Which Airline?

eric_amanda · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 12:39 am Post subject: Which Airline?

Singapore or Malaysian Airlines

We are travelling with 3 children. 3yrs, 16mths and 6mths at time of travel. We intend to pay for seats for all children.

We have done considerable research and these airlines come out best in terms of cost, departure airport (Manchester) from UK and day/time of travel.

What are everyones experiences with each of these airlines?

What facilities are there in Changi Airport and Kuala Lumper Airport as in both cases we will have a wait in excess of 12 hours?

Does anyone have any hot tips in traveling with 3 very young children!!

Thank you in advance

Amanda & Eric

Timbo · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 1:43 am Post subject:

GOOD LUCK !!! Hmmm

wilson182 · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 9:10 am Post subject:

We travelled on Singapore Airlines, with two children aged 3 and 11. We had a very nice experience. The flight was not over booked so we had room to spread out when it came time to sleep. They have TV's in all the seats, which helped a lot when it came to keeping the kids occupied. I also took a couple of books for the younger one, plus some crayons and a colouring in book. The stewardess were lovely, and even took the trouble to learn the names of all the children on the flight. The food was also good. We did not have to stay long at Changi airport on the way out, but they are having construction work done, and at our time of flying (1st May) the childrens area was not finished. I have to stay overnight on the way back, but I have booked at room at the Terminal hotel.
Hope this helps

robothamma · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 9:48 am Post subject: Let Me Know How you go on

We will be doing the trip (eventually!) with a 5yr old a 4yr old a 2yr old and a 6 mth old (currently!)We're near Matlock Derbyshire so would prefer to fly Manchester, so please keep in touch with how it goes! Which part of Nz are you going to? We're aiming for the South Island.
Hope all goes Well & Good Luck! Clapping

roger123 · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 11:12 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Try Japan Airlines.
Service and comfort like Singapore Airlines but much cheaper.
From Tokyo to Auckland/Christchurch will be on a Air New Zealand aircraft which is also not bad at all. Several Kiwi flight crew members have confirmed us that this is the cheapest airfare from Europe to New Zealand.

Good luck

Nice One

andy · Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 2:49 pm Post subject:

I have travelled to NZ with Malaysian Airlines and Singapore, and just recently with Cathay Via Hong Kong.
I would say Singapore wins hands down. The Malaysian airport was a horrible experience and I did it with a 4 & 7 year old.
Singapore was good all round, although do confirm the kids meals are infact ordered for you as I have come unstuck with this on every airline!
Cathay were good and the airport was pleasant enough for a couple of hours. But Singapore air was just that bit more superior. Showers in the transit hotel are great too!!!

eric_amanda · Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 8:55 pm Post subject:

Thanks everyone for your advice.

I must admit that we are probably more pulled towards Singapore Airlines, however they do not fly from Manchester on a Sunday, which we would prefer because more help in getting to the airport would be available, bearing in mind we would have 3 young children in carseats, 5 suitcases, 5 pieces of hand luggage, a double pushchair and a travel cot ... phew I'm worn out just thinking about it! To fly on the Sat would be £200+ more expensive.

So maybe we should just hire a HGV on the monday morning and be done with it. Its all just extra cost!! and flight prices are going up and we don't want to book until we have Visa's in hand (within the next week hopefully).

Who knows ? Will let you know what we decide.

Amanda

andy · Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 7:41 am Post subject:

Some airlines give an extra baggage allowance if you are travelling one way. I know Singapore gave my parents an extra 5kg each.... Worth calling the airline when you have booked.

eric_amanda · Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2004 10:26 pm Post subject:

Hello

Just to keep you all updated.

Our Visa's finally came back to us yesterday, although we knew they had been approved, so we booked the flights yesterday afternoon. We will be flying with Singapore Airlines on 11th Aug, arriving Auckland on 13th Aug.

I must admit that after looking at the Changi Airport website:

http://www.changi.airport.com.sg

I can't wait. Should be able to wear out the children in the airport no problem, and if we are all exhausted we can always book in to the airport hotel!!

Yes, Singapore Airlines do allow you to take more baggage on one way flights, 25kg each. 125kg in total for us plus 7kg each hand luggage!! (Have been visiting Gym more regularly so that Eric doesn't whinge he has to carry everything!)

We have also decided to book a rather large taxi to get us all to the airport!!

Wish us luck!!

Amanda

Moorf · Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2004 1:50 am Post subject:

Hi all

We have literally just booked our flights - great deal in my opinion - Singapore airlines LHR to Auckland via Changi - 20th September - flexible ticket in that we can change return dates as many times as we want and can return anytime within 1 year!!

Cost 748UKPounds each all in. We are not going to go Business Class now - instead we shall spend the money on some special treats / holidays in NZ!!

We're on our way! Yes

Soooooooooooooo excited now.... Razz

Thanks for Changi airport link! Although we only have 4 hrs there!

Timbo · Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2004 4:57 am Post subject:

Eric,Amanda, Moorf & co. Good luck to all of you with your new life adventure. You ARE doing the right thing, and I have to confess to being just a tiny bit jealous. No, thats a bare faced lie actually.

I just turned green.

Have a great future out there.
Timbo

susan · Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2004 11:56 pm Post subject: which airline

Singapore airport is fantastic, we spent 3 hours there last year and it wasn't long enough! Cool, lots of space and showers available, plus day rooms, which might be a good option with kids.
We always go Air NZ because of the enormous luggage allowance, 2 large suitcases or 64kg each!
Have to admit, though, that seatback TV's are very useful, if not essential with children. Our flights this August with ANZ are £630ish via LA. Going back this time for good after 23 years here with my English husband and son and it won't be too soon.

Moorf · Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2004 12:05 am Post subject:

Susan - great info re Singapore airport - if we are "in transit" are we able to secure one of the day rooms you mention and also the showers?

Do we need to contact Changi/Singapore ahead of time to book a room?

I have been to Singapore before when I lived in Malaysia - v. clean - so I won't mind using their bathrooms!! (another phobia I have - public toilets!!) Ok, too much info.....?

sesame · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 2:02 am Post subject:

congratulations amanda! you're almost there Yes

we'll still see you in whangarei - even with our party date in chch in november!
will share the recipes etc. with you .... Wink

enjoy enjoy enjoy - this is the adventure of a lifetime, right??

sesame~

Moorf · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 3:33 am Post subject:

Is that the dessert party - and if so, isn't it in October?!!

Jeez, must get my Christchurch social diary sorted! Laughing