it was time to head back. I was flying back to Singapore on a flight arriving at 19:30 and then connecting on BA12 to LHR, departing at 22:50. I wasn't quite sure what to do about the baggage - the options were: 1) clear immigration, collect and check-in landside, 2) check baggage to SIN, then at transfer show them my luggage tag and they will find and re-check to LHR or 3) ask if it can be through checked to LHR via SIN, even though separate tickets and not linked airlines.

Arrived at the airport before check-in opened for my flight as the local organising committee were worried about traffic (which can be very bad in Penang). As had been the case over the last few days, there were lots of black clouds all around the airport and I was worried about a tropical storm delaying my flight.

Bags were screened before entry into the check in area and a sticker across the zip attached. I had done internet check-in, which is obviously unusual as there was a huge queue for regular check-in. Moved to an exit row window seat and asked about baggage - not a problem to through check via SIN, and also priority tagged as SIN-LHR flight booked in Club World. Impressed (and yes the bag did arrival safely in the UK).

Quick immigration and security check before entering the departures area (domestic are kept separate to international). Some usual tourist related shops and a couple of places to get a drink / snack much better options in the landside area.

Boarding was called on time, with priority boarding and then from back to front and all seemed to work well. Flight much busier this time, and unlike way out, seat did not also have a drop down table. Pushed back on time and then off down to Singapore.

The flight was very very bumpy indeed with lots of turbulence throughout the flight. The seat belt signs were on throughout and the pilot did some very interesting flying to get around the large cloud formations in the way. There was also lots of lightening in the clouds, which made for an interesting flight! Despite this, the crew still managed to do a service, consisting of a tuna sandwich (no other options unless pre-identified as vegetarian) and water/juice. No alcoholic beverages in economy.

Landed in a very wet Singapore and a longish taxi to our gate in Terminal 2 - a little early. As bag was through checked, headed off for Terminal 1 and to collect my boarding card for the flight home.

Again, a very efficient and friendly flight - not so sure on the tuna sandwich though!

Thanks for the TR - the tuna sandwich offer does sound mighty interesting

Thank you for the TR.