[Airline Review] - Scoot (TZ298) Economy Class, SIN-DMK (9 Dec 16)

On the Ground

Boeing 787-900 that I took for the SIN-DMK leg

Scoot departs from Terminal 2 of the Singapore Changi Airport. Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 looks a little dull and dark. It seemed like the Terminal is in need for a make-over, unlike Terminals 1 and 3, which makes use of natural light to make the terminal building look brighter. Check-in counters that Scoot uses are located toward the end of the terminal. When I checked the Terminal flipboard, it was indicated that checking-in will be done at row 11 for this flight. However when I tried to check-in at the Internet check-in counter at row 11, a staff with an unhappy expression pointed to the row behind the counter. I walked around the counter and saw another Internet check-in queue at row 12. The queue for Internet check-in was comparatively shorter than that for passengers who did not perform Internet check-in. I always advise my friends to check-in on airlines website wherever possible as the "regular" queues tend to be longer.

Flipboards like this has been gradually replaced with LED TVs worldwide

The queue for passengers who did not check-in online is always long. I recommend to always perform online check-in

The queue for web check-in is relatively shorter, in fact alot shorter

Counters for passengers who have done web check-in at row 12

The staff at the check-in counter did the standard procedures for check-in, as I do not have any baggage to check-in, merely collect my boarding pass, the process was done rather swiftly. The staff did not forget to remind me of the departure gate and the time that I need to be at the gate. As with the other terminals, Terminal 2 is also a shopping haven at the airside. There are no lack of shops ranging from luxury brands to cafes to bookshops, one can easily find shopping around the airside a great way to spend time after immigration.

Shopping at airside in Terminal 2

The Cabin

Scoot boasts themselves to be the only airline that uses only 787 in their fleet. The aircraft that is plying being Singapore and Bangkok is the 787-900, which has a total of 375 seats, organised in three class, ScootBiz, Scoot-in-Silence and Economy Class. The Economy Class cabin is decked out with bright blue seats, with the bright LED lights and the large windows, the twin-aisle cabin looked very clean and refreshing. One feature of the window shades on the 787-900 is the electronically controlled dimming of the shades, which worked very well during my flight to DMK onboard Scoot. I noticed at takeoffs and landings, these shades seemed to be centrally disabled to ensure that passengers keep the window shades "up". 

Boarding Scoot 787-900

Aircraft safety card found in seat pocket

Control to dim the window, a feature onboard 787-900

Lights above the seat

Mood lighting while boarding

Cabin onboard Scoot Economy Class

Cabin ambience onboard Scoot Economy Class

Colourful lighting onboard Scoot 787-900 aircraft

The lavatory onboard the Economy Class is of a decent size and is comparable with most legacy airlines. The amenities are very basic and limited to only hand soap, tissue and toilet rolls. Scoot is operating on a budget mode, hence only the basics are provided in the lavatories. 

Toilet bowl

Very basic amenities in the lavatory

Large mirrors used to add to a sense of spaciousness

Coat hangers found on the back of the door

The Seat

I booked in the Economy Class seats for this short 2 hour flight from Singapore to Don Muang (Bangkok). The seat pitch in the standard Economy Class seats on Scoot is 31" and measures 18" wide. The seats in Economy Class onboard Scoot is 3-3-3 configured. I find the legroom to be very good and I had ample legroom space (I can even cross my legs on my seat).

Bright cabin configured in 3-3-3 arrangement

The seats are very basic, with only a reclining button and three buttons (Call attendant, cancel call for attendant and light control buttons) on the armrest. As Scoot is operating on a budget mode, there are no In-Flight Entertainment Systems nor seat to seat phones. Headphone jacks are not present, neither are any socket outlets for passengers to charge their phones. Behind the seats, one can find the seat pocket with the Scoot Inflight Magazine, menu for ScootCafe, menu for inflight entertainment (to be purchased separately and streamed onto one's mobile phone or tablet via the Scoot wifi onboard), as well as the safety card for the aircraft.

