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• Singapore Airlines Premium Economy (Sydney – Singapore)
• Singapore Airlines Economy (Singapore – Beijing)
• Hilton Wangfujing, Beijing
• Air Koryo Economy (Beijing – Pyongyang)
• Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang
• Hyangsan Hotel, North Pyongyang
• Tour of North Korea
• Air China Economy (Pyongyang – Beijing)
• Raffles Beijing
• Hong Kong Airlines Economy (Beijing – Hong Kong)
• Singapore Airlines Economy (Hong Kong – Singapore)
• Singapore Airlines Premium Economy (Singapore – Sydney)

Flight Details:

Carrier: Singapore Airlines (SQ)
Flight Number: SQ 231
Route: Singapore (SIN) – Sydney (SYD)
Duration: 7h 0m
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Registration: 9V-SWK
Cabin Class: Premium Economy Class
Seat Number: 31A
Date: 26/11/15

SQ 231 is the red-eye flight to Sydney, and in my opinion, is  not the best choice for premium travel, as it doesn’t involve a full and comprehensive meal service.

I came to Changi early, because it is simply the greatest airport on Earth. There are dedicated counters for Premium Economy check-in, just before the departures immigration area (which at the time was guarded by a huge Star Wars ship model). Not having lounge access this time, I decided to walk the length of the airport, which took a grand total of 45 minutes!

I also took my last breath of Singapore air in the butterfly garden (which is practically dead at night time). I took advantage of the time to do some shopping and also make a change to my seat to an EMEX (Emergency Exit) row. Although it was windowless, the flight was overnight so I wasn’t too bothered.

When boarding commenced, I boarded promptly and was first onboard for the Premium and Economy cabins. Whilst spending a while on the ground at the gate, I noticed that SQ have reduced the number of PA announcements during boarding. This is probably a good thing, but what is disappointing is the still-present lack of boarding music 😦

The stewardess confirmed my book-the-cook option (a really great perk for Premium Economy), but I noted that it was already on today’s menu: the classic Nasi Lemak. By this point I had also noticed that the seat next to me was free, so I had space to move throughout the night.

Following departure, the seat belt signs were turned on almost as soon as they were turned off, all due to turbulence. The captain requested the crew to be seated and suspend service, yet they continued to serve drinks etc.

Before the aircraft went to sleep, a light refreshment was served (which I admit was very underwhelming). Unlike the main meals, the refreshment was served from a trolley. To separate from Economy, the Premium trays are lined with a linen tablecloth.

I took a little bit of time to watch a movie, with the active noise cancelling headsets provided in Premium. The screens in the bulkhead rows are stowed in a separate module. When deploying them, it is clear how astoundingly slim they are! Incredibly light weight and high-quality. In the bulkhead row with a free seat next to you, using both screens is simply awesome.

After a few hours rest, the cabin lights turned on slowly and hot towels were served just before the breakfast service. This was carried out without trolleys, a really nice touch.

Following a very rough landing in Sydney, the trip had come to an end. It was incredibly memorable, as you may find by reading the other components noted above. Thanks, and see you soon for the following reports and more:

• Singapore Airlines Business Class (Sydney-Singapore)
• Singapore Airlines Business Class (Singapore – London)
• Scandinavian Airlines Economy (London – Oslo)
• Scandinavian Airlines Economy (Oslo – London)
• Eurostar Standard Premier (London – Paris)
• Eurostar Standard (Paris -London)
• Singapore Airlines Business Class (London – Singapore)
• Singapore Airlines Business Class (Singapore -Sydney)