8 SG Airport Lounges To Rest At Before Your Flight, Including Options If You’re Flying Budget & Economy

Airport lounges at Singapore Changi Airport

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We don’t mean to brag, but we’ve got one of the best airports in the world. While you can easily kill time walking around Singapore Changi Airport, there’s an even better way to wait before boarding your flight: by checking into an airport lounge. It’s also a game-changer if you’re waiting out flight delays. 

One misconception about getting into airport lounges is that you need to travel in Business or First Class in order to qualify – or use certain credit cards. But we’re here to debunk that. There are also pay-per-use lounges and 3rd party memberships that give you access to certain airport lounges in Singapore and around the world – whether you’re flying Business or on a low-cost carrier. Read on to find out more. 

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Is it worth paying for an airport lounge in Singapore?

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Ah, the age-old question that’s probably popped into your mind if you’re a frequent traveller. Depending on what time your flight departs and whether you’re catching a flight from home or the office, it may actually make financial sense to pay for lounge access. Especially if the alternative is to hail a cab home before making your way to the airport on another cab.

There are 2 ways you can do this: 

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Buy a 1-day entry pass

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For starters, certain airport lounges will allow anyone flying through the airport to buy 1-day entry passes. You can ask the front desk or pre-purchase a package online.

Prices depend on which lounge you’re heading into, but Changi Lounge’s lite package starts from S$25. Another one you can buy an entry pass to is the Plaza Premium Lounge – but we’ll talk more about that later.  

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Get 3rd-party memberships via mobile apps

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It’s 2023 – of course, there’s an app for everything – including apps for booking airport lounges when you travel. 

App interface for Lounge Buddy. 

Lounge Buddy, for instance, gives you access to lounges around the world – from John F Kennedy International in New York to our very own Singapore Changi Airport. Simply choose the airport you’re transiting through, or checking into, and you can see which ones are available for booking. In Singapore, prices start from US$36 (~S$48.30) for the Plaza Premium Lounge. 

Another app you can try is Priority Pass, which goes by a membership-based system. Their plans start from US$99/year (~S$132.82) for Standard memberships – where you’ll then pay US$35 (~S$46.96) to visit each lounge. But we think the best value for money would be the Standard Plus plan (US$329, ~S$441.36), which gives you 10 lounge visits per year. That amounts to around S$44 per lounge visit if you travel at least 10 times a year. 

Image credit: @fifteenthhold via Instagram 

You’ll also be mailed a membership card (US$10, ~S$13.42) that you’ll have to show when entering the airport lounges. 

Both apps have detailed information about the different lounges, alongside membership reviews – which will help you make your decision regarding which lounge to pay for.  

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How to get free access to airport lounges?

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Via credit card privileges

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Besides a subscription, you can also get complimentary Priority Pass membership with certain credit cards – namely the Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card and DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card. The former gives you 6 complimentary access per year, while the DBS card gets you 2. 

Speaking of which, with certain credit cards, you don’t even need a Priority Pass membership. Some of them get you complimentary lounge access at airports around the world – which might be something to consider when choosing which credit card to apply for. 

For instance, DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card, Citibank PremierMiles Card, and Standard Chartered X cardholders get 2 free passes a year. If you want unlimited lounge access, the HSBC Visa Infinite Card is where it’s at. 

Sure, free lounge access is not on most people’s priority list – but it sure is a pretty cool perk, especially if you jet around quite a bit. 

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Cop a status with an airline or alliance

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Another popular way to get access to airport lounges is to have a status with a specific airline – this works out best if you have unwavering loyalty to a particular airline. For example, KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold members have access to the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge if they’re departing on Singapore Airlines or Star Alliance-operated flights. Yes, even if you’re flying in economy class. 

And no, you don’t have to fly with just Singapore Airlines. Star Alliance has a few airlines under their belt – including Air Canada, ANA, Eva Air, United Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. 

Similarly, SkyTeam – which includes KLM, Delta, Air France, and Garuda Indonesia – also gives complimentary lounge access to its Elite and Elite Plus members. 

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Fly Business or First Class

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Last but not least, a foolproof way to get lounge access is to fly Business or First Class. We know, we know, not everyone will pay to fly Business Class for leisure. But if you’re redeeming your miles or going on a work trip, do know that your boarding pass also grants you perks to airport lounges.