Excellent legroom onboard Scoot Economy Class

Very basic controls on the armrest. However the placement of these buttons are bad as I kept accidentally hitting the light button

Seat recline button on the side of the armrest

A very basic seat back with only tray table and pockets. Scoot uses streaming into passenger's mobile phone or tablet to keep costs low

Seat pocket contents

Even the seat pocket is very basic

Service
Scoot being a budget carrier, one would naturally expect minimum service from the airlines. I would rate the service a mix. The inflight service exceeds my expectation. The service started with the pursuers greeting passengers boarding the aircraft with sincerity and warmth. The pursuers were seen wearing a smile when they were patrolling the cabin, be it for safety checks or to sell food and drinks. I purchased a bottle of mineral water from one of the pursuers and she returned promptly with a smile and the product that I purchased. When disembarking the plane, pursuers are seen thanking passengers during disembarkation. While the contact time with the pursuers are minimum, I can still see the friendly and cheerful image that the airlines has pride themselves with.

Due to the lack if IFE, safety demonstration is done "live" by flight attendants

However the ground services is horrendous, especially the call centre. I saw a Facebook post by Scoot on the delay in timing of my flight to Bangkok the day before my scheduled flight. However this notice was taken down minutes later on Scoot's Facebook page as well as their website. Despite their website stated that all affected passengers will be notified by email and/or SMS, I did not receive any notification via the stated means by Scoot. When I completed check-in on Scoot's website, the timing I got was the original departure timing. I called the call centre to verify if the flight has been delayed due to confusing communications. The service agent insisted to get my booking reference to check, despite questioning him the need since I have the flight number and the departure date. Afterall I am only confirming the timing of the departure. The staff kept insisting on obtaining the booking reference. Sensing that the conversation will go nowhere, I asked to speak to his supervisor or the manager. The staff replied that there are no supervisors nor managers on duty, any sane person would have rejected this claim by him. When questioned the truthfulness of his claim, the staff then reluctantly provided me with the timing of the flight without asking for my booking reference. I find the Scoot has failed in their promised (as stated in their Facebook page) that affected passengers will be notified (which they have not) and having someone manning the service hotline that treats customers as uninformed.

Afterthought
For a short 2-hour flight, I find Economy Class in Scoot to be comfortable. The leg room in the most basic seat is sufficient. For a longer haul flight, I would think twice about flying Scoot as the lack of IFE make flying a chore. The service onboard exceed my expectations, however not so for the ground staffs from the hotline agents to the staffs processing my check-in. Will I fly Scoot again? Probably not.

The flight was very smooth and comfortable

[Hotel Review] - Humble House (Premier Room), Taipei, Taiwan (4 - 7 Nov 16)

Location

Humble House Taipei is located in Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (新光三越) in Xin Yi area (信義區). In fact the mega shopping mall that spreads across a few buildings in the area is just below the hotel, pampering guests with shopping options. Taipei 101 is jut right across the hotel, within five mins walk. There are two MRT stations (from two different lines) nearby the hotel. The closest is the Taipei City Hall Station (市政府站) which is a mere three mins walk away, while the Taipei 101/World Trade Centre Station (台北101/世貿站) is a good eight mins walk from the hotel. From the stations, one can easily get to anywhere in Taipei City via the efficient MRT system. Despite the centralised location, there isn't any 24-hour convenient shops nor fastfood chains nearby the hotel. 

Hotel Signage 

Facade of Hotel

The Room

I checked into the Premier Room of the hotel. The design of the 36m Sq Room is very well laid out. The room can be segregated into three main areas, namely the closet area, bedroom and the bathroom. The layout of the contemporary room makes it feel spacious. The clever use of full length mirror, makes the room look even more spacious.

Closet Area

The Closet Area is what one would see when entering the room, stretching the entire width of the room. A wooden theme spreads out the entire area. To the left of the entrance is where one can find the minibar area, housed in a generous cabinet that does not occupy too much space. A Nespresso machine complete with two capsules replenished daily and electric kettle are placed on the countertop of the three-panel cabinet. A small fridge is well hidden in one of the three panels. Cups and wine glasses are also stowed neatly in the other two panels. The closet area is to the right from the entrance of the door to the room. This area, separated by a false wall, doubles up as a walk-in closet (there are door panels to the wardrobes). At the end of the area is a powder table, complete with a chair, for female guests to put on their make-ups. There are two large sized wardrobes in this area, one with drawers and the in-room safe. There are no lack of wardrobe space in this room, capable of taking up weeks of clothing. I find this space very practical and gave me a sense of extra space in the entire room.

