SIN-SGN B787-10 Singapore Airlines Business Class
SIN-SGN Business Class Seat (Middle Row)
A superb Business Class hard product for a short 3 hour trip to Ho Chi Minh, but not the food and service (surprisingly). Just remember to go to the correct lounge at Changi Airport.
SIN-SGN B787-10 Singapore Airlines Business Class
PARKROYAL Saigon
SGN-SIN A320 Scoot Economy Class
The initial plan was just to book a round-trip Economy Class flight. However, enticed by the 30% miles discount through KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes, I decided to opt for a little indulgence for the outbound journey. This choice also allows me to enjoy the KrisFlyer Lounge at Terminal 3 (emphasizing the correct terminal).
Damage: 16,800 Krisflyer Miles + $52.30. A steal for a 3 hour flight!
Check In and Lounge Experience
For regional flights, Singapore Airlines Business Class passengers check in at Terminal 2. As I did not have check-in luggage, I proceeded directly to the boarding gate with my electronic boarding pass.
Typically, Singapore Airlines and Star Alliance Business Class passengers are directed to the KrisFlyer Lounge at Terminal 2. However, as most of you know, this lounge is vastly inferior to the one at Terminal 3, with limited food variety and a lack of charging points. So take the skytrain to Terminal 3 (conveniently located near the Terminal 2 gates), and enjoy the lounge there, which was what I did.
If you would prefer to stay within the terminal, turn left from Passport Control and follow the signs up the escalator, where you will find the Silverkris Lounge.
During my brief visit and lunch at the Terminal 3 lounge, I noticed a recent addition—a Lalique display called "The Gallery" near the entrance. I indulged in laksa, fried udon, and sampled the unique TWG Tea varieties, pondering the taste of Paris-Singapore Tea. 🤔
Seat
First timers will be glad to know that the flight to Ho Chi Minh, a B787-10 aircraft, is equipped with 2018 Regional Business Class seats. While in my opinion, they might not be the absolute best in terms of its flat bed, they certainly surpass some other models offered by Singapore Airlines (ahem B738).AAlthough extensive sleep might not be necessary on this short flight, the legroom is decent for even a back sleeper.
The seat controls are user-friendly and quite responsive. Additionally, solo travellers will appreciate the decent privacy offered in middle seats, thanks to a privacy divider providing substantial coverage between you and your seatmate.
Right after takeoff, I was treated to a stunning late afternoon view! A good start to the trip!
Wifi and In-Flight Entertainment
Wifi is now complimentary to all Singapore Airlines Business Class passengers, although I did not try it out on this trip, they have been working perfectly for me in other flights.
As usual, Singapore Airlines offers an extensive selection of movies and TV shows. I spotted Thor: Love and Thunder and promptly tuned in. Overall, it delivered on the laughter factor, but felt like a side kick to the more epic Marvel movies in the series.
Dining Experience
The SIN-SGN Business Class Dining Menu is as per below:
I was pleased to discover that Charles Heidsieck champagne was being served on this flight, which turned out to be one of the savers of the meal experience.
Light dinner was served on this flight, and the appetiser (Sesame Crab Mayonnaise Salad), Main Course (Lamb Rack - from book the cook) and Dessert (Pistachio Cake with Sour Cherry and Almond Crumble) was served together. Unfortunately, this meal experience was somewhat underwhelming.
Regrettably, the meal experience fell somewhat short of expectations. The pickled ginger in the salad wasn't to my liking, and the lamb rack turned out a bit tough, which I guess was expected given the preparation at 30,000 feet. Fortunately, the dessert served as the saving grace, offering a satisfyingly sweet conclusion. Could do better!
On the bright side, at least the evening views outside were truly fantastic.
Restroom
The bathroom in the B787-10 was compact yet functional, stocked with Lalique amenities—a delightful way to freshen up with their eau de toilette!
Service
The service was generally satisfactory (such is the high standards of Singapore Airlines crew that I have come to expect)), but there was a slight hiccup when one of the staff forgot my request for a champagne top-up (which was understandable given the rush to conclude the meal service on this short flight). However, this was promptly rectified with the press of the call button.
As we began our descent, I caught sight of the iconic Landmark 81 in Ho Chi Minh, beautifully illuminated in the night sky.
Conclusion
In summary, this Business Class flight with Singapore Airlines was somewhat underwhelming, but the hard product has been always very consistent.
Following the flight, I utilized the hotel-arranged shuttle van to reach my accommodation and rest for the night.
