Check in @ KUA took 2 mins, 1 desk open and no queues but then ours was the only flight leaving [:D]. Only problem was we were on Malaysian airlines to KUL then SIA to SIN later that day and at KUA they couldn't check us through as it was a domestic then an international and there systems wouldn't allow them to do it with 2 airlines. Never mind we had 3 hrs at KUL before going to SIN so plenty of time to reclaim the bags then re-check in.
Now KUA airport isn't the biggest and not much to do except have a coffee. Security is a few yards from the check in, and once through into the lounge it is straight onto the tarmac right where the plane lands. so not much to keep you occupied for an hour.
We saw the inbound aircraft land and passengers were off within 10 mins. 10 mins later quick walk from the one and only departure lounge across the tarmac and up the steps onto the plane. Flight was full but everyone was on and doors closed quickly.
Take off on time, flight is 35 min but crew did a drinks and snack service which they managed to finish as the captain said crew to landing stations.
Disembarkation was quick and by the time we got to baggage claim @ KUL (5 min walk) our bags were there.
We collected them and went upstairs to the SIA check in to check in for our flight in 3 hrs time. As we got there i noticed an earlier flight which was due to leave in 40 mins and was still open. I asked if possible would we be able to swap. (expected a no as we had Y bucket seats, non changeable etc). Check in agent said no problem as long as we didn't want to do any shopping and went straight to the plane. (i was happy but Mrs Chumba had wanted to use my credit card in the shops [:D] ).
The agent swapped our flight at no cost, and off we went to departures. Straight through immigration and again very polite staff who thanked us for visiting their country (UKBA take note).
Security took a few mins with the usual people who had forgotten you cant;'t take 2 litre bottles or knives in your hand luggage [:(!] So we missed the monorail to the gate and had 5 min wait, cutting it fine now.
Luckily when we got off the monorail our gate was right there and we walked straight through the gate onto the plane. Again FA;'s were polite and helped with the hand luggage. Literally as we sat down, doors shut and off we went on time.
Quick drink service on baord and 40 mins later arrived at SIN.
Again through Immigration and again very polite and welcomed us back to Singapore (he saw the stamp from last year). They even have sweets on the counter for you to have whilst you wait. (so had a few :-) )
Baggage reclaim was easy bags off first and were going round as we arrived. (even less time for some shopping by Mrs Chumba-MARVELLOUS.)
All in all both airlines were excellent, on time, quick and polite staff no queuing and so very happy.
