Singapore j check in

[yngflyer]

Hi just want to double check what is the business check in in Singapore and why is it different to normal? Have a trip coming up first time in business on this route thanks

 

[eminere]

Business class passengers departing SIN are able to use the SATS premier checkin lounge located at the end of row 4. This is a service arrangement put in place by QF, though of course you can always check in at the regular check in counters at row 5.

 

[yngflyer]

Thanks - is it any quicker than normal check in?

 

[eminere]

Depends on the time you turn up at the airport to check in - if you arrive in the later afternoon before the peak late-night bank of departures there is usually minimal if not zero waiting time before you are processed. If you do have to wait there is plenty of seating in the check-in facility with reading material and refreshments available.

 

[Himeno]

The SATS premier checkin lounge is open to premium cabin and status holders of any airline in T1 that uses SATS for ground handling. The main thing is that you usually don't have to wait, and can use it when that airlines normal check in desks are closed. It also has a direct path to a dedicated departure immigration desk.

 

[Mr_Orange]

The SATS premier checkin lounge is open to premium cabin and status holders of any airline in T1 that uses SATS for ground handling. The main thing is that you usually don't have to wait, and can use it when that airlines normal check in desks are closed. It also has a direct path to a dedicated departure immigration desk.

It's definitely worth using this facility, in my single experience.

 

[eminere]

It also has a direct path to a dedicated departure immigration desk.

Nope. After completing check in and passing through the facility you join the rest of the masses to queue for immigration processing.

 

[kermatu]

I've used the SATS check-in twice when the OneWorld flights I have been on had either not opened for regular check-in or the queue was too long. Was quick and comfortable each time. While you do go through a side entrance to immigration, both times I did it went to the general queue as well (but was instantly through so no drama).

 

[Himeno]

Nope. After completing check in and passing through the facility you join the rest of the masses to queue for immigration processing.

The last time I used it they did. They must have changed it.

 

[yngflyer]

Great thanks for the help

 

[Awesom Andy]

What I normally do is, I walk down row 5 to see if any agents are free. If someone is free, I simply go up to them as there may be a wait at the premium check-in room where it's shared with other airlines. If row 5 is busy, then I would go ahead into the room. The front counter would ask for your flight, itinerary and, if you're accessing using ff status, your ff card. You'll then be directed to an agent, where you can seat while they complete the admin work. Once done, you can walk down the path that leads back to the general immigration area, bypassing the bp check at the general departures entrance.

And you probably already know this, but to get to the QF lounge, turn left after immigration, and there's an escalator after a short distance, to your right. Turn left at the top of the escalator, and walk straight down. The BA lounge is on the right, so feel free to drop by for a look as well if you have time.

Also, a reminder that duty free >100ml need to be purchased at least 90mins before flight departure.

 

[eminere]

And you probably already know this, but to get to the QF lounge, turn left after immigration, and there's an escalator after a short distance, to your right. Turn left at the top of the escalator, and walk straight down. The BA lounge is on the right, so feel free to drop by for a look as well if you have time.

You can also visit the EK lounge at the C concourse.

 

[Awesom Andy]

You can also visit the EK lounge at the C concourse.

Yes, although you might want to do this one last as it's on the way to the gate and you wouldn't need to backtrack. All QF flights leave from the C gates.

 

[kermatu]

Yes, although you might want to do this one last as it's on the way to the gate and you wouldn't need to backtrack. All QF flights leave from the C gates.

And you'll be saving the best for last, in my opinion. QF lounge is good in the arvo / very early evening when it is relatively quiet. EK lounge has generally better food and is more comfortable, though it too can get crowded. I've only had one visit to the BA lounge and while I liked the quiet ambience, the food is definitely poorest of the lot. But there's whole other threads on this if interested.

 

[yngflyer]

thanks awsom andy
anything that is quick is great when travelling with a ~1 years old!
i do like the qantas lounge i just wish they had some better wine/champagne options!! but that is a different story
thanks

 

[ChrisFlyer]

Don't know if this has changed recently but when I last took notice, the airport signage had Golds using the premium economy check-in in Singapore with only Platinum and above using the business class check-in room..?

(Realise that Golds are technically entitled to use business class check-in desks, but the signage didn't match the rule.)

 

[Awesom Andy]

And you'll be saving the best for last, in my opinion. QF lounge is good in the arvo / very early evening when it is relatively quiet. EK lounge has generally better food and is more comfortable, though it too can get crowded. I've only had one visit to the BA lounge and while I liked the quiet ambience, the food is definitely poorest of the lot. But there's whole other threads on this if interested.

EK has only 1 flight at 9pm (and then 1 more at 10:25pm), so when it's the peak hour in the QF lounge at 6:30-7pm, the EK lounge is quite empty. The BA lounge is also pretty quiet at this time, given there's only a 777 heading to SYD in this time slot. My +1 preferred the BA lounge over the QF one as she likes the quietness. I'll test her out on the EK lounge next month.

Don't know if this has changed recently but when I last took notice, the airport signage had Golds using the premium economy check-in in Singapore with only Platinum and above using the business class check-in room..?

(Realise that Golds are technically entitled to use business class check-in desks, but the signage didn't match the rule.)

SIN has always been the exception. SG had their own dedicated counter for a little while, but it looks like it has gone the way of the dodo. Although given the lack of premium economy seats at SIN, it is effectively a counter for SG and PS. So unfortunately for the SG, they would need to share their check-in counter.

Some would argue that it's no big deal, but I guess the principle is getting something that is advertised - if it's not a J check-in, then it should at least be their own dedicated counter. If that's not going to be the case, then don't advertise it as such. Not sure what can be done about it though - BA has the same arrangement where only OWE can use the check-in room. (CX doesn't use the room).