Sunday, April 15 2018

This is the beginning of the end of my holidays. I take it easy in the morning, because I have enough time. Checkout at 12:00 and my flight leaves after 19:00. How to get to the airport? There is an Airport Bus that is a little walk away from the hotel. That would be one possibility. But I take the door to door option and order an Uber, that is only a little bit more expensive then the bus.

The Uber arrives after 5 minutes and the ride to the airport takes about 20 minutes. A small airport and a lot of building activity around.

I know that I am to early and the check in opens only 2,5 hours before departure. I have to store my luggage. The other (not) option was to run around with everything for hours. All the restaurants and shops at the Wellington airport are before security control. The security control is directly connected to the gates. A little bit different than other places. Time to get some late breakfast.

There is not much to do here. The airport has few international connections and is more a domestic airport. Time to sit down in a corner, watch the air traffic and read. After some hours it is finally time to check in and then to get into the new Zealand regional lounge, because the security control and customs control does not open until 90 minutes before the flight. A very nice lounge, very modern and OK offers for drink and food. One should not make the mistake o think that the international lounge is better. I go through security control, get my passport checked and then enter the lounge. No windows, basement feeling. same offers of drinks/food but the surroundings are also of importance. Not good.

Boarding the flight SQ292 to Singapore with a stop over at Canberra, Australia. Boeing B777-200, seat 12 K at the window. Nice seat in a 2-2-2 layout. Not a flat bed, but I cannot sleep well on them so no problems here. My neighbor moves to an empty row. Enough space for everybody on the first leg of the flight. First you get a champagne, a hot towel and some nuts. The staff ask about our wishes for drinks and I go for a cocktail (a nice offer of Singapore Airlines) – a Singapore Sling. After takeoff the drinks are delivered. Very nice drink. Never had a Singapore Sling before.

The flight to Canberra is only 3,5 hours long. The staff is perfect. Everybody is addressed by name. he starter for the meal is duck breast with a Greek salad and some bread. For the main course I go for the lamb with mashed potatoes and olive oil and the dessert is apricot ice cream. My drink of choice is a white wine from New Zealand (sauvignon blanc) which is very good. The meal is followed by cheese and crackers.

We land in Canberra and have to leave the plane for a change of crew and preparations for new passengers. So all the stuff out of the plane. We business class get a 20 dollar voucher at the gate, because there is no lounge at the international departure section. A very new and modern airport in Canberra, but not many international flights. Small area compared to other airports that is reserved for international departures. Some juice/water and a snack later we can board the plane again. Same seat, same neighbor. This time the business class is full.

You can chose if you want to have another warm meal or wait for the breakfast. I have had my dinner, so I opt for the continental breakfast, server 2 hours before landing in Singapore. Business class service includes preparation of the bed and I try to sleep as much as possible. I manage to get about 4,5 hours of light sleep. One hour before breakfast – which will be 2:30 local Singapore time. Very early. Time to watch a movie with the nice noise canceling headphones we got. There is no amenity kit on Singapore Airline flights, but you can get everything you need if you ask (sleeping mask, ear plugs, toothbrush etc.).

Breakfast contains some fruit, jam, bread/croissant and juice/coffee. That could be improved. We land at least 30 minutes early at 4:10 in the morning. Welcome to the start of jet lag and welcome to Singapore. Lets explore the city – in the next blog article. 🙂