Scoot spreads its wings
Looking for direct connectivity to Europe? This low-cost carrier has opened up new options for travellers, writes R. Gowri
SCOOT Airlines marked a new milestone in its global profile with its maiden flight to Athens, Greece on June 20, the airline’s first to a European destination. The low-cost arm of the Singapore Airlines Group celebrated the 787 Dreamliner flight to Athens with a launch party which began on ground before takeoff and carried on onboard. Both crew and passengers took on the costume challenge — flying onboard were “Greek gods” and famous figures from Greece’s past. Adding to the fun were knowledge quizzes offering ticket wins and Scoot goodies.
SCOOT TO ATHENS
Scoot Airlines flies non-stop between Singapore and Athens, The 11.5-hour flight takes off from Singapore every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. At present, Scoot flies from Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Penang (Kuching and Kuantan too by the first quarter of next year).
“Scoot is currently the only airline and low-cost carrier offering direct flights between Southeast Asia and Greece via a direct flight between Singapore and Athens,” said Lee Lik Hsin, CEO of Scoot. “With our debut into long-haul operation... this open(s) up new travel options for Asian travellers as well as European ones, now with the start of our Singapore - Athens service.”
(Scoot and Tigerair of Singapore have completed their integration and all flights have begun operations under the Scoot brand).
Scoot is the world’s first all-787 airline. Its advantages include 78 per cent larger windows (largest on any jet), lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and better humidity, which make a difference on long-haul flights. The 787 also boasts a 20 per cent less fuel consumption and 60 per cent less noise than previous-generation airplanes of its size.
On-board conveniences include WiFi connectivity and in-seat power as well as the ability to redeem and accrue Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles, Scoot was voted 2015, 2016 and 2017 Best Low Cost Airline (Asia/Pacific) by AirlineRatings.com and ranked in the Top 10 of the World’s Best Low-Cost Airlines in 2015 by Skytrax.
Total destinations: 60 (as of June 20, 2017). Countries: 17. Book tickets at FlyScoot.com or contact its Call Centre. Scoot is currently the only airline and low-cost carrier offering direct flights between Southeast Asia and Greece via a direct flight between Singapore and Athens.
FOR GREATER EASE
I found its direct connect services stressfree when I boarded at KL, with a transit in Changi, before flying on to Athens, without having to bother about lugging around my suitcase.
There are several add-ons and signature products you can purchase when booking/ travelling in the low-cost airline and these include meals (no outside meals and drinks allowed onboard), extra legroom (for instance, MaxYourSpace allows purchase of two seats next to you for stretching out),
extra baggage, ScootBiz, and Scoot-inSilence (child-free cabin with adjustable headrests).
The PlusPerks is an optional addon bundle that offers several add-ons including preferred seat selection and priority check-in.
I found the Scoot In Style add-on a relief for the long layover in Changi Airport which gave me access to the SATS Premier Lounge that has a modest buffet selection, shower facilities, two massage chairs and workstations.