Singapore Airlines Flight Review: Singapore to Manila (78X)
This is the last in a series of five flight reviews involving Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines. The trip spans May 26 to June 3, taking the author across three Southeast Asian destinations: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok (then back to Singapore and later Manila).
BACKGROUND
Since a pandemic was declared over COVID-19, the only overseas trip I made was flying back home from the UK to the Philippines in November 2021. So this is effectively my first overseas holiday in over three years. For the most part, the procedures and protocols were as straightforward as before the pandemic. No need for a costly RT-PCR or even a rapid antigen test. Even a proof of vaccination need not be shown. Although one difference is that in lieu of paper landing or departure cards, you have to do it online, preferably before arriving at the airport.
Having saved up enough money, I decided to travel to Singapore and fly there using Singapore Airlines' (SIA) business class product. I paid with a mixture of cash and miles (US$865 and over 7,700 miles). Given SIA's hard product and reputation for expensive business class tickets, I thought there would be no other better time to try it.
Flights going back home are usually sad affairs. It means the trip is drawing to a close. But there were two things to look forward to in this case. First was accessing the Silver Kris lounge at Changi Airport. The second one was the book-the-cook service where one would order a meal in advance. So it was a tricky question of where to spend more time on the last day.
GETTING TO THE AIRPORT
On this occasion, I decided to get to the airport via the MRT which is close enough to my hotel. I managed to reduce the number of check-in bags from two to one so it made the transport of luggage more manageable.
The MRT ride was a relatively straightforward one as it required only one transfer. Unlike other systems like the KLIA Ekspres up in KL, journeys involving Changi Airport station do not have a special separate fare. Thus, the MRT is one of the more affordable ways to travel between the city centre and airport. It costs only S$1.85 (US$1.37, £1.10, €1.28). Meanwhile a Grab taxi ride typically costs between S$20-25 (up to US$18.50, £15, €17.30). Not too bad but if saving money is a priority, it's a no-brainer.
CHECK-IN
We arrived at terminal 2 about 2 hours and 45 minutes before the flight. Only a few business desks were open. Yet terminal 2 did not feel too crowded at any point. There were also no issues and even though I had a mobile boarding card issued, the staff issued a paper boarding card.
![]() |
Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in desk |
After check-in, I had to write a quick postcard and send it to a friend. Luckily there was a self-service post office kiosk open. If you are facing the front of terminal 2, just go all the way to the right. You won't miss it.
Passport control was fairly quick although we were directed to an automated gate. It is unfortunate that Singapore does not issue exit stamps on our passports. It would be useful to have such evidence if we wisht to prove our travel history. There was also a preliminary random security check afterwards. My bag was tagged for a further inspection but they only saw a bottle of insect repellant that was an issue. They didn't confiscate it, which is a relief as it was my friend's product.
LOUNGE ACCESS
I preferred to use terminal 3's Silver Kris lounge. To get there I had to take the Skytrain from terminal 2. Unlike many other airports, passengers can easily travel between different terminals.
I've seen many Youtube videos of the area to get an impression of it being an airy space. But nothing beats experiencing it in person and that was the same impression I got.
![]() |
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 |
The food selection was to my liking. It had different kids of chicken, beef lasagne, fries amongst others. You also had oriental options and a noodle bar. It was the best Silver Kris lounge of the three I have gotten the opportunity to try in terms of food options. Delicious food such that had it not been for. a doctor's reminder and a book-the-cook meal, I would have eaten much more.
The one bone to pick I had about the business class was despite its massive size, it was too crowded. Lucky I found a seat somewhere. The seat was a pod and it had storage below for hand luggage. The desk had a charger where you can just lay your phone on top of. No need to take wires out.
![]() |
Sitting area at Silver Kris Lounge, Changi Airport Terminal 3 |
With under an hour left to departure, I wanted to see SIA's terminal 2 Silver Kris lounge. It was surprisingly far. After taking the Sky train back to terminal 2, it was a bit of a walk and was located closer to the E gates (mostly closed) than the F gates. It was not crowded but one could sense how limited the facilities were and how small it was. It did not have tarmac views featured in terminal 3. I could not find the shower and the food selection was not as extensive as terminal 3's lounge. I spent less than 15 minutes there and headed to my gate as the notorious "boarding" sign was flashing on our flight's screen.
![]() |
SilverKris Lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 2 |
![]() |
SilverKris Lounge food selection at Changi Airport Terminal 2 |
![]() |
SilverKris Lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 2 |
![]() |
SilverKris Lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 2 |
![]() |
SilverKris Lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 2 |
TIP: If you have time to spare, use Silver Kris Lounge Terminal 3. Its has more facilities and a wider food selection. It also seems closer to the F-gates.
![]() |
Seat 11K, Singapore Airlines Boeing 787-10 |
![]() |
Seat 11K foot space, Singapore Airlines Boeing 787-10 |
![]() |
IFE remote of Singpore Airlines Boeing 787-10 |
![]() |
Business class appetisers of Singapore Airlines SQ918 |
![]() |
Business class main course (book-the-cook) of Singapore Airlines SQ918 |
- Check-in (10/10): It was a fairly straightforward check-in process.
- Lounge (9/10): I love the ambience in terminal 3. It felt exclusive. Food selection was superb and I was glad I did not spend anything for lunch in downtown on today's flight. But for such a large lounge, it was really crowded. I just wish the food selection was consistent in both terminals 2 and 3.
- Boarding Process (10/10): It was pretty smooth process. Both doors were in operation.
- Seating area (10/10): Please tell me a carrier that guarantees a flat bed on all regional flights. This easily passes as a long-haul product on many other carriers and given what I've heard about SIA's long-haul business class, I wouldn't be surprised if I like this regional business class better. If there was any criticism of it, it is that the flight was way too short to enjoy it.
- Food (10/10): The book-the-cook option did not disappoint. I was spoiled with the presentation. And as such, I got full quickly.
- Cabin Crew (10/10): The crew took care of us well. They paid attention to detail and helped us take our time.
- Punctuality (10/10): All on time.
- In-flight Entertainment and Connectivity (9/10): I enjoyed the selection. Wifi was working well. I appreciate how our playlists were saved and carried over to our next flight. However, a minor issue was the controls from the SIA app were not working.
To learn more about why it is useful to have your bank account and routing numbers when using tax preparation software, visit this article on Journal Press.
ReplyDeleteEstate Planning Lawyer
ReplyDeleteSingapore Airlines provided an exceptional and enjoyable flight from Singapore to Manila. The cabin crew was friendly and attentive, and the spacious seats and legroom in economy class made the long-haul flight more enjoyable. The in-flight entertainment system offered a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music to keep passengers entertained. The meals served were delicious and catered to various dietary preferences. The cleanliness and hygiene measures throughout the flight provided peace of mind. The flight departed and arrived on time, showcasing the airline's punctuality and reliability. The cabin atmosphere was peaceful, with comfortable seating and adjustable headrests. The flight attendants were accommodating, and the attention to detail added a touch of luxury. In-flight Wi-Fi was a bonus, allowing passengers to stay connected and productive during the journey. The well-maintained lavatories and the airline's commitment to cleanliness and hygiene were appreciated. The pilot's communication during the flight was informative, keeping passengers informed about the route and weather conditions. The overall ambiance and the airline's commitment to safety gave confidence in choosing Singapore Airlines for their journey.