Here we go again – in style this time!
It took me a while, but I’ve finally managed to reach Gold Frequent Flyer status with Singapore Airlines. So this trip is for me to go to Japan and help Kaoru move back to Australia with me.
I left my car at Brett’s house, and he drove me to the airport. Check in was quick, and I was also given a “Priority Pass” to use for immigration / security. So getting through was very efficient. Once through the formalities, it was off to the United Lounge (the Singapore one is undergoing major renovations at Melbourne airport, so was closed), and with about 15 minutes to spare, I was able to set up for a Fitgenes meeting. I spent most of the time on the phone for the meeting, being able to get a bite to eat and a couple of drinks to keep me going. It was then time to board the aircraft.
My seat was in the upper deck of the A380 – another new experience for me. Not a lot of difference (it was still cattle class), although I didn’t have anybody next to me (and had the customary exit row seat), so it was very spacious. We took off about 4.45pm – right on time, and after a couple of drinks and movies, I landed in Singapore.
The new thing I had found in Singapore – if you are transitting through, they give you “Changi Dollars”, to spend at the airport! So I collected them, and once finding out that they last until March, I put them in my passport to spend on the flight home (as I could use them with the ones I will be getting on the return flight). It was then over to the lounge at Changi airport, for a couple of drinks, catch up on some work, and a chat with Kaoru.
What I didn’t realise is that they wouldn’t be calling the flight in the lounge! So before I realised what was happening, the flight was at the final stages of boarding, up the other end of the airport! So it was a mad rush through to the boarding lounge, and straight on the airplane. I was having fears of missing my flight and being stuck in Singapore overnight. But luckily I made it, and was en route to Tokyo for an overnight flight. Luckily I wasn’t last on the plane, so did not hear my name called over the PA system at the airport – would hate to be one of those people!