The first time I flew Singapore Airlines Premium Economy SQ833 was in April 2017, though I didn’t write a review back then. A year later, I flew on the same flight back to Singapore from Shanghai also on Premium Economy and I noticed some difference in the product offered by Singapore Airlines.
A year ago when onboard the Singapore Airlines Premium Economy SQ833, 80% of the seats were empty. After a year, the situation was completely different. This round, it was 100% occupancy rate.
Singapore Airlines Premium Economy SQ833
Singapore Airlines
Route: Shanghai Pudong (PVG) – Singapore Changi (SIN)
Flight: SQ833
Planned Departure: 14 April 2018, Saturday, 16:50H
Actual Departure: 14 April 2018, Saturday, 17:24H
Planned Arrival: 14 April 2018, Saturday, 22:20H
Actual Arrival: 14 April 2018, Saturday, 22:19H
Estimated Duration: 5h 20mins
Actual Duration: 4h 55mins
Mileage: 2364
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
Seat: 33G (Premium Economy)
Route
Leaving from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Terminal 2 and arriving at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) Terminal 3. There are 5 daily flights departing from Shanghai to Singapore; at 00:35, 08:05, 14:30, 16:50 and 19:10.
I have always take SQ833 from Shanghai back to Singapore with planned taking off from the airport at 16:50 and arriving at 22:20.
Check-in & Boarding
An appointed counter for Premium Economy is available at check-in at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Another plus point is that passengers on Premium Economy enjoy baggage priority handling.
While boarding at Gate D75, Premium Economy can board the plane after Business class passengers and before the Economy class. These passengers get through the Business class lane, however, entering the cabin through the economy class door.
Lounge
Passengers flying Singapore Airlines Premium Economy SQ833 are not entitled access to the lounge.
Cabin & Seats
There are 3 configurations for the A380 aircraft but whichever it is, the Premium Economy is located at the lower deck. The one I boarded was after the Suites, with a total of 36 seats in 2-4-2 configuration. The wings are around row 34 to 36.
Each seat has a width of up to 19.5 inches, a calf-rest and foot-rest with a snoozing position of up to enjoy the 38-inch seat pitch. Larger pillow were offered for every seat.
Krisworld inflight entertainment was available at the Premium Economy Class too with 13.3-inch HD monitor. Though on Singapore Airlines website, it was stated that these monitor were touch-screen, but I found it to be otherwise. In addition, the unit at my seat, 33G, was not working since from the start. After ascending, I alerted a service crew, after several rebooting, it still didn’t work. Finally, they did a seat reset, and it affect a good number of seats and then a reboot for all affected seats. It took 30minutes to resolve.
The control for the Krisworld inflight entertainment wasn’t one with a sophisticated looking set. This was similar to the Economy standard. The reclined seats buttons and calf-rest button are located above the control.
I was glad that Noise Cancelling Headphones were offered, instead of the earphones.
2 USB ports were within reach.
And an adjustable personal reading lamp with a hook to hang your jacket was available too.
More holders around the seat for holding the mobile phones were available too.
Passengers can leave their cup and glasses on the cup holder which is conveniently found on the arm rest.
I got 33G as I prefer an aisle seat. For window seats, unless, on the aisle it was empty. For those who want to enjoy the sunset, you will need to take the K seats (preferably row 31 to 33).
Washroom & Amenities
There is no delicate washrooms for passengers flying Singapore Airlines Premium Economy SQ833, hence this means they share the washroom with the Economy passengers.
Food & Beverages
Book A Cook Service is not available for the Shanghai to Singapore route. Therefore passengers of Singapore Airlines Premium Economy SQ833 has to turn to inflight menu. The consolation maybe, there are 3 options; 2 International choices and 1 Oriental option for dinner service.
First I noticed that there the linen on the tray which exist on my last year flight was missing.
I opted the Oriental selection, Wok Fried Chicken in Preserved Black Bean Sauce. The sauce was a little too gluey though it was flavourful. The spinach wasn’t over-cooked and rice though not of high quality was at the perfect texture.
Wine Marinated Shrimp was the appetiser. On the dish were fresh ingredients. 2 types of bun were available; soft and hard. I had the soft bun which tasted a little stale.
For dessert, once again, it was Vanilla Haagen Dazs Ice Cream.
After the meal, previously, the crew will hand bottle water to each Premium Economy passengers, however this round, this was absent. And I also remembered that once we boarded the plane, Premium Economy passengers were served with Champagne, this trip, this was removed too.
Menu
A look at the menu offered on board Singapore Airlines Premium Economy SQ833 from Shanghai to Singapore and also menu for Singapore to Shanghai.
NAHMJ Verdict
Comparatively, Singapore Airlines Premium Economy SQ833 was not up-to expectation. I am disappointed with the Krisworld inflight entertainment system and the missing linen and champagne cum bottle water.
Singapore Airlines
A Singapore Air Carrier
Website: http://www.singaporeair.com