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sri_bom · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 2365 Location: Singapore

Trip route:
Singapore – Frankfurt - Munich – Frankfurt - Singapore
Airline – Singapore Airlines/Lufthansa Airlines
Departure: November 14th SQ 26 Dep: 23:55 Aircraft type – SQ-B747/LH A340-600
Return: November 19th SQ 325 Dep: 22:00 Aircraft type – LH-A320/SQ – B777-300
Flight duration – 13 Hours 40 Minutes

Background Info:
With the economy showing signs of improvement I had a sudden last minute business trip for 2009, which was originally scheduled to be held at Bangalore but was moved to Munich. I was looking forward to coming to Bangalore as I wanted to avoid the cold Munich and the long haul flight, holed up in economy class for 13 hours. But it was not to be….

My initial plan was to fly the direct flight on Lufthansa A340-600, the only airline that flies direct to Munich and so had booked on that. Later on I realized that the executive from my client company was flying on SQ. A few of my colleagues also advised me to fly SQ on long haul for their superior service rather than fly Lufthansa. So my plans were changed and I decided to fly Singapore Airlines instead of Lufthansa, although the only regret was that I could not experience the A340-600 long haul but somehow that wish also got fulfilled albeit for a short period.

The day I had to fly was a very hectic one. Based on one my good friend’s advice, I had signed up for a one day meditation course. When I had signed up for the course, there was no sign of any travel plans in November and when this trip came along, it coincided with the course. Normally, I would have skipped the mediation course as I like to be well rested before a long flight but since the ticket for the meditation course was expensive, I decided to continue with it.

So for the next 12 hours I was eating energized food (meaning fruits and nuts), doing chaotic breathing, putting a band over my eyes, meditating and energizing my inner chakras. By the end of it all, I was really tired as I had almost sat in the same meditative posture and I had another 13 hours to go on the flight sitting in an almost similar position. I rushed home quickly, freshened up, grabbed by bags and hit for the airport just one and half hour before departure. I quickly checked in and headed for the boarding gate.

Once on the aircraft, I settled in my window seat. The flight was full and there were no empty seats at all. Anyways I just hoped that in my new energized avatar, I might be able to take the next 13 hours head on.

A SQ in star alliance colour:

Soon we commenced our push back, the safety video was played and we took off 15 minutes behind schedule. Once the seat belt signs were turned off there was a bit of a commotion as one elderly German three rows behind me was not feeling well and an announcement was made for a doctor on board. Luckily we had three doctors on that flight and they attended to him and gave his some medicine. Since the flight was full, the crew apologized to the man that they can’t move him to any empty seat. Later on I saw that the senior most crew member also paid a visit again to the German enquiring about his health. Fortunately, he was in good spirits and we continued our journey as per the set course without any diversion.

Drinks and meals were served. Since I had been spiritually tamed that day, I decided to skip the alcohol and stick to apple juice which resembles white wine anyways. The gouda cheese with crackers and rice and spinach was quite tasty.

Post dinner, I tried to catch a few winks but did not have a deep sleep as it’s quite difficult to fall asleep on a flight for me. I tried catching up on the movie but the screen was small and fuzzy and with the guy ahead reclining his seat, it was rather difficult for me. SQ needs to urgently improve their long haul offering on this sector with updated new seating and products. I understand that they plan to introduce the A380 on the SIN-FRA sector once they get further deliveries of their new aircrafts.

Midnight snacks were distributed on the hour and breakfast was served in the morning. I was a bit disappointed with the breakfast especially the green looking goblets - never understood what it was and it was very dry too.

Soon we landed at Frankfurt Main international airport and had a two hour layover before my connecting flight onto Munich.

I loitered around near my gate in half a daze and waited for boarding to be called. Once the boarding was called for my connecting flight to Munich we were to be bussed into the waiting aircraft. The best part about Frankfurt is that before you are bought to your departing aircraft you go through a visual tour of the airport. What better way of taking some photos up and close? Of course some of the folks on the bus must have thought I was a crazy Mr. Bean happily clicking photos. Check out some of the tarmac action, including the three Air India planes that arrived simultaneously.

Frankfurt airport photos:

On my itinerary which I had received from my travel company prior to departure, I did see that that the Frankfurt-Munich leg was being operated by an A340-600 Lufthansa aircraft. When I read that I thought it must be some mistake as normally they fly an A320 on such short routes. But once we were brought to our aircraft my doubt was confirmed and we were indeed to fly the A340-300 to Munich.

As I was very close to the aircraft I tried to take as many photos as I could…

The back of the entire plane was empty and we had plenty of seats to choose from. I found the seat pitch quite comfortable and almost equivalent or better than SQ.

We were waiting for this big bird to land before we started our take off roll.

Our pilot was in a great hurry to be airborne and the moment the aircraft ahead of us cleared and even before we completely aligned to the runway he started the roll and we rotated fairly quickly as the plane was very empty. As we took a turn towards Munich, I could see the runway that we used for our take off.

As this was a very short flight only beverages were being served and I opted for Sprite.

