Review: Singapore Airlines’ new Changi T3 SilverKris business lounge
SQ’s swish new flagship business class lounge will be followed in February 2022 by two fresh lounges for first class flyers.
By David Flynn, November 23 2021
Country
Singapore
City
Singapore
Airport
Singapore - Changi
Alliance
Star Alliance
Airline
Singapore Airlines
Cabin-class
Business
Notes
The Good
- Modern, contemporary design
- AC, USB and wireless charging points
The Bad
- The promised nap area still not open
X-Factor
- Singapore Airlines' flagship business class lounge
Introduction
Singapore Airlines’ all-new Changi T3 SilverKris business class lounge is spacious, modern, well-appointed – and finally deserving of its flagship status.
Over two years in the making, with the extensive project interrupted by the pandemic, this represents a sweeping rethink of the Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris lounge proposition.
Executive Traveller visited Singapore Airlines’ new SilverKris Business Lounge prior to its official opening to the public – here are our first impressions, which we’ll update as a full review when we’ve had a chance to spend time seeing the lounge in action.
Location & Impressions
Singapore Airlines’ new SilverKris business class lounge sits in the same familiar location on the upper level of Changi Terminal 3: just follow the signs towards the 'A' gates and look for a clearly-marked escalator up to the SilverKris lounges.
It’s just along the hall from the previous temporary SilverKris Lounge, which has now been shuttered and will reopen in February 2022 as the new KrisFlyer Gold lounge.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
But longtime visitors to the lounge will need to briefly reorient themselves, because as part of the revamp of the SilverKris Lounge precinct, the expanded business class lounge now largely exists within the footprint of the old first class lounge and The Private Room.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
It’s not immediately obvious, especially as the new lounge embraces natural light flowing from the terminal atrium, the boarding gates and the tarmac.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
Much of this was achieved simply by removing false walls erected along the perimeter of the old lounges – which are now being rebuilt where the business class lounge used to be, ahead of their own eagerly-anticipated reveal in February 2022.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
As soon as you walk into the new SilverKris Lounge, that light emphasises a space that’s much more open than the previous business lounge – less closed-off and cluttered, with intelligent use of furnishings and dividers rather than walls to help define each ‘zone’.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
With an expanded footprint, Singapore Airlines' new SilverKris Business Lounge features four distinct zones, each catering to travellers with different needs.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
The lounge’s overall design is utterly modern and contemporary, without the ‘heaviness’ of the previous colour schemes and furnishings.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
There’s noticeably less marble – although it remains as a feature element such as tables, section of flooring and walls – and more natural materials, while the colours or chairs and sofas pick up notes such as burnished orange and blues from the airline’s palette.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
(And you won’t just see the difference, you’ll also smell it, with Singapore Airlines’ new ‘Batik Flora’ signature scent wafting through the lounge.)
All the same, Singapore Airlines is calling this a ‘soft opening’ of the SilverKris business lounge.
Executive Traveller understands that some parts of the lounge experience – including the promised “rest area with chaise lounges” where travellers in transit can nap before their next flight – are still being finalised and will be revealed in February 2022, when the curtains are pulled back on the complete SilverKris lounge precinct including the new SilverKris First and The Private Room lounges.
Access
Until February 2022, the SilverKris business class lounge will roll out the welcome mat to all lounge-worthy travellers on Singapore Airlines and its partner airlines – including those who’d usually be consigned to the KrisFlyer Gold lounge or would make a beeline for The Private Room.
That includes:
- business class, first class and A380 Suites passengers of Singapore Airlines
- business class and first class passengers on Star Alliance airlines
- Singapore Airlines PPS Club and Solitaire PPS CLub members
- KrisFlyer Gold Elite, Star Alliance Gold and Virgin Australia Velocity Gold and Platinum members flying in premium economy or economy with Singapore Airlines or a Star Alliance airline
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
In February 2022 Singapore Airlines will open its new KrisFlyer Gold lounge, along with the all-new SilverKris wings of the first class lounge and The Private Room, at which point the main SilverKris lounge will return to being only for business class passengers.
Dining
Singapore Airlines has never skimped on the food front, with its SilverKris lounges serving an array of dishes to reflect not only their 24-hour operation but the different tastes of passengers from around the world.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
That said, what could broadly be defined as Singaporean cuisine – itself a melange of Chinese, Malaysian and Indian influences – is always proudly at the forefront.
While we've not had the opportunity to visit this new SilverKris Business Lounge when it's in full swing, Singapore Airlines says that visitors facing a short transit between flights "can have a light snack in a relaxed café setting."
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
Longer layovers will favour a fuller exploration of the lounge's selection of Asian and international cuisines in the main dining room, "including live stations that will offer signature local delights."
