Latest news with #SingaporeAirlines
Independent Singapore
16 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
Man calls out Scoot for lack of consideration after uncle's hospitalisation, but others tell him he should have got travel insurance
SINGAPORE: A man took to social media to express his disappointment with Scoot, the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines. After his uncle was hospitalised, he had hoped to transfer his uncle's air ticket to another relative through a name change. However, the charges for this were even higher than the original ticket price, and his request for these charges to be waived was denied. While many netizens commenting on his post were sympathetic, they reminded him that his problems would have been solved if he had availed of travel insurance. Screenshot The man wrote about his experience in a post on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page on Saturday (Jul 12). He added screenshots of the name change fee he was being charged, an email from Scoot, and proof of his uncle's hospitalisation at Sengkang General Hospital. 'Reasonably, under such circumstances, the additional fee should only be the Admin name change request, and the air ticket fare difference due to time of purchase should be totally waived. Despite these circumstances, FlyScoot still insist to charge the fare difference,' the post author wrote. He added that the situation is a 'genuine' one, backed by legal and medical documentation, and that other airlines would have been more understanding, and hopes that the company would reconsider its policy for 'anyone facing real-life difficulties.' FB screengrab/ COMPLAINT SINGAPORE According to Scoot's Conditions of Carriage , bookings are non-transferable unless specific Fare Rules permit it. In those cases, transfers are subject to fees and applicable fare differences. Airlines do not generally allow a person's ticket to be assigned to another passenger, but the original passenger may request a refund when valid reasons for not flying are presented. In cases where refunds are not issued, passengers are given vouchers for later flights. Additionally, name changes are usually only allowed when there was an error in the name on the ticket issued to the original passenger. Commenters on the post wrote that there is a way to avoid this situation. 'If there is insurance purchased, u can just submit to get a refund instead of going through the trouble ,' wrote one. 'You should always buy insurance after you purchase your flight ticket,' added another. ' Travel insurance is for cases like this. The claim should be from the insurer. Also, not forgetting that you are buying from a budget airline. Full carriers will have more flexibility in such cases,' wrote a third. A netizen observed bluntly: ' For all budget airlines, assume zero customer service. You book the flight and appear, or the money is gone. That's it.' 'This is budget treatment. When booking Scoot, be sure because there's no flexibility. Any changes, you pay. Usually lots more,' chimed in a commenter. The Independent Singapore has reached out to Scoot, as well as to the post author, for further comments or updates. /TISG Read also: 100 Air India pilots to be offered the chance to work on Scoot flights
New York Times
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- New York Times
Air India Crash Findings Prompt Inspections of Boeing Fuel Switches
Regulators in India and South Korea ordered inspections this week of fuel control switches on Boeing airplanes after a report on a deadly Air India crash showed that the plane's fuel supply had been cut. Singapore Airlines also said on Tuesday that along with its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, it had completed inspections of the switches on Boeing planes. Indian investigators' preliminary assessment of the crash in June of Flight 171, which was published on Saturday, did not draw any final conclusions about the cause or who was responsible. It appeared to rule out mechanical failure or design flaws, narrowing the focus to the fuel switches on the Boeing 787 jet that crashed. The most striking finding was that the two fuel control switches on the crashed jet had been switched off seconds after takeoff. Each switch is equipped with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental movement, leading experts to suggest it was unlikely they were moved without human involvement. The report and India's inspection order referred to an advisory from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2018 that recommended that carriers using Boeing models, including the 787, inspect the locking mechanism of the fuel control switches to ensure they could not be moved accidentally. The preliminary report said that Air India had not carried out the suggested inspections because they were not mandatory. The authors said that the F.A.A. had not viewed the concerns about the locking feature as serious enough to be considered unsafe. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
CNA
a day ago
- Business
- CNA
SIA, Scoot carry out checks on Boeing 787 fuel switches following Air India crash preliminary report
SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Scoot have checked the fuel switches of the Boeing 787 aircraft in their fleets, SIA said on Tuesday (Jul 15). This comes after the release of a preliminary report on Jul 12 into the Air India crash last month that killed 260 people, which thrust Boeing engine fuel cutoff switches into the spotlight. The report showed that the crash occurred because the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner's fuel control switches were moved from the "run" to "cutoff" position, starving the engines of fuel. It raised the question of how the switches could have been flipped, given the design of these controls. In response to CNA queries, SIA said: 'As a precautionary measure, SIA and Scoot have carried out and completed checks on the fuel switches of the Boeing 787 aircraft in our fleet.' 'The safety of our customers and staff is our top priority,' it added. CNA has contacted SIA to ask about the outcome of the checks, as well as the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) for comment. SIA's move follows that of other airlines inspecting the fuel switches of their own fleet. India on Monday ordered its airlines to examine fuel switches on several Boeing models after several Indian and international airlines began making their own inspections. South Korea said it would order a similar measure, while Japan's JAL said it would 'implement any necessary inspections based on its findings'. On Sunday, citing a document and sources, Reuters reported that the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have privately issued notifications that the fuel switch locks on Boeing planes are safe. The FAA's notification to Civil Aviation Authorities, seen by Reuters, said: "Although the fuel control switch design, including the locking feature, is similar on various Boeing airplane models, the FAA does not consider this issue to be an unsafe condition that would warrant an Airworthiness Directive on any Boeing airplane models, including the Model 787." THE REPORT The preliminary report showed that the switches to the engines were moved from the 'run' to the 'cutoff' position almost simultaneously which starved the engines of fuel. In the cockpit recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why he cutoff the engine. The other pilot responded that he did not do so. The plane quickly began to lose altitude. The report did not say how the switches could have flipped during the flight. Both switches transitioned back from 'cutoff' to 'run' seconds later, but it was too late to stop the plane's descent. In a 2018 advisory, the FAA had recommended, but did not mandate, operators of several Boeing models, including the 787, to inspect the locking feature of the fuel cutoff switches to ensure they could not be moved accidentally. The Air India preliminary report said the airline had not carried out the FAA's suggested inspections as it was not a mandate. In an internal memo on Monday, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said that the investigation into the crash is 'far from over'. He added that the airline is open to further inquiries and warned against 'premature conclusions'.
