2015 Vacation Day 1 - Singapore

SQ5122 flight from SYD to SIN. Been a while since I got on a Singapore Airlines flight. Very impressed with the updated KrisWorld in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, which uses Panasonic Avionics' eX3 platform. Whereas before the only way to control KrisWorld is via the game controller-like handset, now both the screen and the handset is touch-enabled. The handset actually has a touchscreen. On economy class, the IFE screen size is also bigger than before. The bottom of the LCD screen comes with a reading light, which is a nice thoughtful touch. The console also comes with some new ports. There's an A/V port labelled iPod. I guess this is where you connect your iPod to listen to music and watch videos. There's a USB port where you can access media on your USB stick and a USB charging port to charge your devices. There's also supposed to be an AC power outlet with a universal plug underneath the seat, but I didn't go about looking for it.

Normally, I would've spent the whole 8-hour flight watching the excellent selection of movies, but this time I'm travelling with the wife and two kids, so no such luck. We bought a seat for the 21-month old baby, thinking he'll sit there quietly watching Frozen or playing some arcade games. Turns out all he wanted was to sit on my lap and mess with the touchscreen. Note that for toddlers less than two years old, they have to be strapped on to an adult using a infant seatbelt during take-off and landing.

It has also been years since I've visited Changi Airport. Doesn't seem to have changed much. The shops are pretty much the same. The carpets are exactly the same. Instead of heading to immigration, we went straight for the iShop counter to claim our Changi Dollar Vouchers (CDV). A promotion of the Changi Transit Programme, Singapore Airlines and SilkAir passengers who transit through Changi from eligible countries (including Australia) are provided with SG$40 CDV to spend in duty-free shopping. SD$20 to be spent on cosmetics and perfumes; SG$20 on everything else. To claim your vouchers, simply present your electronic ticket and boarding pass. SGD160 all up - not too shabby.


There are virtually no queues at immigration by the time we got there. (Han Mei Ling's sculpture of the family still stands there on one side.) Only reason we got stalled is because we didn't provide the complete local address. Our luggage were the last off the conveyor belt. The pram we checked in was nowhere to be found. I was to steal one from the lost and found area when the wife found it at the Oversized Luggage area. Unfortunately, the pram got banged up during the flight and won't travel straight. No queues at customs. Everyone was simply walking straight through the "Nothing to Declare" exit. Very long taxi queue. The wait wasn't too long though as there were airport staff directing people to the taxis waiting at the parking bays. Pretty organized.
First impression upon getting out of the airport? Extremely hot and humid. Makes me wish I was wearing T-shirt and shorts.