There are certain conditions that you’ll have to fulfil depending on which airline you’re flying with, though. For example, for Star Alliance Business Class, your flight will have to leave on the same day of your visit or latest by 5am the next morning. 

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Which lounge can I use in Singapore airport?

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Ready to board? Now that you’ve covered your bases, we’ve rounded up our favourite airport lounges in Singapore Changi Airport. 

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1. Changi Lounge – Also accessible to non-travellers

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Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be ballin’ to get lounge access. In fact, rates start from just S$25/adult at Jewel Changi Airport’s Changi Lounge – and get this, you don’t have to be travelling to enter. The lounge doubles up as a co-working space, as there are meeting rooms, working desks, and even nap pods available. 

Image credit: Xin Tian Koh 

Changi Lounge is located outside Terminal 1, at Level 1 of Jewel Changi. The Lite Package (S$25/adult, S$17/child) gives you 3-hour lounge access with a free-flow snack bar, while the Classic Package (S$39/adult, S$27/child) gets you an additional hot meal and beer. Top up S$11 to upgrade to the Premium Package (S$50) that comes with a shower.

There are also options to add on some food, like Tom Yum Noodles (S$12.90), Chilli Crab with Mantou (S$12.90), or a Dim Sum Platter (S$9.90). These hot meals are included if you get a Classic or Premium Package. 

Image credit: Changi Lounge

If all you really need is a shower before catching your flight, you can simply pay S$20 for a 30-minute shower. This is especially useful if you’re heading for a late-night flight straight from the office – no more texting your Eastie friends if you can tumpang their house for a quick shower. However, do note that the last shower slot you can book is at 9pm – so plan accordingly.

Pay-per-use: Available from S$25/adult & S$17/child
Credit cards or memberships with free entry: Priority Pass, Dragon Pass, DreamFolks – with valid boarding pass
Flights with free entry: N/A

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2. Plaza Premium Lounge – Take a dip in a swimming pool

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Another lounge you can access if you’re not flying Business or First class is the Plaza Premium Lounge, located in the International Departures area of Terminal 1. This is perhaps the most popular lounge in Changi Airport – mainly because of its accessibility, with rates starting from S$55 for 3 hours. If you’re travelling with kids below 2, they get to enter for free.

Image credit: @caseyycheah via Instagram

Pick the comfy armchairs facing the airport runway – there are also tables with power sockets should you need to get some work done. If you have an early morning flight, book a private resting suite starting from S$155.51 for 6 hours, and S$21/hour if you need an extension. 

For those who need to freshen up before their flight, there are 6 shower rooms available – including a wheelchair-friendly one – with complimentary amenities like shower gel, shampoo, body lotion, bath towels, dental kits, combs, shower caps, vanity kits, and hairdryers.

Help yourself to a selection of canned drinks from the fridge to go with your meal.
Image credit: @sanguant via Instagram

What’s a lounge without a buffet which comes complimentary with lounge access? The Plaza Premium Lounge has a noodle bar with an option of Singapore Laksa and vegetarian noodles. If you’re more of a rice person, Hainanese Chicken Rice is available alongside other hot dishes, a congee section, a salad bar, and a selection of pastries. 

And if you do need a drink to calm pre-flight jitters, free-flow beers, and house wines are available on tap.

Image credit: Changi Airport Group

But we’ve saved the best for last. There’s a swimming pool with a jacuzzi AND poolside bar at Aerotel that you can book at S$27.32/adult and S$11.88/child – with free entry for kids below 2. Access is unlimited but do take note that it’s only open from 12pm-10pm daily. 

Pay-per-use: Available from S$55 for 3 hours
Credit cards or memberships with free entry: Priority Pass, DragonPass, HSBC EveryMile Card, CCB (Asia) Visa Infinite Credit Card, UnionPay Card
Flights with free entry: N/A 

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3. Ambassador Transit Lounge – Has gym & shower for $30/person

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There are power plugs located on the sides of the seats.
Image credit: @Mithila_116 via Instagram 

If you’re holding a Priority Pass or certain credit cards such as Citi PremierMiles and DBS Altitude, the Ambassador Transit Lounge is free for you to access. It’s also available on a pay-per-use basis from S$55 for 3 hours. Besides the plush leather lounge seats you can recline in while waiting for your flight, there’s also an outdoor terrace for those who just need some fresh air.

