Qantas is turning travellers away from overcrowded Singapore lounge
By Chris C., June 7 2018
Qantas is now denying some passengers entry to its Singapore lounge during peak periods due to overcrowding.
Qantas Club members and some Gold-grade frequent flyers are being sent to the nearby SATS airport lounge and the lounge of Oneworld partner British Airways.
Photos: Inside British Airways’ Singapore lounge
This also applies to holders of single-entry Qantas lounge passes, which are issued to Qantas Silver frequent flyers and also available through many credit cards, including the airline's own Qantas Premier Mastercard.
Unlike the Qantas lounge, the SATS Premier Lounge doesn’t offer cooked-to-order dining or a tended bar: just a selection of self-service food and drinks from the buffet…
... and has only five showers where you can freshen up before your flight, compared to Qantas lounge's 20.
AusBT review: SATS Premier Lounge, Singapore Changi T1
A Qantas spokesperson confirmed to Australian Business Traveller that "during the busiest periods, lounge hosts may use their discretion in redirecting passengers to an alternative lounge to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone."
With Qantas now using Airbus A380s from Singapore to Sydney and Melbourne, and also having resumed flying via Singapore to London as part of the revamped Kangaroo Route, the airline's Singapore Lounge is busier than ever – especially from 5.30pm until the lounge closes at 11pm, during which the bulk of flights depart.
Australian Business Traveller understands that as the lounge starts to fill up, priority for access is given to Qantas first class and business class passengers, along with Chairman's Lounge members and Platinum One, Platinum and Gold frequent flyers.
Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald frequent flyers (such as Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Club Gold and Diamond cardholders) will likely be bounced to the British Airways lounge if the Qantas lounge is full.
British Airways' own business class and first class passengers and Executive Club frequent flyers – many of whom make a habit of visiting both the BA and Qantas lounges at Singapore (the former for self-pour drinks and a less crowded lounge, the latter for a la carte meals and cocktails) – could also find themselves restricted to the BA lounge.
Good lounge, bad timing...
Qantas' Singapore Lounge was the first in a series of new-look international lounges – it's been followed by Hong Kong, Los Angeles and most recently London – but its opening in 2013 came after the Qantas/Emirates alliance saw Singapore dropped in favour of Dubai as the stopover for its Airbus A380 flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London.
This dramatically reduced the number of travellers expected at the lounge, so it was designed accordingly, with a then-generous provision for up to 460 passengers.
But since Singapore once again became Qantas' London stopover from March this year, the Lion City lounge has been pushed to capacity.
Qantas has squeezed in an extra 40 seats, boosting total capacity to 500 passengers, and a Qantas spokesperson has told Australian Business Traveller "we’re continually evaluating opportunities to invest in the pre-flight experience in this port" – although they wouldn't be drawn on rumours of expanding the lounge or adding a seperate annexe for first class and Platinum One frequent flyers.
Your non-Qantas lounge options at Singapore
Qantas passengers who find the airline's lounge is already too crowded for their liking have a few options beyond being shunted into the SATS lounge.
Business and first class passengers, along with Gold, Platinum and Platinum One-grade Qantas Frequent Flyer members (and their Oneworld equivalents), can visit the nearby British Airways Singapore Lounge.
It's around the corner from the Qantas lounge and while it doesn't boast the same standard of food or drink, it's typically quieter.
However, only BA's own first class flyers are permitted into lounge's private Concorde Bar, which is a more exclusive den, with a better selection of drinks than the main lounge but generally the same food.
Plan B – or perhaps that should be 'Plan EK' – is Emirates' Singapore Lounge.
Located above Gate C1, it's a short stroll from the Qantas lounge and opens its doors to Qantas business and first class passengers, along with Gold, Platinum and Platinum One-grade Qantas Frequent Flyer members – but not their Oneworld equivalents, nor Qantas Club members.
The Emirates lounge doesn't have the open kitchen and daily plates of the Qantas lounge but the buffet offers ample choice, and unlike the Qantas and BA lounge there's Champagne (Moët).
If you regularly fly with Qantas to or through Singapore, what's your lounge strategy these days?
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1251
I think the reality is that Qantas needs to find a way to build a seperate First lounge in Singapore.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Mar 2014
Total posts 132
totally agree...and so it should since it now flies F via Singapore.
