TRIP REPORT: From Australia to Belgrade and back

TRIP REPORT

On May 19th, I set off on a journey that meant more than just going from point A to B. It was my first international trip since finishing intensive treatment for leukaemia - a trip to see my family, to hug them again, and to quietly celebrate the fact that I made it through.

The flights were booked in Business Class, something I treated myself to - not out of luxury, but as a symbol of moving forward. The route: Melbourne to Singapore to Amsterdam with Singapore Airlines, then on to Belgrade with KLM.

Melbourne to Singapore - SQ240 (05:55 AM)

My seat for this flight was 14A - a window seat, which provided privacy and a great view during the early morning departure.

Check-in at Melbourne Airport was smooth, with Singapore Airlines staff assisting passengers at the automatic check-in kiosks. They were polite and efficient - helping me tag my bags and guiding me straight to security and passport control.

As a Velocity (Virgin Australia) Gold member - I used to be Platinum before my illness last year - I was still entitled to extra luggage. Business Class included 40kg, and thanks to my Gold status I had an additional 15kg allowance. I didn’t need all of it this time, but it was good to know I had the flexibility.

I made use of the Singapore Airlines lounge before the flight. It was quiet that early in the morning, and I appreciated the hot coffee and light breakfast on offer.

Once on board, the A350 Business Class seat offered all the comfort and privacy I needed. The flight attendants were welcoming and professional. The lunch service soon after take-off was tasty and timely, and the flight itself was smooth and restful. Before landing light refreshment was offered.

12-Hour Layover in Singapore

Because of a long layover in Singapore, I had around 12 hours free - and I decided to make the most of it.

After leaving Changi Airport, I explored the city, walking along Marina Bay and popping into a few shops. I even picked up some small gifts and enjoyed a simple pleasure I’ve missed: fresh street-side durian. Not everyone’s favourite, I know - but it’s mine.

Later, I returned to the airport and headed back to the Silver Kris Lounge. A refreshing shower and a warm dinner helped me reset before the overnight flight to Europe.

Singapore to Amsterdam - SQ324 (23:55 PM)

I was seated in 12K, which was another window seat offering quiet surroundings and easy access to the aisle.

One great feature worth noting is that Singapore Airlines offers unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi for Business Class passengers. I was able to connect up to three devices at once without issue - a huge bonus for staying connected during such a long journey.

Despite the long transit time, I managed to get a good sleep onboard. The fully flat bed and quiet cabin helped me rest properly, and I arrived in Amsterdam feeling surprisingly refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

This leg of the trip turned out to be more emotional than expected. I had used the “Book the Cook” option to pre-select my meal, but unfortunately it wasn’t loaded on board.

The crew could not have handled it better. They came to apologise - not just once, but multiple times - and went out of their way to offer me alternatives. In the end, they brought me a great replacement dish and, quite unexpectedly, offered me a SGD160 voucher as a goodwill gesture.

At some point, I shared with one of the flight attendants that this was my first big trip after recovering from leukaemia. The response was so heartfelt - they wished me well, checked on me again during the flight, and made me feel truly seen.

Beyond that, the entire Singapore Airlines Business Class experience was something special. The crew were incredibly kind, respectful, and welcoming - always addressing passengers by name, checking that we were comfortable, and assisting with everything from meals to making the seat into a fully flat bed.

On request, I was offered a Business Class amenities bag containing essentials like a toothbrush, socks, face cream, and hand lotion. It’s these thoughtful little touches that show why Singapore Airlines is, in my opinion, among the best in the world.

One Day in Amsterdam

I arrived in Amsterdam early and had a day to myself and with my brother. I didn’t do much other than walk, reflect, and enjoy being back in Europe. After the year I’d had, just standing on another continent felt like a small miracle.

Before the final flight to Belgrade on 21st May, I relaxed in the KLM Crown Lounge at Schiphol. It was clean, spacious, and well-stocked - a good place to gather myself before heading home.

Amsterdam to Belgrade - KLM Flight 1983 (Seat 01A)

The short Business Class hop with KLM was perfectly executed. Boarding was on time, and service was smooth throughout.

Breakfast included yogurt with granola, a fresh fruit salad, orange juice, and coffee. Before landing, a warm vegetarian quiche was served with a refreshing towel - simple, but satisfying. The crew were friendly and attentive.

The Return Journey - Belgrade to Melbourne

My return trip on 15th June was also booked in full Business Class. The routing was: Belgrade to Frankfurt with Air Serbia (Operated by Bulgaria Air), then Frankfurt to Singapore, and finally Singapore to Melbourne - all smooth, but not without a few contrasts.

Belgrade to Frankfurt - Air Serbia Business Class

This was the only segment where I felt genuinely disappointed. At Belgrade Airport, I was looking forward to relaxing in the Air Serbia Premium Lounge before my flight. Unfortunately, it was completely overcrowded - not a single seat available.

What made it worse was the attitude of the staff. No one offered to help find seating or even acknowledged the situation. I wasn’t even offered a drink or refreshment. After a few minutes of standing around, I gave up and left.

The flight itself was fine - on time and comfortable - but the lack of care in the lounge left a sour taste, especially compared to the outstanding service from Singapore Airlines earlier in the trip.

Singapore Airlines and KLM both delivered excellent service, but Singapore Airlines in particular stands out. Their crew set a standard that’s hard to match: professional, compassionate, and genuinely thoughtful.

Flying Business Class made a big difference in comfort and ease, but what stayed with me most were the human moments - the smiles, the conversations, the empathy.

---

Share your travel experience by submitting a trip report to exyu@exyuaviation.com

---