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Scoot Over, Budget Airlines: ScootPlus Melbourne to Europe Route Takes the Lead
Written by Nate Robinson
Scoot’s ScootPlus service upsizes comfort and downsizes cost, delivering a budget-friendly to Europe via one of the best airports in the world.
The seat and route
Melbourne (MEL) to Berlin (BER) via Singapore (SIN) and Athens (ATH). Seat 2F/2A on a widebody Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
From A$1,342 ScootPlus (A$517 economy) one-way.
Is there a loyalty scheme and sustainability program?
As the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, Scoot allows you to earn and use points with the parent company’s frequent flyer program, KrisFlyer. KrisFlyer status and points are compatible with eligible flights in the greater Star Alliance family of 26 airlines, including Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand and All Nippon Airways.
KrisFlyer members enjoy members-only promotions and can mix miles and cash to purchase flights and flight upgrades. Travelling with Scoot also generates 2.5 KrisFlyer Elite Miles for each regular mile travelled; this unlocks bonus rewards and counts towards KrisFlyer Elite Silver and KrisFlyer Elite Gold status. Elite Silver and Gold members enjoy complimentary standard seat selection, priority boarding, flexible booking privileges and 25% more standard miles when travelling on eligible Scoot flights.
With a layover in Singapore, KrisFlyer’s Kris+ programme – allowing members to earn up to nine miles for every SG$1 spent on dining, retail and attractions in the city – is a nice touch.
Scoot participates in the Singapore Airlines Group’s annual sustainability program and the ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation. In 2021 plastic service ware was replaced by cutlery made from Forest Stewardship Council-approved recycled paper, reducing plastic on the in-flight tray by 80%.
How was the airport experience?
Check-in from Melbourne Airport (MEL) was fast and efficient, with priority service at a dedicated check-in counter for ScootPlus customers. When it’s time to board my flight to Singapore, ScootPlus travellers and families with small children are boarded first, and I’m buckled in with a laptop and headphones in less than 10 minutes.
ScootPlus customers are given a generous 30-kilogram check-in baggage allowance, with a further 10-kilogram carry-on included – three kilograms more than typical. My luggage is delivered straight from Melbourne to Berlin, though I am aware that with several short stops, a flight delay could cause them to arrive late. Thankfully, on the way to Berlin my luggage arrived without a hitch.
Scoot calls one of the world’s most acclaimed airports home: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) has racked up over 680 awards since opening in 1981. A six-hour layover offers the perfect opportunity to breeze through customs/immigration and check out Jewel Changi Airport, the adjacent garden-themed entertainment and retail complex. It’s a great way to kill time: I’m out of the airport in 15 minutes and spend the evening eating street food, taking selfies in front of the Rain Vortex – the world’s tallest indoor waterfall – and catching a movie at Jewel’s cinema. When it’s time to depart for Europe, passing through customs/immigration is just as easy.
Is there lounge access?
Lounge access is not included in ScootPlus fares, but eligible KrisFlyer members will still enjoy lounge access. At Singapore Changi Airport, this includes the SilverKris Lounge and KrisFlyer Gold Lounge.
How was the cabin and seat?
My ScootPlus cabin has 35 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration. Full leather seats are comfortable, with 38 inches (96 centimetres) of seat pitch, 6 inches (20 centimetres) of recline and fully adjustable headrests. While not as cosy as an equivalent business class seat, I find it easy to rest throughout most of the flight.
Inflight entertainment isn’t available on Scoot flights, but I have everything I need to enjoy my time in the sky. My seat includes a foldaway table, reading light and universal power port – a phone and e-reader loaded with media are more than enough to keep me entertained. Just don’t forget to pack your charger!
How was in-flight dining and drinks?
ScootPlus seats are inclusive of one meal and beverage, with a large range of local favourites available for pre-purchase, from Singapore-style coconut broth laksa to Indonesian nasi lemak to curry puffs and vegan hummus rolls. A recent menu reboot has mixed things up; I opt for the brand-new oriental treasure rice (baked chicken, chestnuts, sausage and mushrooms on a bed of flavoured rice). When I peel back the plastic film I immediately take in the aromatics, rich and herbal, and every bite is utterly delicious. On reflection, I shouldn’t be surprised. Singapore Airlines has a reputation for great food, and while the presentation is pared back, its budget subsidiary is no different.
What was the in-flight service like?
Service was attentive and warm, with complimentary Wi-Fi access and meal choices locked in before lift-off. The staff are more than happy to accommodate traveller requirements – one of my cabin mates asks for food a little later and is happily accommodated.
Why it’s worth it
With backing from Singapore Airlines – winner of Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 for ‘Best Airline in the World’ – Scoot offers convenient flights from Melbourne to Berlin via Singapore and Athens at an extremely approachable price point. ScootPlus adds more space and enough convenience to make it well worth paying extra for the upgrade.
Discover Singapore
The writer was a guest of Scoot.