25 Nov 2016
Total posts 2
Agree with most posters, and as platinum, regret Qantas, having to say that prefer to go to the BA lounge, the Q lounge (especially in the evening) tends to be full of drunken chavs.
06 Jun 2017
Total posts 3
But on the contrary, they did :-) And I can't wait for it to open!
Qantas
02 Sep 2015
Total posts 37
As a frequent traveler to the singapore lounge every 4 to 6 weeks I find it too crowded and go to the BA lounge which is next door. Even as a first class flyer I often walk in and walk out within 5 min. Emirates is also quiet for qf36 home at 6pm.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
07 Sep 2012
Total posts 146
+1. So crowded on my last 2 visits that I just went into the EK lounge instead. Much quieter, and while the food isn't quite as good it's still a very pleasant way to spend my pre-flight time.
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
14 Apr 2013
Total posts 326
I like the QF lounge for a shower ,meal & Espresso Martini then retire to the BA Lounge before QF2 home
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Jun 2015
Total posts 71
I really like the Singapore lounge but it’s not very peaceful anymore. They probably don’t have room to expand it, but I think if they are going to have first to a destination they need to have a space for first.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Feb 2015
Total posts 382
Let’s hope Qantas are looking at there options regarding additional space in Singapore as it is needed urgently. Being with 500 other people in a crowded space is not many peoples definition of ‘relaxing’ pre flight when they are paying a premium.
24 Apr 2018
Total posts 13
Sounds like the flight itself, really.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Feb 2015
Total posts 9
It has been busy for a number of years and has got worse with London flights now routed via Singapore. It does not help when a Qantas Club member is allowed to bring his wife, mother and four children. Agree need a first Class/platinum lounge. Perhaps Qantas should talk with BA and other OneWorld Alliance members and have an Emerald lounge with better food and drinks, including champagne. Fear any improvement will take years since Qantas don’t like spending money and are busy fixing-up other lounges, Sydney Business Class lounge to take two-years I think.
QF
21 May 2014
Total posts 24
QP member is only allowed 1 adult guest (as well as children due to the QF Lounge family friendly policy).
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Jun 2015
Total posts 105
Just cause thats the official policy doesnt mean thats reality. A QF Gold friend of mine asked to bring in an extra guest last year and was allowed.
03 Nov 2014
Total posts 90
I've found Singapore lounge very flexible in relation to extra guests. I've taken an extra guest in a few times...haven't been rejected yet.
Qantas - P1 Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Apr 2013
Total posts 44
I have mentioned this before in a previous post - but I visited the QF Singapore lounge for the first time a month ago. I had heard good things about the lounge and was looking forward to the visit. Unfortunately, while the lounge was nice, there were just too many people crammed into that space. It lacks privacy and felt like a bit of a zoo. If Singapore is going to become a serious hub, they definitely need a first lounge. I had a few hours to kill at Changi and later went to the BA and Emirates lounges. They were oases of peace and quiet - which is one of the most important things for me.
Qantas - QFF Platinum
20 Mar 2012
Total posts 211
Visitied Sept last year and it was overcrowded then, couldn't imagine what it's like now.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Jun 2018
Total posts 1
Went through Singapore last week.....not surprised at all that Qantas are trying to do something to make the lounge work. We found Qantas lounge OK until when QF2 landed....became very busy very quickly. Food good, wine good, but when it became busy, became noisy and crowded. Went over to Emirates....much better. You have a view of the runway, much quieter, though wine not as good. All in all, I would choose Qantas for the food and wine and then go over to Emirates for peace and quiet.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Dec 2014
Total posts 50
I think it is a real testament to how incredibly well Qantas does lounges that everyone wants to be in their lounge rather than the others.
27 Apr 2017
Total posts 39
It is not in any way a nice problem to have when you are a paying customer who is turned away from the lounge. See, for example, the appalling treatment born2fish received in a comment below.
Lounge overcapacity is not a testament to how well Qantas does lounges. It is a testament to Qantas' poor planning -- everyone could foresee that changing AUS-LHR flights from DXB to SIN was going to cause capacity constraints at the SIN lounge.
