It has been named the world’s best airline at the ‘Oscars of Aviation’ – and scooped the gong for ‘World’s Best First Class’.
The secrets of success? I’ll be right there, thanks The points man (TPG).
As part of a brand new video series called Flight modeThe site’s Senior Director of Content, Nicky Kelvin, takes viewers as he takes a ride in the ‘Suites’ class on one of the airline’s A380s and talks to top Singapore Airlines staff about the airline’s approach to hospitality.
He even gets a lesson on how to serve customers their meals in first class – and discovers how picky the airline is about the details. Read on to find out more about Nicky’s behind-the-scenes adventure in a ‘five-star hotel in the sky’…
The lounges
Nicky Kelvin (above) from The Points Guy is the star of a new video series: Airplane Mode. The secrets of Singapore Airlines’ success are the subject of the first episode
Nicky takes a ride in the ‘Suites’ class on a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380
Nicky’s journey begins at Changi Airport, a travel destination in itself where guests can admire the striking Jewel Waterfall, wander through the butterfly garden and relax by the rooftop pool.
But the most exclusive area, Nicky reveals, is the luxurious Silver Kris first class lounge in Terminal 3 – in which Singapore Airlines has invested $37 million (£30 million) of renovation next to the Krisflyer Gold lounge.
Browsing the buffet, Nicky said it had ‘a wide selection of what looks like very healthy, but delicious food’, as well as a ‘huge selection of drinks’, complete with a self-serve wine bar – where Nicky quickly poured a glass. from Sauvignon Blanc.
In addition to being able to provide themselves with food and drinks, guests can also order from an extensive menu. Nicky tested his ho fun dish (Chinese noodles) and said: ‘I love ho fun. It’s something I order when I’m home in the UK, but I’ve never seen it like this with that beautiful beef on it.
“Gummy, chewy, everything I like about this, but beef, that’s not really how you see beef. Absolutely fantastic.’
Singapore Airlines was named the world’s best airline at the ‘Oscars of Aviation’ – and took home the gong for ‘World’s Best First Class’. Before flying, Nicky ordered ho fun at Singapore Airlines’ Silver Kris lounge, located in Terminal 3 at Changi Airport
Nicky uses the self-service bar in Singapore Airlines’ Silver Kris lounge
Nicky explored Singapore Airlines’ ‘ultra-exclusive’ lounge, The Private Room
Nicky tested the sleeping quarters in the elite private lounge ‘on the road’
Further afield, Nicky explored Singapore Airlines’ most selective lounge, The Private Room, which only accepts passengers with a first-class ticket.
Nicky guided viewers through the airline’s ‘ultra-exclusive’ lounge, located in Terminal 3, and spoke to Singapore Airlines VP Airport Operations, Tim Chua.
Chua explained to Nicky the thought process behind the design.
He said: ‘It creates a break from the outside hustle and bustle and then adds to the whole feeling of privacy and tranquility.’
Nicky experienced it himself and relaxed in one of the closed seating areas in the lounge.
He said: “The movement and normalcy at the airport are behind you, but you are protected. You can sink into this chair and that madness just exists somewhere else.”
Nicky revealed that guests can enjoy ‘sparkling clean’ en-suite showers with ‘beautiful products’ and private toilets with their own bed to relax in before their flight, which Nicky sank into.
The only problem? “You might never want to leave,” Nicky noted.
The suite
Nicky enjoyed a luxurious meal served by Singapore Airlines’ lead flight attendant, Connie. Then I got some tutoring on how to serve customers
Connie shows that things need to be placed in a certain order
Above you can see the opulent swivel chair found on the Suites chairs
A first class Suites ticket onboard Singapore Airlines can cost tens of thousands of pounds and dollars.
But then there is ‘a very comfortable bed’, neatly tucked away until the passengers want to rest.
Passengers can also enjoy a separate reclining seat that swivels ‘at the touch of a button’, noise-canceling headphones and amenity kits.
In addition, Nicky described the storage space as ‘incredible’.
He said: ‘The suite comes with incredible storage space. They even designed this area specifically for (Hermes) Birkin bags because they know their customers here on board Singapore Airlines.”
Nicky enjoyed a luxurious meal served by Singapore Airlines’ lead flight attendant, Connie. It included chilled Malossol caviar, French champagne, poached lobster, Chinese oxtail soup and lemon meringue pie.
Tickets for Singapore Airlines Suites can cost tens of thousands of pounds
Nicky’s dining experience included chilled caviar (above)
Nicky was able to order a chicken biryani with basmati rice
Summarizing his experience, Nicky said: ‘Suite dining in Singapore is not just an ordinary meal’
Connie served the meal with military precision. She first laid out a tablecloth and then, counterclockwise, a bread plate, butter, salt and pepper, a glass, cutlery and a presentation plate.
Connie explained the philosophy behind this exact service: “Singapore Airlines Suites and First Class are all about exclusivity, privacy, comfort and personal attention.”
Nicky even got to try serving, which he soon discovered wasn’t that easy as he first placed the tablecloth the wrong way and Connie corrected the placement of the salt and pepper.
Summarizing his experience, Nicky said, “Suite dining in Singapore is not just an ordinary meal. You don’t just get a nice wine, but a wine that suits your meal.’
Provisions
Nicky was able to change into free pajamas in an upstairs toilet
Nicky had access to several luxury amenities, including a makeup mirror and Lalique facial mist
Nicky put the first-class facilities to the test and donned the provided Lalique pajamas in the Airbus’ upper deck toilets. And sprayed herself with facial mist.
The travel guru described the room as “probably one of the fanciest bathrooms in the sky.”
When Nicky returned from the toilet, he said: ‘(I have) come back into what was before my dining room and which is now a bed for me to rest in.’
Are there any downsides to the experience? Nicky revealed there weren’t any.
He told MailOnline Travel: ‘It was an experience of a lifetime, and I was able to learn about every element, from the rigorous training the staff undergo to the preparation that goes into every flight before the passengers come on board. This was an experience that went beyond first class. It’s luxury at its best.’
For more information from The Points Guy, visit thepointsguy.com/uk-travel. To see the original video from Singapore Airlines Click here.