Airline review: This cabin crew makes you feel good about flying economy

The airline

Singapore Airlines

Economy seat aboard a Singapore Airlines Boeing B737-800 … no surprises.

The flight

SQ194, Changi Singapore to Noi Bai Hanoi, Vietnam; economy class aboard a Boeing 737-800, specialising in short to medium-haul services (previously operated by SIA’s defunct SilkAir); flight time of three hours and 11 minutes; two services a day (morning and afternoon) with connections from Australia.

The loyalty scheme

KrisFlyer, incorporating the Star Alliance network, allows members to earn and redeem points by air miles and also via dining, shopping and experiences. KrisFlyer miles can also be earned and redeemed with Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ affiliate low-cost carrier.

Carbon emissions

179.41 kilograms for this economy flight, according to Singapore Airlines’ online carbon emissions calculator, with a cost to offset the flight of $2.60.

Check-in

Changi’s policy of having a full security check at the actual departure gate, rather than after passport control for non-transferring and connecting passengers, as is the practice elsewhere, can be one tedious, albeit isolated, aspect of the airport experience here.

The seat

50K, a comfortable enough (for this flight duration) window seat, in 3-3 single aisle configuration; seat pitch is 30 inches (76.2 centimetres), width is 18 inches (45.72 centimetres) and recline is five inches (12.7 centimetres). The seat is fitted with an always welcome adjustable headrest and a USB port for device charging.

Baggage

From 25 kilograms of checked luggage, depending on the particular economy fare, with up to seven kilograms for carry on.

Food

Meal in a (paper) box.

Economy class food, for which Singapore Airlines has a deservedly good reputation, is, by nature, rarely interesting but my choice of decent chicken meatballs with mashed potato offers some interest. On short-haul flights under 3.5 hours economy class meals are served in certified “sustainable paperware” (read: cardboard-style box) certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and accompanied by bamboo cutlery. These items replace single-use plastics with the paperware weighing 50 per cent less. It may be still a while, though, before premium class passengers are willing to give up their plates and silverware.

Entertainment

Choose from the usual selection of the latest Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows from a high-definition 10-inch (25.4 centimetre) touchscreen. By joining KrisFlyer, economy class passengers qualify for complimentary access to the excellent and reliable onboard Wi-Fi service.

One more thing

Singapore Airlines has recently expanded Kris+, its “lifestyle reward app”, for its Australian members. The app offers dining, retail and entertainment discounts while allowing users to earn points.

Price

From $348 for a standard economy seat, one-way.*

The verdict

In economy, you’re never going to be lavished by the sort of attention afforded to those in the pointy end. But Singapore Airlines and its composed and efficient crew, unlike those of most other carriers, do have an ability to make you feel (almost) good about flying in the back of the bus.

Our rating out of five

★★★★

The writer traveller courtesy of Singapore Airlines. See singaporeair.com

*Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.