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 595
So what should Qantas do?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 Nov 2016
Total posts 65
It's my understanding that Qantas has to pay the other airline lounges when Qantas passengers use them. So it's no free ride for Qantas diverting passengers. As that bill adds up over time expansion is the only way forward.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Dec 2017
Total posts 51
Yup, that’s the reason I make a point of visiting every accessible lounge at the airport before departure!
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2441
Your understanding is correct. With Oneworld, if the passenger is travelling in a premium cabin (business or first), the operating airline pays for the lounge visit. If they're sitting further back in premium economy or economy and getting lounge access via status or membership, the frequent flyer (QFF) or lounge program (Qantas Club) granting access pays for the visit. For Oneworld Emerald flyers travelling business class, the frequent flyer program pays for the visit only if the passenger accesses a dedicated first class lounge courtesy of their status.
11 Apr 2012
Total posts 55
Chris,
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2441
Journalists don't reveal sources who provide information 'off the record', but I can say that the information comes from people working in the right places.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1027
What Chris mentioned also fits with my experance.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1027
We all knew there was going to be an issue with the SIN lounge very quickly after the changes were announced almost a year ago.
There isn't really any space that the QF lounge could expand into. All the space neighbouring the lounge is taken up by the TG lounge and airport offices.
The last time I was in SIN, I used the BA lounge before QF38 and moved across to the QF lounge after most of the QF flights had departed when I found out about a long delay to QF38 (the lounge was open almost 3 hours longer then normal that night and I was the 2nd last pax to leave).
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Feb 2015
Total posts 9
Chris,
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2441
: That's up to Qantas. If you have feedback you want the airline to read and consider, you should, as always, send it to the airline.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Jun 2017
Total posts 41
I visited a month ago and made sure I showered and had a seat before QF2 arrived. I got there at 2 30pm sharp, then headed out to BA and came back prior 5pm as staff suggested me to grab a seat and get everything I needed prior that
That lounge gets incredibly busy when 3 flights arrive around the same time. The issue here is that a lot of OW flyers get there prior 5pm.
But if Qantas are even turning away their own Gold FF, clearly we have a problem. I would say that BA is a pretty decent alternative (obviously food is not as great, but would probably eat before at QF lounge) or even EK. It is quiet and has tarmac views!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jan 2014
Total posts 321
If you were a Qclub member and got told to go to another lounge I don’t think many would be too upset but I think Gold pax would be peeved, many Gold would only travel overseas once or twice a year and really look forward to the business standard lounge, it’s the only time they get to enjoy it.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Jan 2017
Total posts 73
GBRGB I don't understand your comment at all.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jan 2014
Total posts 321
Worldwanderer as a Qclub member myself I am choosing when to buy lounge access that suits me. I could fly very little with QF for years and then if required I can just join and get acesss to all Qantas lounges for a few hundred bucks, as opposed to Gold and above who are being given lounge access as reward for loyalty and also spending considerable $$ to gain that status. I am Gold currently but that could change next year, who knows, but if I am someone who has say 1000 status credits with QF in a year you have done some serious flying, and I think you would have much more reason to be disappointed that you couldn’t access the lounge than someone who purchased access when it suited them, as many I know do.
07 Jun 2018
Total posts 3
GBRGB Your comment is erroneous. I agree with Worldwanderer. If you pay for QC then you should have access to QC. Why shouldn’t they be upset? Lounge access is a benefit of Gold Status. QC is a paid membership to specifically use the lounge (Other benefits not worth a mention).
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jan 2014
Total posts 321
Dog Eat Dog World far from it, I am simply managing my expectations, something many struggle to do honestly. Can you honestly say that someone who has paid $250 to access QF lounges for a year should expect the same consideration in situations like this as someone who has flown with the airline all year, I don’t. I acknowledge the $250 and it’s consideration in the process , it’s simple business and something we all manage everyday in our own businesses and the expectations our customers have. I am comfortable where my $250 sits me in the value of a customer to QF, and my expectations match that value.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Jan 2017
Total posts 73
GBRGB
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Jan 2017
Total posts 73
Correction $540 + $399
07 Jun 2018
Total posts 3
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jan 2014
Total posts 321
Yes I was actually wrong DodEatDogWorld, my last 4 year Qclub renewal was $900, $225 per year, I stand corrected.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Aug 2015
Total posts 38
There was a line up of around 30 people queuing to get in when I visited last month! From what I could tell the queue had formed because people were in discussion with the lounge attendants not happy at being turned away.
