99.925% of the world's population today have at one time or another, been on a plane, traveled to a land afar, and experienced the joys, or some say, romance of air travel, all thanks to globalization. Taking a leaf off Air Asia’s tagline – Now Everyone Can Fly.

Today, not only does everyone fly, judging by the numerous trip reports on a.net, I’m led to believe that the once almighty and exclusive business class has become the general public’s most basic class of travel.

I belong to the minority group of traveling public who can only dream of flying Business Class on a regular basis. I’m also what many call “The Unwashed”. The upper crusts of society usually call us animals - “Cattles” to be exact.

The desire to break out of this social classification has been excruciatingly great. It’s tempting to see the luxuries those ‘washed’ people get to enjoy before and during their flight… well appointed lounges with free food, wine, bubbly… spreading out onboard in seats that can fit 2 guys my size, or being able to indulge in bodily pleasures in a twin-bedded suite.

Short of finding myself another job that flies its highly dispensable executives in Business or First Class, my best hope of discovering the promised travel in a new light, or some say, the romance of travel in a Y class cabin is to:

a) Pray for an operational upgrade
b) Hope that the flight is loss making (half filled) so that I can have all the privacy I need
c) Let cupid command that someone who is totally my cup-of-tea is assigned to sit next to me so that we end up engaging in meaningful relationship building for the duration of the flight, and become the best of friends/partners/lovers the rest of our lives.

Unfortunately, lady luck is seldom on my side. I've not had much luck as a revenue passenger - never secured an upgrade in my working life; only had extra elbow space in Y class less than 5 times in all my years of travel; never had someone seated next to me that I was remotely interested to strike a conversation with… alright maybe once, but it was a red-eye flight and everyone was in the mood for some shut-eye

So what can the luckless great unwashed (business class traveler wannabe) come to expect on a routine flight in Y to some faraway land? As the wise man would say – expect nothing, and hope for the best.

My first trip report of 2008 attempts to do just this… with a little imagination, it is really quite possible for one to bring back the romance of travel - even in Y.

I was scheduled to make a trip to Shanghai in August. August is never a good time to visit Shanghai as it is one of the hottest months with temperatures soaring to highs of 38 deg C and above, and humidity that would put Singapore’s to shame. But I was prepared - to shed few gallons of sweat and hopefully some excess weight as well.

Before I start my journey, I had to decide which airline to go with…

CHOOSING THE AIRLINE

Every respectable and not-so-respectable airline in the world would claim that they’re a reliable airline and therefore there’s no better way to fly but with them. Some want to get you to your destination as smooth as silk and in better shape. While the rest swear that there’s something special in the air for the skies are actually friendly (like those cumulonimbus clouds) and they’re no ordinary airline because they attempt to go beyond expectations.

I tend to ignore such claims and promises as they are seldom fulfilled. I decided to do it my way, and go with what I perceive to be a great way to fly!

The airline I chose is renowned to be consistently great in all classes. One that takes care of their lowly, unwashed customers even… I chanced upon this image as I booked my flight on their website, and was confident that she would bring back the romance of travel for me…



SNAGGING THAT COVETED SEAT

Like any business class traveler wannabe, I desired the level of service often accorded to premium customers, that is, to pre-select a specific seat in my preferred cabin and never having to be at the mercy of an overworked check in agent whose main penchant is to fill middle seats on a full flight.

The airline that I had chosen offered me this choice. I could decide exactly where I wanted to sit and not just some generic aisle or window seat. I felt important and valued!



DEPARTURE

My ride arrived at my doorstep just 5 minutes after the agreed time. Yes, this was the wannabe’s ‘limousine’ ride to the airport (it pays to have friends who are willing and able to offer such personalized free service). In less than 20 minutes, I arrived at Changi Terminal 3!







I was expecting terminal 3 to be abuzz with activities, but it was eerily quiet… not unlike the white elephant a few hundred kilometers north of Singapore. But like any Singaporean thoroughly brainwashed by government propaganda, I chose to believe that the opening of T3 was a timely and wise decision. This is despite having read numerous reports of airport retailers complaining how poor business had been.

