Singapore Airlines Airbus A350 for Melbourne in May, June
By David Flynn, February 20 2017
Singapore Airlines is bringing its Airbus A350 back to Melbourne across May and June – so if you haven't yet experienced the Star Alliance's newest jet, here's your chance.
The flight you'll want to book is the SQ218 redeye from Melbourne to Singapore...
... and on the way back, the more sensibly-timed SQ217 out of Singapore.
The A350 flights run from May 1 to June 30, and replace the usual Airbus A380 superjumbo on those flights – so SQ isn't only looking at a cut to capacity but also the disappearance of first class for those two months.
Read more: First impressions of Singapore Airlines' Airbus A350 business class
Asian rival Cathay Pacific kicked off its own Airbus A350 flights from Melbourne on February 1, while Thai Airways plans to make good on its promise of an A350 for Melbourne-Bangkok later this year.
Also read: Singapore Airlines to reveal new A380 first class suites mid-2017
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Jul 2016
Total posts 105
Awesome! It will be great to have more A350s flying down here!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
19 Jul 2012
Total posts 35
Does anyone have any experience with SQ re-booking when they make aircraft changes. I was booked in First on award tickets on the 217/218 during the now A350 period (through to LHR). My booking now shows 'reserved' on the A350 operated 217/218 but in Business. When I called SQ I was told I had been downgauged but I asked if I could move to another flight with First but was told there was no availability - however when I said there was revenue fares available they said someone would call me back in 2-3 days to discuss. Are SQ accommodating in these circumstances? Or should I resign myself to Business on the A350?
21 Oct 2013
Total posts 15
Hi RobL, if your traveling on the A350, there are no 1st class seats with Singapore Airlines. In fact I dont know of any Airline flying the A350 that has 1st class!
21 Oct 2013
Total posts 15
Sorry just realised you were looking for compensation-good luck!
QF
02 Oct 2012
Total posts 45
I'm booked Zurich-Singapore-Melbourne in first and have now been downgraded to business on the A350. I was originally offered zero compensation for the downgrade. They then offer me a 3,000 point refund for the downgrade (for a 7.5 hour flight). I'm still arguing with them to have a serious offer of compensation!
20 Jul 2011
Total posts 17
I was able to switch a First redemption to SYD-SIN-LHR on A380 all the way after being downgraded to the A350 Business flight. They had request release seats on the flights that suited me.
17 Feb 2016
Total posts 21
RobL and sra35, I would be persistently polite with them, and argue the logic that you specifically redeemed award points for the experience of first class, which you originally selected and successfully secured. They should give you another option, though it may mean being flexible on your dates of travel. Good luck !
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
19 Jul 2012
Total posts 35
Update - I have been re-booked by SQ on alternative flights and which had to be referred up within the SQ hierarchy for approval, but still in First. I had to be flexible and now leave a day earlier and return a day later. But a good result - thanks SQ.
QF
02 Oct 2012
Total posts 45
Today they've upped the offer to refund 5,000 points per person (up from 3,000). I haven't been offered any other flights or reroute and would need to come out of London now rather than Zurich to get first all the way through. I still don't see 5k points as an amazing compromise considering they charge a 17k premium for first over business if you purchase a stand alone ticket SIN-MEL
Singapore Airlines - The PPS Club
19 Mar 2016
Total posts 30
I was just in Singapore and was also contacted by SQ about the equipment change. Its interesting that SQ in the email states that they have been trying to contact me, which I don't believe. I was offered nothing after they moved me from 1st to business (Sin - Melb) sector and despite having a fairly good idea of what seats were available on alternative flights, no extra steps were offered. So it was basically this is what we have, what do you want? So, if they have offered you extra points or even really looking at capacity on alternative flights... I would take it!
17 Feb 2016
Total posts 21
I wonder if status is a factor in getting bumped, or are these genuine aircraft type changes ? I'm getting ready to book a 720,000 point round-the-world in first for two, and would be disappointed to experience downgrades like these.
Singapore Airlines - The PPS Club
19 Mar 2016
Total posts 30
In this case I know that it is an actual well advertised equipment change. I have never heard of a confirmed redemption booking ever being downgraded for anything else than an actual equipment change. And yes I would also be rather disappointed but I do not think my status PPS would have any real impact/benefit.
QF
02 Oct 2012
Total posts 45
I have a business class points booking next week to Mumbai and I've asked them to allow me to upgrade the MEL-SIN sector to first class for 3 or 5k points, as that is the value they themselves place on a the difference for that leg. So far no reply
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