When you are travelling in economy class, without status or with a non-alliance airline through Singapore T3 – you don’t have to put up with the overpriced and overcrowded bar and restaurant offering. Find refuge in one of three third-party lounges found in the transit area.
Who are SATS?
SATS (previously Singapore Airport Terminal Services) is a ‘one-stop-shop’ service provider offering everything from cargo services to in-flight catering. They already operate three other executive lounges in Singapore (one in each of the other Changi terminals 1, 2 and 4). You can find their newest edition in Terminal 4, the Blossom Lounge, co-operated with Plaza Premium. Our full review is here.
Note: Terminal 4 is only accessible to passengers with
a boarding card for a departing flight from that terminal.
Access
SATS operate this lounge privately and have contracts with a number of airlines, lounge access schemes and credit cards. They do not allow paid access to this lounge.
Airlines
Premium passengers from Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern, Jet Airways and Malindo Air are able to access this lounge (note that Vietnam Airlines has already moved to T4).
Lounge Access Schemes
Members of Priority Pass, Lounge Key, Lounge Club, Dragon Pass and Diners International are allowed access. An additional guest will typically cost S$50USD depending on the contract.
Traveller Tip: Lounges like this can only be used with a valid, outbound boarding card. This lounge cannot be used after arrival, even though in T3 you could easily get to it. For arrivals you need to head to the The Haven by JetQuay Arrivals Lounge (T3), which we will be reviewing shortly.
Credit Cards
Various credit cards will offer access. Most notably – American Express tends to give vouchers for access to the SATS and Plaza Premium lounges. This is as an alternative to them giving out Priority Pass membership.
Check with your credit card company directly if they any affiliations. Watch out for our upcoming articles on the best credit cards in Singapore.
Location
After passing through immigration, turn left. The first set of escalators will take you to the mezzanine level. If arriving from another terminal or a transiting flight – follow the “Lounges” signs.
You’ll arrive at the handsome entrance way that leads through to reception.
Walkthrough video
If you’ve read enough already and just want a quick tour – here’s our walkthrough video.
In detail
Seating
There are three seating areas. Low, white leather armchairs are arranged in rows, each equipped with USB power and multi-standard plug sockets. They are comfortable and most of them have views of a nearby TV screen.
Along the back edge of the lounge there are pairs of high wingbacked armchairs. These are again equipped with USB power and multi-standard plug sockets. They are located on the balcony of the mezzanine level overlooking the main departures level – so they may be noisy at peak times.
There is an office area along the far left wall. It has 4 desks, two of which are equipped with their own computers and VoIP phones – along with numerous power points.
A wide selection of international magazines and newspapers are also available.
Wi-Fi speed
The worst of any lounge we have tested so far. We suspect this is probably because the lounge was busy, and because the network is unprotected.
Since all of Singapore Changi’s terminals have their own free Wi-Fi networks, you should still be able to get online.
Nevertheless – disappointing.
Food and beverages
Usually, the main reason to visit a lounge like this – to avoid the hiked-up prices in the terminal and find a quiet spot away from the crowds.
Two “bean to cup” coffee machines are available. They make a good cappuccino or latte and use Australian UHT, full cream milk.
The food spread is good. There is a “DIY Noodle” bar, where you can ‘make’ your own laksa or vegetable noodles. There is a “Salad Bar” which has a good, fresh salad selection, along with cold meats, cheese and sandwiches (which would be good for grab-and-go).
The hot food selection is a mix of international cuisine. Small hot pies, Indian vegetable curry, Chinese noodles and vegetables, Chinese chicken with rice and a western-style stew with mashed potato. We tried the Indian curry – it was fresh and flavoursome.
