Whether we all have a bit of PTSD or are sick of talking about it, Covid is still in the back of our minds. I mean, this time last year in Australia we were all still in lockdown unable to travel further than 5 kilometres from our houses. Fast forward one year, borders are open. Everyone has either been on their first trip since the pandemic, has booked an upcoming trip or is eager to.
Now, it’s not just us that have been taken back by travel prices in 2022! The cost of flying whether domestic or international has skyrocketed. That’s when Scoot Airlines comes into play. Yes, they are a low-cost carrier airline but they are a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines. So if your main concern onboard an aircraft is safety then you can be assured that the cost-effective prices should not deter you. What’s stopping you to buy Scoot Airline tickets? Let’s take a look at our recent experience flying with them.
Misleading Fact #1: The prices are low, they must compromise on the safety of the plane
First and foremost, it’s important to understand why Scoot can charge the prices that they do. Essentially, they are a low-cost carrier which means a “no-frills” airline. What you see is what you get.
When you go to buy Scoot tickets online, there are four bundles to choose from: Fly, FlyBag, FlyBagEat and ScootPlus. Even the names of the bundles make it simple to understand.
Fly: your seat + 2 cabin bags (combined weight not exceeding 10 kg).
FlyBag: your seat + 2 cabin bags (combined weight not exceeding 10 kg) + 20kg check-in luggage
FlyBagEat: your seat + 2 cabin bags (combined weight not exceeding 10 kg) + 20kg check-in luggage + a complimentary hot meal combo
ScootPlus (essentially the Business Class of Scoot Airlines): your seat + 2 cabin bags (combined weight not exceeding 15 kg) + 30kg check-in luggage + a premium meal with choice of beverage + in-seat power onboard + seat selection + 30MB Wi-fi connectivity + priority boarding and check in
Other than ScootPlus, all other categories require you to pay additional money to choose your seat. With no in-seat power onboard, this is another add-on available to purchase during the flight.
On our recent flight with them from Singapore to Athens, we opted for the FlyBagEat bundle. We don’t pack light and it was an 11-hour flight so having a hot meal during that time felt like a smart decision. Don’t you agree?
But what about the safety of the aircraft though?
Our main point here however is just because the prices are lower than major airlines, that doesn’t mean they make compromises on the safety of the aircraft. In fact, Scoot Airlines is the first low-cost carrier to be awarded the highest 5-star rating in the Skytrax Covid-19 Airline Safety Audit. As well, it was awarded Diamond status by a global safety audit, APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying.
Before flying with any airline we always check AirlineRatings to see how they rank. Scoot even has a 7/7 safety rating on their website!
Misleading Fact #2: The service and comfort on board are limited
This is where we need to set the story straight. The economy seats onboard the Scoot Airlines A320 are 28″ – 34″ (depending on the seat type). That compares to 31″ – 34″ (depending on the seat type) on board the B787. ScootPlus seats which are available on the B787 measure 38″.
Okay, we have the facts laid out but the question is how do the seat sizes compare to major airlines? Well, the economy seat pitch on board all Singapore Airlines aircraft is between 32″ – 34″. The ScootPlus is comparable to a Premium Economy seat on Singapore Airlines.
In terms of what to expect from your seat, like most airlines you will be able to recline your chair. They also all come with a tray table and small reading lights.
Where you may notice a difference is the little features such as blanket availability and free water on board. Yes, there is a snooze kit available but it will cost you SGD 18 (AUD 18.88). Water is also only available to be purchased. Again, as long as you know these things before boarding you will not be disappointed.
Hot tip – bring your own refillable water bottle as Scoot Airlines provides a water station before you board. That way you can bring your own water on board before departing.
For a long-haul flight such as the one we took from Singapore to Athens, there is no in-flight activity. However, seeing we had an overnight flight this didn’t concern us. It’s easy enough these days to bring your mobile or tablet on board with movies or tv shows downloaded before taking off.
And what about the service?
