SIN MDC flight connection time

[ojo]

I am just about to make the final click to book a flight from LAX to SIN and on to MDC via Scoot but all booked via SA.
There is an hour and 35 minutes between flights. I'm a little surprised SA accepted this - tho they did restrict the booking options on
that outgoing flight. Last time I took this flight, we got in about an hour early, but I know this is dicey.
No more flights to MDC for two days, and tho I love Singapore, I don't really want to hang there.
SFO has better times, but their a.m. flight is completely un-bookable in Economy for months - maybe it's the fare sale.
Anyhoo, anyone have experience with that particular combo of flights, or something similar? TIA

 

[ojo]

Answered my own question, reading another site - SA is responsible for getting me from pt. a to b, so it's on them if the first flight is delayed. Doing it!

 

[Searcaigh]

Passing on some experience from a couple that I met in Lembeh back in 2002, who had flown from the US on SIA then connected to to MDC from SIN on Scoot.

Their baggage didn't make it and they were connecting to a LOB, which resulted in buying clothing etc., as well as renting dive gear for that part of the trip.

Their gear did arrive on the next daily flight, but they were already on the LOB and weren't reunited with it until they returned and everything was at NAD in Lembeh.

I would definitely ensure your dive computers and a few essentials are packed hand baggage to mitigate any connection issues, but saying that, SIN airport is pretty efficient, and if you're staying in N. Sulawesi then a delay may not be as bad as what was experienced by the couple we met.

 

[ojo]

Passing on some experience from a couple that I met in Lembeh back in 2002, who had flown from the US on SIA then connected to to MDC from SIN on Scoot.

Their baggage didn't make it and they were connecting to a LOB, which resulted in buying clothing etc., as well as renting dive gear for that part of the trip.

Their gear did arrive on the next daily flight, but they were already on the LOB and weren't reunited with it until they returned and everything was at NAD in Lembeh.

I would definitely ensure your dive computers and a few essentials are packed hand baggage to mitigate any connection issues, but saying that, SIN airport is pretty efficient, and if you're staying in N. Sulawesi then a delay may not be as bad as what was experienced by the couple we met.

Much appreciated, thank you. That must have been quite the bummer. I did wonder how often SA misses transferring luggage with those kind of connection times. It would be a bummer not to have my bag, but I'm going to nearby Bunaken, so I imagine they would figure out how to get it to me.

 

[Kendall Raine]

One way to hedge is spend an extra night in MDC on the outbound to allow any missing baggage to catch up. Another hedge is pack all essential dive gear in carry-on. If you do the latter be aware SIA may count and weigh carry on at LAX-both at the ticket counter and at the gate (did this to me last March)-and compel you to check extra carry-ons. Wheelies attract more attention than backpacks, so it seemed at the time. No experience with Scoot.

All that said, SIN has spend a pile of money on an RFID baggage tracking system to fix the baggage problems they had a couple of years ago which seems to have significantly improved performance. Getting the Changi app will allow you to track bags from SIA to Scoot.

 

[ojo]

One way to hedge is spend an extra night in MDC on the outbound to allow any missing baggage to catch up. Another hedge is pack all essential dive gear in carry-on. If you do the latter be aware SIA may count and weigh carry on at LAX-both at the ticket counter and at the gate (did this to me last March)-and compel you to check extra carry-ons. Wheelies attract more attention than backpacks, so it seemed at the time. No experience with Scoot.

All that said, SIN has spend a pile of money on an RFID baggage tracking system to fix the baggage problems they had a couple of years ago which seems to have significantly improved performance. Getting the Changi app will allow you to track bags from SIA to Scoot.

Good thoughts, thanks.

 

[tridacna]

I’ve done that exact route about four or five times and have never had an issue with missing a connection or bags. OTOH, I think that you’re missing out by not spending a few days in SIN and exploring the city. Lets you get over jet lag and is a fabulous destination.

 

[CF L]

I have flown a couple of times return between SIN and MDC with Scoot in the last year, they never weighed, measured or counted the carry-on bags at both airports, one time at SIN they offered to gate-check bags for free.

Many passengers seemed to have more than the allowed number of cabin bags so the overhead bins were often full so it helps to board early by paying for BoardMeFirst, although sometimes they didn't check and allowed everyone who rushed forward to board.

 

[ojo]

I’ve done that exact route about four or five times and have never had an issue with missing a connection or bags. OTOH, I think that you’re missing out by not spending a few days in SIN and exploring the city. Lets you get over jet lag and is a fabulous destination.

Tridacna you are so right! Last time I had a long day there - bopped around on the trams, spent hours in the Botanic Garden, ate Lhaksa in a Michelin-rated stall, and barely scratched the surface. super-easy, and great for a woman alone. In case I don't stay over, glad to know you had numerous easy connections.

 

[Wobbegong_th]

I have flown a couple of times return between SIN and MDC with Scoot in the last year, they never weighed, measured or counted the carry-on bags at both airports, one time at SIN they offered to gate-check bags for free.

Many passengers seemed to have more than the allowed number of cabin bags so the overhead bins were often full so it helps to board early by paying for BoardMeFirst, although sometimes they didn't check and allowed everyone who rushed forward to board.

May I ask how often Scoot fly SIN-MDC & return? I'd book a trip with resort in Lembeh but have not decided on flight. Originally looking at Garuda, but if Scoot schedule fit with our trip plan, I might change to fly via SIN.