SINGING PRAISES

Travelling from Guangzhou to Jakarta via Singapore on Singapore Airlines (SIA), my flight was delayed for almost two hours owing to a thunderstorm, causing me to miss my connection. However, I made some positive observations that I wish to share: 1. The captain explained the reason for the delay and that, in accordance with Guangzhou’s airport rules, he needed to keep everyone on board to get assigned a take-off number. He also gave regular updates. 2. He then explained the situation in not-so-perfect Putonghua, which I considered a nice, respectful gesture. 3. Air conditioning was turned on while we were waiting at the gate. 4. Flight attendants immediately swarmed through the cabin offering refreshments.

After four hours of excellent in-flight service, we landed in Singapore. Upon arrival in Changi airport, a SIA representative greeted me and gave me a new boarding pass to Jakarta for the later flight. I said I would prefer to fly the following day, as arrival into Jakarta would be very late, so he escorted me to the transfer counter. All flights were full the next day, but the SIA rep negotiated with the station manager for me and confirmed a seat on my desired flight.

SIA also provided me with a hotel for the night, as well as meals and a round-trip taxi fare. I will fly Singapore Airlines every chance I can from now on.