Too Good: Singapore Airlines 737-Max 8 Economy Review (Da Nang to Singapore)

Rating: 5/5 (Best short haul economy on earth, period)

Route: DAD-SIN (depart 12:00PM arrive 3:55PM)

Price: $237 (or ~6.2M Vietnamese Dong, at FX rates at the time of booking)

Introduction

After a fun few days chilling on the beach in Da Nang and exploring nearby areas, it was time to head down to Singapore. I honestly kind of regret choosing Singapore Airlines, because it showed how good short-haul economy can be. In the US, for the same flight time on American / Delta / United, you can expect stale pretzels, be barked at by flight attendants, and get a cup (not can) of Diet Coke at best. Oh, and it costs the same, if not more.

On SIA, you’re treated very well, flight attendants are polished, and you get a full meal in economy on a 3 hour flight.

It’s crazy how much service culture, or perhaps culture period differs on Asian carriers broadly vs. the US. Interestingly, it’s not really a matter of money / Singapore relying on low cost labor.

US legacy carrier flight attendants have median pre-tax total comp of around $70k (albeit with high variance and numbers can get much higher with seniority and route selection), whereas Singapore Airlines flight attendants will earn around ~$40k USD pre-tax (again, with high variance depending on seniority and schedule). However, given Singapore is a very low-tax jurisdiction, post-tax pay becomes very comparable.

So it really comes down to service culture – a reminder that not everything in corporate strategy can be baked into a spreadsheet.

Alright enough about money, onto the flight. In this post, you’ll find:

Ground experience + Lounge at Da Nang International Airport

Da Nang Airport’s international terminal 2 is actually quite nice, compared to what I found at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International airport. The terminal was completed in 2017 and serves all sorts of interesting short and medium haul routes around the region.

The terminal was fairly quiet when I arrived.

Online check-in was unavailable for some reason on this route, so I had to check in at the counter. Despite a small line this actually took 30 minutes so I’d make sure to budget a bit more time if online check-in is unavailable.

Also, one unfortunate thing is on this short-haul route, the desks agents required I check my carry-on. I had 1x backpack (personal item) and 1x small duffel (carry – on), but they insisted I could only bring one bag on the plane. This was free of charge, but unfortunately it was torrentially downpouring in Singapore upon arrival so my bag ended up getting soaked on the tarmac. Luckily there was just clothing in here and my computers and electronics were in my onboard backpack.

I’ve had mixed luck with Asian carriers allowing a personal item and a carry on, irrespective of the official policies.

Security also took a bit of time, but soon enough I was through and into the CIP Orchid lounge in Terminal 2 which I accessed through priority pass via my Amex Platinum. This lounge was just ~ok~ and not really worth visiting unless you just want a quick coffee or drink.

Singapore Airline’s Short-Haul fleet & Seat Map Configuration

While Singapore Airlines is famous for its long haul routes, it also has a small short haul fleet. It consists solely of the Boeing 737 in the following variants:

16 x 737 MAX 8s

7 x 737-800s

I still (maybe irrationally) get a bit nervous whenever flying on a 737 MAX, but at this point given the fleet grounding and insane amount of testing post-incidents, I figure this must be one of the safest aircraft at this point…I hope.

Singapore Airline’s 737 MAXs feature 154 seats:

10 x Lie Flat Thompson Aero Vantage Seats

144 x Collins Meridian Seats

Economy actually only has 30 inches of pitch, which is a bit tight, but again these aircraft are really only used for 2-3 hour flights in general.

Flight Review

Now onto the flight itself. The gate area was nice and quiet at Terminal 2 at Da Nang airport ahead of boarding.

Boarding was by group and was quick and efficient.

The seats are decently comfortable, although the lack of legroom at 30 inches of pitch would definitely get uncomfortable for any flight beyond ~3 hours.

Shortly after takeoff, the flight attendants handed out free earbuds. Kind of strange not being nickeled and dimed for these.

Shortly after takeoff, the crew began the meal service. Children and those with special meal preferences were served first, then can the main meal service.

I opted for the chicken pasta, which was one of the best meals I’ve had in economy. The desert was a matcha cake, which was also very good. The only place I allow myself to drink soda is on planes, so I went for my usual Diet Coke.

In flight entertainment on Singapore Airlines is really good, even in short haul economy. Each seat features a 10″ touch screen display, which was very responsive and had a ton of great content. I watched a few episodes of Severance on the flight.

Before long, we were making our approach into Changi Airport. There was a small thunderstorm over the airport as we landed, which made for an eventful final approach.

After a quick taxi, it was time to head into downtown Singapore.

Entry Rules to Singapore

Singapore is quite easy to get into, at least as a US passport holder. However, it’s important that every traveler from any country is required to fill out the SG arrival card prior (link: HERE) to arrival (only available within 3 days of departure). Technically, you can fill it out when you get to Changi Airport as well. This puts you into the Singapore customs system (flight into, health declaration, where you’re staying, etc), and lets you go through what is probably the best and most efficient international boarder on the planet. You just scan your face and you’re good to enter the country. That’s it.

Conclusion

All in all, I would always opt to fly Singapore airlines among any other airline, especially for short haul economy. Unfortunately, I’m based on the other side of the planet, but it was really eye opening to see how good short haul economy can be. If only…

Anyways, onto exploring Singapore.