Minibar area beside the main entrance to the room

A small fridge is well tucked into one of the cabinets in the minibar area. All contents inside this fridge are chargeable

Wooden based closet area with a powder counter at the end of the corridor

First of the two panels of wardrobe. There are lots of room for guests to hang their clothing

Second panel of the wardrobe. The in-room safe is located here on top of a three-tiered drawer

Bedroom

Pass the false wall, one would find themselves in the bedroom. Entering the bedroom, a large window panel is what caught my eyes. This panel, allowing sufficient light into the room, does make the room look spacious. The blinds to this window is controlled electronically. There is a work desk placed right in front of the window, with a panel comprising of two international power outlets as well as connections to the TV. To the right of the entrance to the bedroom, one can find a large King bed, with bedside tables on either side of the bed. The king bed is very comfortable to sleep, provided me with excellent sleep quality. There is a 2 seater couch placed at the far end of the bedroom, in front of the LED TV. I do find the placing of the TV a tad odd. Most hotels would have the TV placed right smack centre facing the bed, however the TV in the Premier Room in Humble House Taipei is placed to the right side, occupying the wall space to one side of the room. This makes watching TV for guests sleeping on the side nearer to the entrance of the room a tad hard. Perhaps Humble House Taipei compromised the placement of the TV for the large window panel, which is fine by me. The lighting in the bedroom (especially at night) feels very cosy and comfortable, which helped to promote better sleep quality. 

Work desk in front of the large window panel, which allowed natural light into the Premier Room  in Humble House Taipei. This is one of the reasons why the room feels spacious

View from the window. The room I was allocated faces an office building

Multi media plugs that connects to the TV and a couple of international power outlets can be found on the work desk

View of the bedroom. The King bed is large and provided me with excellent quality of sleep

A two-seater couch tucked in the far end of the room, which is functional and yet not taking unnecessary space in the Premier Room in Humble House Taipei

40" LED Sony TV in the room. The placement of the TV is off centre from the bed, but it faces the couch directly

Control panel for lightings and the blinds is located on one of the bedside tables, together with one of three phones in the room

Bathroom

The Bathroom in the Premier Room in Humble Hotel Taipei is large! It is separated from the bedroom by a large two panel sliding doors, with floor to ceiling mirrors on both sides of the door. From the entrance of the bathroom, to the right is where the bathtub is located, placed in front of a large window panel. Again with the same concept with the bedroom, the clever use of large window panel by Humble House Taipei makes the confined space feels spacious. The blinds to this window is also controlled electronically as with that in the bedroom. Facing the entrance to the bathroom, next to the bathtub is where one can find the sink area. The single sink countertop has heaps of space for guests to put their extra toiletries. I like the way Humble House Taipei placed additional toilet amenities. These amenities such as toothbrushes, razors, shower caps, etc. are neatly arranged in a drawer at the sink area. Next to the sink area is where one can find the toilet. The toilet is fully automatic, with a touch of a button on the control panel placed on the wall next to the toilet bowl, the lid is being lifted. The toilet seat is also warmed, guests do not have to sit on a cold toilet seat every time they use the toilet. The toilet also has washlet features. Next to the toilet bowl is a large walk-in shower area, enclosed with glass walls, separating the wet and dry area. Despite using only regular shower head, the pressure for showering is never weak.

