This was published 4 years ago
Airline review: Scoot, economy, A320, Singapore to Luang Prabang
By Paul Chai
THE ROUTE
Singapore to Luang Prabang
THE AIRCRAFT
Airbus A320
THE LOYALTY SCHEME
Krisflyer
CLASS
Economy
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
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