In terms of the onboard service, we could not fault the staff. They were attentive and happy to answer any queries that we had. As well, they knew we had prepurchased a meal and had it delivered to us once we woke up.
Misleading Fact #3: Normally low-cast carriers have flight delays or cancellations
This one is a bit of a tricky one given the current delays and cancellations happening worldwide currently. However, from our experience with Scoot Airlines, we did not experience any delays or cancellations. We actually arrived 15 minutes prior to the expected arrival time.
Studies show that in the first 6 months of 2022, 45% – 89% of flights on board the B787 departed on time while 67% – 94% of flights on board the A320 departed on time. On-time refers to within 15 minutes of the proposed departure time.
Keep in mind, that the flights which didn’t depart on time weren’t necessarily due to the airline itself and can be caused by a backlog of aircraft departing at a similar time and date.
When it comes to cancellations, Scoot Airlines tries to limit disruptions within its control as much as possible. Scoot’s Conditions of Carriage sets out the options available to travelling guests in the case that flights are delayed, rescheduled or cancelled.
The Verdict – would we buy Scoot Airlines tickets again?
Okay, so we hope we have been able to clear up some of the misleading facts about the airline. But will you buy Scoot Airline tickets for your next flight? For us, it would honestly come down to the price point. If there are no sales on major airlines and Scoot comes in for a 1/3 of the price then it’s a big YES from us!
Before our flight from Singapore to Athens recently, we were curious about the “no-frills” services however, as we read up about the airline before and what would be included/not included we felt well prepared. So as long as you do the same, I think you will be incredibly content with the high level of service and comfort onboard.
What to do in Singapore and Athens?
Planning on taking the same route as us with a few days in Singapore and Athens? Let us tell you some of the best things to do in both cities!
Singapore
If you haven’t been to Singapore before and want to see what the city has to offer see below for our recommendations:
- Visit Gardens by the Bay. Possibly one of the biggest highlights in the City spread across 101 hectares. Be sure to check out Supertree Grove, the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. A highlight for us is always the daily night show which takes place at 7.45 pm and 8.45 pm.
- Fill up on delicious local food at the Hawker Centres. For some of the best food that Singapore offers, you must dine at the Hawker Centres. There are many to choose from including Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell Road.
- See the Future World exhibition at the Art Science Museum. Located close to Marina Bay Sands (which is also a must-see!) the Future World exhibition is a fun outing for all ages. With interactive installations and enchanting spaces, it’s truly one of our favourite exhibitions worldwide.
- Be sure to try Singaporean Chilli Crab. We didn’t know why everyone raved about Singaporean Chilli Crab until we tried it for ourselves. If you not only want to taste this masterpiece but also want to dine at an institution in Singapore, try JUMBO Seafood with multiple outlets.
- Eat Ice-Cream at the Ice Cream Museum. Yes, you heard us correctly. There is an ice cream Museum in Singapore where you not only get to learn about the history of ice cream but also get to try multiple flavours as you walk around.
Athens
Once you touchdown in Athens, you may decide to spend a few days exploring the City before heading to some of the stunning neighbouring islands. Let’s take a look at what to include in your itinerary.
- Admire the Acropolis. The monuments here are considered the greatest architectural feats of Greek history. It’s not a visit to this City without taking in the views of the Parthenon temple which is dedicated to the goddess Athena.
- Wander through the National Gardens. If you are looking for a place to retreat within this bustling major city then come to the National Gardens. Covering 16 hectares you will find narrow gravel paths and ponds and a small zoo with wild goats, peacocks and chickens.
- Explore Plaka Neighbourhood. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited neighbourhoods, Plaka is full of charming narrow old lanes to explore. While admiring the architecture you can also visit mall museums, historic churches and picturesque small squares buzzing with restaurants and cafés.
- Hike (or take the funicular) to the top of Mount Lycabettus. This cretaceous limestone peak rises to 300 metres with pine trees covering the lower half of the slopes. From the top, you will be amazed by the views overlooking the city.
X KO Travellers
