TRAVELLING, especially for international trips, requires thorough planning. From choosing the right airline to understanding travel protocols, every detail contributes to the overall experience.
Personally, I have always chosen airlines based in Malaysia. There is a sense of familiarity with them, and since I grew up in Peninsular, it is what I am used to.
My family and I would often take these airlines whenever we travelled back to our hometown, and that familiarity became part of my travel routine.
Even when I reached the age where I could travel internationally with friends, we still chose Malaysian airlines. The comfort of knowing what to expect made us feel more at ease during our journeys.
However, recently, I had the opportunity to try something new — Scoot. Scoot is a low-cost carrier under the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group, known as the ‘younger sibling’ of SIA.
It was my first time flying with it, and it was for a media familiarisation (FAM) trip to Koh Samui, Thailand. Joining us were journalists from Indonesia and Australia.
Scoot eases my takeoff anxiety comfortably
My journey began from Kuching International Airport, and we had a transit at Singapore Changi Airport, one of the world’s major travel hubs.
I should mention that I have what I call ‘takeoff anxiety.’ This kind of anxiety is the feeling of nervousness or discomfort that arises specifically during takeoff, as the plane begins to ascend.
For me, this usually means an increased heart rate, sweating, and slight nausea —thankfully, I don’t experience full panic attacks, but it is uncomfortable enough to notice.
Given this, I was particularly observant of how my first flight with Scoot would go.
I am happy to report that the experience was actually very smooth! From the moment we took off, I felt at ease. The rest of the hour-and-a-half flight was equally comfortable.
One of my favourite features was the seating. Unlike some other airlines, where the straight, upright seat position feels a bit rigid, Scoot’s seats were designed to feel natural and supportive.
I did not feel as if I was being forced forward or was bending awkwardly in the upright position. Instead, I could sit back comfortably without the typical stiffness that often caused unrest during the flight.
The seats were also so well-cushioned that I fell asleep within minutes of closing my eyes. For someone like me, who could feel anxious in the air, this was a welcome surprise.
Scoot certainly earned a thumbs-up from me for its comfort and ease of experience!
Scoot’s new Embraer E190-E2 elevates travel experience
After a warm welcome and a comfortable break at the SATS Premier Lounge in Changi Airport, we departed for Koh Samui on Scoot’s new Embraer E190-E2 aircraft.
Configured in a convenient 2-2, single-class layout, this aircraft accommodates 112 passengers and features two toilet facilities, adding extra convenience for travellers.
Its 18.3-inch (46.4 cm) wide seats, covered in synthetic leather, have a standard pitch of 29 inches (74 cm) and recline up to 4 inches (10 cm), ensuring a comfortable experience even on short-haul journeys.
The E190-E2 is celebrated as the quietest and most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft, with 25 per cent lower carbon emissions and fuel consumption compared to earlier E-Jets.
This achievement is thanks to its advanced aerodynamics, novel wing design, and cutting-edge technologies.
Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney PW1900 engines, this aircraft is capable of operating short- to medium-haul flights, with a maximum flight time of up to six hours.
Since June of this year, Scoot’s Embraer E190-E2 has been flying to six destinations: Koh Samui, Krabi and Hat Yai in Thailand, along with Malaysia’s Kuantan, Sibu and Miri.
Beyond these routes, Scoot also serves an extensive network of 71 destinations across 15 countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Europe.
One of the key benefits of flying with Scoot is the option to customise your experience. Passengers can book a basic seat or add extras like meals, baggage, and amenities to tailor their journey.
Additionally, all economy-class passengers enjoy a complimentary 10kg cabin baggage allowance, while ScootPlus passengers receive a 15kg allowance — proving that a low-cost airline experience doesn’t have to compromise on comfort.
Safety remains Scoot’s top priority. As the world’s first low-cost carrier to achieve the highest ratings from both the APEX Health Safety Audit and COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating Audit, Scoot has demonstrated its commitment to passenger health and safety.
In 2022, it further secured full IATA membership for meeting global standards in airline operational safety.
With Scoot, travellers can enjoy an affordable yet reliable and enjoyable flight experience — no compromises necessary!
Delays made easy with Scoot’s perks
For our journey back home, we departed Koh Samui in the evening, just as the weather turned unfavourable. As expected, our flight was delayed.
I assumed that the delay was due to the rain or strong winds preventing a safe landing, though I did not actually see any aircraft land while waiting.
While we rested at the departure gate, I noticed something surprising. Scoot had set up a dedicated booth offering free drinks and snacks for its passengers!
This was a first for me, and I felt it was a sentiment worth sharing.
At the ‘Courtesy Corner Free for Scoot Passengers,’ we were treated to hot coffee and tea, along with an assortment of snacks, including cookies, cakes and buns.
Later, on my flight to Kuching, we also experienced a delay, but it went completely unnoticed by me!
Why? Because the boarding process was seamless. We were able to board the plane on schedule and comfortably settled into our seats while waiting for the aircraft to take off.
I was so engrossed in listening to Paramore on my phone that I didn’t realise we had already been on the plane for about 30 minutes.
Had it been another airline, we might have been stuck waiting in the departure hall, which often led to passengers feeling restless. But with Scoot, the experience was entirely different. Overall, my first experience flying with Scoot was fantastic, from the thoughtful amenities to the smooth journey — nothing but positive memories!
