Airline review: Scoot, economy, A320, Singapore to Luang Prabang

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This was published 4 years ago

Airline review: Scoot, economy, A320, Singapore to Luang Prabang

By Paul Chai
Economy pitch is 34 to 36 inches (about 86 to 91 centimetres).

Economy pitch is 34 to 36 inches (about 86 to 91 centimetres).

THE ROUTE

Singapore to Luang Prabang

THE AIRCRAFT

A Scoot Airbus A320 in its sunny livery.

A Scoot Airbus A320 in its sunny livery.

Airbus A320

THE LOYALTY SCHEME

Krisflyer

CLASS

Economy

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DURATION

2 hours 46 minutes, departing a touch early

FREQUENCY

Three times a week, triangulated with return via Vientiane.

THE SEAT

4C; Economy pitch is 28 inches (about 71 centimetres) and 18 inches (about 46cm) wide.

BAGGAGE

20 kilograms checked in, 10 kilograms cabin baggage

COMFORT

In a year when I have covered a range of low-cost carriers, Scoot's seats seem pretty comfy by comparison and on this short hop I am happy with my aisle seat.

ENTERTAINMENT

This is the inaugural flight, so entertainment is provided in the form of in-plane quizzes about the destination in order to win the new on-board snack item of crunchy fish skin. Staff are also packing a range of Insta-friendly cutouts, from elephants to giant photo frames. A group photo is taken, traditional Laotian music is played and we get a water cannon salute when we touch down. It's fun, makes time pass quickly and gets you talking to your neighbours.

SERVICE

Scoot's yellow livery was picked to give the airline a sunny disposition and the crew all play along with smiles for miles and plenty of help settling a full flight. Food comes out fast and efficient, and the party vibe doesn't feel forced, these guys look happy to be at work today; not always the case on flights.

FOOD

A breakfast croissant is not up to Scoot's usual standard. Go local and have a curry or chicken rice, which are well above the usual economy airline fare.

ONE MORE THING

I flew in to Singapore from Melbourne the day before to take this flight and my check-in baggage spent the night with Scoot, conveniently checked through to Luang Prabang on the following day's flight. Meanwhile, my cabin baggage and I explored Singapore – a great arrangement.

THE VERDICT

Scoot consistently delivers a low-cost experience that rivals full-cost economy (except for the odd in-air financial transaction if you want snacks or Wi-Fi) and on short-haul Asian destinations such as the newly-launched Luang Prabang paying full fare seems completely unnecessary.

OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE

4

Tested by Paul Chai who flew as a guest of Scoot (flyscoot.com)

See also: World's best airline for 2019 named as Qantas soars into top 10

See also: AirAsia unveils new planes for Australia, plans more cheap flights

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