Nonetheless, T3 was a sight to behold – modern, bright, airy and serene. A sight for sore eyes. All it needed were more passengers to give it some semblance of an air hub.













Since my downgrade to Krisflyer Silver status this year, I could no longer avail myself to the free snacks and beverages in the new Krisflyer Gold lounge. Disappointed with not being able to experience the new lounge, I made the best of this unfortunate situation by taking breakfast at the foodcourt located in the basement of the terminal.

The beauty about Changi T3 is that every nook and corner is tastefully designed. There wasn’t a moment when I felt unimportant or unworthy of quality food or classy ambience. This commoners’ foodcourt was decked with “designer” seats (with a choice of ergonomically designed plastic seats or 70s inspired fabric couches), swirling ceilings and food selection so wide that it probably made the choices available in the Krisflyer Gold lounge look sad. Never mind if you had to pay for your food as everything was reasonably priced. Some airline lounges in the US make you pay for food and drinks, so there was really no reason for me to gripe about my loss of lounge privileges.







I lost track of time tucking into my Har Gao and Siew Mai (all filled with succulent shrimps and juicy fine grade Australian pork, I might add) and before long, it was time to bid farewell to my ‘limousine driver’ and head for immigration.

Unlike T1 or T2, T3 immigration counters are centrally located. The chances for long queues are therefore high should there ever be a high number of heavies departing at the same time. There were only 5 counters manned this morning, and there wasn’t even a queue in sight! Where is everyone?! The immigration officer this morning wasn’t too friendly either, as my attempt at small talk was received with an “Um… ok… go”. I suppose he couldn’t allow himself to be distracted, considering how a colleague of his had mistakenly let through a passenger holding someone else’s passport some months back…

It is true when they likened T3 to a mega shopping mall. Acres of shops with more staff than shoppers. I hate to say this, but images of KLIA flashed through my mind at this very moment.





Shop assistants spent the most part of their shift exchanging gossips and news about how impressive the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony was the night before… or how they couldn’t wait for the gymnastics and diving events to start (well, maybe the second bit was just me thinking out loud). Needless to say, Olympic fever was here, and everyone wanted a piece of the action.




We all know what the medal tally is by now...

I was beginning to feel the itch for lounge access, when I realized that T3 was not only a mega shoppers’ paradise, it was one hell of a mega lounge as well! I’m accustomed to airports with transit areas fitted with 5-in-a-row hard-seats, so T3’s transit area came as a pleasant surprise. Which other airport takes such good care of its ‘unwashed cattles’?! Who needs the no-natural-lights-or-runway-views Silver Kris or Krisflyer lounges when you can have this - A gigantic lounge with free wifi internet access, unlimited views of the runway, 5 star hotel equivalent powder rooms for the ladies, urinals with expansive views of the tarmac and a little image of a fly to help us guys aim better.









With just 15min before departure time, I peeled myself away from that impressive lounge, and quickly made what felt like a 10km trek towards my gate. I would have flagged down a buggy if not for the fact that it was already occupied by some premium passenger.











B8 was a regular, non-A380 gate that had brightly colored and comfortable seats and offered a magnificent view of the aircraft that I would take me to PVG. Today’s flight was operated by the first regional B777-300 aircraft in SQ’s fleet – 9VSYA. I was on this very same aircraft 5 years ago on my way from DXB to SIN.





Boarding was almost completed by the time my 500m trek to the gate ended. All baggage had also been completely loaded and the JCPL had just pulled away from the aircraft. I was the last passenger to board the flight – just like any VIP passenger would.

SQ830 to PVG was only half filled today. My hopes for unlimited elbow room and a whole row of seats to myself had finally come true… I felt sorry for the guys in route revenue though. SQ830 is typically the preferred flight for most business travelers, as it gets you into PVG in time for any evening dinner appointment. But this being a Saturday, and with the Olympics on, coupled with on-going visa-restrictions for Singapore passport holders, not many people were inclined to visit China during this period.