Image credit: Booking.com

If you don’t hold either a Priority Pass or the relevant credit cards, another way to access the lounge is by buying a package. There are packages such as the Refresh & Replenish Package (S$145/pax) where you can nap for 6 hours and use the lounge for an hour. 

For those hoping to maintain their workout routines, the Work It Package starts from S$60, which includes gym and lounge access – otherwise, gym usage costs S$30/2 hours, inclusive of a shower. If all you need is a shower before your flight without lounge access, you can simply book it at S$20/person.

Image credit: Booking.com 

Food-wise, there’s an ala carte menu here. Breakfast is served from 5am-11.30am, while the lunch and dinner menu is available from 11.30am-10.30pm. There’s also an all-day menu available 24/7, including options such as Mama Mee Goreng with Sambal Chicken and Fried Rice with Mixed Vegetables. Alcoholic beverages are available at a charge, but Priority Pass holders get 4 drink vouchers to use until midnight. 

Pay-per-use: Available from S$55 for 3 hours
Credit cards or memberships with free entry: Singapore’s Citi Prestige, Citi PremierMiles, DBS Altitude, Amex SIA KrisFlyer Ascend Card
Flights with free entry: Singapore Airlines First Class or Business Class 

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4. SilverKris Lounge – Open 24/7

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The SilverKris Lounge is available at 2 locations within Singapore Changi Airport: T2 and T3. Plus, it’s also open 24/7, so those with long layovers can choose to stay in the lounge. 

Image adapted from: @quark22 & @irisfksh via Instagram

The food served at the lounge almost feels like a hotel buffet, with a selection of hot meals – such as udon, laksa, carrot cake, and dumplings – and cold dishes such as pesto chicken sandwiches, salad bar, cereal, fruit cups and desserts. Hey, you can even get some satay while you’re here. After which, help yourself to some TWG tea.

If you head to the lounge at T3, barista and bartender services are available from 6am-10am and 5.30pm-1am respectively. 

Image credit: @sharkeyfinn_adventures via Instagram

When it comes to seating, there are plenty of seats available at both terminals – from leather sofas big enough for a family or group of friends, to high stools at the bar and dining area. A popular seating option is the semi-private cubicles for those with online meetings, or who just want to take a nap. Of course, power outlets are available at almost all seats. 

Those travelling with young ones will be pleased to know that there’s a playroom for kids. 

Image credit: SilverKris 

The shower suites here are free of charge for all guests and come with bidets, hairdryers, toiletries, towels, and mouthwash. You’ll get on your flight feeling completely refreshed. 

Pay-per-use: Not available
Credit cards or memberships with free entry: KrisFlyer Elite Gold & Star Alliance Gold
Flights with free entry: Star Alliance-operated airlines Business, First, and Suite class

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5. Qatar Airways Lounge – Has ala carte menu & full-service bar

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Image credit: @mattressrunning via Instagram 

Located at Terminal 1, the Qatar Airways Lounge is one of the fanciest ones around. There are different seating areas to plonk yourselves at – from lounge seating and bar eating at the Martini Bar, to quiet pods. In fact, 5 semi-private quiet pods are available, equipped with universal power outlets, USB ports, and a reading light.

If you’re travelling for work or have some last-minute deadlines, workstations with desktop computers and printing facilities are also available. 

Image credit: @innumerabilis via Instagram 

The buffet features a cold buffet – with bread, salads, fruits, cold cuts, and cheese – and hot a la carte dishes which you can order from the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge Menu. These come free with lounge access.

Check out the full-service bar for free-flow drinks.
Image credit: @mr.ktwj via Instagram

Choose from breakfast options such as shakshuka with chicken sausage, turkey bacon, hash brown, grilled mushrooms and baked beans – and poached eggs on English muffin. The lunch and dinner menu features both Qatari and Singaporean dishes – from chicken satay and fish congee to grilled lamb rack with mashed potatoes and tagiatelle. There’s even chocolate fondant for dessert. 

