BACKGROUND A couple of years ago Singapore Airlines (SIA) retired its oldest A380s, welcomed five new ones and retrofitted the rest with a new layout, cabin and seats. This flight was operated under the Singapore government's Vaccinated Traveller Lane programme (VTL) so all travellers on the flight were fully vaccinated and pre-approved. For further details on navigating the VTL programme, see our feature at businesstraveller.com.
Although I had checked in online and chosen a seat, I was unable to get my boarding pass as all paperwork under the VTL needs to be checked at the airport. I arrived at 0910 for my 1055 flight at London Heathrow Terminal
