Boarding Pass, SQ863 A380 Suites Class
SQ863 A380 Suites Class Experience Hong Kong to Singapore
Flight number: SQ863 A380 Hong Kong to Singapore
Flight hour: 3 hours 55 minutes
Seat: 3A
Date: 14 August 2017
Cost: USD100, without incurring any miles
After trying SQ Business Class a few times on both A350 and A330 aircraft, I was really looking forward to my first experience flying with SQ A380 Suites Class (First Class). And little did I know that flying Suites Class can be very addictive. Here’s serving to you fresh, my first experience flying SQ863 A380 Suites Class.
Redemption
This flight was the result from Singapore Airlines unique stopover rule, which some miles chasers would know the hack. To write about this rule will take up a whole new post, thus I will not discuss it here. For the Hong Kong to Singapore sector, I paid USD100 without incurring any miles from the Singapore to Sydney sector redemption. With the recent devaluation, I guess this stopover rule will save you miles for future trips.
Check in
Checking in was a breeze; it took less than a minute to get my boarding pass and my luggage checked in. After checking in, I proceed to the SilverKris Lounge.
SQ863 A380 Suites Class Boarding Pass
SilverKris Lounge
Hong Kong Airport does not have a special lounge for First Class passengers. On the other hand, Singapore Changi Airport has a designated lounge (The Private Room) for First Class passengers. However, having visited the SilverKris Lounge previously, I personally felt that it was better than the one in Singapore Changi Airport T3. I remembered I could order Wantan Noodle. There was also Häagen-Dazs ice cream, which I did not see in Changi airport Gold lounge (for Gold member travelling on economy class) or SilverKris lounge (for business class passengers).
SilverKris Lounge’s left side for Suites Class (First Class) passengers, Hong Kong Airport
To my surprise, Hong Kong Airport SilverKris Lounge is actually divided into two section. The left is reserved for First Class passengers while right section is reserved for Business Class passengers, and Elite Gold members (the one I visited a few years back).
SilverKris Lounge, Hong Kong
The staff welcomed me at the entrance. The lounge was almost empty except for a couple. I intentionally chose a corner table so that I could have a good overview of the lounge.
Suites and First Class Section, SilverKris Lounge, Hong Kong
I was also given the A La Carte menu as below. While I was taking a photo of the menu, the staff informed me that the menu actually changes weekly. After browsing through the menu, I decided to try the Pan-fried Salmon Fillet.
SilverKris Lounge A La Carte Menu
Buffet, SilverKris Lounge
While waiting for my order, I took a chance to look at the buffet section. Although the selection was not a lot, it was decent.
Buffet, Suites Class, SilverKris Lounge, Hong Kong
Main Course, SilverKris Lounge
My Pan-fried Salmon Fillet came ten minutes later. The portion was just right; giving me a chance to try other food, or snacks, or desserts. However, it was a little spicy to me. If you cannot take spicy food, perhaps you may want to order something else, if they are still serving this on the menu when you visit the first class section of the SilverKris Lounge in Hong Kong.
Pan-fried Salmon Fillet, Suites Class (First Class), SilverKris Lounge, Hong Kong
Drinks Menu, SilverKris Lounge
Drinks Menu, Suites Class (First Class), SilverKris Lounge, Hong Kong
While at the buffet bar, there was a menu for drinks and I tried these two cocktails but I forgotten their names:
Drinks 1, Suites Class (First Class), SilverKris Lounge, Hong Kong
Private working desk and relaxing areas, SilverKris Lounge
The lounge also has a private working desk section which looks like a smaller version of the cabin seat on the A380 flight. This is good for those who need to do some work. The design of the seat offers a lot of privacy and comfort. It also comes with reading lights and sockets.
Mock Cabin Seat of A380 flight, Suites Class (First Class), SilverKris Lounge, Hong Kong
Besides the private working desk section, you can also relax in the areas shown below; just a few steps from the dining area.
More seats in SilverKris Lounge, Hong Kong
And if you want something to read, there is a wide selection of magazines and newspapers.
Signature Dish: Laksa (Singaporean-style Noodle Soup), SilverKris Lounge
Around 1.5 hours before boarding time, the lounge started to fill up with more passengers and I noticed quite a number of them ordering Laksa (popular local delight in Singapore). I requested the staff to prepare a smaller bowl for me. I was really sacrificing myself so that I could take a shot of it to show you. And how did it taste? Not too bad; it has the taste of home.
Laksa (Singaporean-style Noodle Soup), SilverKris Lounge, Hong Kong
There was also a selection of seasonal fruits which would be cut for you.