Singapore Airlines - The PPS Club
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 50
As a QFF Platinum and a Singapore PPS I now avoid flying with Qantas to Australia as the lounge is too crowded. It is not the only consideration when purchasing a ticket but a significant one.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Jun 2011
Total posts 148
Singapore has always been an issue, remember the good old days when QF and BA were partners? The F and J lounges always used to be a zoo during peak hours....
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Mar 2014
Total posts 204
Yes not an ideal situation, but the lounge wasnt designed for 8 QF flights all departing at the same time, it must easily be the busiest overseas port for QF. There does need to be more provision for First / Platinum FFs, but then again Qantas seems to be moving towards the one lounge concept for most places.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Mar 2014
Total posts 204
18:40: QF72 PER - B737
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Jun 2017
Total posts 41
Then also add QF2 coming from LHR which arrives 5 25. I noticed that once that flight arrived, the lounge went notoriously busy (plus the A330 from Sydney, 737 from Perth an A380 coming from Melbourne which may have some passengers that may connect onto QF1). Obviously people coming from LHR want to shower and have a bite before continuing to SYD or another destination within Aus. Same case for people coming from Aus and flying onwards to LHR.
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 595
Wheather it is one or two lounges is not the issue. The issue is capacity to cater for all passengers.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 May 2017
Total posts 79
Simple solution. Fly SQ they know how to look after premium customers. Especially First Class and Platnium passengers. Plus the SQ product is far superior. Hence the company has moved all its international travel from QF to SQ......One day Qantas will learn
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Jun 2017
Total posts 41
I'd disagree. As a gold member, VA FF's when flying SQ get a disgrace of lounge that doesn't even have toilets inside their lounge. Yes, First class and Platinum may get the nice lounge, but there are a lot of us who are in that middle tier. I think for that reason, QF has a better variety of choices... from the 3 lounges I went in Changi, I thought they were all pretty good options, at least better than the Krisflyer gold lounge.
Probably aircraft availability and time slots? but if QF didn't have all flights departing at the same time, it would be a different story.
01 Jun 2016
Total posts 60
Platinums do not get the nice lounge either sadly. I skip SQ as a VA Plat for that reason
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
11 Mar 2015
Total posts 191
Exactly,but all these Qantas fans just bickering with each other and put you thumbs down if you dare to say any negatives
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jan 2015
Total posts 70
I'll check it out this Sunday. I'm on QF36 to Melbourne in First. Will be interesting to see how First is handled. I actually like the Emirates lounge so will end up there I'm sure.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 465
QF have the solution planned - Project Sunrise!
01 Apr 2014
Total posts 116
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Apr 2012
Total posts 317
Wow - did you get any sort of compensation?
01 Apr 2014
Total posts 116
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Jun 2017
Total posts 41
I would escalate with customer care for some compensation (e.g points?) you should be given something particularly if you flew F
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Apr 2012
Total posts 317
I agree, if i was flying First, i would be escalating with customer care for some sort of compensation.
01 Apr 2014
Total posts 116
Seeking points or $$$ as compensation for the inconvenience of being turned away is not really a priority for me. It's how you react and recover that really matters. For me it was an easy solution - I booked my next European trip on SQ A380 in the First Suites last night. So instead of seeking compensation from Qantas, I instead gave something back...........instant karma. :-)
04 May 2018
Total posts 30
A "dry overcooked meal" doesn't sound good. I thought QF had Neil Perry inspired food
11 Mar 2012
Total posts 316
Interesting. Last November we (2 adults and 1 child) were shunted out of a section as it was reserved for Chairman's Lounge members. Surprising a section isn't reserved for paid F fares.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
20 Nov 2017
Total posts 114
Time and time again, the question is asked on these forums: what price QF loyalty? If you've got your LTG locked in.... walk!!!
