In 2019, Singapore Airlines announced plans to completely refresh its lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, in a project that would cost the airline $50 million SGD.
There’s an exciting update — while the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge (open to Star Alliance Gold members) and the SilverKris Business Class Lounge (open to all Star Alliance business class passengers) have already been opened, the SilverKris First Class Lounge and The Private Room are opening their doors as of 6PM on Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
Between the four lounges, Singapore Airlines now has over 65,000 square feet of lounge capacity at Terminal 3, and the lounges can seat over 1,000 guests at any given time.
Let’s take a look at what we know about the two lounges opening on Tuesday.
In this post:
New Singapore Airlines The Private Room
The Private Room is Singapore Airlines’ most exclusive lounge, as it’s open to Singapore Airlines Suites and Singapore Airlines first class passengers. The old lounge was certainly exclusive, though had its quirks, and fortunately most of those have been addressed with the new lounge.
The new lounge is 10% larger than the old one, as it’s roughly 950 square meters (10,000+ square feet), and has seating for nearly 80 guests. Let’s go over some of the key features, and what has changed about the lounge:
- The Private Room is in the space that the SilverKris Business Class Lounge used to occupy; on the plus side, the lounge is now accessible directly from the entrance (rather than having to walk through the SilverKris Business Lounge, to the SilverKris First Lounge, and then to The Private Room), though unfortunately this part of the lounge also lacks natural light
- The Private Room has four shower suites; unlike before, each of the shower suites has a toilet inside of it, which is a huge improvement
- The Private Room has four private day rooms, featuring either a bed or reclining seat; they can be reserved on a first come, first served basis for a period of two hours, so it’s awesome to see Singapore Airlines finally offering beds in lounges
- The Private Room has a la carte dining as before, so you can order all food and drinks from staff
- The Private Room decor and design has been completely reimagined, with one main lounge area that has lots of nooks for privacy, as well as a dining room
New Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge
Singapore Airlines’ First Class Lounge isn’t actually the lounge intended for Singapore Airlines premium cabin passengers, but rather it’s for Star Alliance first class passengers as well as Solitaire PPS Club members. So it’s less exclusive than The Private Room.
The new lounge is the same size as the old lounge, as it’s roughly 1,100 square meters (11,000+ square feet), and has seating for over 130 guests. Let’s go over some of the key features, and what has changed about the lounge:
- The SilverKris First Class Lounge is also in the space that the SilverKris Business Class Lounge used to occupy; that means the lounge is now accessible directly from the entrance, though it also means that there’s no natural light
- The SilverKris First Class Lounge has six shower suites, each of which also has a toilet
- The SilverKris First Class Lounge has four private day rooms, featuring either a bed or reclining seat; they can be reserved on a first come, first served basis for a period of two hours
- The SilverKris First Lounge has a buffet, so there’s no a la carte dining
- The SilverKris First Class Class Lounge has a bar with barista-made coffee (in the mornings) and signature cocktails (in the evenings); I find it strange that barista-made coffee and specialty cocktails are only being served at certain times, when you have people traveling from all parts of the globe
My take on Singapore Airlines’ new lounges
I’m thrilled to see that Singapore Airlines has completely refreshed its lounge experience at Changi Terminal 3, as it was long overdue.
For one, these lounges seem like a major improvement, and address many of the shortfalls that the lounges previously had. It was rather un-premium how shower rooms didn’t even have toilets in them, and it wasn’t terribly convenient how you had to walk through two lounges to get to The Private Room.
These new lounges look much, much better. I love the improved shower suites, I love that there are finally nap rooms, and the design looks beautiful and much more modern than the old setups.
That being said, Singapore Airlines is one of the world’s best airline brands and has one of the world’s best first class products. Given that these are brand new from-scratch lounges opening in 2022, they seem… kind of unremarkable?
- Many airlines have a la carte dining in business class lounges nowadays, while Singapore Airlines only offers that in The Private Room
- There are no amenities that will really “wow” you here; it’s nice to have a couple of rooms with beds in each lounge, but it’s not like there are any spa treatments or other features that really set this apart
- Aside from the lounges, Singapore Airlines’ premium ground experience is generally lacking at Changi, as not much priority is given to first class passengers
Bottom line
Singapore Airlines has finally finished renovating its lounges at Changi Terminal 3, and that’s great news for passengers. Not only has the lounge footprint been expanded significantly, but the lounges also have some great new features.
The Private Room and SilverKris First Class Lounge now both have an updated design, nap rooms, proper shower suites, and much more. I look forward to checking out these lounges myself soon.
What do you make of Singapore Airlines’ new lounges?
