Is Scoot Airlines Worth It for Long-Haul Travel?
Traveling to far-off destinations can often be exciting, but the high costs of flights can put a damper on your plans. Long-haul flights, especially, can eat into your travel budget before you even get to the destination. That’s when budget-friendly airlines like Scoot come into play, offering an affordable way to travel without breaking the bank. But is it worth it? Here’s what we learned after flying with Scoot on multiple long-haul journeys.
Booking Your Flight with Scoot
Scoot Airlines, a budget carrier under Singapore Airlines, specializes in affordable flights to Southern Asia, Australia, and select destinations in Europe and the Middle East. While planning our recent Southeast Asia trip, Scoot came up as an option, and we decided to give it a go.
Booking with Scoot is generally straightforward, although the website could use some work. There were a few glitches we encountered, like non-responsive pages or getting booted out during the booking process. However, these issues were resolved after we logged in with a KrisFlyer account, Singapore Airlines’ frequent flyer program.
While the website itself could be a bit sluggish at times, the flight search and booking process was relatively smooth. The prices and flight options are clearly displayed, with helpful graphs comparing different dates and fares, making it easy to choose the best deal.
Check-In Process
Checking in online via the Scoot app is simple, but here’s where things get confusing. Despite completing online check-in, you’ll still need to visit the airport’s check-in desk to collect your boarding pass. This was a bit odd, especially when you don’t have any bags to drop off.
While the mobile app now allows for digital boarding passes on select flights from Singapore, this feature wasn’t available on other routes. We also tried printing our boarding pass from self-service kiosks at several airports, but Scoot was never listed as an option. So, unless you’re flying from Singapore, expect to stand in line for your boarding pass.
In-Flight Experience
When you book a standard fare with Scoot, keep in mind that you’re essentially paying for a seat on the plane—everything else, from food to entertainment, costs extra.
The entertainment options were limited to a few games and a flight map, but we couldn’t get the entertainment system to work on any of our flights. Wi-Fi is available for a fee, but considering the entertainment didn’t function properly, we decided to skip it.
In terms of comfort, the cabins on all our flights were clean, and the seats were decently comfortable. We were also impressed with the windows, which automatically darkened to simulate night conditions at our destination, helping reduce jet lag. The crew was also exceptional—friendly and professional throughout the journey.
However, over longer flights, the comfort did wear off, and we found ourselves needing to stretch more often than we would have on other long-haul carriers. If you’re tall, consider booking a seat near an emergency exit for extra legroom.
Meals and Drinks
One thing to note about Scoot is that they don’t provide free meals or drinks on long-haul flights, which is unusual for a budget airline. While bringing your own food technically goes against the airline’s policy, we didn’t encounter any issues when we brought simple sandwiches onboard.
To avoid the hassle, it’s best to pre-book your meals up to 72 hours before departure. This ensures availability and gives you a chance to secure your preferred meal, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
Pros and Cons of Flying with Scoot
Pros:
- Affordable prices allow for more budget to spend at your destination
- Friendly and professional staff
- Clean aircraft and facilities
Cons:
- Clumsy check-in process
- No in-flight entertainment
- Meals and drinks are not included
- Seating can be uncomfortable on long-haul flights
Should You Fly with Scoot?
After flying with Scoot for several long-haul routes, would we recommend it? It depends on what you’re looking for.
If comfort is your priority and you’re willing to pay for it, a full-service airline might be a better choice. Scoot’s budget nature means it sacrifices some of the perks you may be used to, like entertainment and free meals. This is especially true for families traveling with young children, as you’ll need to bring your own entertainment.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an affordable way to reach your destination and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of comfort, Scoot is a great choice. We found that the money we saved allowed us to extend our stay and enjoy our destination more.
For us, Scoot is definitely a go-to airline for budget travel. While we can do without the extra luxuries, the savings are worth it, and they allow us to explore more of our destination for longer.
Conclusion
Scoot may not be the most luxurious choice for long-haul flights, but it’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers who are willing to trade comfort for savings. If you’re looking to stretch your travel budget, Scoot is an excellent option for getting to your destination without breaking the bank.
