Trip Report : Singapore – Melbourne on Singapore Airlines

Airlines: Singapore Airlines
Flight : SQ237 SIN – MEL
Aircraft: Boeing 777
Departure – SIN : 00:25
Arrival – Mel : 09:50
Flight time : 7 hours 25 minutes
Distance : 6,057 kilometers

It was a red-eye flight as we wanted to have more time to spend exploring Melbourne. We set aside 5 full days for exploring Melbourne. Upon arrival at Changi Airport, there was quite a long queue for Economy class passengers. The gates are not classified by destination, but as long as you are flying SQ Economy, you’re directed to the check-in. We tried to use the check-in machine but to not avail and ended up having to do a manual check-in. This is probably cos we were travelling with our nephew, who is considered a minor and there’s additional checks to be done at the airline counter. Finally, we got our plane tickets and went to the departure hall. This is the first time that our nephew is not flying with his mum and he doesn’t seem sad at all.

We decided to get a box of 6 macarons for supper and also some tea to gift to our friend in Melbourne. The TWG macarons are definitely worth it and for $2 a piece, it is not so exorbitant. Inside the departures hall, the macaron is only $1.86 as the GST has been removed.

We went to the gate early to clear the security screening and to refill our water bottles.

Boarding was done in zones, with business class and elite status members being allowed to board at their own time.

We were seated in the plane until almost 1.10am even though the plane was supposed to take off at 12.20am, due to the fact that some passengers had to be offloaded. Their luggages also had to be offloaded along with them so this took a longer time. The IFE was working so instead of staring into blank space while waiting, we could watch a movie or listen to songs. I thought there would be a midnight snack shortly after take off, but since this flight was under 8 hours, there was only one meal served – breakfast.

About 2 hours before landing, the cabin lights were switched on and it was time for an early breakfast. 8am Australian time or 6am in Singapore. I did not manage to catch much sleep on the flight as I was excited for my trip. It has been 6 months since my last trip and I am always excited to fly. I chose the Asian main course for breakfast as this is probably the last time I could get to eat rice, even though I do not usually have rice for breakfast. I have also heard some good reviews of this dish and it did not disappoint! From the coconut taste of the rice to the spicy bits of prawns, it was like eating nasi lemak but prawns have replaced the chicken wing.

The Western selection did not seem that appetising. My wife and nephew both ordered this, but they did not finish it. The scrambled eggs were cooked too well and felt rubbery. The spinach did not look appetising either. I am looking forward to the cafe scene in Melbourne and hope to be able to eat better scrambled eggs over there.

The whole journey from Singapore to Melbourne, last leg of the flight and we are flying over Wallaroo, which I have not heard before. We are still one hour away from our destination. Despite the delay in takeoff, we still managed to have an estimated arrival time of 20 minutes ahead of schedule.

Preparing for landing, all window shades had to be up and we could see the sprawling city of Melbourne from above.

It was a smooth landing and we took our time to stroll to the immigration counter. We saw various planes at the airport terminal, it was a busy morning at Melbourne airport. Having done the Electronic Travel Authorisation for Australia and the Digital Passenger Declaration online, clearing immigration was a breeze.

Australia is known to be very strict when bringing in food products to the country. We had indicated on the declaration form that we were bringing tea into the country, which we told the officer. He did not bother checking our items and told us it was fine to go to the green lane. With that, we have officially entered Melbourne and ready to start our holidays!