I saw the photo with the entrance to The Private Room with its name in lights. Big change. Before it was absolutely discrete. "Come this way" and we were guided from the lounge entrance via the first class lounge to a desk in the corner that opened out to a different world!
Times have changed and things have moved on. I have not had a chance to experience the new Private Room. But having...
I saw the photo with the entrance to The Private Room with its name in lights. Big change. Before it was absolutely discrete. "Come this way" and we were guided from the lounge entrance via the first class lounge to a desk in the corner that opened out to a different world!
Times have changed and things have moved on. I have not had a chance to experience the new Private Room. But having been in the Business Lounge a couple of times in the last 4 months during the refurb, anything will be an improvement
As first rate as the F&B offerings were (lobsters and Dom Perignon), I thought the Private Room was getting tired in use and design.
While dining, I remember staring at sides of the tiny buffet section, wondering why the grain of marble didn't match at the edge, making the seam obvious.
The colour palette, dated and found it odd, the flagship lounge lacked the apron views of the old KF Gold Lounge where SQ segregates...
As first rate as the F&B offerings were (lobsters and Dom Perignon), I thought the Private Room was getting tired in use and design.
While dining, I remember staring at sides of the tiny buffet section, wondering why the grain of marble didn't match at the edge, making the seam obvious.
The colour palette, dated and found it odd, the flagship lounge lacked the apron views of the old KF Gold Lounge where SQ segregates the unwashed (Star Alliance gold) from its own.
"unlike before, each of the shower suites has a bathroom inside of it"
There used to be a shower, but no bathroom?
bathroom: a room containing a toilet and sink and typically also a bathtub or shower.
Before the renovation, I remember the SQ lounge had quite an odd design: the bathrooms were on one side of the hallway and the toilets were on another side. It was once upon a time that I felt sleepy and would like to poo before taking shower. I didn't recognise the difference between the regular shower room and the SQ one and found no toilet available in the room after being naked. I had to...
Before the renovation, I remember the SQ lounge had quite an odd design: the bathrooms were on one side of the hallway and the toilets were on another side. It was once upon a time that I felt sleepy and would like to poo before taking shower. I didn't recognise the difference between the regular shower room and the SQ one and found no toilet available in the room after being naked. I had to put the clothes back and walk out to the otherside. It was pretty awkward although no one noticed it. Glad to have a toilet in the bathroom now.
Looks like a solid improvement on a previously underwhelming experience. In the air SQ has long been my favourite airline but their lounge offerings have always been a weak point in their product. Hopefully this addresses that.
A number of otherwise very good airlines in East Asia are very good except for their mediocre lounges (Asiana is especially glaring) so hopefully others will follow suit. CX remains the benchmark for me, personally.
I did like the original Private Room but the bench seats in the dining area were horrendously uncomfortable and the bathroom facilities were a little meh. I do not mind understated décor but I do insist on comfortable seating and interesting, yummy food and thus I look forward to sampling the Private Room soon. Oh and good bubbles are a must!
There's need to be a distinct features for Solitaire PPS as well as First Class Passengers. The Sit In Dining should be made available to only First Class Passengers flying out of Singapore. There's a reason why we are world class in terms of lounges compared to any America lounges including Polaris / AA Flagship / Delta SkyClub or any other Middle Eastern (aka Qatar or Emirates) Lounges. The lounges in Singapore Airlines is still...
There's need to be a distinct features for Solitaire PPS as well as First Class Passengers. The Sit In Dining should be made available to only First Class Passengers flying out of Singapore. There's a reason why we are world class in terms of lounges compared to any America lounges including Polaris / AA Flagship / Delta SkyClub or any other Middle Eastern (aka Qatar or Emirates) Lounges. The lounges in Singapore Airlines is still top of the class. Cleanliness is top of the notch. Try eating at the Emirates Lounge or Qatar Lounge, look at the plates against what we Singapore have. Above the rest
You guys shoukd experience the AA Flagships and Flagship dining. Singapore does not even come close. I admit its a well package product but a hollow experience on the inside when compared to AA.
Excellent material! I've always thought we need more comedy in the comments section of this blog!
Yaaay! Just in time for my June 5th flight on SQ F. I was hoping it would open before I flew and didn't think it would happen. Very glad it did!
Lucky, I do not think that it is unremarkable that Singapore Airlines only offer a la cart dining in their Private Room while other airlines offer it in their business class lounges. As with other airlines, business class (international flights) is the highest level of service/class. For Singapore Airlines, they want to provide the most exclusive service for their suites/first class passengers. Remember their old slogan for suites? “A class beyond first.” Singapore Airlines which...
