'No regrets': 12 hours on a budget flight? I tried Scoot's longest direct to Vienna
It was nearly 3am when I boarded the Scoot flight to Vienna, eyelids heavy and a trace of dread in my chest at the thought of spending the next 12 hours on a budget airline.
I trudged down the aisle, plopped into my seat, and reminded myself: at least I was in ScootPlus. Minutes later, I drifted off into a restless, restricted slumber.
Scoot's longest-ever route
Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), launched its longest-ever route on June 3 - a 12-hour direct flight from Singapore to Vienna.
Following the suspension of direct flights to Berlin, the Singapore-Vienna route is now Scoot's longest, and the only direct flight currently offered by Scoot between Singapore and Austria.
But let's be real: can a no-frills, budget carrier like Scoot deliver even a hint of comfort on a 12-hour journey?
Surviving 12 hours on Scoot
Concerns over delays may also make travellers think twice, with several incidents reported over the years - including one that left passengers caught in a 22-hour ordeal in Dec 2024.
In response to queries from The New Paper about how Scoot addresses perceptions of discomfort on long-haul flights, Chief Commercial Officer Calvin Chan said comfort remains a "key consideration" for its customers.
I flew on Scoot's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner - both in economy and ScootPlus - which boasts higher cabin humidity, wider aisles and seats, dynamic lighting, and electronic window shades.
Economy seats on the Dreamliner measure 18 inches wide with a 31-inch pitch. On a long-haul flight, that translates to knees nudging the seat in front and just enough room to wiggle-but not much more.
Lucky for me, ScootPlus was a game-changer. The leather seats are slightly wider at 18.5-19 inches, with a generous 38-inch pitch, a leg rest, and extra recline.
Suddenly, a 12-hour flight felt… almost luxurious.
That said, being on the shorter side, the edge of my seat still pressed against my calves, which wasn't ideal for my knees.
Small quirks aside, ScootPlus is a noticeable upgrade for anyone who values a bit more space and comfort in the air. The highlight for me was the complimentary in-flight meals - after all, how does one survive 12 hours in the air without paying extra for food in economy?
I also had access to 30MB of WiFi, which was perfect for keeping my loved ones updated back home.
As with any budget airline, there was no in-flight entertainment but honestly, it wasn't much of an issue - most passengers, including myself, relied on our own devices and pre-downloaded Netflix shows to pass the time.
ScootPlus fares can sometimes be comparable to SIA's economy prices, which include meals and full in-flight entertainment. The main difference? ScootPlus offers wider seats and extra legroom.
A one-way Scoot economy ticket to Vienna can be as low as $309, but extras like meals, check-in baggage, and WiFi come at an additional charge.
ScootPlus, which includes a wider seat, extra legroom, check-in baggage, and complimentary meals, is priced from $659.
By comparison, Singapore Airlines' one-way economy fares to Vienna cost about $1,300 depending on the month, and include meals, baggage, and full in-flight entertainment.
For some travellers, this makes ScootPlus a middle ground: more comfort than budget economy without paying the full SIA price.
But for those on a budget and don't mind sitting in a fairly cramped space for 12 hours - and occasionally spotting someone's feet in the corner of your eyes - Scoot's economy class is undeniably good value.
The downside, of course, is that check-in baggage, WiFi and meals come with additional fees. So... pick your poison.
After 12 hours in the air and a few inevitable butt cramps, stepping off the plane into Vienna's crisp morning air felt like a welcome reward - a reminder that the journey, while long, was worth it.
Vienna route takes off
Scoot says the route is off to a strong start, attracting travellers looking for affordable long-haul options.
Mr Chan said the airline considered broader traffic flows when evaluating Vienna.
This included travellers from Asia-Pacific connecting through Singapore to Vienna, as well as those from Austria and nearby regions exploring destinations across Scoot's network via the Singapore hub.
He added that Vienna is not only a strategic location and ideal gateway for travellers exploring Eastern Europe, but also a major business and cultural hub that drives "strong travel demand between Singapore and Vienna".
He said the new route has been performing as expected since its launch, with healthy load factors and consistent interest from Singaporeans and other value-conscious travellers in the region looking for affordable long-haul options to Europe.
Austrian Tourism calls Scoot's Vienna route a 'game changer'
Lilly Freudmayer, market representative for Southeast Asia for Austrian Tourism, told TNP that arrivals from Southeast Asia have clearly increased since the route launched.
She also described Scoot's Singapore-Vienna connection as a "game changer", noting that travel partners have reported growing interest, especially among younger, experience-driven travellers who view Vienna as aspirational yet accessible.
Ms Freudmayer added that for Austria's tourism industry, the connection represents a major step in connecting cultures and creating new travel stories between Europe and Asia.
A week in Linz, Vienna and Wachau
Austria had long been on my bucket list, and Vienna did not disappoint.
From its cobblestone streets to grand coffeehouses, the city oozes history, culture, and charm.
A UNESCO World Heritage City, it has also been ranked the world's most livable city for the third consecutive year by the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) 2024 Global Liveability Index.
I first headed to the peaceful city of Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, which is a two-and-a-half hour drive from Vienna.
From a scenic tram ride up the Pöstlingberg hill to a leisurely boat tour and strolls through its tranquil streets, my short night in Linz was a wonderful way to kickstart my week-long journey in Austria.
Back in Vienna, four nights in the bustling city left me bright-eyed and full of awe. I wandered through the Museum Quarter, strolled along Kärntner Strasse and Graben - the city's central shopping streets - ticked off a bucket-list stop at the Austrian National Library, and savoured local Viennese coffee in its famed cafes.
For music lovers, Vienna is the place to be - home to the famed Musikverein concert hall. I had the privilege of sitting front row for a 90-minute Mozart concert in its Golden Hall, where the acoustics were simply unmatched.
For a change of pace from the city's bustle, I took a short drive to the picture-perfect Wachau Valley.
A leisurely boat ride brought me to the charming town of Melk, home to the magnificent Melk Abbey - a Benedictine abbey perched above the Danube River.
Its stunning Baroque architecture is world-renowned, and it's no surprise that it forms part of the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During my time in Linz, I spoke with a local, Alexander Weberger, who shared insights about Vienna - where he lives - and its impressive and "reliable" public transport system.
The 35-year-old explained that most residents do not drive in Vienna, thanks to its "dense" and "fairly priced" railway network of five subway lines, along with extensive tram and bus routes.
In the past four to five years, Vienna has also expanded its cycling network, somewhat "modelled after the Netherlands", Mr Weberger added. "I like to cycle in Vienna - it's usually the fastest way to get around, and healthier, of course."
No regrets
If you ask me, some discomfort was a small price to pay - Austria was glorious, and the flight on Scoot got me there just fine. No regrets.
I even shared this flight with a few friends, whose eyes lit up when they heard about the direct connection to Vienna.
One traveller, Clara Liang, 24, said she tends to save money on flights as she prioritises experiences and food in her travel budget.
"The money I save on budget flights can give me more room to play with for intercity travel, and activities like diving and higher-end restaurants."
If this is what it takes to see Europe without breaking the bank, I'd say that's a fair trade. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
So... would you take the flight?
