Introduction
Since 2016/2017 I have dreamed of flying from Jakarta to Santiago de Chile, and then catch Qantas flight QF28 (the southernmost and the loneliest flight in the world). Originally I bought a one-way ticket dated 19 April 2026 from CGK to DOH (QR 957), DOH to GRU (QR 773) and GRU to SCL (LA 8054), all in one PNR. But due to geopolitical situations, I decided not to travel via the Middle East.
Originally I wanted to replace the said route with CGK - SIN - CDG - SCL route (CGK - SIN on Garuda, SIN - CDG - SCL on Air France), all in one PNR. But because Garuda and Qatar Airways are both partners and I was worried that my QR ticket will be cancelled without refund if their computer detected something suspicious, I decided to fly from DPS instead (DPS - SIN on KLM, SIN - CDG - SCL on Air France) on 18 April 2026 (one day ahead).
Two weeks after I bought the ticket, finally I could cancel my Qatar Airways ticket without fees and penalties. This trip report will start from DPS, the CGK - DPS segment will be omitted.
Check-in desk had not even opened yet, but the line had already formed…
When I finally arrived at the check-in desk, I was incessantly questioned, first by the check-in staff, and then by her supervisors. That was understandable, though, because if I am denied entry into Chile then AF-KLM will be on the hook to fly me back. Their questions include who I knew in Chile, my purpose of trip, duration, my passport validity date, where I would be staying, and so on.
After about 30 minutes of questioning, finally I got my boarding pass. I had a dinner, then cleared passport control and customs, and soon I was waiting on the gate.
This flight was flown on KLM Boeing 777-300 ER (PH-BVI, Tierra del Fuego National Park).
I sat on 51A, which was close to the galley…I was instantly greeted with a smell of brewing coffee. That's a decent start for my halfway round the world trip, by any measure! But the IFE box made it uncomfortable for my left foot…
Pushback was ahead of schedule, and soon we rotated out of DPS. This was my first time on Boeing 777-300 ER, and my first flight on any widebody jet in 25 years!
Soon afterwards, the GE90s were dialled down and we continued to climb to FL 340. And then dinner was served…
I also measured the cabin pressure with my smartphone, the pressure was 793.1 hPa. Tomorrow I would compare this number with that on Boeing 787…
About 30 minutes after take off, we step climbed to FL 380. This was something no Indonesian carriers do on short-haul domestic flights on their A320s/B737s (i.e. they stay at the same flight level for the entire journey). But the ambient pressure stayed the same,
After a short 2.5-hour flight, the flaps were deployed and soon we arrived in Changi. All passengers, including those who would continue to AMS on the same flight number, had to deplane here.
After a short 2.5-hour flight, the flaps were deployed and soon we arrived in Changi. All passengers, including those who would continue to AMS on the same flight number, had to deplane here. Meanwhile, I requested permission to enter the cockpit, and it was granted.
Couldn't take too many photos, since it would be a short-ish turnaround before the next segment to AMS.
The immigration and customs in Singapore was quick, and soon I was landside. I walked a short distance to Yotelair Changi, which I have booked before this trip, took a bath and got a good night sleep to prepare for my first ever long-haul flight.
Hello! Wha a nice first report!
Phew!! At first I thought "That's not a dream. That's a nightmare!" But then realized that it was only a stopover. Haha!
Well, next time you tell them you know me! 👍
Looks decent for such a short flight!
Welcome, and thanks for sharing this experience! 😁
Hola, and thank you for reading
Hahah...I would instantly knew if I bought the ticket to SIN instead of SCL, the price from CGK or DPS would have been unbelievably cheap!
Yes, it was a decent meal. Perhaps should have asked for some red wine instead of mineral water, though...