Scoot Airlines, an Honest Review
Budget travel can be a gamble – sometimes you get an amazing deal, however other times you feel as if you got what you paid for. I’ll admit that I was slightly dreading the 19-hour flight I had booked with Scoot from Athens to Melbourne after seeing plenty of mixed reviews online – however I was pleasantly surprised by the hospitality, comfort, and efficiency I experienced on my journey, although it definitely wasn’t all smooth sailing…
Who are Scoot?
Scoot is the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines and operates predominantly in Asia and Australia. Due to its relatively cheap prices and affiliation to its parent company, Scoot is rapidly growing in popularity among travellers looking to save money on travel without sacrificing too much comfort. Often referred to online as the ‘easyJet of long-haul travel’, how does it actually compare to other budget airlines and travel options? Here is my in-depth review based on my recent experience.
Booking Process and Pricing
Scoot is undoubtedly the most budget-friendly option when it comes to booking long-haul flights, however it is important to know that you are literally just paying for a seat on the plane. What I mean by this is that the usual amenities we’ve come to expect, such as meals and food, phone/laptop charging, and Wi-Fi are not included in the initial booking. Yep, you read that right. Instead, they are offered in the form of add-ons – which can quickly increase the price of your ticket.
As my booking included two flights (11 hours from Athens to Singapore, then a 2-hour layover followed by a 7-hour flight to Melbourne), I opted for a meal on each flight. This cost me $24 USD extra per meal for a total of $48 on top of my normal booking.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: ‘well I can just bring my own food on the plane!’ – however the airline make it clear that any outside food must not be consumed via an announcement before take-off. I’m unsure of how enforced this rule is though, as I was able to sneak some Haribo’s onto the plane and faced no trouble!
Cabin and Seating
As to be expected on a budget airline, the leg room was pretty tight. I’m 5’9, and I was only just able to stretch my legs out fully. Unfortunately, if you’re even a little taller than me, you may want to consider grabbing an aisle seat or else you’d be in for a very long and uncomfortable journey.
That being said, the seats are reclinable which allows for more leg room; and also makes sleeping a lot more comfortable.
It is important to note that there are no screens on the back of the seats – so make sure you download plenty of films and bring enough entertainment!
In-Flight Experience
When we were in the air, the experience was mostly pleasant. The staff were friendly and responsive, and there are buttons on the armrests to call over an attendant if you have any queries (which I accidently discovered by resting my elbow on the button, but it was good to know it works!)
The prebooked meals were handed out around an hour into the flight, and personally I would’ve preferred if it was a little later into the journey. Attendants would regularly walk down the aisles with food carts if you wanted to order any extra food or drinks, and they also brought bin bags to collect any rubbish that had been accumulated
As mentioned previously, there aren’t any USB ports or charging unless you pay extra for it, and the same goes for Wi-Fi. Blankets also needed to be purchased, however I found the temperature on both planes comfortable enough to just wear sweatpants and a hoodie.
Punctuality and Reliability
If I can commend Scoot on anything, it would be their punctuality. Both flights arrived departed on time, and both arrived at their destinations 30-45 minutes earlier than expected. The boarding process was smooth and efficient, as passengers were called up in groups in relation to where each ticket was situated, and it took around 15 minutes before everyone was in their seats.
Final Verdict
So, the big question – would I fly with Scoot again? Absolutely!
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by what Scoot had to offer. While budget travel inevitably comes with trade-offs—such as limited legroom, no in-flight entertainment, and extra charges for basic amenities—the airline delivers on affordability, reliability, and efficiency.
The flights were on time, the staff was friendly, and despite the no-frills setup, the journey was relatively comfortable. However, travellers should be mindful of additional costs for food, Wi-Fi, and charging, as these can quickly add up if not planned for in advance.
Given the price I paid, I absolutely would fly with Scoot again! If you’re a budget-conscious traveller willing to sacrifice some luxuries for significant savings, Scoot is a great option—just be sure to come prepared with your own entertainment, snacks, and maybe even a power bank!