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
The bar doubles up for breakfast and brunch before toggling to a tended wine, sprits and cocktail bar in afternoons and evenings.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
Covid has of course reshaped the lounge dining experience, so self-serve buffets continue to be replaced by a system where your selection of dishes are either immediately served up by staff or cooked to order and collected when ready.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
However, until the new SilverKris First Class and The Private Room lounges open in February 2022, first class passengers in the SilverKris business lounge will enjoy table service from an expanded à la carte menu in a roped-off section of the lounge.
Work
Part of the SilverKris business lounge’s overhaul involved removing the desks and cubicles of the old business centre, which was largely obsolete in an era when just about every traveller has their own laptop or smartphone.
Now it’s more important to let people work pretty much anywhere they choose to sit within the lounge.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
The old SilverKris lounge was hampered in this regard by a lack of AC power sockets, but the new lounge has AC and USB outlets almost everywhere – or at least most places you’d expect to find them – from near individual chairs, along dining room walls, tucked away at in front of banquettes and sofas.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
The AC sockets have the same universal design seen on aircraft and in the best hotel rooms which can accept different types of AC plug so you won’t have to fish around in your bag for an adaptor.
Next to each of these are USB-A sockets rated for high power output so they can provide juice for tablets and larger smartphones.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
But Singapore Airlines has gone a step further, adding wireless charging points to round out the power-on-tap approach.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
These are most commonly seen on the lounge’s most work-friendly pieces of furniture.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
First up: these paired seats with a centre table that’s large enough resting a drink or snack and perching a tablet or a small laptop at an angle, while you settle back in a wide comfortable chair.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
Below the LED lamp are two sets of conveniently-located AC and USB power outlets, with a pair of wireless charging points on the desk itself.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
These seats are intended more for relaxing while causally tapping away on your favourite piece of tech – even if it’s just a smartphone in your hand – and strike us as an interesting compromise between a standard armchair and the lounge’s more business-focussed ‘productivity pods’.
Meanwhile, those pods are where you can really get down to work.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
This is a measured evolution of the first-ten pods which debuted in Singapore Airlines’ new-look lounge concept several years ago.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
The high wrap-around walls offer privacy so you can focus, with an adjustable LED reading lap plus the welcome trio of AC, USB and wireless charging points.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
Note that there’s now room under the padded bench seat to stow small carry-on bags.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
Relax
To freshen up before or between flights, the SilverKris business lounge contains 15 of spacious unisex shower suites.
Each suite includes its own toilet plus a raised bench where you can plonk your cabin bag or sit while changing.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
As with the washrooms, amenities are supplied by luxury perfume house Penhaligon’s, which is also behind the new Singapore Airlines business class amenity kit.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
As noted earlier, Singapore Airlines’ original announcement of the SilverKris business class lounge promised “a rest area with chaise lounges will be provided for customers to catch some shut-eye before their flight.”
This is expected to remain under wraps until February 2022 while the airline works on improving sound dampening around the rest area so that it’s as quiet and relaxing as passengers would expect.
Until then, if there’s any noticeably quieter part of lounge we suggest that’s to be found off to the far right when you enter, away from the centrally-located bar and the dining areas.
Singapore Airlines' all-new SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi T3.
Summary
On the face of it, and pending a later visit to see the lounge in action, it appears that Singapore Airlines has finally delivered the flagship lounge experince which business travellers expect and indeed deserve, resulting in what we’d rate as the Changi Airport’s best business class lounge.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Dec 2012
Total posts 53
Thanks for this, I really like flying SQ, but I agree the SilverKris lounge in Changi's T3 is somewhat underwhelming, I find it doesn't have must in the way of personality, lack of staff, and for their home port rather below par.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
06 Apr 2012
Total posts 125
Would I be correct in assuming Business class passengers flying under a VA codeshare flight number on Singapore Airlines aircraft won't get access to the SilverKris lounge ?
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2431
If in Singapore Airlines business class (regardless of the VA codeshare) you would have access to the SilverKris lounge – there's just no access for Velocity Gold/Platinum member flying in economy or premium economy who instead can use the KrisFlyer Gold lounge.
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
08 Apr 2015
Total posts 2
Top tier Air NZ Elite and Elite Partner members can also access the SilverKris lounge, even when travelling in Economy:
"Elite members and Elite Partners may also use the SilverKris lounge in Singapore when travelling on, or when connecting to or from, an Air New Zealand or Singapore Airlines flight between New Zealand and Singapore."
So if you're using SIN as a connection point, as long as you're travelling to or from New Zealand, you'll have access.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2431
Hi Kamadan, that's a great find and one we didn't spot on SQ's own website. We've now confirmed this with Air New Zealand and have added it to the access list above. Ta!
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
12 Feb 2016
Total posts 21
When I have been travelling on star alliance flights i have been singularly unimpressed by being shunted off to some second class lounge by SQ. This happened in the past even when i was NZ elite, but the last time they did check to see if my card was elite or just gold. While the silver kris lounge may be ok, the other is bearly adequate.