27 Nov 2016
Total posts 25
I was in the Sin lounge in April & the experience was ghastly made worse by a pretentious white coated "Maitre D". I'd been seated in an area reserved I guess for premium passengers and he came up to me & was quite officious as to why I couldn't sit there. I didn't bother to show my P1 card or first class ticket (and nor did he ask) but referred him to the charming person who had seated me there. He gave me a wide berth after that.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 465
Doesn't Melbourne have capacity reductions due to lounge upgrades? All the same can't be that hard for them to work out what the flow of P1s is through the bookings and preserve capacity for them. One time in Perth when there were upgrades underway, the well attired overflow were sent to CL. A memorable afternoon tea with Julia!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
20 Nov 2017
Total posts 114
Maybe try another airline?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 14
It can't possibly be any worse than the Qantas lounge in HNL. I know there's only one QF flight per day, but seriously?
27 Nov 2016
Total posts 25
Hahah Phyllisbird, I haven't been in that Honolulu lounge in a very long time but you are right, it is pretty bad on a daily basis! But Melbourne tonight takes some beating and is normally not quite as bad as this. Singapore on the other hand has become like this since the escape from Dubai!
27 Apr 2017
Total posts 39
An appalling lack of foresight on the part of Qantas. Everyone knew this problem was going to arise. As part of their decision to redirect AUS-LHR flights from DXB to SIN, they should have made an appropriate plan to deal with the increase in lounge customers rather than adopt after-the-fact band-aid measures.
04 May 2018
Total posts 30
Yes lack of foresight tahnks Mr joyce.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Jan 2017
Total posts 73
Qantas company failing absolutely yes.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Nov 2016
Total posts 129
Poor planning and the turning away of First Class Passengers is appalling. Visited the lounge in January and wasn't impressed. HK is so much better with great choices of CX lounges.
23 Mar 2012
Total posts 99
The same occurring at Sydney. Entered the Business class lounge this morning ( 7th ) at 9.10am not a seat to be found in fact guests were queueing for the prospect of securing a seat when someone left . It was unbearable.Left and sat at the gate,at least I could find a seat!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Sep 2013
Total posts 466
As p1 with QF I'm pissed when I sit in an over crowded lounge with ya all.i never asked for that,and paid QF club members should be pissed because they don't get what they paid for.be real be pissed by piss pore planning by Qantas.
06 Dec 2017
Total posts 110
I cannot help but imagine what would happen if Qantas was to reinstate Adelaide-Singapore services in both directions say five times a week to feed into the QF1/BA12/BA16 and the Finnair services to Europe in regards to how crowded the lounges would get.it already feeds the other twice daily services ex Melbourne,Same ex Sydney,one a day ex Brisbane,and one sometimes two a day ex Perth plus the London services.that would be a total mad zoo.If I was to go to the UK again and could afford a lounge membership I might go via Perth even if it means making do with a domestic lounge there before connecting onto QF9 To avoid the insanity of Singapore.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Nov 2017
Total posts 325
QF kinda shot itself in the foot when they closed the F lounge some years ago when they moved the LHR flights to DXB.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1027
QF didn't close the F lounge. They broke up with BA and BA kept one of the 2 QF/BA joint venture lounges.
If BA, for some reason, was no longer interested in flying to/through SIN, QF would have kept the F lounge.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Nov 2014
Total posts 15
I’m transiting through SIN on Monday week, transferring QF35 to QF1. After reading all of this, I think I’ll just head straight to the EK lounge which I can do because I’m a Platinum.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Nov 2016
Total posts 129
I would agree with that strategy. I was connecting in Singapore in January before all this QF 1/2 re-routing happened. Went to the QF lounge first and then before heading to the gate went to the EK lounge. Much more peaceful in the EK lounge and was a better place to be.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Jun 2018
Total posts 7
Can OW Platinums use the EK lounge? I thought you had to be flying EK to use their lounges?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Jun 2018
Total posts 5
There are not that many of us left that actually pay OUR OWN money for lounge access.. most people here don't pay for their own flights but get automatic entry based on status - then they don't agree that it's unfair when a fully paid Qantas Club Member gets bumped to the cheaper (or sometimes sent off with a bloody voucher to the food hall) - let me tell you, WE have more right to be in the lounge because we have taken money out of out own pockets to be in there!!!
