Lounge access - Virgin Australia Platinum on SQ flight + upgrades
9 replies
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Lounge access - Virgin Australia Platinum on SQ flight + upgrades
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Lounge access - Virgin Australia Platinum on SQ flight + upgrades
SIAU78
SIAU78
Member since 14 Feb 2017
Total posts 3
Hi all,
jianga
jianga
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 07 Feb 2015
Total posts 144
Re Lounge access:
SYD - Yes you use KrisFlyer lounge and No you can't go to ANZ lounge.
SIN - Yes sadly you can only use the Gold lounge, which doesn't even have its only toilets, let alone showers.
Re upgrades:
Not sure about others but a good mate of mine has been VA Plat for years and has never got any upgrades, nor special treatments on SQ flights and he has done many trips to/from Europe with SQ in economy. He said he always feels that SQ (ground or cabin) crew don't seem to care much about VA members, whether you are Plat or just a basic member. You get the usual priority check in, luggage (that's if they don't forget the tag because you're VA member not SQ), priority boarding, express card for immigration, etc. He often has to argue with SQ check in staff around the world that being a VA plat get extra free luggage, etc etc. Meanwhile, he felt more 'special' flying with Air NZ in economy, cabin manager came to give special greetings, offered bottled water, noise cancelling headphones, chocolates from Business classes, etc.
So good luck with your travel!
Bobfromwa
Bobfromwa
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 30 Jul 2014
Total posts 8
Hi SIAU78
SIAU78
SIAU78
Member since 14 Feb 2017
Total posts 3
Eek - doesn't sound too good...
David Robertson
David Robertson
Member since 13 Sep 2016
Total posts 12
The SQ 'Star Alliance Gold' lounge at Singapore is a shocker. Terrible selection of food, almost always crowded. On the bright side your Velocity Platinum should give you access to the SQ business class lounge on your return flight from London Heathrow. and that's a very nice lounge indeed.
SIAU78
SIAU78
Member since 14 Feb 2017
Total posts 3
Since the Star Alliance lounge is so terrible at Singapore - what paid lounge would others recommend I check myself into? I have 6 hours in Singapore so fancy some half decent food and a beer!
jianga
jianga
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 07 Feb 2015
Total posts 144
Martin Haynes
Martin Haynes
Member since 13 Sep 2016
Total posts 17
I would suggest you leave the airport altogether, catch a taxi to the East Coast area and try Jumbo Seafood or any of the other many food places around there. The only problem is that you won't have access to a shower when you come back to the airport, and you might want one after spending just a few hours out and about in Singaporean weather. But you could also try the Aerotel in T1 where they have a pool as well as showers. Just pack a light change of clothes in your carry-on. Some seafood and a Tiger beer or two at Jumbo, a swim and a shower and then onto your next flight, that sounds perfect to me!
Tracie
Tracie
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 30 Oct 2015
Total posts 105
The folks (1 x VA Platinum + 1 x VA Gold) scored an upgrade to business on Singapore from ADL-SIN over Christmas - left my brother & family back in economy even though all booked together on the same booking reference. Brother is also VA Gold.
flyingvisit
flyingvisit
BA
Member since 29 Jul 2016
Total posts 34
Hi SIAU78, Treat the SIN KF Gold lounge like it's infested with something and stay far, far away. Three better options to recommend: (i) stay in the transit area and go visit the outdoor pool in T1. It's cheap enough and gives you a shower, towel and plastic bag as part of the package. You can have a beer or order food poolside. It's about AUD$15 pp, see the Changi Airport website for opening hours. (ii) Try the Dnata lounge in T1 or T3 (I've only used T1 and it was new, large and nice, with decent F&B, including booze and barista coffee (later in the day.) Both lounges have showers. Google Dnata Lounge Singapore or you can call them up if needed on +65 65110288 and press 7 then 2. If you have Priority Pass, you're in the door , otherwise, use the Loungebuddy app to book and pay in advance. (You can't rock up and pay at the door.) Lounge buddy is about AUD$45 pp for that lounge. (iii) Leave airport and go to East Coast beach area (if you can call it a beach) for local food or Katong for other dining options and/or mall, then back to the airport for a shower by using the pool service. Ex London, you can use the SQ Lounge at Heathrow, so that's a nice option. On the upgrade topic, SQ only uses operational upgrade when the lower cabin is overboooked. And, there's a strict pecking order, which will explain some of the comments above. If they only need two upgrades and there are four of you, then two will miss out, they wont just hand you a blue boarding pass and send you all on your way. It does preserve the premium product, but that's other whole debate which is off topic! Enjoy your trip.