Seasonal fruits, Suites Class (First Class), SilverKris Lounge, Hong Kong
Furthermore, you can find washrooms and shower facilities within the lounge now. I remembered a few years back, we had to walk out of the lounge to get to the nearest washroom in the airport. Oh, Don’t worry about missing your flight while enjoying your food, there are TV screens for departure information in the lounge.
Boarding
After spending ample time relaxing in the lounge, I proceeded to the boarding gate. There was a slight delay in the boarding time.
Boarding, Hong Kong Airport
In the flight
Plenty of space to stretch in SQ A380 Suites Class Cabin, Photo credit: Singaporeair.com
The above photo is from Singapore Airlines as I wasn’t able to take a photo of the full view of the seat to show you how spacious it is. SQ863 A380 Suites Class is on 1-2-1 configuration where the middle two seats could be turned into a double bed. This will be good for couples travelling together. But, no hanky panky please. If you are travelling alone and sitting in the middle section, you can still have complete privacy by pulling down the shade.
A380 Suites Class Seat Map
A380 Suites Class Seat Map
As you can see from the seat map above, there are altogether 12 seats in the SQ863 A380 Suites Class. Did you ask which is the best seat? While researching online, I found some suggest seat 3A as it has 3 windows. Offline, a friend told me once, “When it comes to Business Class or First Class all are best seats.” In the end, I chose seat 3A during the redemption and I must say that it is super duper wide with 3 windows. Let’s take a closer look at Seat 3A.
Some photos of Seat 3A, SQ863 A380 Suites Class
Seat 3A, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong - Singapore
As it was just a 3+ hours flight, I didn’t change the seat into a bed; didn’t want to trouble the crew and didn’t think there was any need to lie down to rest too for this short flight. The below picture is from Singapore Airlines.
Bed, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore, Photo credit: Singapore Airlines
What to expect from the Cabin Seat, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore?
3 windows, Cabin Seat 3A, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
Space for carry-on bags or luggage, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
There is no overhead compartment in the middle section and on the side as there is space in front of the seat to keep your carry-on luggage.
Ample space for your carry-on bags or luggage, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
Lavatory, A380 Suites Class
Lavatory, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
It is HUGE with lots of lights around the mirror …. felt like a makeup mirror. So far it is the largest lavatory I have ever used on plane. There were some essential items for passenger to use.
Some essential items, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
Amenity Kit
No amenity kit was distributed during this flight. We were only given a pair of socks and slipper. A little disappointed as I thought that amenity kit would be distributed to all Suites Class passengers. I only found out after the flight that SQ will only distribute amenity kit in First Class for flight exceeding 7 hours for day flight. Bad bad bad. I hope SQ can be more generous in this area.
Something worth a mention. Recently, SQ added amenity kit for Business Class passengers departing from Singapore. A move that brought joys to Business Class passengers. At time of this writing, amenity kit is not distributed to other Business Class passengers. I do hope SQ can consider distributing amenity kit to all Business Class passengers regardless of their departing airport in the future. And that SQ will also consider distributing amenity kit to all First Class passengers regardless of the duration of the flight.
What SQ may consider, is varying the contents in the kit instead.
Fine dining at 30,000 feet
The distinctive difference from Business Class is that the menu is filed in a leather folder as what you can see below.
Menu, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
Cover of Menu, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong - Singapore
Book the Cook
I used the ‘Book the Cook‘ option where you can reserve your main course up to 24 hours before you fly, including creations by notable chefs from Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel. Let’s look at what I had on board in order of serving.
First is the mixed nuts served in a bowl
Mixed Nuts, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
The table was set up with the white tablecloth, plate and cutlery.
Table Setup, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
Next, a basket of bread was for selection and I picked the Signature Garlic Bread. Crew asked me to choose another and I asked for recommendation. She suggested the cheese stick. The garlic bread was not as nice as the one I had during the SQ323 A350 Business Class Amsterdam to Singapore. It was so hard to bite. The cheese stick just tasted alright.
Signature Garlic Bread, and Cheese Stick, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
Appetiser
Next was appetiser. There was a choice between Jamon Iberico (Spanish air dried ham and manchego cheese) or Warm Blue Mussel (With tomato garlic broth). I opted for the latter.
Warm Blue Mussel (With tomato garlic broth), SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
Soup
After appetiser came the soup. Similarly, there was a choice between Creamy Watercress Soup, or Cod Fish and Chinese Celery Soup (from the special menu of Shi Quan Shi mei, Jade Garden restaurant). I opted for the Shi Quan Shi mei soup. It was simply awesome! It felt like eating “shark fin” soup in the sky.