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 388
Agree with that.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Sep 2012
Total posts 236
A few years ago I invested in a Priority Pass unlimited annual membership for about 260GBP (I live in Europe). I'm also Star Alliance Gold, but having both has given me great back up options in some airports where the Star lounge is ordinary (like Singapore). In Aus I think it includes some restaurants in the domestic terminals. At Heathrow you get arrivals lounge access in most terminals (sadly they've dropped the Sofitel).
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer - Chairmans Lounge
01 Sep 2011
Total posts 413
Good for this. Hopefully all those who look like they've just come off the beach in Sentosa will be among those shunted. And I agree that there needs to be consideration for a 1st lounge or just make arrangements with BA to use the concorde room. And before anyone says ba will never agree, any airline is happy for the extra bucks.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Nov 2017
Total posts 2
's list of flights excludes the Jetstar ones incl JQ8 to MEL at 20:00 and no doubt others like SIN to Bali (and on to other AUS ports)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jul 2015
Total posts 219
I must be in a minority (of 1 perhaps) but the DXB stop was a godsend. Rarely if ever were the lounges at Dubai full or close to. Singapore is fine but not a patch on HK. Switching from DXB to SIN is a retrograde step in my view from the lounge perspective. Recently was on a QF/CX combination through HK to LHR which worked well and gave access to superb lounges with CX and QF for a reasonable amount of time on the transit in HK. In the meantime we have to make do with what we have in Singgapore...ho hum
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Jun 2018
Total posts 7
I think turning away non-QF flyers who gain entry to with OW Sapphire / Emerald status flying with other (non-QF) OW airlines for example CX, MH or BA out of SIN would be a good start.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1027
MH is in T2, QR is in T3. While it is possible some of those pax might take the walk over to the T1 QF lounge, not many will.
CX is in T4. T4 is not connected to T1 like T2 and T3 are. It has a rather annoying bus connection via T2. It is quite hard for CX pax to get to the QF lounge if they were not already in T1/2/3 making a connection to T4.
The vast majority of BA pax with lounge access are just going to go to the BA lounge.
JL has 3 flights to SIN (QF codeshares on all 3). Only 1 (JL36/QF4025) is while the QF lounge is open. The lounge may get some early flyers from JL38 for a short time before it closes.
JL38 0150
JL712 0810
JL36 2150
JL directs their pax to the Danta lounge (they used to use the SATS lounge between the QF and BA lounges).
These are all the non QF flights, departing SIN after the QF lounge opens, where some pax might have lounge access and are likely to go to the QF lounge.
3K245 1510
UL303 1510
3K207 1545
3K695 1545
3K283 1600
3K601 1640
3K583 1655
3K541 1800
3K513 1915
3K591 1925
3K677 1930
3K687 1935
3K551 1950
UL309 2010
3K571 2015
3K537 2030
3K161 2305
AY132 2335
Once the new codeshare with AF starts, AF pax would also have access to the QF lounge, though AF uses the Danta lounge.
AF257 2235
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 May 2011
Total posts 20
I was in the EK J lounge on Tuesday morning for EK412. whilst not standing room was very full prior to the flight.
26 Feb 2015
Total posts 8
I have been there a few times and it is not an impressive lounge. Often overcrowded and definitely not at the same standard as SIA's Krisflyer lounge.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
05 May 2017
Total posts 13
After reading this last night on my way to Singapore airport, i was expecting the worst. Got to the airport early prior to QF38 and the lounge was only around 20% full. Even after QF1 landed there was only a small increase in the visitors. Got straight in for a shower and there was plenty of seats all night.
18 Aug 2017
Total posts 39
That is what I want to hear, will be there in OCT for my first Bus class trip from Hel to Mel, looking forward to the experience, glad to have the opportunities to inspect the BA and EK lounges.
17 Jan 2018
Total posts 84
Lets be honest the Singapore lounge is a business class lounge only. Not even close to what is offered to First/Platinum customers in Sydney or Dubai. It is also very generic and has little Australian culture. I was there on Grand Final day and there was zero coverage of Australian sport. Just EPL. You could visit dozens of bars in Singapore that would be showing the footie but not Qantas.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
05 May 2017
Total posts 13
This is because no Singapore based sports channel shows Australian sport. They are just showing what is on the local cable channels.
