I hear my name being paged over loudspeaker while waiting for my flight to Singapore at the Munich airport. Ever the worrier, I wondered if there was some problem with my booking. It was the contrary as you might have guessed. As I reached the desk, the airline service agent politely asked , “Miss Gee we are overbooked on this flight, would you mind if we upgraded you to Business class ?”
I thought I misheard as she had an apologetic tone in her voice and I asked “I beg your pardon?” She repeated the painful request to place me in a way more comfortable seat with next level of impeccable service and a delicious menu , and if I would mind it. With poise I did not know I possessed I graciously accepted with a “No, I would not mind – Thank you”. That was how I accidentally travelled business class for the first time on a long haul flight.
"Miss Gee we are overbooked on this flight, would you mind if we upgraded you to Business class ?
I was in fact doubly lucky as after half an hour they announced a delay of a few hours. There were technical issues on the flight and I wound up with a voucher double the value of Economy class that I could use around the airport. I have not been able to replicate this good fortune since.
So what’s it like ? – was the question my envious friends asked when I nonchalantly informed them of my upgrade. I took my time to answer while studying my manicured nails – which I did for the first time ever as I suddenly feel entitled to get a pampering wherever I go.
The Experience
The boarding experience foretold the service on the plane – as I had never experienced such a short queue. There was a separate entrance for business class passengers. I was addressed with a polite Miss Gee while the stewardess showed me to my unbelievably big seat by the window. What ?? No neighbour next to me ? Why , how wonderfully lovely!
The Stewardess came by after I got comfortable in my seat and offered me a champagne flute and a warm towel to freshen up. She asked how I was and if I would like some reading material. I’m all good I said and meant it from the bottom of my grateful heart. I looked around marvelling like a kid in a candy store at the size of the seat and how I could stretch my legs comfortably out. That’s when I saw the slippers provided – they were like the ones in the hotel rooms. I got out of my shoes and into the comfy slippers and looked around for more goodies. There was an amenity bag from Givenchy with toothbrush / toothpaste and socks. Nothing particularly special. I was told that you could get ear plugs and eye shades for sleeping upon request. I heard that SQ does not give out amenity kits any more on the flights but I cannot personally confirm that.
Entertainment
SQ’s entertainment system known as Kris World always offers up latest movies which surprises me , as I often find movies I wanted to watch but had no time . This time it is no different – only that I had enough room to spread out my arms without jabbing into the person in the next seat. The offerings were no different than economy class – it had games , documentaries, music, tv series as well as international movies from different countries. I caught up on a Bollywood film during the flight.
Culinary Delights
I generally enjoy the food on board SQ flights also on Economy Class but I was not prepared for meal time as the Stewardess once more appeared with a Menu for a selection of food. This was accompanied by a wine list. I am no wine expert and focused instead on the gourmet tea and coffee offerings which excited me much more.
SQ has a special “Book the Cook” feature which enables the flyer to pre-book certain specialty meals. As I was a surprised Business Class passenger I did not have the chance of pre-booking. It didn’t matter since there was a really large selection of delicious sounding dishes available for me to order. The Stewardess came around before the meal arrived. Instead of the tray table I was used to, she transformed it into a table complete with white table cloth and proper cutleries. The food tasted already good before it even arrived. As you can see, I miss Dim Sum and Dumpling and was so happy I could get a headstart on my Asian cuisine journey
Turn Down Service
As it got dark outside, the Stewardess approached and asked if I wanted Turn Down Service. She transformed my comfy chair to a comfy bed. I got a lie flat bed ready for turning in. It was the first time I got to lay down normally to sleep on the plane and what a difference it was. I could really get used to this luxury and comfort when flying long distance.
This was my experience flying Business Class for the first time – and this was years ago. Since then I flew two more times on Singapore Airlines on Business and another time on Premium Economy. Once you have experienced Business Class on a long haul flight, it is really hard to settle back in Economy – where the seats are small and getting comfortable is not easy.
In general on Singapore Airlines Business Class , it ticks the right boxes: Comfy seats turned beds, generous space, good seating plans, above average entertainment choices. That can be said also for many airlines – what puts Singapore Airlines ahead is the impeccable service they are known for and yes! the glorious food choices.
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-The End-
Getting an upgrade on Singapore Air flights is almost unheard of. Lucky you are, indeed!
Try your luck this October!