Constantly voted as one of the best airlines the world by SKYTRAX, all cardmecanada.com visitors should be excited to fly with Singapore Airlines (SQ).
Singapore Airlines, a 5-star airline is known for its immaculate in-flight service, comfort and quality of cabins as well as excellent service on the ground.
This flight (SQ875) can be redeemed on Aeroplan as Singapore Airlines is part of the Star Alliance network. The distance from HKG to SIN is 1,600 miles which fall into Aeroplan’s 1,501-2,750 miles distance category. The redemption cost is 25,000 Aeroplan points.
Arrival at Hong Kong International Airport
HKG-SIN is a frequent route for Singapore Airline. Prior to COVID-19, SQ had 7 daily flights. Singapore Airlines flights at Hong Kong International Airport departs from Terminal 1.
Despite a quiet Monday morning, as of April 1, 2023, Hong Kong has removed all vaccine, testing and quarantine requirements for all incoming travelers.
Landside
Shops and dining establishments were open and were not busy.
Check-In
As of 3 hours before the scheduled flight time, line-ups for the check-in counters were starting to queue at the economy class cabin.
At 3 hours before the scheduled flight, the Premium Economy Class cabin had no passengers in line.
At 3 hours before the scheduled flight, the Business Class cabin also had no passengers in line.
Check-in was smooth and I assigned a window seat. A seat at the back of the cabin was requested and was fulfilled. For Premium Economy Class and Business Class passengers, checked baggage are tagged with a priority tag for immediate unload at the arrival airport.
Efficient security and immigration lines were delivered by automated and biometric systems. The automated immigration system scanned and verified my documents and biometrics within 10 seconds.
Lounge
Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport has not re-opened since the COVID-19 closures. Passengers are given the choice to enter the Plaza Premium First Lounge.
Alternately, passengers are offered a HK$180 (CA$30) voucher for one of many of the airport restaurants.
The Plaza Premium First Lounge was located by gate 1. A short walk after the immigration counters.
Upon entry, you will see various seating areas. Seating areas farther from the kitchen offers a quieter space.
The AeroBar offered coffee, tea, soft drinks and although it was 10:30AM, alcoholic beverages were available.
The lounge was quite busy due to the re-direction of passengers from other airlines.
Many western and Hong Kong style breakfast food options were available at the buffet.
Made-to-order items such as noodles in soup were available in the open kitchen.
As it was early in the day, a double espresso was adequate.
Airside
The terminal and shops in the terminal were not busy. A good time to browse and shop without crowds.
Boarding
The flight was at gate 5, a short walk from the lounge.
SQ875 was on time as scheduled.
Priority boarding had no queue for this flight.
Wide and speedy passenger boarding bridges quickly gets you to the aircraft.
The Airbus A350 was connected by two passenger boarding bridges to speed up embarkment.
Seats
The seats are in a 1-2-1 configuration. All seats get direct aisle access. When you enter the cabin, you will notice that the seats are wide and the colour scheme chosen by Singapore Airlines is classic.
A seat requested at the back of the cabin so there is no one to bother behind the seat.
Plenty of storage space in the pod.
An extended padded section allows you to stretch your legs without reclining you seat.
Universal power outlets and two USB outlets at the side of you seat. Headphones connectivity outlets are on both sides of the seat for your preference.
The other side of the seat where seat control, lighting and attendant call buttons are located along with the second headphones connectivity outlet.
The backrest of the seat needs to be folded for the seat to be made fully flat. Something to note if lay-flat is important.
A welcome drink of choice between orange juice, water and Champagne was offered upon seating.
In-Flight Entertainment
The KrisWorld entertainment system is an award winning in-flight entertainment system. There are enough movies, TV shows, games, live TV and music to keep you entertained for even the longest of flights. Active noise cancelling headphones are also included for your flight.
In-Flight Wi-Fi Service
The aircraft is equipped with Wi-Fi and business class passengers get unlimited Wi-Fi access during the entire flight.
Decent speed for in-flight Wi-Fi service.
In-Flight Amenities
No amenity kit was provided as the flight was less than 6 hours. In-flight amenities such as slippers, eyeshades, stocks etc. were available upon request.
Meal Service
Only one meal is served on flight SQ875. Passengers get to select their main course between a choice of beef, seafood, chicken and salmon.
Meals were served 45 minutes after takeoff. Prior to the meal service, a choice drinks were offered from the drink menu from beer, wine, spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
Appetizer was pepper seared tuna.
As a choice of main, I selected the salmon.
The meal ends with a cheese and fruit platter.
The flight on this day was during a clear day.
Birthday Cake
If you are flying with Singapore Airlines on your birthday, you may get a birthday cake to celebrate your birthday during the flight.
A hospitable in-flight experience with Singapore Airlines.
Arriving
A smooth landing into Singapore’s Changqi airport followed by taxiing to the gate.
Aircraft shown as part of the Singapore Airlines’ fleet.
The flight was at the gate within 5 minutes of landing. Disembarking of passenger moved quickly.
Changqi is a big airport but easy to navigate.
Visitors from Canada can use the automated immigration lanes in Singapore which offers a quick immigration process.
Priority baggage was on the conveyor belt within 5 minutes after the automated immigration process.
From disembarking, to immigration to baggage pickup was approximately a 15 minute process.
Conclusion
Singapore Airlines is a solid choice for travelers looking for excellent service in an airline. A flight on Singapore Airlines is always one of the best flights you can fly on.
The flight attendants were polite and attentive. The food and drinks were good enough to be served in upscale restaurants. The selection of entertainment with the in-flight entertainment system was plentiful and having free Wi-Fi service was fantastic.
This flight is a flight travelers wish was longer. What makes it even better is that the flight can be redeemed on points. For 25,000 Aeroplan points, this is a great way to experience luxury travel for free.