United Airlines - Mileage Plus
17 Feb 2016
Total posts 45
Great review. I see you have pics taken during the day..a vist during the witching hour (between 11pm and 1am) will present a diferent story. I have visited around 8 times between Nov 15 and Feb 16 during the late evening and very suprised by how packed the lounge is and the poor state of the wash room (dirty sinks) and the fact that several of the showers have been offline for a couple of months.Overall around a 7/10 max.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2431
Hi Chris, thanks very much for sharing your experiences. Re: our photos, you're correct: most of them were taken during the day from two visits (one en route to London and the other on the return when we left the lounge at around 9pm, albeit not as late as you've experienced it).
04 Apr 2017
Total posts 1
Hi Chris, thank you for your detailed information.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2431
All food and beverage in the lounge is complimentary.
01 Feb 2013
Total posts 1
Had the pleasure of flying business and visiting the silver lounge in Singapore for a 10am flight - unfortunately I believe it was inferior to most lounges I have visited
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
31 Oct 2016
Total posts 71
What's the length of time they'll let you into the lounge for? I know some airlines will hold you to three hours before your flight, but if, for example, you have an 8 hour layover in the Lion City, could you access that lounge for the entire time, should you want?
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2431
As long as you have an onward boarding pass, you'll be fine. For this particular review, I was booked on a 9:30pm flight but arrived at the lounge at around 1pm and set up an office for the day - no issues at all with entry (or early check-in at the SQ counters in Singapore).
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
31 Oct 2016
Total posts 71
Magic, Thanks Chris.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2431
If you get bored after too much lounge time in T3, remember that you can always take the Skytrain over to T2 where you can access the other SilverKris business class lounge, or to the Thai Airways lounge in T1 during opening hours.
(SQ T3 is more of the 'flagship' business lounge, though.)
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
31 Oct 2016
Total posts 71
Fantastic. I've seen a lot of photos of Singapore Airport itself, I daresay I'll do quite some exploring there, while my partner drinks Champagne and rolls her eyes
03 Feb 2018
Total posts 73
Can United Club members (with an onward flight with a Star Alliance airline) gain access to Singapore Airlines' SilverKris lounge at Changi Airport?
21 Feb 2018
Total posts 1
Hi Kris
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2431
This lounge is located in the international departures area, so if you're entitled to access, you'll be fine.
11 Apr 2018
Total posts 1
Worst business class lounge I’ve been in, and to think its Singapore’s home base! There are virtually no power points to charge phones & electronics, and no USB ports, so even if you are one of the half dozen people to find power, you need local plugs/ adaptors to use them - ridiculous for an airport full of foreign travellers in transit. The internet cuts in and out in many places, so you have to find a good spot, and that doesn’t necessarily go with a comfortable chair. The only place to stretch your feet, is a highly uncomfortable, rock hard couch area, strewn with used, dirty blankets and pillows. There are dirty cups & plates left all over the place, uncollected. All in all, the title “lounge” is quite a stretch, for an under par facility of this caliber. Most disappointing!
30 Apr 2018
Total posts 3
And.... they lock the champagne away! Last time I was there, I had to chase someone into the kitchen to get hold of it. Agree with the review and many of the comments. Have never seen the lounge look as peaceful and inviting as in these pics - it's normally like a barnyard when I travel. But as long as I can get a hot shower I'm happy.
11 May 2016
Total posts 13
It is arguable that SQ could do better in their T3 business class lounge, which is outdated compared to other competitors in the South-east Asia region, which is not on the standard what SQ should be
31 May 2018
Total posts 15
I’m guessing there’s no photos of the food/drink offerings that you could share ?
20 Nov 2015
Total posts 478
Might not be a popular opinion but I like the look of this lounge, it's very 'Singapore Airlines'. A different approach and vibe to the latest Cathay Pacific lounges, sure, but you don't expect them to take the same approach. Personally I prefer Cathay's The Pier, most people probably will from a 'design' perspective, but I could and probably will happily spend some hours in this lounge on trips to Singapore and beyond next year.
17 Oct 2017
Total posts 22
It's very pleasant and a huge space. However, having First Class and KFEG temporarily sharing with Business Class is putting pressure on the shower facilities. There was a wait time of 30 minutes when I was there yesterday. FCL area has the Piper Heidsieck Millesime Rare 2006 (as is typical for FCL lounge at Changi), which is better than having a shower anyway.
Still a bit chaotic too, with the dragon at the gate to the First Class area frequently called away to assist with other customer queries elsewhere.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Mar 2015
Total posts 5
Hi Chris
Great review thanks. I am wondering whether it makes any difference in terms of access access if you are on a business 'lite' fare class? I can't find anything on SQ website or any forums to help me answer this and, with a long journey from BNE to EWR would dread getting there and being denied access.
QATAR website says they charge business lite customers for access to their lounges.
Cheers
17 Oct 2017
Total posts 22
Anyone with a Business class ticket, whether "lite" or a redemption booking or "full flexi" gets the same lounge access, same F&B in flight etc. The only difference is in flexibility of changes, mileage earn rate and eligibility to upgrade to First.
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