Best Pay-per-use Airport Lounges in Singapore

Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in March 2022
Photo: Matt Graham.

There are many airline-operated airport lounges in Singapore, such as the Qantas Singapore Lounge. If you’re flying Business class – or hold elite airline status – you probably already enjoy access to at least one of these lounges when flying from Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Lounge access in Singapore is particularly useful if you’re flying to Europe with Singapore Airlines, Qantas or British Airways. It provides an opportunity to freshen up with a shower and snacks between long flights. But if you find yourself without lounge access in Singapore, don’t worry. There are almost a dozen pay-per-use airport lounges in Singapore! This week our members discuss the best options.

If you’re flying Qantas, British Airways, Emirates, Jetstar or another airline from Terminal 1, the Plaza Premium Lounge is a good choice. You can gain access with a Priority Pass membership. Alternatively, entry can be purchased for SGD58 ($57) at the door for up to 5 hours. Children are half price. This lounge offers plenty of food, showers and runway views, although alcoholic drinks cost extra.

If you drink alcohol, it’s not a choice, QF or BA much better as they don’t charge for it.That aside, compared to QF lounge (haven’t visited BA lounge yet), I’d say the Plaza Premium lounge has some advantages, it will be much quieter early evening, is actually open before 24 hrs, and it has views over the tarmac which is a plus, get a good view of planes landing or taking off from the western runway. But the buffet food is generally not as good as the Qantas Lounge, and in my two visits, the food has looked tired, although Plaza Premium Lounge does offer made to order dishes such as Laksa and Chicken Rice (but so does QF lounge).

Another of the third-party airport lounges in Singapore is the dnata Lounge in Terminal 1. This lounge doesn’t have as wide a selection of food as the Plaza Premium lounge, but alcohol is complimentary and it’s a pleasant, quiet space to relax. This lounge is also affiliated with Priority Pass, but individual entry can be purchased for USD39 ($51).

I also don’t mind the Dnata lounge in T1, which is comfortable and often fairly quiet, but it can have a poor selection of food at times (drinks are fine).

If you’re flying from Terminals 2 or 3, the Ambassador Transit Lounges in both terminals are a good option. Entry to either lounge costs SGD58.85 ($58) for up to 5 hours, and children under 6 years old are free. As well as the usual suspects like showers and food, you’ll also find a gym and spa. However, these extras do also cost extra – as do alcoholic drinks.

If you’re just after a shower, head over to the aforementioned Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 1. They charge SGD16 ($16) for a shower, with amenities and a complimentary welcome drink provided.

Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: Best Changi paid lounge?

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.
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