Lucky, I do not think that it is unremarkable that Singapore Airlines only offer a la cart dining in their Private Room while other airlines offer it in their business class lounges. As with other airlines, business class (international flights) is the highest level of service/class. For Singapore Airlines, they want to provide the most exclusive service for their suites/first class passengers. Remember their old slogan for suites? “A class beyond first.” Singapore Airlines which is in line with the rest of Singapore cater to the rich and wealthy.
Ben, first class passengers do have a private check in which is pretty darn good and as exclusive as it can get.
I guess you are referring to the security checks and boarding where there is not much priority but I think that’s an airport issue vs airline. You could feedback to Changi airport.
@ alian
Yes, indeed.
Based on pre-COVID visits...
The whole First area of the terminal can be accessed separately from the street and is completely exclusive and physically separated within the terminal. There are seats offered whilst staff attend to check in formalities. Once leaving that area first passengers are directed to a dedicated immigration officer in a separate area from the rest of immigration. Exiting that area leads to the escalator up to the...
@ alian
Yes, indeed.
Based on pre-COVID visits...
The whole First area of the terminal can be accessed separately from the street and is completely exclusive and physically separated within the terminal. There are seats offered whilst staff attend to check in formalities. Once leaving that area first passengers are directed to a dedicated immigration officer in a separate area from the rest of immigration. Exiting that area leads to the escalator up to the lounge complex whereupon a lounge staff member walks the first passenger to the Private Room.
Whilst the other lounge areas are clearly very busy, I've never seen more than a handful of other first passengers when waiting for morning flights to London or Melbourne.
IIRC help was offered to reach the relevant gate upon leaving the Private Room.
Yes, security is at the gate, but as somebody who does not get to the gate early, I've never experienced more than a coupe of folk ahead waiting to be processed by security.
There are of course separate lines to board the aircraft.
So, no exclusive terminal or limos, etc., just an effortless and unhurried ground experience in an already very well organised airport. Changing the location of the Private Room will avoid the walk through the various grades of Krisflyer Lounges and thereby to be welcomed.
Gosh, the refurbished Private Room looks gorge. Can’t wait to pay a visit in August!
I wasn't impressed with their first class lounge in Singapore in the past. Honestly there are soo many food options and things to do in the Jewel while waiting for the flight it was a struggle to pull myself away to go sit in a first class lounge. The food was decent although overall the lounge felt blah.
Long over due.
@Daniel: how can you even travel internationnaly without a credit card?
You can just pay cash for everything at the hotel etc etc etc do you even know what cash is if I don't have 500 or $1,000 on me at all times I feel naked
Frankly, even the Polaris lounges looks much better when they first launched. SQ is lacking in imagination.
Airlines are finally learning !
Lufthansa has its own facility for 1st class
Singapore having Private Room.
More important SQ, but also BR and TY are having different lounges for REAL Business-Class flyers and for "just" Status-Holders.
I do hope more airlines are following on this example as lounges too often are getting goo crowded !
I am assuming you are referring to Turkish Airlines (TK), not Air Calédonie, who operates a tiny fleet of ATR. Also as for TK, I am unsure what you are referring to. The main Business Class lounge in IST is accessible to status holders and all amenities are available to anyone who can access the lounge. I was taken on a tour of the facilities on my last visit, which was just a few months ago
That's not true. TK has a lounge for business pax & a Gold lounge. They are separated.
"The Private Room is Singapore Airlines’ most exclusive lounge, as it’s open to Singapore Airlines Suites and Singapore Airlines first class passengers."
Interesting. I was always under the impression that Private Room was specifically for Suites Passengers, and First Class was for F Passengers.
Went to the private room once in 2017, but was too sick to properly appreciate it. This year we'll fly new Suites, but not out of Singapore, so no chance for...
"The Private Room is Singapore Airlines’ most exclusive lounge, as it’s open to Singapore Airlines Suites and Singapore Airlines first class passengers."
Interesting. I was always under the impression that Private Room was specifically for Suites Passengers, and First Class was for F Passengers.
Went to the private room once in 2017, but was too sick to properly appreciate it. This year we'll fly new Suites, but not out of Singapore, so no chance for the private room.
Still trying to figure out whether to do SYD-DXB-SFO F on Emirates next year of SQ SYD-SIN-FRA-JFK-SFO Suites. Was just back in Dubai a few weeks ago, so don't need to stop there per se. But I haven't been to Singapore since they finished the Jewel. Have really wanted to see that.
@ The Joe
I have used the Private Room when flying First on B777 SIN-MEL...;)
To echo an earlier post,
It’s hard to compare airlines with First class with airlines that top out at business.
I think with the exception of Qatar (and the Al Mourjan a la carte is nowhere near the Al Safwa a la carte), no airline with F class has a la carte dining in business.