Cod Fish and Chinese Celery Soup, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
Salad
Next to be served was salad with choice of Honey-sherry vinaigrette or Creamy French dressing. Salad was just ordinary.
Salad of Baby Spinach, Arugula, Frisee, Roma Tomato and Kalamata Olive, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
Main Course
And finally the main course. I was glad that I used the ‘Book the Cook’ service. Nothing on the menu could be compared to the Lobster Thermidor. The other selection were the healthier choice Pan Fried Halibut Fillet in Citrus Salsa (With roasted vegetables and warm farro fava bean salad), or Braised Chicken (With bailing mushroom, bean curd with vegetables and fried ee fu noodle), or Roasted Lamb Loin (Served with red onions, asparagus, red bell peppers, leek-potato gratin and thyme sauce).
Lobster Thermidor, Book the Cook, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
Dessert
After the main course, I was already 90% full. But as the saying goes, there is always space for desserts. I couldn’t wait to try out the desserts especially after the very good desserts served on board during my Business Class trip from Amsterdam to Singapore. Sad to say, the desserts this time round was only passable; nothing to rave about. The portion was small but just nice since I was already quite full. However, the desserts was just like the usual brownie with scoops of ice cream, which could be had at anywhere.
Yuzu Cream on Chocolate Brownie (With mango raspberry ice cream), SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
Cheese
I thought desserts marked the end of my meal. I have totally forgotten about the Selection of Cheese. Crew came to me and asked if I wanted the selection. Even though I was full I said yes as I really wanted to try the different cheeses. I nearly fainted when she placed the Selection of Cheese in front of me; it was a whole slice of cheese for each type of the cheese listed on the menu. I only merely tasted each type of cheese but couldn’t finish it all.
Selection of Cheese: French Brie, Arenberger, Manchego and Bleu d’Auvergne cheeses served with garnishes, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
After the Selection of Cheese, chocolate was served and I was also asked what fruits I wanted.
Hot Beverages
Last but not least, the selection of hot drinks. Crew recommended the Seasonal White Tea, which is handpicked from Zhenghe region, naturally withered and sun-dried to retain its true flavour. I must say that it was perfect; it was light and especially refreshing after the heavy meal.
Seasonal White Tea, SQ863 A380 Suites Class, Hong Kong – Singapore
Krisshop
Starting this year, pre-order can be made for inflight collection on certain SQ flights departing from outside Singapore (Hong Kong, Japan, China). There are good promotion from time to time. Coincidentally, a few days before my flight, there was a 20% promotion for every order exceeding $250. Coupled with payment using Masterpass promo of $20 for every $200, the final discount can come to around 27%, depending on the total amount.
I made two orders, one for collection in my HK to SIN flight and another from SIN to HK flight. I suggest using DBS Woman Mastercard to pay for this pre-order so that you can earn 4 miles per dollar. Yes, you didn’t misread. Even man can apply and own the DBS Woman Mastercard. You can pre-order here: www.krisshopair.com.
SQ bears
The last request I made was for the SQ bears but was informed that it is usually not available for HK to SIN flight. She told me that she has checked all Classes bin but could not find any.
Time passed so fast during this enjoyable 3.5 hours flight. Once I reached the luggage belt, my bag was already there waiting for me..
Luggage ready for collection at Luggage Belt
In conclusion, SQ Business Class is already good but I have to admit that SQ First Class is way better. Like I mentioned earlier on, flying SQ Suites Class can be very addictive. A passenger is treated like a king or queen the moment he or she steps into the lounge. As my flight was a short haul, I could feel that the crew was rushing through during the serving of the meal. Otherwise, it was a near perfect experience for me.
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Had travelled to Penang, Krabi, Bintan, Batam, Bali, Bangkok, Phuket, Yogyakarta, Hongkong, Macau, Zhuhai, Taipei, Kaoshiung, Nanjing, Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, Munich, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussel, Hamburg, Berlin, Milan, Venice, Copenhagen, Florence, Rome, Barcelona, Vienna, Prague, Frankfurt, Edinburg, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Madrid, Zurich, Lisboa, Hanoi, Lubeck, Perth, Luxembourg, Naples, Cologne, Dusseldorf , Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ho Chi Minh ...
Still in the wishing list: Maldives, India, Dubai, Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Moscow, Hungary, Hawaii, New York, Brazil … Hope to visit all seven wonders of the world.
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