Da Wandering Wabbits' flight from Auckland (NZ) - Changi (Singapore) was aboard a Singapore Airlines 777-300 aircraft (9V-SWP). It was our first flight with this airline.
Admittedly, Mr Wabbit is 6ft 8", so most planes are tight for me...but this nearly-12-yr-old jet was the most cramped flight I've experienced in 40 years of global travel. I was twisted in my seat to angle my legs to one side, while my knees were up to the level of the tray. It was the longest 10.5 hours of my life, and my lower back was in pain for several days afterwards. Even 5ft 7" Mrs Wabbit felt squeezed!
At Check-in, I had asked for some consideration due to my height. Without any engagement, I was told all seats had been allocated. When I boarded and realised my predicament, I noticed some empty seats...as well as "normal"-length passengers in the "extra leg room seats". But no crew members would allow me to move...even though most of them banged my knees each time they breezed out of the galley area.
Reviewing the seat configuration post-flight, I saw the plane had only six seats marked as "extra room". If Singapore Air wants Western passengers, its seating needs to reflect this. Those "extra room" seats should be held until the last minute, for people who really need them, and the leg space in ALL seats should be increased!
Singapore Airlines has been lauded for years as having great service, so da Wabbits expected something very good indeed. I did not expect my size plight to be ignored by all crew. Perhaps...PERHAPS...it was because they always seemed to be rushing hither and yon...perhaps...not... The hot face towels were refreshing, but not a unique difference these days. Food was very nice and well-proportioned, with an Asian spin to the menu; refreshments flowed freely. Screen entertainment was somewhat restricted for Western eyes, but plenty for Asian palates.
As da Wabbits exited the plane, all of the crew without exception laughed and commented on my height - I'm glad to have brought some humour to their day, however I wasn't smiling at all after that flight!
Da Wandering Wabbits' over-all assessment: average service (not world-beating at all) with very cramped seating. I doubt we will fly Singapore Airlines again...
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