Seoul - arriving on SQ latest plane

SQ new plane - The first thing that struck me when entering the cabin of Singapore Airlines SQ 16 to Seoul was the ultra freshness of the cabin - it gives you a good feeling that this plane is "youthful". Just like getting into your brand new car - you can smell the newness oozing out from under the seats. The spaciousness of this spanking new plane is just awesome. It's the latest Boeing 777-300ER and it was nice - Boeing calls it the largest long-range twin-engine jetliner. Even the bath rooms are well thought out, with full length mirrors and well placed lights to make it look posh.

The in flight entertainment is much better and more user friendly. I always look forward to the movies on board my flight because I do not have time to go to the movies with 3 kids in tow and work...nah. With the headsets on - I have my privacy and the latest movies to keep me occupied throughout the journey. I managed to squeeze two movies in the 5hrs+ flight to Seoul - James Bond "Casino Royale" and "The Pursuit of Happiness" - both worth the watch. The only drawback on this new plane is the starting up of the engine - it is so noisy but once in the air - it became quieter. It would be cool if SQ added noise reduction to the headsets because the screens are now bigger and sharper, better user interface but the noise from the engine is still too loud thus affecting the total joy of a complete in flight entertainment. You have to put the volume to maximum to achieve audibility.

The 'cattle' class seating is no longer like before. This plane economy class seats are much bigger and also had RJ45 and USB port. The USB port is meant for office productivity software to upload and edit - using word, presentation, spreadsheet and file sharing. I did not bother as I saw no real use for it. SQ improving on their in-flight entertainment is a real plus for me as I travel a lot and that really takes the boredom out. My friend flew from Germany to meet me in Seoul on Laufthansa airlines and they do not have individual screens - I would be bored to death.

Arrival at Incheon airport is a breeze - I have been through Seoul at least 40 times and everytime I use the Limosine bus services that takes me directly to my designated Hotel.

Hotel Review:

Hotel: Renaissance Seoul Hotel @ 676 Yeoksam-dong Gangnam-gu

Comments: I have stayed at this hotel many times and feel very comfortable and safe. A 5-star and a very good class business hotel that offers broadband internet access, provides me all the amenities. Around the hotel there is a 7-eleven store and many good restuarants. My business partners like it because it is very central and convenient. All the staff speaks good English and very helpful. The Limosine bus stops just outside the hotel.