The bathtub is to the right, placed in front of a window panel, from the entrance to the bathroom

Sink area in the toilet. The space to place additional toiletries is ample

Wet area and the toilet bowl in the bathroom

Swimming Pool

The swimming pool in Humble House Taipei is located on 7 floor of the hotel. Placed on a raised platform, at one corner of the open area, the pool is large enough for guests to do decent laps in. What I like about the pool is the view. The pool is situated right in front of Taipei 101, guests swimming or tanning by the pool will be treated with a view of the iconic building in Taipei. As there are no buildings or trees by the pool, I find this area great for guests who want to get a tan. However guests using the pool are required to wear swimming caps, which are available for purchase from the staffs at the pool.

Swimming pool with a view of Taipei 101

Access to the swimming pool

Shin Kong Mitsukoshi viewed from the swimming pool

Shower points at the swimming pool

View of action in Shin Kong Mistukoshi from the pool

Gym

The Gym in Humble House Taipei is also located on 7 floor of the hotel. I do find the gym a tad small, with limited number of treadmills and stationery bicycles. Despite the small space, guests can still get a decent workout in the gym.

Small but functional gym next to the swimming pool

Breakfast

Breakfast in Humble House Taipei is served daily from 6.30 to 10.00am at the Terrace Restaurant located on 6 floor. There are sufficient variety for breakfast, catering to most of the guests staying at the hotel. On top of the traditional continental breakfast, there are also local dishes, such as congee and preserved vegetables being served for breakfast. I also find a small area where Japanese soba noodles are made available. There is also a counter where guests can create their own sandwiches. There is also a section serving salads and fruits. 

Decor of the Terrace where breakfast is served

DIY sandwich counter during breakfast service

Some of the food on offering for breakfast

Garden outside the Terrace restaurant

Service

The service I received during my stay in Humble House Taipei is impeccable with exceptions to some of the staff at the Terrace Restaurant. The great service started from the moment I stepped into the lift lobby on the ground floor of the hotel (the reception is located on 6 floor). There are no lack of greetings from staffs the moment I walked into the entrance of the hotel. The staffs even pressed the lift button and offered to deliver my luggage to the reception. These friendly staffs never fail to uphold the warmthness of the hotel whenever I pass them regardless of the time of the day, making me feel welcomed as a guest. The excellent service continued to the reception, where I was greeted by staffs whom promptly processed my check-in and ensured that I get to my room soonest. There are also no lack of friendly welcomes whenever I walked past the reception regardless of the time of the day. The staffs were also attentive and noted the requests that I have made when I mentioned my room number to them.

The staffs at the gym/pool area were excellent. They would rush to open the door leading to the swimming pool whenever I access the smoking area at the pool. They would also quickly stand up whenever I pass by them. There was an occasion that I wanted to swim in the pool, these staffs would quickly organise themselves and rushed to the pool before I arrived to ensure that towels are made available.

The housekeeping staffs working on 28th floor were amazing as well. They would greet me with a warm smile whenever I walked past them. There is an occasion where I request for extra shower gel with one of the staff, Kelvin, when he was working in one of the room on the floor. Instead of being grumpy and irritated, he responded with a smile.

The service rendered by the staffs in the Terrace Restaurant was a mix. The first day I was greeted by a rather cold staff who seemed interested in only doing her job. There were no smiles given nor did she attempt to strike a conversation. It appears she is not the only one that has this attitude in the restaurant. I bumped into several others with such attitude throughout my stay in Humble House Taipei. There were some others whom were very friendly and acceded to my request for beverages promptly. Despite the mixed service, plates were cleared quickly and there were no instances where I returned to my table with used plates laying around.

Reception area located on 6 floor

Afterthouoght
I had a pleasant stay in Humble House Taipei. In terms of hardware, the Premier Room in the hotel is well designed with the lay out and I found the room rather spacious for me open up two 28" luggages on the floor. I particularly like the closet area, where I placed my shoppings whilst in Taipei, thus not cluttering the sleeping area. The clever use of large window panels in the bedroom and bathroom plus the use of mirrors makes the room feels larger than it is. Service received in Humble House are mostly positive with staffs making me feel welcomed. There are no lack of smiles and greetings and staffs who are so eager to render help to guests who needs them. The location of the hotel is superb with a large shopping malls right at the doorstep of the hotel. I highly recommend staying in Humble House Taipei and will return to the hotel the next time I visit Taipei.