So why should SQ offer that in its J lounges?
Very true, surprised that most people do not realize this point.
Its not as good as AA Flagship, just a cheap clone. Fulll Disclosure: I am CK and my wife is also CK hence we are like royalty on AA.
Being CK sounds awesome, although on AA that sounds a bit like enjoying a parlour suite on the Titanic. =)
I don’t think comparing AA Flagship First with SQ First is at all fair. The service itself it’s miles apart from each other, the latter being ahead. I mean SQ crew are also known to escort pax to there seats even during boarding, they also smile during service.
Also I do not understand how SQ First is a “cheap clone” of AA Flagship First?
~
I am hoping @mojoe you are referring to a “sinking ship” with titanic lol
Exactly it is laughable that someone would try to suggest that AA Flagship is better than SQ. It isn't even a close comparison.
I meant even in economy*
Why has there been no mention on this blog about United airlines not taking credit cards or cash on its airplanes anymore for food? This is so discriminatory and I would think as Ben as a member of the LBGTQ community he wouldn't stand for discrimination that he would say something about it it is discriminating against people who are unbanked and who only use cash
Most (maybe all) airlines went cashless to reduce contact during COVID-19. Clearly a safety issue when implemented. Sorry... No outrageous discrimination. It was covered many times because no one was traveling at the time of implementation & there was nothing to report except reduced service & increased credit card offers.
@Daniel
There is a huge difference between discrimination and need to feel entitlement.
Isn't flying discriminating against people with no money?
And United does provide credit card applications for you even in flight. How can that be discriminating.
I read a report someplace on the internet that said they are not even allowing credit cards on the airplane you have to have something preloaded or something like that there are a lot of people perhaps 20 million people in the US that don't use credit cards like myself I can't get all these because my credit is not good enough so yes it is discrimination they are discriminating against people with bad credit...
I read a report someplace on the internet that said they are not even allowing credit cards on the airplane you have to have something preloaded or something like that there are a lot of people perhaps 20 million people in the US that don't use credit cards like myself I can't get all these because my credit is not good enough so yes it is discrimination they are discriminating against people with bad credit with no credit etc etc etc by them giving out nights the hotels for people who have their credit cards but they won't give them to me that is discrimination in my view I don't think it's been covered on this blog that United is not even accepting a credit card on board anymore what happens if someone has diabetes or has a disease where they need to eat and they forget at the airport or they are rushed or whatever whatever and they won't sell them the food it's a slippery slope
For years, SQ exceeded one's expectations in just about every way. But, starting about a decade ago this changed, notably with their odd long haul business class seats that have to be flipped over only to have a hard surface for sleeping. It continues with the ultra-long flights to New York with the fixed dining times, poor quality catering and, inexplicably, no first class.
They had yet another chance to make a "statement" with these...
For years, SQ exceeded one's expectations in just about every way. But, starting about a decade ago this changed, notably with their odd long haul business class seats that have to be flipped over only to have a hard surface for sleeping. It continues with the ultra-long flights to New York with the fixed dining times, poor quality catering and, inexplicably, no first class.
They had yet another chance to make a "statement" with these new Changi lounges and have again failed to wow. It's not that the lounges won't be comfortable and spacious, it's just that they won't be the best in their class. Not sad, just disappointed.
So what exactly were you expecting out of the new lounges for you to be impressed? Since this has "failed to wow"?
The grass is always greener on the other airline.
BTW, seats are not flipped over, they are folded down.
I am pretty sure there are reasons for not including first class in SQ22/23. They probably have done there own research and came to a conclusion that it won’t be earning enough revenue to offset a Biz + Prem Eco options.
Since you mention it, what business class lounges besides the United Polaris lounges offer complimentary a la carte dining? I suppose you could count the night services of AF at JFK and (I think) CDG. Any others?
There are some more, e.g. VS Clubhouse LHR, QR Al Mourjan DOH, JU lounge BEG
VS Clubhouse in JFK also offers a la carte dining.
Air Canada Signature Suite in Toronto is a dedicated fine dining a la carte dining service for their business class passengers flying internationally.
Qantas lounge in London
Sitting on 266k Singapore miles, nabbed 2 excellent seats for March '20 flight, but Covid hit. Now it's gonna be a scramble to book something, and I'm running up against the 36 mos. expiry. Darn Covid.
I think SQ should have said that the lounges are "unimagined" as they break no new ground.
Sweet. I had a nice time in the main lounge a couple weeks ago. I found a table facing the windows and hung out there with my back to the packed crowd behind me :-)
Looking forward to the Private Room on my post Nov election RTW transit between SYD-SIN suites and SIN-FRA-JFK Flights
;-)