20 Apr 2015
Total posts 15
That is incorrect @Peterking. AustraliaPlus (a cable TV channel available in Singapore and Asia as a whole) broadcasts AFL games overseas. Plenty of expats living in Asian countries who want to watch it
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
05 May 2017
Total posts 13
Doesn’t show state of origin and only shows AFL infrequently.
20 Apr 2015
Total posts 15
That doesn't sound right. I was able to watch games when I was living there 2 years ago. The AFL website also references that 6 games a week are broadcast.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jul 2015
Total posts 219
Boomerang Bar, Robertson Quay. Plenty of Aussie food and and sport
20 Feb 2018
Total posts 4
AS a BAEC Gold card holder, I'd be extremely p'd off if QF's unwanted were allowed to enter the BA lounge. If that were the case, BA should issue a similar policy to QF.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
03 Apr 2014
Total posts 14
Sadly, QF has reduced the value of self-paid travel and Club membership over the years, whilst regularly increasing the prices of access to seats, on both aircraft and Lounges. And which actions appear to be the future direction Corporate have chose ... no doubt when the exodus increases it’ll be too late for the airline to regain the status it once enjoyed.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Jun 2018
Total posts 7
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 388
Yes, as a former Golden Wing holder my memory may have become selective over the years but I don't recall seeing people with thongs (the shoe type not the USA type) or tank tops, or high-vis uniforms, in the lounges. Fewer entrants 25 years ago.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Jan 2017
Total posts 73
Ah, Golden Wing, brings back fond memories of the GW Lounge in Adelaide where staff would greet me by name on arrival and ask if I was happy with my seat allocation or would like it changed, frequent upgrades to row 1 on a Y ticket.
15 Mar 2018
Total posts 93
I've been using this Qantas Lounge for many years, and last time I dug into it, the Singapore Lounge is a Qantas Lounge as different to a Qantas Club. There is a difference: just look at the First Lounge in Sydney.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Jun 2018
Total posts 12
Currently seated in the Sin lounge after the chaos has abated (20:00 hours). I've used this lounge regularly over the past 4 years and my overwhelming impression is that its quality in terms of space, food, and beverages has diminished significantly over that period. The crowding issue has been well addressed by others, but the freshly-cooked food bar now serves, admittedly high quality, Asian fast food. The creative Asian cuisine of a couple of years ago has gone! Now onto my pet subject: the wine. Every bottle on offer could be purchased for well under $10 at DM's. This is not a Business Class offering! It's lower quality than the wine QF hands out on the flight to Australia in economy class!
17 Jan 2018
Total posts 84
We all seem to agree its average at best and far from what a platinum or first class passenger should get. The old BA/QF first lounge was far superior.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Jul 2013
Total posts 18
Thanks everyone for their comments. It made interesting reading. I fly out tomorrow from Singapore to Syd and will checkout the lounges. To alleviate the problem for starters, why can’t Staff deny members bringing extra guests instead of the one allocation?. A long time ago when I was travelling with two friends my partner and I joined as members so we could both get them in., To this day we still pay separately to maintain our membership for this reason,
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 388
chas, please report back if you'd be so kind. Within reason, the more detail the better.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Jun 2018
Total posts 1
I travelled last month on QF1 & 2; made a beeline for the lounge as I was desperate for a shower. I had to wait about 5mins for a shower (both ways), so i checked out the lounge. Maybe about 2/3 full, almost completely full after the shower. Seemed to be a good range of food on offer. Only Seppelt sparkling on offer. Impressed with Heathrow T3 lounge on the way home, lovely cold Croser and a Beef Pasty to go with. I was flying Economy, but Gold FF. If I were Platinum of flying First, I would appreciate a small more exclusive experience.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Jun 2018
Total posts 7
Reminiscent of a Coles Cafeteria and that is probably being unkind to Coles. Noise, clutter people, ordinary food and very ordinary wine.
06 Dec 2017
Total posts 110
I have not used such facilities except as a Kid with my parents years ago with my family prior to heading to America with the old captains club lounges in Melbourne but things were way different internationally.food selection while very basic and drinks were a lot better.I will never forget those little sandwiches,these days other than a balfours cafe or charlies club sandwich such things are hard to come by.