The oldest A380 parked next to the oldest B777-300.


Rows and rows of empty seats… almost everyone could have their own lie-flat bed!


My personal non-AVOD inflight entertainment system that would keep me occupied for the next 5 hours… 17 new movie releases, 30 TV shows, 12 radio channels and 48 Nintendo/PC games…

A class of Chinese primary school students shared the same cabin as me. I was quietly concerned how these kids would behave during the flight. My worries were unfounded, as under the watchful eyes of their teacher in charge, I found them to be the most disciplined and well-behaved bunch of 10 year olds I have ever come across.

Warm towels were distributed soon after the aircraft doors were closed. Indeed, SQ’s famed hot towels are no longer hot, but lukewarm! No wonder those premium passengers over in SQTalk have been whining incessantly about them! “要热毛巾吗?” the young, shapely stewardess went round the cabin offering the students those unacceptably cool towels like a big sister would to her young siblings.

Their teacher stopped her midway, and in her halting English: “Can you speak to my students in English please? I want them to practice their English”. The childrens’ faces literally stiffened on hearing her request to the crew… for the rest of the flight, they struggled to find the right English phrases to respond whenever they were spoken to. Nonetheless, the crew were extremely patient with the kids as they waited for each of them to order their meals, drinks and duty free in English. I’m glad those sarong kebaya clad girls understood that these kids could potentially be loyal high net-worth customers in the near future.

SQ830 pushed back ahead of schedule and thundered down the runway moments later. My quest to rediscover the romance of travel had begun.

It’s sceneries like these that make you realize how small Singapore really is… there’s hardly any room left for further development even if you take back the 'millions' of golf courses and re-use the land to build private/public housing (which would be a heinous crime in Singapore - where would our top executives spend their time between 9am to 5pm on weekdays?!!)… and to think that there are plans to increase the population size from the current 4million to 6million!?











Wheels up, aircraft leveled off, the fasten seat belt lights go off, and the show begins.

Y class on SQ is like no other. Where else can you receive beautifully designed menu booklets (not cards mind you), comfortable stereo headsets (albeit non-noise canceling ones) delivered to you personally with a smile? And what about the onboard library, where the humble Y class passengers can choose from a selection of travel, sports, automotive and current affairs magazines? All this, in addition to a rather substantial inflight magazine called Silver Kris… Surely, this airline takes great effort in ensuring that its valued customers’ needs are met - regardless of class, breed or caste.


Dolby surround sound headsets (if only they were noise-canceling ones)


Menu


Onboard reading material. "China Strikes Gold"... the inflight magazine apparently tells the future as well!


“Mini-library” located at the back of each cabin. Selection of newspapers can be collected just before boarding or available on request after take-off

THE MAIN EVENT

I’m a true blue foodie (which explains my current weight), and I’ve never found airline food inedible. They might not always taste great, but they’re certainly edible. Meal times are usually the highlight of my flights. It breaks the monotony and also a test of how much effort the airline puts into something often taken forgranted by passengers. I can’t speak for our American or European friends, whose meal (if any) often comes in ugly disposable wares or paper bags thrown at them by surly stewardesses.

As an Asian, I fully understand why reputable Asian carriers take pride in their inflight meals. Every Asian host takes it upon themselves to ensure that any visiting guest is well-fed, as it is considered a loss of ‘face’ if guests leave their homes feeling hungry and dissatisfied. This inevitably leads me to wonder how a particular self-acclaimed reputable Asian airline (whose IATA code denotes a certain national’s hospitality), even dares to masquerade measly cheap finger food in nicely designed snack boxes on some regional routes. How very un-Asian!

Meal service on SQ is in itself an event even in the lowliest class.


Welcome drinks are served together with a pack of salted peanuts. Warmed almonds or cashews would have been great, but hey, lets be realistic here.


The internationally renowned Singapore Sling – available to the unwashed as well.




