For this trip to Europe, I needed a one-way Sydney-Singapore flight. I decided to test out the newest airline to hit the Sydney-Singapore market route: Scoot Airlines, or FlyScoot.
The flight from Sydney to Singapore takes almost 8 hours. And after flying Air Asia several years ago, I vowed to never use another low-cost carrier on long haul flights ever again. I decided to give Scoot a go though. I was curious about their ScootBiz class. After all, in my books, if you really Must fly a low-cost carrier–make it their highest level of service available. That way it is more bearable.
Alright let’s get down to the nitty-gritty business of reviewing this flight. Let’s see if it is worth the few hundred dollars more (less if you get it on sale).
CABIN
Scoot names this class ScootBiz (emphasis on the Bizzzzz bit) , however defines it as their premium cabin. I agree with the definition.
This is Premier Economy standard on most full-service airlines (non-budget).
However I shake my head to the tricky/deceiving name. The “biz” bit now obviously is there to put a spin on the class as if they are “BIZnezz clazz” (but of course it is your fault to think that way, because no, their definition of it is premium, not business, hence the name ScootBiz)
LEG SPACE/SEAT
There really is a good distance between seats. I can stretch my legs fully. However I wish the space under the seat in front is more spacious for stowing bags and other things. One thing for sure, you won’t have a problem with the passenger in front’s seat slamming on your face as the seats do not recline fully flat.
There was a power outlet, 1 for every 2 seats it seemed. That works fine if you know the person sitting next to you. If not, and both of you want to use it, well good luck negotiating.
As with all low-cost carriers, you do need to pay extra for add-ons. Such as :
A sleeping amenity kit. Containing an inflatable pillow, an eye mask, and a blanket that’s the size and thickness of a beach towel.
All put together, and with the seat reclined to its maximum, this is what you’d look like on your peak resting / sleeping mode:
The seat has 20 cm of recline. It’s enough for you to fall asleep comfortably. However, after a couple of hours, my back started feeling a little bit strained. Nothing still beats a lie flat or almost flat seat, but of course this is not a realistic expectation for Scoot.
ENTERTAINMENT
On the ScootBiz ticket, you are entitled to a free movie-streaming program if you have your own tablet (warning, only certain brands of tablets will work! check their website).
If you do not have a tablet or laptop, you can also rent for an extra fee Scoot’s own entertainment tablet, which weighs like a ton of bricks:
The tablet has an extra thick and heavy battery to last long flights, and also some form of chunky security lock/feature to ensure you do not pocket it.
Tip: Stick to the streaming selection. They have a broader range and far more variety than the Scoot Ipad option. I was bored after watching The Big Wedding and The Incredible Burt Wonderstone due to lack of other choices (that I like anyway)
FOOD
Ah…here we go. I pre-ordered our meals weeks before the flight. Why? Because when buying the ticket, the enticing images of these in-flight meals keep popping up, prompting you to pre-select (free on ScootBiz). So I chose Chicken Biryani for myself (which was also the Scoot Staff’s choice according to the website.) and Thai Red Curry for Zombie.
I recently read something about a Belgian man discovering that his wife of 19 years was actually a man. I kind of had a moment of knowing what he must have felt like when our meals were delivered to us:
Spot the difference, kids. There are 2,000.
I wasn’t able to finish the meal. So mid-flight my stomach was grumbling and I ordered a Snack Box:
I probably should have ordered a sandwich or so, but then I didn’t want to have another moment of knowing that a sandwich may actually be a biscuit. So I ordered things that I more or less already know what looks like. Even if they may not be good for you.
LAVATORIES
Basic, no-fuss with a half-length mirror. It was kept tidy/clean. That’ll do. No toiletries available. But that’s not really surprising.
SERVICE
Suprisingly, very pleasant! Scoot is not trying to be a posh airline. The uniform is like a cheerleader’s. The cabin crew are young, energetic and look as if they still enjoy the job.
Note: Some Scoot aircraft are refurbished hand-me downs from its parent company, Singapore Airlines. Our aircraft in particular, started sounding like a Harley Davidson gaining ultimum speed shortly after take off. If this doesnt faze you, just sleep over it.
VERDICT:
Will I fly Scoot again?
I will fly Scoot once more on ScootBiz, but only when the fares are on sale. (if not, better to take the real, full-serviced Premium Economy of the other airline that fly from Sydney to Singapore) Food was the biggest let-down. But overall, the service, seats, etc, are pretty ok.
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Have always wondered about Scoot – thought it was a little like air asia.
Yes they are the same in that they are budget airlines. I have only tried Scoot’s Biz Class and it’s not bad. However I’m sure the economy class is a different story. I have tried Air Asia longhaul (economy) , and that one time is enough for me to not fly them ever again. I think the only way you can make long haul budget airline flying bearable is to fly on their premium cabins.
Hello.. I have flown Scoot before, but not on ScootBiz, just economy, SIN-SYD-SIN. Maybe it was the set of crew that day, or maybe because we are in the economy class. There was this particular crew, probably a supervisor or something from the way he was ordering the rest of the crew around, was pretty rude. One of the example is that when we tried to purchase some food off the cart, and gave him a Singapore note, he was like “We do not have change for this sorry” in a not so kind manner + without eye contact…. I will say the service wasnt so good. But then again, I will probably still take Scoot again because of its low fares… So I guess we get what we pay for……..
airline is a joke, they have poorly trained staff in Manilla where they are taught just delaying and stalling tactics, Scoot website will take your money and not provide booking code making onwards plans difficult unless you are prepared to waste two to three hours of your time and money on the phone, with the pencil pushers who make you go through circles. Probably shouldn’t blame them, as they dont get any training and are paid peanuts.
Organistion with Singapore, is a minium at best. All customer services are reduced to cut costs. They will try to always push you onto their phone service, rather than use mail or emai. It is true about having to upload screenshots, via the ‘medical claim form’ to prove you have paid for something! If you have this problem, should just use photoshop than upload next time!
You can try contacting SCO via these channels if you have issues (which you will)! good luck, could be absolute waste of time though
Head office: 4 Airline Road, Changi Airport, Singapore, 819825, Singapore
Phone number: +65 6506 8823
help@flyscoot.zendesk.com, supprt supprt@flyscoot.zendesk.com