10 Jun 2018
Total posts 18
I was in both the SATS and Qantas lounges two days ago. My impression was that the seats were about the same, the Qantas lounge is bigger and has windows to the terminal, so appears more spacious. The SATS food had more meat and sandwich options, the Qantas food had more fruit and salads. The SATS reds were on a par with Qantas, but Qantas had the edge in whites and sparkling.
Qantas also had tables reserved for first passengers by the windows overlooking the terminal.
Frankly, I wouldn't be fussed by getting sent to SATS if the Qantas lounge was busy. In fact, at busy times, it would be the better option.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Mar 2016
Total posts 20
Good! I’ve long argued for a lounge dedicated to First/Business travellers travelling in those classes.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Nov 2017
Total posts 13
How crazily coincidental this is. I just opted to join the Qantas Club for the first time in my life. I am travelling to London on Mon 24th September from Melb on QF35 MEL-SIN and the flight gets into SIN at 1755, and guess what, I have a 6 hour layover until the QF1 departs to London at 23:55. I cannot believe I am reading this!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Nov 2017
Total posts 13
Come to think of it, I have actually thought of a fairly "fair" solution to this problem. Whilst I believe that loyalty to an airline should come with perks such as lounge access. A person such as myself, (QFF Bronze + Qantas Club member), and an infrequent flyer pay specifically to access the lounge/Qantas Club.... So people in my situation should get access too.
I have read every single response to this post and it seems to me that the majority of respondents to this article are QFF Gold (at a minimum,) which means they have CHOICE when it comes to lounge access during peak times at the QF Lounge in SIN. By this I mean that they have the choice to visit either the BA lounge OR the Emirates lounge. Considering the fact that Qantas Club Members with low QFF status can't access the BA or Emirates lounges, I think it would only be fair that Qantas Club members with low status should have priority to the Qantas Lounge, because a) Thats is what they have paid for, and b) they have no other choice.
imo, reading comments about people visiting multiple lounges because the showers are better in one lounge, or the food is better in another, or they serve champagne in the Emirates lounge are literally not just spoiled for choice, they are simply spoiled! (Who needs to visit 3 lounges?!)
As much as the frequent flyers/Business/First travellers will probably see this as more unfair to them.... until a proper solution is figured out, I think this should be QF policy with regards to the QF lounge in SIN at peak times.
Also, If anyone can answer this question for me.... Since the Kangaroo Route has now been swapped out of Dubai into Singapore, is there not the same problem at the Qantas Lounge at Heathrow? IE When the A380 flights depart LHR, wouldn't there also be a flurry of pax wanting to use the QF lounge pre flight for a shower and a quick feed there since the Sydney and Melbourne bound A380's presumably leave at similar times? Or is the LHR QF lounge much larger?
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 595
Re the frist part of your post can I simply say that if you are turned away Qantas are making other arrangements even for paid club members. So choice doesn’t come into it.
07 Jun 2018
Total posts 3
AJW - the Lounge diverts QC members to SATS, which anyone can enter with a platinum Amex/priority pass. So making arrangements to visit an inferior lounge which is valued at $32. The Qantas Lounge with combined First Class is valued at $99 (that’s how much Qantas were selling passes for). So - no. I don’t think Qantas made sufficient arrangements at all.
10 Jun 2018
Total posts 18
However, if the Qantas lounge is full to overflowing, then the SATS lounge is a good option. I've been in both lounges, and think the Qantas lounge has the edge if both lounges are empty. However, if the Qantas lounge is full, I'd take the SATS pass in a heartbeat.
I'm not sure how the Qantas lounge is valued at three times the SATS lounge either. When it's full, it's certainly not.
Qantas
02 Sep 2015
Total posts 37
6.30 pm at the Qantas Singapore lounge now and it's 110% full with no seats and passengers waiting outside. Long que for showers.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1209
Currently in the SATS Lounge after receiving my email directing me here and giving me 5000 points. Perfectly acceptable alternative, same view, food fine. I've always found the SIN Lounge just OK, noisy and very snooty staff.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Nov 2017
Total posts 13
I have a question for all you guys and gals. I am flying into Singapore on QF35 on Monday 24th feb. I have a 6 hour wait to catch the QF1 to London. When I log in to the QF app, it says "relax in the SATS Premier Lounge," as opposed to QF 2 which says "Relax in the Qantas International Business ounge at LHR."
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