The newly reopened SATS Premier Lounge in Changi Airport’s Terminal 3 is the best way to start your vacation on a high.
I’m sure you’re wondering, why should I go to the airport earlier to wait in an airport lounge when I can wait at home for free? I used to resonate with that statement until I got to experience it myself.
While exclusivity is the main appeal for most travellers to visit lounges, I felt that it’s a great way to decompress before a flight and beat pre-flight jitters!
Photo credit: SATS
We recently visited the newly renovated SATS Premier Lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 3 and were really impressed.
Located at the Departure Transit Hall on Level 3, it’s tucked in a quiet corner away from the hustle and bustle of passengers rushing to their gates. Did we also mention that it overlooks the runway where you can watch planes take off?
Photo credit: SATS
The updated decor is a nod to Singapore’s heritage, with Peranakan tiles lining the floor and local digital artworks near the entrance. Fun fact: The artworks were specially commissioned in collaboration with students from LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and Singapore Polytechnic Media.
Besides the new look, here are other reasons why you should visit:
Always available 24/7
The lounge is open 24/7, 365 days a year so travellers can drop by regardless of flight timing. It also has a new layout with sleek furniture — comfortably seating up to 126 people. The seats have been reconfigured with partitions to afford more privacy for group and family travellers. But if you’re travelling solo, pods are also available for use.
There’s free WiFi for all travellers too, but my favourite detail is that USB and power outlets are available at every table — perfect for charging your electronics pre-flight!
Various food options from iconic local brands to international cuisine
It was nice to eat my favourite dishes without having to brave the long queues in-store.
If you’re like me, you’re probably at an airport lounge for the free-flow food! SATS has specially collaborated with six iconic local food and hawker brands so travellers will get the full Singapore experience — especially those who are only transiting through Singapore. The exclusive collaborative dish is available daily from 7AM – 11AM and 7PM – 11PM, exclusively in the Terminal 3 SATS Premier Lounge.
One of the following six dishes will be rotated every two months:
– Chicken Rice by Boon Tong Kee
– Mee Siam by Killiney
– Nasi Lemak by Ponggol Nasi Lemak
– Nasi Padang by Rumah Makan Minang
– Prawn Noodle Soup by Beach Road Prawn Noodle House
– Braised Pork Rice by Downstairs by Song Fa
Besides local dishes, the lounge also features an ethnic curated buffet with Malay, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Western cuisine. There’s even a bread station, charcuterie board and dessert corner!
Plus, you can expect a fully stocked self-service bar with various beers, wines and spirits.
The most interesting dish there is the Twyst oil-less pasta prepared by a robotic arm!
As someone who gets hungry easily, eating at the lounge is my favourite hack before long-haul flights — especially if I’m flying on a budget carrier.
Free massage chairs to relax in
Travellers will be glad to know that there are brand-new OSIM massage chairs scattered throughout the lounge — and they are free to use! The chairs can be found in both the normal and executive lounge areas (more on that below), but they are first come first served.
These are perfect for relaxing before or between long flights. Plus, you can sneak a quick nap here since they are the only reclining seats in the lounge 😴
Exclusive Executive space for premium flyers
The upgraded lounge also includes a new flagship Executive space exclusively for passengers on appointed travel classes on SATS-partnered airlines and lounge program premiums.
This space is a quieter area away from the main lounge and features seats with charging outlets and a dedicated space for cabin luggage. There’s also a dining service and massage chairs available. Visitors are greeted with welcome drinks and will even have their meals directly served to them! So boujee 💅
Brand new free shower facilities to refresh yourself
While Singapore’s Changi Airport is recognised as one of the best airports in the world, they unfortunately do not have any free public shower facilities 🥲
But not to worry as the renovated SATS lounge also features a whole new shower and washroom area where travellers can refresh themselves before their flight. It’s fully equipped with amenities like eco-friendly white tea-scented toiletries. There’s even a professional hair dryer from Stryv!
This is great for international travellers transiting through Singapore or those headed straight to the airport after a full day out.
Any traveller can access SATS Premier Lounge at Changi Airport T3
Now for the most important question, how can I access the new T3 SATS Premier Lounge?
Passengers who are scheduled for First Class, Business Class and Airline-appointed Frequent Flyers on SATS-handled airlines, are granted access to respective SATS Premier Lounges of Terminals 1,2, or 3.
But don’t fret if you aren’t flying on those classes. Travellers can still access the lounge if they pay-for-use or have existing lounge entitlements. This is a lot more accessible compared to airline-exclusive lounges which require guests to be a specific membership tier!
You can reserve your pass online on the Plaza Premium Lounge website for S$72.90 (valid for 5 hours). Alternatively, travellers with the following lounge memberships or credit cards are also eligible: Diners Club, DragonPass, DreamFolks, LoungeKey, Priority Pass, and AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend card holders with lounge passes, subjected to availability of seats for acceptance.
As a frequent flyer, I think heading to the lounge is worth going to the airport early for. After all, with delicious food and massage chairs — why not start your vacation even before leaving the country?
What’s your pre-flight ritual? Let us know in the comments below!
This post was brought to you by SATS.