The crew was very friendly and they had no qualms about me clicking snaps till they had to close the door. They also told me that this aircraft was heading off to Asia post our halt in Munich. We flew at a pretty low height and within 30 minutes commenced our decent and landed in Munich airport. Post landing in Munich there was no immigration to clear as I had already cleared that in Frankfurt, so I picked up my luggage and headed for train station to reach the city centre.

Return leg:

Munich Airport is very clinical with straight line designs all across the airport. Most of the Germans without the luggage were using the self check in kiosk at the check in area but as I had luggage to check in, I went to counter.

Once my bags were weighed and tagged I started exploring the airport. Level One of the airport has a permanent exhibition centre where art pieces are displayed and sold.

At this level, there are quite a few interesting restaurants including an authentic Thai food restaurant where I had my lunch and the food was quite good.

Prior to the immigration there a few stores selling magazine, tobacco etc. Once you clear immigration, there is a plethora of duty free stores to choose from for your last minute shopping.

Soon boarding was called and this time we boarded the aircraft through the aerobridge itself. Since it was quite dark I did not bother to take many snaps but the aircraft that I was boarding was only about six months old, as I could see the manufacturing date near the door hinges just before entering the aircraft. There were continuous pop songs being played on the PA system as we entered and settled in the aircraft which was better than the usual instrumental music that is typically played on other international carriers.

The rest of the sequence was the same - we took off and landed in time in Frankfurt and I reached my gate to get my connecting flight for Singapore. As this was a B777-300 with new seats and wide screens, it was quite comfortable flying back. Drinks and food were served and I finally managed to sleep on and off throughout the journey.

In between my toilet break, I chatted with the crew who were friendly and asked me to help myself to whatever I wanted from the make shift midnight snack bar that they had set up. I told them about my journey from SIN to FRA and how the aircraft needed an upgrade. They informed me that they are aware and the A380 will most likely be deployed onto that route. They also told me that there would be a public announcement of further new routes to Europe. After a fortnight Singapore Airlines announced direct flights to Munich and introduced the A380 to Zurich.

Overall an interesting and good flight. I prefer connecting out from Frankfurt which is still a much better airport then some of the other hubs in Europe. The only discomfort I would say is that it’s a very long flight and flying economy on long haul does make you tired and restless after a certain time.

As always, feedback appreciated.

Sri_Bom

Nimish · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2010 9:18 pm Post subject:

SQ's 744 product is now "dated" compared to LH's 346. The only redeeming factor is the "software" on SQ - miles ahead of LH's "software" - aka the crew and the service standards.
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We miss you Nalini!

rohank4284 · Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 7:27 am Post subject:

Excellent flight review and good pictures. Very Happy

I agree, SQ's Boeing 747-400 product can be a little dated, but I'm glad to hear that your flight on the Boeing 777-300ER was much better. The first meal looked pretty good and the breakfast looked pretty big, but I wonder if the green looking things were supposed to vadas?

I last flew Lufthansa in 2006 from Denver-FRA-Delhi and the Airbus A340-600's didn't have PTVs, which made for a very long flight. Glad to see that LH has finally added those.
Regards,

Rohan

Spiderguy252 · Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 9:12 am Post subject:

Interesting report!

Thanks for posting and looking forward for more. Wink

Varun
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Yeah.

iflytb20

Nice Report.

stealthpilot · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 2325 Location: BLR, DXB

heehee wishing you did the 346 longhaul i bet Smile

nice TR...
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eP007

me111993 · Member Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 3225 Location: MAA/AMD

Excellent TR!! Thanks for Sharing!! Very Happy

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Causal Determinism : We are hardwired to need answers. The Caveman who heard a rustle in the bushes and checked out to see what it was, lived longer than the guy, who assumed it was just a breeze.

- Greg House

justbala · Member Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 1898 Location: Bangalore

Gr8 TR.. wud hv luved to see some pics of "Singapoh" gals too!!

MUC is probably my favourite European airport.. so much more well organized , airy and spacious than the hell hole at FRA.

Did you have to clear immigration @ MUC? Your report kinda suggested tht way.[/i]

sri_bom · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 2365 Location: Singapore

Thank you all for your feedback and comments.

"Gr8 TR.. wud hv luved to see some pics of "Singapoh" gals too!! "Sri_Bom: I shall do that next time but will have to do do it discreetly Cool

"PS: Now we know your secret Hairstyle
Sri_Bom: Nothing fancy but just a regular $10 hair cut. Very Happy

I agree, SQ's Boeing 747-400 product can be a little dated, but I'm glad to hear that your flight on the Boeing 777-300ER was much better. The first meal looked pretty good and the breakfast looked pretty big, but I wonder if the green looking things were supposed to vadas?
Sri_Bom: I agree SQ 747-400's are very dated specially when they fly it long haul. But 747-400 is my favorite aircraft for some strange reason I feel very safe in it. The green goblets I guess were a cross between vadai and a patty, but the color itself put me off

rutvij · Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 10:08 am Post subject:

Lovely TR, Sri.

Good to see a sudden spurt in A340 TRs.

avbuff · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 5031

Nice TR sri,

The aircrafts comfort maybe comparable on a B744 and A346, but not the service .. SQ v/s LH!!!