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
First Time Flying First Class? Here's Everything You Need To Know
Step aboard Air India's First Class, where luxury reveals itself in every detail. The full tea service in Air India's first class is representative of the luxury the airline provides on select aircrafts and routes. Air India Among frequent fliers, 'first class' is more than a metaphor. It's a familiar land of flat beds, hot towels, and flight attendants who make eye contact. For first-timers who stride down that jet bridge like a runway at Charles de Gaulle, it's important to ensure you don't out yourself as a coach-class defector. In first class, your deportment speaks. Details from shoes to your carry-on, and even your choice of beverage, tell a story. 'Flying first class isn't just about the seat, it's about the statement,' said William Hanson, Britain's leading etiquette coach and author of Just Good Manners. 'How you dress signals to the crew and fellow passengers that you respect both yourself and the privilege of the cabin.' Here's what to expect, how to prepare, and how to float through the first-class cabin like you belong. Somewhere between Singapore and sleep, your seat became a suite—and your suite became a full-size sanctuary in the sky. Only Singapore Airlines tucks you into this luxury Double Suite for two with this much elegance at 35,000 feet. Singapore Airlines While both business and first-class cabins might come with lie-flat seats (on Singapore, full double beds) on international and long-haul flights, flying first class — when done properly — still reigns as the crown jewel of air travel. First class has fewer passengers, elevated service with more personalized attention, and upgraded everything: caviar, pajamas, designer amenity kits and enough privacy to feel like you're in your own private luxury cocoon. On some airlines, the line blurs; on others (hello, Emirates!), it's a suite with a sliding door, vanity, private bar and a butler in the sky. 'On Emirates, Business Class gives you lie-flat beds and solid service,' said Andrew Satkowiak, Executive Vice President of The Luxury Travel Agency, 'but in First, it's a totally different league. You're in a private suite with a door. The screen is bigger. There's a higher crew-to-passenger ratio. The wine and liquor list is top shelf. Meals are served course-by-course, like you're at a fine restaurant. You get designer pajamas, elevated amenity kits, and on the A380, the luxury of taking a shower in the sky. 'And the experience doesn't start or end on the plane. In Dubai, you can access the First Class Lounge, which offers the same kind of elevated experience—à la carte dining, private rest areas, and sometimes even spa treatments.' Then there are international carriers like Air India, where Business Class on their A350 is as elevated as it gets. It's the top-tier cabin, but don't let the name fool you; this 'Business' class flies like First. Expect a curated pour of prestige labels, including Veuve Clicquot, and a wine list that will quicken the pulse of any seasoned sommelier. For both EVA Air (Royal Laurel Class), based in Taiwan, and Air Tahiti Nui (Poerava Business Class), business class is their top-tier cabin. Before The Airport: Dress Codes, Decorum, Electrolytes At $569, the Briggs & Riley Global 21" Expandable Spinner isn't just luggage — it's an investment in movement. This Canyon-hued stunner is crafted with durable ballistic nylon, framed in aircraft-grade aluminum, and built to navigate terminals and tarmacs with silky ease. Inside, thoughtful organization meets sleek innovation, making it a favorite among frequent flyers who don't check bags — or standards. Briggs & Riley First class begins long before you reach the airport. It starts with planning and packing. Select a stylish, structured carry-on (Tumi, Briggs & Riley or Rimowa, not the duffel from college). Dress well. This isn't the time for flip-flops and sweatpants, unless they were made by Loro Piana. 'You needn't arrive in full evening dress, but nor should you look as if you've wandered in from a gym,' said William Hanson, Britain's leading etiquette coach and expert, and author of 'Just Good Manners'. 'Think elevated comfort: tailored trousers or dark jeans, a crisp shirt or fine-gauge knit, and polished loafers or clean leather fashion trainer (sneaker). Avoid anything awash with logos: true luxury whispers. A smart blazer and a proper bag go a long way in helping you look like you belong. After all, when you look the part, you're far more likely to be treated as such. And you can always change into the complimentary pyjamas once airborne.' Smart Apps And Smarter Hydration Dr. Pooja Gidwani, a Concierge & Longevity Physician for Peak Performance, tells her patients to prep before flying. One tip is stay very hydrated by drinking lots of water (48 hours prior to flying and in-flight) and avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks in-flight. getty Once packed, download the airline's app to manage upgrades and lounge access. Some airlines will provide car service to the airport; when that's not an option, lean in and use a luxury chauffeur service to handle your bags from pickup to dropoff. Flying isn't easy on the human body, so your pre-flight routine should involve plenty of physical prep. 