Can you really check in to SQ flight like this at MEL?

[cgichard]

I was just about to book my travel to MEL airport when I found this on the SQ website:

At the airport, proceed directly to the Immigration counter if you don’t have bags to check in and if you don’t require travel document/visa/credit card verification at the check-in counter.

Does that really mean that if you have checked in online and printed your boarding pass and have only hand luggage, you can go straight to immigration? As SQ have a separate check-in counter for those who have done the online check-in, I have always assumed that they need to see your passport and your hand-luggage, and write the boarding-gate number on your boarding-pass, before you proceed to immigration.

If you are able to do this, how long before departure time do you need to arrive at the airport?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Can't help - I always check-in online but never print BPs - just something about those SQ BP cards with the GOLD or MAROON strip across the top that turns my crank.

 

[juddles]

can't help in this specific scenario either - but I have learned from my travels that even if you can tecnically do online checking, if it is an important flight to you, ALWAYS show up at a counter anyway and check how things are going.....

 

[RooFlyer]

Whilst I agree with juddles in general, I once arrived at MEL from HBA very early, HLO, and the check-in (I think it was QR) wasn't open for a couple of hours. Had the BP printed off computer, so I went straight through immigration etc, to the lounge. I made sure I was at the gate early, so they could 'check docs' there before boarding.

Now, as this wasn't SQ I can't be sure about that particular situation, but I think, as a rule, you don't have to present at a check-in counter at International (US flights would be an exception to this!) I think the SQ 'on line check in' counters are a 'bag drop' thing, aren't they?

 

[cgichard]

As always - very helpful and quick responses.

CruiserElite: as I have no status beyond silver, perhaps those coloured stripes are not on my BP. Anyway, I have only a b/w printer.

Juddles: I think you are wise. Not only do I find out what gate to board but am also sure of being informed of any anticipated delays or problems with my connecting flight.

RooFlyer: this is to CDG via SIN, but with no lounge acces I'm aiming to minimize time at the airport.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Cruiser Elite: as I have no status beyond silver, perhaps those coloured stripes are not on my BP. Anyway, I have only a b/w printer.

Status irrelevant for coloured strip along top of BP - coloured strip along top of BP indicates your class of travel - GREEN = Y / BLUE = J / MAROON = F / GOLD + R - NFI what Y+ is.

 

[LadyC]

You certainly can go straight to immigration but I would attend the desk at the gate early as they will want to check your passport (i have done this travelling QF MEL-AKL and the gentleman has done it in SIN flying SQ SIN-DPS).

Just to note my experience in MEL was back in 2012 so not sure if rules have changed.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I was just about to book my travel to MEL airport when I found this on the SQ website:

I think the key words are 'if you don't require travel document/visa/credit card verification'. I think most airlines ex AU for international travel want to verify status. Airlines get fined if they transport pax later refused entry.

 

[cgichard]

OK, I'll be on the safe side and check-in. Even so, how early before a Friday mid-afternoon flight to arrive at the airport? I've no lounge access to while away any extra time.

 

[dajop]

OK, I'll be on the safe side and check-in. Even so, how early before a Friday mid-afternoon flight to arrive at the airport? I've no lounge access to while away any extra time.

Arrive whenever you like. I take it to extremes and usually only reach SQ checkin at MEL 75 mins before departure (or even later... sometimes 1 hr, as checkin closes 45 mins out). Never any queues at checkin at that time and usually no security or immigration queues, as SQ is one of that later afternoon departures (although EY may have now changed that).

Any time before then leaves ample time, as I know most people do want to build in a comfort factor.

 

[cgichard]

That's very reassuring, dajop. I probably won't cut it that fine, but it seems I need not be too anxious if I arrive later than the 3 hours recommended.