For those taking a shower before their flight, all the private shower suites here have an area for your luggage. Personal amenities like shaving kits, toothbrushes, and Dyptique-branded shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel are also included. 

Pay-per-use: Not available
Credit cards with free entry: Upon enquiry
Flights with free entry: Oneworld-operated flights – First and Business class 

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6. Cathay Pacific Lounge – Noodle bar with laksa & dan dan noodles

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Image credit: @carolyn.peipei via Instagram

The Cathay Pacific Lounge recently reopened in February 2023. Although it’s not as fancy as the other airport lounges on our list, there are plenty of seating options available – from comfy designer sofas to workstations with printers and photocopiers. 

Image credit: @zyozichin via Instagram 

Those filling themselves up before the flight can head to the noodle bar, which serves up Dan Dan Noodles and Singapore Laksa. If you’re more of a dumpling person, baos and siew mais are also available. Of course, the food and beverage here is FOC if you have lounge access.

One important thing to note is that there are no shower facilities here. But if you’re flying with a Oneworld member-operated flight, you can use the showers at the Qatar Airways Lounge. 

Pay-per-use: Not available
Credit cards with free entry: Upon enquiry
Flights with free entry: Cathay Pacific or Oneworld member-operated flights – in First Class or Business Class 

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7. Qantas International Business Lounge – Hawker centre-inspired

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If you’re flying via Business or First class with Qantas at Terminal 1, check into Qantas International Business Lounge. There are no views of the airport runway here, but don’t worry – there’s still plenty of natural light flooding in.

Image credit: Qantas

The lounge is separated into 2 sides: the dining area and the other parts of the lounge. Stepping into the dining area, you’ll notice that the layout looks rather familiar. That’s because it’s inspired by our hawker centre culture, with long tables spanning across the space. If communal dining is not your vibe, there are also smaller tables located by the windows. 

Image credit: @nahojgrooc via Instagram 

Hungry? Make a beeline for the buffet, which has hot and chilled items such as pork bao, signature laksa, and dessert. Drinks are also available – with alcoholic options such as Tiger Beer on tap and Little Creatures, from a Perth-based brewery. 

Shower suites are available here, with complimentary towels and amenities such as hairdryers, shampoo, and conditioner. 

Pay-per-use: Not available
Credit cards or memberships with free entry: Qantas Club, Platinum & Gold Frequent Flyer
Flights with free entry: Qantas, Emirates, and Jetstar Business Class, First Class, Gold and Platinum frequent flyers. First Class and Platinum Frequent Flyers can also access the Qantas First Class Lounge.  

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8. Emirates Lounge – Private prayer room

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Those with access to Qantas International Business Lounge can also head to the Emirates’ Singapore Lounge for a change of scenery. Both lounges are available to Business Class, First Class, Gold and Platinum frequent flyers. The interiors here feature cream-coloured leather seats, a nod to the Arabian Desert.

Image credit: @josh.plemenuk via Instagram

At the buffet bar, there are both chilled items such as fruit platters, sushi, and hot food such as satay – complimentary for lounge guests. There’s also a self-serve bar with spirits such as gin, rum, vodka, wine and champagne.

Image credit: @thewanderinggoner via Instagram 

For Muslims who are looking to do their prayers before their flight, there’s a prayer room in the lounge – so there’s no need to look for public prayer rooms outside. Showers are also available here, though they are limited. However, you are also free to use the shower facilities at Qantas International Business Lounge. 

Pay-per-use: Not available
Credit cards with free entry: Not available
Flights with free entry: Qantas, Emirates, and Jetstar Business Class, First Class, Gold and Platinum frequent flyers

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Check yourself into an airport lounge at Singapore Changi Airport

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Whether you’re checking in early to get some work done before your flight or transiting through Changi Airport before your next flight, these airport lounges are a great place to refuel and recharge. You don’t even need to be travelling on Business or First class – especially if you’re holding certain credit cards. 

Plus, you’ll feel refreshed when hopping on a flight after a shower – and you don’t even have to pack your own towels or toiletries. 

More things to do at Changi Airport: 

• Kid-friendly things to do at Jewel & Changi Airport
• Jewel Changi guide
• Changi Airport Terminal 4
• Changi Airport iconic spots

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Cover image adapted from: Changi Airport Group & @innumerabilis via Instagram