How is Singapore Airlines’ Shortest First Class / Suites flight?

I have flown SQ’s longest route in First Class / Suites, and this time around, it is time for the shortest one! It might wonder you why SQ offers a First Class Service on a route this short? It just speaks to how premium this station is for Singapore Airlines. Jakarta is the airline’s shortest first-class route among the network, and it is served by a 777 with 3 cabin classes of service. You have First Class, Business Class and Economy. Premium Economy seats are available, but they are not offered for this route. There is a way to fly in those seats, though. You have probably read my post about Singapore Airlines’ shortest business class flight ever, which I shared on a timeline basis. I figure that I will do the same for this first class flight as well, rather than the usual review. I have also reviewed this exact flight on this route in the past. It is a good use of the long-haul planes for this route, with the spare capacity during longer flights planned with the aircraft. This product is extremely comfortable despite its age, and the SQ service made it perfect. I booked this flight and attached the sector as part of my Dubai ticket, which literally made this a free first-class flight. Of course, there is no need to splash on Singapore Airlines. For a flight of this duration, you have about 45 mins of cruising time before the pilot announces to start the descent. I will not be doing a typical flight review for this, but rather share how things go on a chronological basis on the flight.

Checking In

Check-in opens three hours ahead of time over here in Jakarta. Jakarta is a city where the traffic can be really unpredictable, and you won’t want to be stuck in the traffic, which can take up to one and a half hours to reach the airport from the city centre. You definitely want to spend more time on it. Singapore Airlines uses check-in counters over at row A. The nearest door will be door 3. I got to the airport at around 3pm. Traffic was surprisingly very smooth. They have both priority lines for first-class and elite members. I was warmly helped by a friendly lady. After checking in, we were escorted through security. SQ technically do not provide any fast-track services over here, but the SOP for first-class passengers is to usher them through security. This can be really handy to have, depending on the crowd. There was no wait for immigration, and for Singaporeans, we can also use the electronic gates. SQ ground service is really top-notch over here. We spent the rest of our time in the exclusive SQ First Class lounge. They should have escorted all the way to the lounge. 

Singapore Airlines Shortest First Class / Suites Flight Timeline

1740 – Boarding

1743 –  Leading came over to welcome us and to present the menu. Welcome Drinks Served (Krug)

1754 – Second glass of Champagne (Krug)

1755 – Third Glass of Champagne (Charles)

1756 – Door Closed 

1757 – Hot Towels Offered 

1801 – Meal orders are taken

1815 – Push back and Armed Doors 

1835 – Takeoff

1846 – Seat belt Sign-off

1853 – Meal Service

1908 – Got the Burgundy

1915 – Tray was cleared

1918 – Service ended with a Blue Mountain

1930 – Seat Belt sign on

1944 – Landing Stations 

Difference from other First Class / Suites Routes

The only main difference will be the lack of an amenity kit since they are only provided for longer flights over 5 hours. This meant that, besides Hong Kong, all other first-class flights will have amenity kits. 

Conclusion

It is an understatement when we say that the flight went by in no time. This is the shortest route for SQ first class. Is it really necessary? I guess it boils down to how much you want the privacy to be. Given that this is literally free, I will surely take it. Sadly, it is one of my very last free first-class flights as the devaluation has removed it. The entire flight was outstanding! Everything was so polished. The crew are top notch on this flight. It is downright impressive to have a meal of this scale! The meal was delicious and special mention to the outstanding garlic bread. 4 glasses of Champagne on a flight of this duration should be quite a record. 

SQ Shortest Ever First Class ✔️