Singapore Airlines Suites SQ 26 (Singapore to New York)

In April 2016 I had the chance to try the Suites on board Singapore Airlines.  The product was first launch in October 2008, although it is a 8 years old product it is still consistently being ranked one of the top first class cabin in the world.

Since the product has been reviewed many times on the internet I shall just briefly cover it.  A look at the suite.

The cabin is very spacious which has enough space for 2 people to dine together.

Everyone in suites is given an amenity kit, pyjamas, sleepers, socks and eye mask.

A closer look at the content of the amenity kit.

The seat when converted into a bed.

As the flight was quite full 10/12 I didn't have a luxury to have the center double bed.  But this is enough for a good night sleep.  The key for a good rest onboard is a flat bed and a pair of good earplugs.

Singapore Airlines allow all business class and first/suites class passenger to book their meal before the flight if you do not want to leave it to chance on what is offered on board.  The service is called book the cook (BTC), you can do it up to 24 hours before flight departure.  I BTC all my meals.

Supper: Double boil chicken soup

Supper: Grilled Chilean Seabass

Supper: Giandula Chocolate Cream with Sable Crumbs.

Breakfast: Kyo-Kaiseki (Appetiser) 

Breakfast: Kyo-Kaiseki (Main) 

After breakfast we disembark at Frankfurt, although we will be carrying on the journey to New York (JFK) on the same plane all passengers heading to United States have to clear security screening again.  The security screening airport wasn't crowded and we were among the first to reach there hence it was quite fast.  Here you have the choice to head to the Lufthansa lounge or the Maple Leaf Lounge by Air Canada.  I head to the Maple Leaf Lounge which is just after the security screening.  Didn't have any photo as I wasn't feeling too well after eating and sleeping so much.

After we board the flight, we were given a fresh set of pyjamas, amenity kit, sleepers, socks and eye mask.  Brunch was served soon after take-off and then light lunch.

Brunch: Lobster Thermidor 

Light Lunch: Suckling Pig with Dark Beer Sauce 

Light Lunch: Warm Chocolate Ganache Cake

Arriving soon in JFK after over 23 hours of flight and transit.  After arriving in JFK the custom clear was a breeze, there wasn't too many flights arriving at this time.  I still had quite alot of time before my JetBlue flight to Orlando.  As I still wasn't feeling too well there is no photo of JFK nor the JetBlue flight, anyway its just a short flight with complimentary drinks being served onboard.  As JetBlue operates out of Terminal 5 in JFK we took a AirTrain which is free as well unless you travel out of the terminals.

Flight Delay on Singapore Airlines Flight SQ 26

This is a long over due post which took place in December 2015.  I took a 1 week break away from work to Washington DC and New York City, it was quite a last minute decision and there wasn't much planning done.  Do note that 1 week isn't really sufficient if you want to cover these 2 cities.

I took a night flight on Singapore Airlines SQ26 to New York and transit to Washington DC on Delta but the flight was a total nightmare due to the delay.

SQ 26 was scheduled to take off at 11:55pm on 18 Dec 2016, however the pilot only found that there was a problem with the traffic collision avoidance system around 11+pm.  They were also unsure if they can fix it or we need to wait for a replacement plane.

Suites and Business class passengers were advised to return to the lounge and wait for further updates while economy class passengers can stay in the gate hold room to wait.  Food and drinks was distributed much later as well as blankets.  They gave out cold buns which are normally given out during overnight flight's night service, understand such circumstances I thought better food could be provided to passengers.

Passengers queuing up to get the food and drinks.

The staff went around giving passengers a letter informing of the delay (the letter was altered 2 times due to further delay), this is the final copy but the delay was less than 6 hours meaning no insurance claim can be made.

This 5 hours plus of delay caused me to miss my connecting flight to Washington DC.  Luckily Delta was kind enough to rebook me on a later flight at no additional cost.  However the next flight only departs at 9.05pm on 19 Dec to DC and the flight was further delayed to 11:15pm.  By the time I collected my baggage and leave the airport (DCA), it was about 12:40am on 20 Dec.  This was the worst flight delay I experience and going with minimal sleep for about 55 hours.  Didn't expect this post to be so long, will cover the trip in a separate post.

For those who are curious if there was any form of compensation from Singapore Airlines, they gave a number lock when boarding the flight from Singapore to Frankfurt and a luggage tag when boarding the flight from Frankfurt to New York.  The staff at New York Airport also wasn't helpful in trying to explain your situation to the airline on your connecting flight instead asking you to reach out to the airline yourself.  Although I understand that the connecting flight wasn't book through them and they are not obliged to help in the rebooking but I have catered for more than 4 hours of transit time and if wasn't for them I wouldn't be in such a situation.  They could at least be more helpful in assisting with the rebooking(they did ask passengers who have connecting flight to provide their details while we are waiting in Singapore but seems like nothing was done, if there is no intention to do anything then why ask).