Mistaken Identity: SIA Passenger Describes a Painful Business Class Nightmare

Business Class, But Not What It Seemed

First Stop: A Surprise Downgrade

Our protagonist thought he’d be flying in luxury and comfort, but the gate had a different plan. At the check‑in desk, he was moved from the coveted business class cabin to a mere economy seat.

Second Act: The Gateway Twist

• He was shuffled to the gate, only to get re‑upgraded—back to the nice business class, almost like a unicorn.
• But there’s a catch: he’d have to squeeze his wallet and pay the price difference in cold, hard cash.

Third Scene: The Meal Mix‑up

All aboard and before the turbulence even began, the flight crew mistook him for someone else, served him a wrong meal, and left him puzzled over why his taste buds felt like they were on a detour.

Final Verdict

“While many will remember getting a prime business class experience with SIA, for me it was nothing but a painful reminder that sometimes the journey is more about surprises than smooth skies.” – EK, Stomp contributor

Unexpected Seat Surprises at Suvarnabhumi

Picture this: you land at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on the 25th of June, ready to start a big campaign, but someone pulls the rug from under you—

“Your seat is gone!”

Turns out, the hotel’s room service for arrivals was booked out. The options? A deliciously awful economy ticket—promised a spare seat for extra space—or a splurge on the next business‑class flight, a mere two to three hours later.

The Dilemma

• Need to hit the office tomorrow.
• Craving some bed… I mean, a comfy seat.
• Feeling all the emotions—reluctant, upset, and just plain disappointed.

Curiously enough, the solution wasn’t a rocket launch but a trade‑off. The plug‑in economy seat came with faster customs clearance and a lounge pass. So, he decided to pick the “economy” ticket. No seat? No problem. You get a passport to comfort and an extra berth in the lav, plus the perk of quick jet‑line clearance.

Bottom Line

He didn’t get the seat he wanted, but the hustle, the hassle, and the extra lounge access made the unusual gamble worth it.

When the Airport Turns into a Maze

If you think flying is a breeze, this story is a reminder that sometimes the air‑plane lobby can feel more like a puzzle competition than a gate‑way. Our traveler’s experience was a comedic disaster—minus the laughs (unless you count the groan).

The “Easy” Start That Wasn’t

• Customs clearance? 15‑30 minutes of boredom and interrogation.
• Chasing a lounge? It took longer than ordering a coffee at the airport.
• Promised help? Denied at every turn.

Every step felt like a test of patience, and the traveler’s energy drained by the time his bag was finally checked in.

The Gate‑Gate Surprise

At the boarding gate, the story took a comedic twist: a business‑class seat was suddenly offered—but with a catch.

• “I was told I’d need to top up the price difference at the gate.”
• “Who has cash tucked away while trying to board a plane? Not me.” – the traveler’s realistic response.
• After rummaging through pockets, he was the last to board.

Imagine the drama: tickets in hand, pockets now empty, and a line that just keeps moving. It’s the kind of stress that makes people consider starting a crowd‑funding page titled “Embarrassed Airline Experience.”

Misidentification: A Flight‑Friendly Identity Mix‑up

Even after getting on the plane, the saga didn’t end. The crew mistook him for someone else, and no one—of course—told them how to get the right passenger in the right seat.

• “I had to explain the situation again.”
• He was called by the wrong name and handed the wrong meal.

It’s the classic “you’re not the right cocktail at the bar” moment, only with an airplane and no mixology needed. The traveler’s point? It’s a reminder that even in the skies, clear communication is key—otherwise, you might end up getting a toaster instead of a to‑go loner.

Takeaway

What’s the moral of this saga? Keep your cash handy, double‑check your seat allocation, and maintain calm when the crew can’t quite get it straight. And if the airport drama is too much, perhaps start the next trip with a good book—maybe you can leave your luggage behind!

Stomp Contributor vs. Singapore Airlines: The Saga of the $150 Voucher

The Quest for a Full Refund

Ever had a travel nightmare that turns into a long-lived saga? This is a Stomp contributor’s tale, featuring more emails than a math class and a vacation that never quite flies off the rails. What started as a simple flight hiccup has escalated into a full-blown campaign for justice—and a stubborn refusal to accept a mere $150 voucher.

Timeline of Contact

• October 30 – First Demand: “They offered me a $150 in‑flight gift. I’m shocked that SIA thinks that solves the frustrations.”
• November 3 – Apology & Downgrade Explanation from a Customer Affairs Manager via email.
• November 8 – Voucher Redeemed at KrisShop, now in the SIA records.
• December…‑December – Still No Resolution – 15 contacts for the same issue.

Key Points from the SIA Email

Let’s break down what the airline says in plain, no‑myth language.

• Overbooking – SIA, like many carriers, sometimes overbooks flights because some passengers with confirmed tickets just don’t show up.
• When that happens, people overnights? no, they’re downgraded to economy for the “involuntary downgrade” only after all other options have been tried.
• During your check‑in, a staff member gave you 193 S$ (5,090 baht) as a cash apology for the downgrade, plus a 150‑$ voucher for later use.
• Because that single business seat was taken by a “no‑show,” the staff claimed you were losing a voucher, then delivered a loyalty-token of 10,000 KrisFlyer miles as a final “peace offering.”
• They also pledged a review “by the Bangkok station manager” to improve communication for the future.