'Cabin humidity drops below 10 percent, and most travelers lose about 8 ounces of water per hour in the air,' said Dr. Pooja Gidwani, a Concierge & Longevity Physician for Peak Performance. Dr. Gidwani recommends hydrating 48 hours in advance of a flight using water combined with electrolytes that include sodium, potassium, and magnesium to support optimal cellular hydration. During the flight, sip electrolyte-enhanced water every hour — especially when enjoying wine or cocktails. Alcohol is one of the biggest disruptors of hydration and sleep, and it also impairs skin quality, promotes puffiness, and leads to poor recovery, Gidwani said. At The Airport: Lounges, Lines And The Art of Not Rushing First class isn't just a seat—it's a philosophy. Singapore Airlines sets the gold standard with service so seamless, you'll wonder if they read your mind at 35,000 feet. Singapore Airlines First-class passengers glide past security lines, often through a private entrance. Some airlines (Emirates, again!) even have a private entrance to the airplane directly from the lounge. Once inside, make your way to the first class lounge — not the business class lounge. There's a difference (usually involving Dom Pérignon). Order a drink. Or don't. The trick is to look like you've done this before. Recline. Refresh. And when it's time to board, remember: first class goes first for a reason. 'Avoid playing with the seat like an excitable puppy or snapping obvious photos of your spacious surroundings, as this screams of someone who is not used to it,' Hanson said. In Flight Is Where the Real Theater Begins Passengers flying in Singapore Airlines' First Class and Suites are treated to exclusive Lalique amenity kits — a refined collaboration between two heritage luxury brands. Each kit is a curated experience of French artistry and craftsmanship, offering crystal-inspired touches, designer toiletries, and select lifestyle items that reflect Lalique's century-long legacy of elegance. Singapore Airlines Expect pre-departure drinks (Champagne, naturally) and personalized greetings. Meals are typically served at the passenger's request from an extensive a la carte menu, often on real china with proper salt and pepper shakers. The wine list may be better than your last dinner out. 'I was flying from Dubai to Johannesburg, relaxing in the onboard bar (shared between Business and First),' said Michael Taylor, the Senior Managing Director for Travel, Hospitality, Retail and Customer Service at J. D. Power. 'I was sipping Dom Pérignon and a Business Class passenger asked the bartender for a glass. The bartender politely responded, 'sorry, that's only for First Class.' It's little things like that which remind you you're in a different tier.' Pro tip: don't overreact to the seat turning into a bed. Act like it always does. And if pajamas are offered? Accept them, change discreetly, and take them home. They're yours now. The pajamas usually come with socks, but many first-class passengers bring an extra pair, or put the airline pair over their own for a snuggly sleep experience. If nothing else, you'll appreciate the socks while walking to and from the lavatory. The floor may be first-class, but it's still filthy. To Upgrade Or Not To Upgrade, That Is The Question Is first class worth the splurge? For long-haul journeys, red-eyes, or those once-in-a-lifetime moments—honeymoons, milestone birthdays, post-breakup reinventions—it just might be. getty Is first class worth the cost of admission? For long-haul flights, overnight routes, or special occasions (honeymoons, milestone birthdays, post-breakup reinventions), maybe. For short domestic hops? Maybe not — unless you value peace, quiet, and the ability to sip espresso at 30,000 feet without a lid. How To Score A First-Class Upgrade There are two kinds of people in the world: those who get upgraded and those who don't know how. While luck will favor some and stifle others, here are a few tips on how join the first group: Be Loyal : Elite status with an airline can work wonders. So can showing loyalty to one airline alliance. : Elite status with an airline can work wonders. So can showing loyalty to one airline alliance. Dress the Part : Yes, gate agents notice. : Yes, gate agents notice. Ask Politely : Charm never hurts. And timing is everything. : Charm never hurts. And timing is everything. Travel Solo: Upgrades are more likely when there's only one seat left and only one of you. Marcin Starkowski, Group PR Manager for eSky Group, notes that American Airlines Executive Platinum members can use 'systemwide upgrades' to jump from business to first, while Emirates Skywards offers cash and mile-based upgrades at online check-in. 