Qantas’ Singapore First Lounge: Our 4 favourite things about it
The best new options and what it means for all our frequent flyer futures.
Qantas opened its new Singapore First Lounge yesterday to much fanfare. The new lounge has space for 240 guests, including a 157-seat restaurant with seasonal menu, a bar area and shower suites.
The new lounge also has other less obvious benefits for Qantas and oneworld flyers. Here are our four favourite things about the new Qantas Singapore First Lounge:
1. There's now a dedicated oneworld first class lounge in Changi Airport
Star Alliance and Singapore Airlines first class passengers and higher tier frequent flyers have always been spoiled for choice with airport lounges in Singapore's Changi airport. They have access to a number of KrisFlyer SilverKris lounges and in some cases Singapore Airlines' exclusive Private Room.
The same isn't true for oneworld and Qantas first class passengers and high tier frequent flyers. Up until now, the only dedicated first class area was the Concorde Bar within the British Airways lounge. The new lounge now gives oneworld first class flyers an additional choice.
2. The new lounge should cut down the crowds in the old Qantas Singapore Lounge
Qantas' existing Singapore Lounge currently caters to both business and first class flyers. The new First Lounge should reduce the crowds in this lounge at peak times, with a combined capacity of over 800 guests between the two. The new lounge also has 10 shower suites, so this extra capacity should hopefully cut down on shower wait times.
The new shower suites. Image: Supplied
3. It paves the way for more paid lounge access options in Singapore
Qantas recently opened up many of its international lounges for walk-up paid access during off-peak times. Entry costs vary, with the London lounge costing GBP£55 or approximately AUD$103 per person. While Qantas hasn't yet announced anything regarding paid access to this new lounge, it could potentially be added to the list later, giving flyers a solid paid lounge option in Singapore.
4. The new lounge suggests we might get more Qantas First Lounges in the future
Qantas' move to build a new first class lounge in Singapore opens the door for other possible first class lounges elsewhere around the globe. Possible candidates for this include other airports where Qantas already has international lounges such as London Heathrow, Tokyo Narita and Hong Kong.
What's inside the new Qantas First Lounge in Singapore?
As mentioned, the new lounge features an open kitchen and dining area with a seasonal Rockpool inspired menu with dishes like the popular signature laksa with crayfish, rice noodles, bean sprouts and egg.
The new dining area. Image: Supplied
There's also a 3-metre long Carrara marble bar with seating and cocktail choices like the Tamarind Talisman with Jameson whiskey, tamarind and lemon.
The bar area. Image: Supplied
There are 10 shower suites, and the bathrooms and lounge utilise faux skylights to replicate natural light.
The faux skylights replicate natural light. Image: Supplied
Service is managed by Sofitel, with dedicated hosts able to help with guests' travel needs including check-in and boarding.
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