Scoot, Singapore Airlines' cheaper little sibling, is well known for its cut-price routes. Flying from Melbourne to Singapore's Changi Airport in ScootPlus, and then from Singapore to Tokyo's Haneda Airport in economy, I'm testing both premium and budget cabins of the low-cost carrier.
CHECKING IN: The Scoot app's easy user interface makes checking in smooth, but there is a desk at Tullamarine's international terminal to help if needed. Luggage allowances depend on ticket type: Basic Economy fares get no checked baggage, while ScootPlus includes 30 kilograms. But none of this matters if you're a light packer like me. Scoot allows 10 kilograms of carry-on luggage per passenger (and 15 kilograms in ScootPlus), which is more than many other airlines.
THE FLIGHT: The first leg takes just over eight hours, while the second leg is six hours and 50 minutes. Both flights take off and land as scheduled. On the first flight, I settle into ScootPlus, charge my laptop quickly using the seat outlet and connect to the onboard Wi-Fi easily with a complimentary 200MB pass. I barely notice eight hours fly by while clicking away at my keyboard. On the second leg, however, things get a little weirder. First, I spot decals of Spider-Man dotted around the cabin as I take my seat. Then, halfway through the journey, lights change to a rainbow of colours, before the cabin crew, dressed in Spider-Man-themed bomber jackets and face masks come dancing down the aisles. Scoot has partnered with Sony Pictures to celebrate the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and until September 13, select flights get the friendly neighbourhood-hero treatment.
THE CLASS: Both legs of the trip are on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. In ScootPlus to Singapore, there are 35 leather recliners with roomy 95-centimetre-wide seats. In economy to Tokyo, the seats reduce to just 76 centimetres wide, with the cabin in a 3-3-3 configuration. The budget airline has a cheeky secret class, Scoot-in-Silence. If you can't tolerate loud children and noisy conversations, you can upgrade to that class for $45 at the time of booking. You can even upgrade mid-flight, if a seat is available.
FOOD AND DRINK: While not fully satisfying, the meals are packed with flavour, like the beef goulash and mashed potatoes served in ScootPlus. On the flight to Tokyo, a dainty carton of laksa, just larger than a ring box, is delivered to me. It's a tasty little morsel, but I'm hungry about 10 minutes later. Of course, there are snacks and meals available to purchase on board.
ENTERTAINMENT: There's no seat-back entertainment in any class, so it's best to have a plan before you switch your phone to flight mode.
THE SERVICE: Irrespective of the class, Scoot's staff operate quickly, cleanly and politely. And their dedication to the Spider-Man collaboration was particularly noteworthy.
IN A NUTSHELL: It's worth paying a few hundred dollars to upgrade, but if you're keen on bargain economy, pack light, have a meal before the flight and BYO entertainment.
The writer travelled as a guest of Scoot