'Midweek and 'red-eye' flights are less likely to be full, improving your chances,' Starkowski said. 'While rare, discretionary upgrades still exist.' Flying First Class With A Discount? Yes, It Exists First class doesn't always mean full price. Look for: Flash Sales: Airlines quietly offer deals, often on their own sites or apps. Mileage Upgrades : Save your points for a real splurge. : Save your points for a real splurge. Travel Windows : Midweek flights and shoulder seasons offer the best chance of a steal. : Midweek flights and shoulder seasons offer the best chance of a steal. Third-Party Booking Sites: Just be sure to compare directly with the airline — sometimes the 'deal' is déjà vu in disguise. "Airlines often release discounted first-class seats 24 to 72 hours before departure, particularly if a cabin is undersold," Starkowski said. "Checking your reservation periodically can pay off – sometimes the price difference is just a few hundred dollars." First Class vs. Business Class: The Final Descent Flying first class isn't just about where you sit — it's a state of mind. So carry yourself accordingly: with confidence, calm, electrolytes, and just the right amount of curated nonchalance. Because up here, it's not about how you got your seat. It's how you wear it. And remember, even if it's your first time, no one has to know. Unless, of course, you Instagram the Champagne.
India Today
2 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Why does food taste so bad on planes?
It's not just the food. It's your nose, your ears, and even the air itself. It was a flight from Delhi to Frankfurt. I'd barely eaten all morning, and as the trolley wheeled down the aisle, I felt a spark of hope. The menu read: "Paneer Makhani with Jeera Rice and Kesar Kheer." Normally, this would be a comforting treat. But one bite in, and all I could taste was nothing. The paneer was chewy, the rice bland, and the kheer? Just sweet air. It wasn't that I was being picky. It was my 30,000-foot altitude that had betrayed my taste experience isn't unique. If you've ever wondered why food tastes dull or even awful mid-flight, you're not imagining it. Science backs it up: flying messes with your senses, and your meal is one of the first SCIENCE OF BLAH Airplanes are marvels of engineering, they're also flavor-killers. Here's what's happening behind that tray table disappointment:DRY AIR, DRY MOUTH The air inside an airplane cabin has less than 15% humidity-far drier than the Sahara Desert. This parches your mouth and dries out your nasal passages, making it harder to smell food properly. Since about 80% of what we perceive as taste comes from smell, this alone dulls your dining AFFECTS YOUR BRAIN AND YOUR TONGUEAt cruising altitude, the cabin is pressurized to 6,000-8,000 feet. This lowers blood oxygen levels slightly, making your brain and taste buds less responsive. Studies have shown that our ability to perceive sweet and salty flavors drops by up to 30% during CANCELS FLAVOUREver tried eating in a nightclub? Constant background noise-like the 85-decibel hum of jet engines-can dull your perception of umami and sweet flavours. A study published in the journal Food Quality and Preference found that loud ambient noise reduces flavor intensity and makes food seem less AIRLINES DO ABOUT ITKnowing that your taste is compromised mid-air, some airlines go back to the kitchen with this science in mind. Lufthansa has a team that tests food in simulated flight conditions. Singapore Airlines has added more umami (like soy sauce, tomato, and mushrooms) to boost flavor. Indian airlines often turn to spicier menus because heat-based taste is less affected by cabin beverage offerings are curated. Ever noticed that tomato juice tastes better on a plane? That's because the altitude actually enhances the savory notes in it one of the few cases where the sky improves the NOT JUST THE SCIENCE, IT'S THE SETTINGadvertisementThere's also the psychology of flying. Cramped legroom, dehydration, and the stress of travel all impact how your body digests and processes food. You're distracted, uncomfortable, and your internal clock might be off. All of this lowers your satisfaction with food-even before you take the first TO OUTSMART THE ALTITUDEUntil airline chefs master the perfect in-flight biryani, here are a few hacks to help your taste buds:Stay hydrated: Drink water frequently to keep your mouth and nose your own hot sauce or spice mix: A small sachet of chaat masala can go a long for umami-rich meals: Dishes with tomato, cheese, soy, or mushrooms retain more gum after meals: It helps pop your ears and brings your sense of taste back meals aren't doomed forever, but they are fighting an uphill battle against altitude, pressure, and human biology. The next time your paneer feels like rubber and your dessert like air, remember: it's not bad cooking. It's science, don't blame the chef, blame the cabin.- Ends
