Flying high on Premium Economy with Qantas A380

Did I tell you I am now a Gold Frequent Flyer with Qantas? If I didn't I might as well not because I should save it till I attain Platinum because thanks to John, I got a taste of what it would be like to be a Platinum Frequent Flyer and boy oh boy, what a world of difference (compared to Gold). 

Our recent trip back to Singapore for Lunar New Year began at the check-in counter - we were invited to check-in at the First Class check-in counter and yes, we got the yellow First Class tags on our bags. This followed with a meal of Spicy Hokkien Noodle in the Qantas First Class Lounge (see pic) for me and a Mediterranean Mezze Plate for John. No bay-marine stuff here, it was all restaurant-style table service with fashionably togged staff delivering service with a smile no matter how many times you send them back for booze refills. On and off a few travelers were turned away at the reception counter, probably trying out their eligibility or luck or both to gain entry but I don't blame them, one can easily be seduced by the comfort of First Class treatment; I know I could.

They were calling for Business and Premium Economy passengers to board the A380 when we arrived at the gate. There were some initial confusion as to which of the four gates we were supposed to go through, yes four bloody gates, can you imagine! Anyway, we finally found our way and (eventually) our seats which was on the upper deck towards the back of the plane. The cabin is roomy with ample space between seats, and comes with a dedicated cabin attendant; dedicated as in assigned, that is. Our meal is served on proper crockery, not the tray contraption they shove at you in Economy, and although not the same fare as in Business, the quality of the grub is several notches higher than you-know-where. Even the bread roll is served warm and properly crusty on the outside and soft and moist on the inside. Very civilised.

Oh, remember how your inflight movie watching experience have been marred by the bloody idiot sitting in front of you reclining his/her seat causing your monitor to charge at you? Worry no more. If you are in PE on a Qantas A380, your monitor rise out of a slot in the armrest on the side of your seat and you can angle it to suit your preferred viewing angle. Not only that, you get a larger monitor and noise-canceling earphones. Very, very civilised. And speaking of noise, the A380 is very quiet. Very.

And because I was in the window seat, there is a side storage compartment abutting the fuselage which I can use for my Prada bag and when closed, the storage worked very well as an alternative foot rest. Did I mention the fluffy pillow and thermal blanket. No? Well there are these and also a snack bar to the back of the cabin where you can go and have a sugar fix whenever the need arises. I don't know about you but PE on Qantas A380 is definitely the way to go, fly I mean :)

In case you wondered, Qantas does not pay me to say all these (good) stuff here although they did upgraded us to Business Class for our return leg from Singapore to Sydney.