Benefits of Using Airport Lounges and 6 Reasons You Should Be Using It

Travel, while exciting, often involves navigating the bustling atmosphere of airports. 

In Singapore, even the world-renowned Changi Airport can become overwhelmingly busy, particularly during peak travel seasons. This is mirrored in other regional hubs like KLIA, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, and Hong Kong International. 

Airport lounges offer a welcome respite, transforming the travel experience, especially for those embarking on long-haul flights from Singapore, into a smoother and more enjoyable journey.

Airport lounges are exclusive spaces within airports designed to provide travellers with enhanced comfort and amenities that surpass those found in typical terminal areas. These havens offer a range of perks, including complimentary food and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, shower facilities, and comfortable seating.

Lounges can be broadly categorised into airline-operated lounges, such as the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge and the Cathay Pacific Lounge, which cater primarily to their respective airline's premium passengers, and independent lounges, like Plaza Premium, SATS Premier Lounge, and Marhaba Lounge, which are accessible to a wider range of travellers, including those with priority pass memberships. 

Importantly, lounges are not solely for business travellers; economy passengers can also gain access through various means, such as credit card benefits or by purchasing day passes, making them a valuable resource for all.

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Airport lounges cater to a select demographic of travellers seeking enhanced comfort and amenities. Access is typically granted to:

• First and Business Class passengers, who enjoy complimentary lounge privileges as part of their premium ticket.

• Elite frequent flyers, such as KrisFlyer Elite Gold or Star Alliance Gold members, who have earned their status through loyalty programmes.

• Credit card holders possessing premium travel cards like the American Express Platinum, Citi Prestige, or OCBC Voyage, which offer lounge access as a cardholder benefit.

• Members of lounge membership programmes, including Priority Pass, DragonPass, and Plaza Premium, who have subscribed to these services.

• Travellers who opt for one-time paid entry, allowing occasional access to lounges without memberships.

• To gain entry, simply present your boarding pass, eligible credit card, or membership card to the lounge attendant at the entrance.

To gain entry, simply present your boarding pass, eligible credit card, or membership card to the lounge attendant at the entrance.

» More: The best credit cards for air miles

1. Pre-travel tranquility

While traveling can be exciting, most people don't find airports particularly enjoyable. They're often crowded, noisy, and seating can be scarce. Thankfully, airport lounges offer a welcome sanctuary from the airport's hectic nature.

Inside a lounge, you'll find a quieter, more spacious retreat with comfortable seating and fewer crowds. Many lounges also provide Wi-Fi and power outlets, so you can stay connected and charged before boarding. Some airport lounges even offer showers, a valuable amenity for those with long layovers between flights.

Consider airport lounges your escape from the chaos. The main terminal is often packed with people, noisy, and offers limited seating. Lounges offer respite.

» More: Credit cards for free airport lounge access

2. Save money on food and refreshments

Airport dining, especially in major travel hubs, can quickly become a significant expense. However, airport lounges offer a valuable solution for budget-conscious travellers. By providing complimentary meals, snacks, and a variety of beverages, lounges allow you to avoid the inflated prices often found at airport restaurants and cafes.

Lounges typically offer complimentary food and drink options, allowing you to help yourself as needed. This often includes snacks and other food choices, plus a variety of beverages, including alcoholic options.

If you're feeling hungry before your flight and want to avoid overpaying for a meal, an airport lounge is a smart choice.

» More: Is access to an airport lounge worth the money?

For Singapore's many business travellers, airport lounges can be invaluable workspaces for productive time on the go. Lounges offer a quiet and conducive environment, equipped with essential amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, which allows travellers to stay connected and work efficiently until boarding.

Changi Airport's SATS Premier Lounge and Marhaba Lounge, for example, feature dedicated business zones with power outlets, meeting areas, and even printing facilities. These spaces cater specifically to the needs of business professionals, allowing them to conduct meetings, prepare presentations, or address urgent tasks.

Furthermore, premium lounges like The Private Room by Singapore Airlines offer private workspaces exclusively for business-class passengers, providing an even higher level of privacy and comfort.

» More: Cheap ways to access Changi Airport's lounges

4. Family-friendly, stress-Free

Travelling with kids can be especially challenging, with the busy gate area often proving stressful for both parents and children. Fortunately, airport lounges offer a welcome break, providing a stress-free space where families can relax and unwind before their flight.

Certain lounges, such as the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge in Changi Airport, even feature dedicated kids’ play areas, allowing children to burn off energy and stay entertained. These family-friendly spaces create a more relaxed and calming atmosphere for everyone.

