Newest Singapore Airlines lounge eases the squeeze for frequent flyers

Singapore Airlines’ most underwhelming lounge at its Changi Airport Terminal 3 hub has finally emerged from its cocoon, and it’s a far more appealing place for travellers to spend their time before or between flights.

We're talking, of course, about the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge: the go-to for frequent flyers who have some form of airline status but are holding a ticket for premium economy or economy, rather than business class.

This includes Singapore Airlines’ own KrisFlyer Elite Gold members, Star Alliance Gold equivalents (from the likes of ANA, Air New Zealand, Lufthansa, Thai Airways and United Airlines) and other partners such as Virgin Australia (Velocity Gold and Platinum).

Singapore Airlines officially opened the new KrisFlyer Gold Lounge today, Friday May 20, in a move that will also alleviate pressure on the nearby Business Class SilverKris Lounge, which since November 2021 has been the sole lounge for all lounge-worthy travellers out of T3, not just on Singapore Airlines but also its Star Alliance partners.

This ranged from Gold-grade frequent flyers to business class and first class passengers, so that the business lounge was packed to capacity during peak travel times.

And there’ll be more room to move in the Business Class SilverKris Lounge from the end of this month, when the adjacent First Class SilverKris Lounge and The Private Room roll out the red carpet.

What to expect from the new KrisFlyer Gold lounge

We’ve already had a sneak preview of what’s in store, since the basis of the new Gold lounge served for some time as a temporary SilverKris Business lounge before the new business class lounge opened.

Singapore Airlines then pulled down the shutters on the Gold lounge space to continue its renovation, which included new furniture and fittings.

You can look forward to a massive step up from the old and largely unloved KrisFlyer Gold Lounge: the new space is larger, more open, and with a greater sense of space and plenty of natural light (at least in the daytime).

Inside what'll be the new KrisFlyer Gold lounge at Changi T3.
Martin Memo

We can only hope those soaring ceilings also help address the lack of air-conditioning at the previous KrisFlyer Gold Lounge.

Inside what'll be the new KrisFlyer Gold lounge at Changi T3.
Martin Memo

The lounge’s overall footprint is much larger than the former space, and there's no doubt the view will delight many travellers as they get an up-close look at assorted Singapore Airlines jets trundling along the tarmac and pulling into or out of the adjacent departure gates.

There’s also proper segregation of spaces for working, dining and relaxing, and a decent scattering of AC/USB outlets around the walls pus desktop wireless charging.

Inside what'll be the new KrisFlyer Gold lounge at Changi T3.
Martin Memo

Best of all, the new KrisFlyer Gold Lounge now has its own toilets – you used to have to leave the lounge to use public toilets just off the hallway – and even three shower suites.

Spacious shower suites at the new Changi T3 KrisFlyer Gold lounge.
Martin Memo

These additions go a long way to addressing some of the criticisms levelled at the old KrisFlyer Gold Lounge.

Executive Traveller will be visiting the new KrisFlyer Gold Lounge in early June, so look forward to a full review – including how the food and drink situation shapes up, as those were other serious shortcomings of the old lounge.

ENDS

We’ve obviously got to wait until this becomes the official KrisFlyer Gold lounge to see how the food and drink situation shapes up – those were other serious shortcomings of the old lounge – but for now, things are definitely looking up for Gold-grade frequent flyers who aren’t seated at the pointy end of the plane.

The ribbon-cutting at the KrisFlyer Gold lounge will be followed by the long-awaited reveal of Singapore Airlines’ all-new flagship First lounge and The Private Room at Changi Terminal 3, which the airline says is due “within weeks”, marking the end of a sweeping SGD$50m makeover for its SilverKris lounge hub.