A different kind of transit

Leaving Kuala Lumpur

Having retired early last night, I woke at 0515. I took my time readying myself and checked-out at 0630 and made it to the 0700 train from KLIA2 back to KLIA. With a half-hourly service being a weekday I wasn’t too concerned about missing that train.

Once at KLIA, it was a short wait before check-in opened after 0730. Staff duly checked that I had my isolation voucher before issuing my boarding passes.

At immigration, I was briefly questioned. Malaysians aren’t supposed to leave the country unless they have permanent residence overseas. While I qualify, the evidence for this was a bit weak with an electronic visa and I had applied for a “My Travel Pass” from the Malaysian government, providing them with additional evidence, so as to smoothen my exit.

My 1025 flight on Singapore Airlines departed from the Satellite concourse. The normal access by Aerotrain was suspended, instead being replaced by bus. Over there, the lounges were all closed.

After walking several rounds as exercise I had enough of an appetite for breakfast. There were only three outlets open and I chose the noodle shop which also did a good Nasi Lemak.

 

 

Flying to Singapore

I boarded my first Airbus A350. A bottle of water and a hygiene kit was provided at the airbridge just outside the aircraft door.

It was rather empty for this short flight, scheduled for 1h10. The seats were slimline ones like that seen on shorthaul aircraft but the TV screen was big and legroom generous.

Due to Covid-19, the inflight service on this award-winning airline was reduce to just that bottled of water I got at the door. The crew were hardly visible when we were airborne.

We landed at Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminal 3 a little ahead of schedule.

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Transit in Singapore

As we disembarked, we were greeted by grounded cabin crew in polo shirts asking if we were transiting or arriving. Transit passengers were given a green ribbon to wear on the right wrist. After a little wait, we were taken to a cordoned-off part of the terminal where we were held for the entire time.

Passengers with bookings for the transit hotels were escorted there after registering at the transit holding area first.

I learnt that some food and shopping outlets were open to departing passengers (who may have 2-3h to kill) but not to transit passengers (who may have up to 48h transit time). With no food or shopping outlets in the transit holding area, we had the choice of vending machines that dispensed hot meals or online delivery from the main part of the terminal.  This wasn’t the typical transit that one normally experiences at the world’s best airport (by many measures).

When the time came for me to eat, I ordered online. The food was delicious but it was quintessentially Singapore in the sense that serviettes weren’t provided. It is normal to bring your own when eating out in Singapore and this remains even at the world’s best airport.

A few times each hour, a security staff member walks around holding a sign reminding people to wear their masks and observe distancing. They’re probably responsible for enforcing it and righting any breaches.

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Time passed reasonably quickly during the 7h transit. I suppose I only had to while away 4h if you take away the walking at each end of the transit period and the eating time.

I chatted with a Kiwi guy who had also flown from KL. His wife is Malaysian and was a flight attendant with Malaysia Airlines. The first wife was also a flighty with Qantas. His current wife being Malay (Muslim) meant that he had to become Muslim to get their marriage certificate in the country. The conversion process in Malaysia is quite involved so he got converted in Thailand where it was simpler, then returned to Malaysia all set and ready to marry!

I also noticed that the resettling refugees at check-in in KL were also here. There was a Somali family and seemingly Afghan Hazara family. They ended up being on my flight to Auckland as well.

Less than an hour before my 1840 flight, transit passengers on my flight were led to the departure gate.

Transit passengers were seated separately and allowed to board first before others were let on. But once on board, we were all mixed. But with the flight only one-third full, it wasn’t an issue.

Flying to Auckland

I was seated in the forward part of economy class where it was relatively crowded. I sneakily shifted backwards to the next cabin where I had a row to myself. I wasn’t so sure of the mustard-coloured seats in that zone!

I had noticed on the short flight before that the aircraft wasn’t as quiet as I had expected. The Boeing 787 and Airbus A330neo seemed quieter but it could be that I was seated less forward than on the other aircraft. Singapore Airlines has a large Business Class cabin.

Like many newer aircraft, air vents have been done away with, to save costs. I guess there’s lots of ducting behind those vents and it is complexity and weight.

But with Covid-19 now, the airline wasn’t providing pillows or blankets on every seat. It was only on request. Perhaps it isn’t so much a hygiene issue (because they are laundered after each longhaul flight) but more the fact that the flights are so empty there’s no need to place one on every seat. Incidentally, Malaysia Airlines was still providing them a few months ago.

The crew on the flight were pretty amazing. They don’t just go through the motions but always offer extras, eg. a second drink, a snack with your drink. I think they’re pleased to have held on to their jobs as so many have others have lost theirs. Or perhaps it’s because the flight was so empty.

They more or less run to the passengers when they see you want something. On the other hand, some (not just one) of the senior crew just stand around observing the meal service rather than being part of the service flow.

Both meals onboard were quite nice. But as a Malaysian, I found it a little strange to have been given the Nasi Lemak for dinner and not as the breakfast in the morning. Also, the traditional accompaniment of crispy anchovies and peanuts weren’t part of the offering.

I think times are difficult and the meal specs have been cut back. Singapore Airlines used to be so complete with their meals, including cheese and crackers with dinner.

Realising that I’ve never in my life tried a Singapore Sling, I ordered one. The red cocktail must have been pre-mixed as it came instantly. No mixing of the various alcohol and juice. Nice, but I diluted it with some water to reduce the sweetness.

Despite the three seats and a sleeping pill, I couldn’t sleep on the flight. Perhaps it’s because the departure time was much earlier than most flights I’ve done in recent years.