In addition, many lounges offer family-specific perks, including complimentary baby food, changing facilities, and a variety of entertainment options. It's also common to find that lounges allow children under the age of five to enter for free, making them an even more attractive option for families.

» More: How to plan a fresh and exciting holiday with the kids

5. Delays and layovers become less uncomfortable

Unexpected delays or long layovers, often a source of stress for travellers, can be transformed into relaxing breaks with access to an airport lounge. Instead of enduring hours in a crowded terminal, you can unwind in a comfortable and tranquil environment.

Changi Airport, consistently ranked among the world's best, boasts a selection of top-tier lounges that cater to diverse traveller needs. The SilverKris Lounge, an exclusive haven for Singapore Airlines premium travellers, offers a refined atmosphere and exceptional service.

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, The Private Room, reserved for Singapore Airlines First Class passengers, provides an unparalleled level of comfort and privacy.

Alternatively, the Plaza Premium Lounge, accessible to all travellers, including those flying in economy class, offers a welcoming space to relax and recharge. With its array of amenities and comfortable seating, the Plaza Premium Lounge provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the airport.

Access to such lounges can significantly enhance the comfort of long-haul flights, such as those from Singapore to New York, London, or Sydney. Lounges provide a space to relax, work, or simply unwind before boarding, transforming a potentially arduous journey into a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.

6. Every lounge you visit will be a different experience

Given our love for travel, they frequently traverse regional hubs like Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Tokyo and embark on long-haul journeys to destinations such as London, Los Angeles, and Sydney. This diverse travel pattern opens up a world of unique lounge experiences, as each lounge offers its own distinct ambience and amenities.

Global lounge networks, such as Priority Pass, provide access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide, ensuring that travellers have comfortable spaces to relax and recharge regardless of their destination.

Plaza Premium, another prominent network, offers high-end independent lounges in major airports, renowned for their premium services and stylish designs.

Additionally, airline alliances like Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam provide their own lounges, catering to their respective member airlines' passengers.

For Singaporean travellers on transit, certain lounges within these networks stand out. For example, some of the best priority pass lounges can be found in key transit hubs like Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Dubai, providing exceptional comfort and convenience during layovers. These lounges often feature amenities tailored to the needs of transit passengers, such as showers, quiet workspaces, and comfortable seating areas.

» More: Credit cards to get you into the priority lounge

Ready to elevate your airport experience with lounge access? Here are several options available to Singaporean travellers:

1. Buy a day pass: Many lounges offer day passes, allowing you to pay for single-entry access. Costs typically range from S$40 to S$100 per visit, depending on the lounge and its amenities.

2. Elite frequent flyer status: Achieving elite status with frequent flyer programmes like KrisFlyer Gold or Star Alliance Gold can unlock complimentary lounge access, along with other travel perks.

3. Credit card lounge access: Certain travel credit cards in Singapore provide complimentary or discounted lounge access as a cardholder benefit. Explore the best travel credit cards to find one that suits your travel needs and offers lounge privileges.

4. Membership programmes: Consider joining membership programmes like Priority Pass, DragonPass, or Plaza Premium, which offer access to a network of lounges worldwide. These programmes often have various membership tiers to cater to different travel frequencies.

Before visiting Changi Airport's (or any country’s) lounge

Planning to unwind at Changi Airport's renowned lounges? While they offer a sanctuary from travel bustle, it's wise to do some prep. 

First, always verify lounge access rules before your trip. Notably, some lounges, even within Changi, may restrict Priority Pass members during peak hours to prioritise their own premium passengers. Knowing these nuances ensures you're not turned away at the door.

To maximise your lounge experience, leverage a lounge aggregator app like LoungeBuddy, Priority Pass, or DragonPass. These apps provide real-time information on lounge availability, amenities, and user reviews, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs. Especially if you're travelling during peak seasons or heading to major hubs like Tokyo, London, or New York, consider booking your lounge access in advance.

High-demand lounges fill up quickly, and pre-booking guarantees your spot in these coveted spaces.

How to maximise your airport lounge experience

Using the right credit card can significantly enhance your airport experience, unlocking access to luxurious lounges and exclusive perks. Here are some of the best travel credit cards in Singapore that can elevate your time at the airport:

• Flexibility: UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card

• Flat-rate Rewards: Citi Cash Back+ Card

• Cashback on Travel Bookings: Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card

• Direct Travel Booking: American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card

• Luxury Travel Perks: Citi Prestige Card