You have a choice! International or Oriental selections… in classy serviceware aimed at teasing your jaded palates and visually enhancing your overall dining experience! It’s a feast that would whet the appetites of any deprived business class traveler in certain parts of the world…


The presentation…


Potato Salad with roasted vegetables


Pan-fried chicken in thyme cream sauce with more roasted vegetables and herbed new potatoes


Cream cheese and Khong Guan crackers – a childhood favorite among people of my generation




End your meal with a tantalizing blackforest flirt… creamy vanilla and chocolate ice cream with tangy raspberries


Relax and enjoy the rest of your flight with a soothing brew of Chinese tea…

This business class traveler wannabe can only dream of the day when every economy class passenger is able to relax in their personal flat beds. That day has finally arrived. My very own ‘herringbonesque” flat bed.


Da bed


Sipping ginger ale as I browsed through my favorite magazines… the romance of travel was momentarily back…




Lots of cushions and decent recline too if you prefer to sit in the upright position.


Introducing the latest Singapore Arm Forces PT shoe! They’re great for jogs but don't look too good in the fashion department.

Your footrest can be adjusted to 3 different heights. I can’t do without them. They actually help to support my back as I am prone to slouching when seated. Resting my feet on the footrest helps to keep my body in an ergonomical position.

The graceful sarong kebaya clad stewardesses tirelessly hydrated passengers by offering juices and water every 30 minutes. Should you require a special cocktail in between those water runs, just press the call button.


SQ’s call buttons are probably the most used function on your personal entertainment handset. As a valued customer in economy class, you never have to leave your seat if you need anything from the galley. Nothing is ever a hassle for those Singapore Girls and Boys… no throwing dirty looks too if you ever decide to interrupt their gossip sessions or breaks.

Time flies when you’re enjoying your flight. Before long, we were flying over the Pearl River Delta.




It was time to freshen up before arrival. While amenity kits are not distributed on day flights of less than 7 hours flying time, SQ lavatories are always well-stocked and amazingly clean.


On most airlines, there isn’t even an amenity drawer in their lavatories!


Y class passengers are worthy of looking and feeling refreshed after each flight. Liquid soap, branded hand moisturizers, Eau De Cologne, Mouth Wash and aftershave are some of the extras that SQ provides in its Y class lavatories. Many other airlines just provide liquid soap as they don't seem to understand that some Y class passenger may need to rush off for meetings with important clients immediately after a flight.


Toothbrush and toothpaste in newly designed batik-motif packaging


I was hoping for a lavatory with a view… unfortunately, this was the only “window” I could find. And yes, as a courtesy to the next female passenger, I always lift the toilet seat up when I pee, and put it down after I am done.

Fully refreshed and ready to brave the hot summer in PVG, SQ830 touched down in PVG… and came to a stop at the newly opened terminal 2.







CONCLUSION

It’s not impossible to feel valued and well-taken care of even if you travel Y. SQ does a great job at it. Every detail, every need is anticipated and acted upon. Those Singapore Girls and Boys serving economy class may have been the most junior crew onboard, but service was almost flawless. So what if their service delivery may seem a little too well rehearsed - I felt pampered, and was made to feel that the relatively higher price for my ticket was well worth it. SQ’s future looks bright if the service levels demonstrated by these young crew were anything to go by.

While many airlines are cutting back by bringing service standards to new lows and taking away the joy of flying away from us, SQ fulfilled its promises of rediscovering the romance of travel! In this day and age, SQ knows that service is STILL an IMPORTANT differentiating factor amongst its competitors.

I didn’t have to lower my expectations too much to experience travel in a new light even though the cabin hardware was among the oldest in its entire fleet. Without sounding cliché, Singapore Airlines, you’re still a great way to fly… even in Y.

I hope you enjoyed this report.

Some comments in this report were made tongue in cheek, so please do not get offended if I appeared to be attacking your favorite airline at any point in this report. Comments, positive or otherwise, are always welcomed.

[Edited 2008-08-26 11:24:11]