Transfer BA-3K in SIN

[moa999]

Looking at going to LOS on award pts pretty last minute and go diving in Ko Tao and SYD-BKK has no availability but (as usual) can get BA F availability SYD-SIN.

Then probably going to fly 3K (Jetstar Asia) to BKK and connect with PG (Bangkok Air) to USM (Koh Samui).
Could fly TR (Tiger) SIN-BKK, but TR uses budget terminal and price differential to 3K is only S$10. Could also fly direct SIN-USM but need to wait 23hrs for flight (and the indirect route is 30% cheaper!)

Connecting on BA (arrives SIN 2145) and 3K (out 0710)

Assuming there is no interline BA-3K, 3K can't use transfer lounge, so I will need to collect baggage and exit, and that 3K check-in won't open until 0400 so no access to.

My thought is - land and head to QF FL for a freshen up and a few supplements. Then head to the Nexus lounge/ Movie Theatre when QF lounge closes / get a bit of shut eye.
Walk out at 0400/0500, collect bags from lost luggage and re-check in.

Any better ideas??

 

[jasonja3]

Walk out at 0400/0500, collect bags from lost luggage and re-check in.

Sounds a bit risky IMO, although I have never done it or had lost luggage.....

 

[moa999]

Somewhat agree but otherwise it means 10hrs outside in the departures area waiting for check-in or going into Sing proper for an overnighter.


Interestingly this is exactly what the Sing airport recommends to access the transit hotel on an LCC:

2. http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/If I am arriving on a budget airline flight and departing on another budget airline flight some time later, will I be able to get back into transit and use the Transit Hotel after clearing Customs & Immigration?
If you arrive on JetstarAsia, Valuair or Thai Air Asia, you can stay at the nearest Transit Hotel in Terminal 1. As the Transit Hotel is located in the Transit Hall, you should not clear Customs & Immigration upon your arrival in Singapore. We recommend that you make a room reservation with the Transit Hotel well in advance.
However, you must still have the valid travel documents into Singapore to clear Customs & Immigration to collect your check-in baggage from the respective airline handling agents' Lost & Found counter at the centre of the Arrival Claim Hall. It is advisable to do so at least 2 hours before you check-in for your connecting budget airline at the Departure Hall (JetstarAsia, Valuair or Thai Air Asia) or Budget Terminal (Tiger Airways).
If you are connecting to a Tiger Airways flight, you can catch the free shuttle service from Terminal 2 Basement to Budget Terminal. Note that passengers arriving on Tiger Airways will not be able to make use of the Transit Hotels as they are only located in Terminals 1 and 2.

http://www.changiairport.com.sg/changi/en/airport_guide/transit/transit_faqs.html?__locale=en#Q2

 

[jasonja3]

In that case I would ensure that someone from BA will be available to address your 'lost' luggage at 4.00am, otherwise sounds like leaving your bags for a while is a reasonably common occurrence, for people with long transits.