Article: What It’s Like Flying to Singapore in 2022

[dajop]

So for example if I want to book some Qantas flights (ie. classic rewards) to Singapore from the Qantas website, and then make a separate booking with Qatar or Emirates to fly from there to Europe, this is not possible?

Why do they do this, is it a protectionist measure to force people into flying with SQ?

This is because they have wanted to prevent people entering Singapore, essentially. Not necessarily a SQ protection measure, you can certainly book through flights from Australia to a range of destinations on Qantas or Jetstar (often connecting to Jetstar Asia).

Separate bookings are only possible with entering Singapore. So you could in theory do separate bookings, but would need to travel to Singapore on Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flight, apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) and meet all testing requirements (pre-departure RAT and RAT within 24 hrs of arrival). Would want a reasonable amount of time between bookings as well (I'd say at least 5- 6 hrs).

 

[BudgetFly]

Can anyone explain this to me about transfers at Singapore -



So for example if I want to book some Qantas flights (ie. classic rewards) to Singapore from the Qantas website, and then make a separate booking with Qatar or Emirates to fly from there to Europe, this is not possible?

Why do they do this, is it a protectionist measure to force people into flying with SQ?

I had the same protectionist thoughts... It's annoying me as I always have separate bookings for travel in SE Asia.

 

[SYD]

I had the same protectionist thoughts... It's annoying me as I always have separate bookings for travel in SE Asia.

Should only be temporary while the VTL system is in place.

 

[SCM]

Right thanks guys. I don't suppose there's any word on when Singapore will get rid of VTL?

 

[aaa99]

Mainly miles is reporting that the on arrival test is now a self administered ART (RAT).

Singapore VTL travellers can complete a self-swab ART arrival test from 15 March

Singapore’s VTL on-arrival test is being simplified, with travellers touching down at Changi from 15th March allowed to do a self-swab ART test, costing around S$5.

mainlymiles.com

Surely the days of VTL are numbered..

 

[serfty]

on arrival test is now a self administered ART (RAT)

More here (See sections 27 - 30):

MOH | News Highlights

Find speeches, press releases, forum replies and parliamentary Q&A.

www.moh.gov.sg

Attachment downloaded from here.

 

[bussyboy]

At this rate SIN will be letting in Covid positive tourists next month!

 

[aaa99]

I notice that most links to Singapore VTP say passengers need a pre-departure test within 2 days of departure. Does it mean it could be on the 2 days prior to the date of travel or is it 2 days including the date of travel?

For example, our flight is at 10 30pm on Friday. Does it mean we can do our ART test on Wednesday onwards or does it need to on either Thursday/Friday?

 

[bussyboy]

48 hours - based on time.

VTL (Air) Checklist for Travel to Singapore

safetravel.ica.gov.sg

Stage 1G:

Illustrations for when a PDT must be taken:

1. Direct Flights - Traveller A is scheduled to depart for Singapore on 3 Nov 2021, 2359h. The earliest he can take his PDT is on 1 Nov 2021, 0001h.

 

[dajop]

48 hours - based on time.

VTL (Air) Checklist for Travel to Singapore

safetravel.ica.gov.sg

Stage 1G:

Illustrations for when a PDT must be taken:

1. Direct Flights - Traveller A is scheduled to depart for Singapore on 3 Nov 2021, 2359h. The earliest he can take his PDT is on 1 Nov 2021, 0001h.

It is not time based but day based. The 48 hrs is not correct, although the illustration you gave is correct (noting that example illustrates a test 71:58hrs before departure).

Basically up to two calendar days before departure day.

Using the illustration, for a departure anytime on 3 Nov(whether it is 00:05 or 23:59 or 13:30) you can get a test on 1 Nov, 2 Nov or before you depart on 3 Nov.

 

[aaa99]

48 hours - based on time.

VTL (Air) Checklist for Travel to Singapore

safetravel.ica.gov.sg

Stage 1G:

Illustrations for when a PDT must be taken:

1. Direct Flights - Traveller A is scheduled to depart for Singapore on 3 Nov 2021, 2359h. The earliest he can take his PDT is on 1 Nov 2021, 0001h.

Wouldn't that be 72 hours in this example?

It is not time based but day based. The 48 hrs is not correct, although the illustration you gave is correct (noting that example illustrates a test 71:58hrs before departure).

Basically up to two calendar days before departure day.

Using the illustration, for a departure anytime on 3 Nov(whether it is 00:05 or 23:59 or 13:30) you can get a test on 1 Nov, 2 Nov or before you depart on 3 Nov.

Thanks, that makes sense. 1 extra day to sort things out.

 

[bussyboy]

Apologies - I bothered to quote, I should have actually read the website

I plan on leaving some wriggle room though - can't imagine the drama of being bumped off to a later flight and having to argue at Changi your "Scheduled" flight was an earlier one within the time limit...

 

[I love to travel]

Singapore PM to make live address to nation today on COVID. Source Straits Times. May be travel implications?

 

[Mattg]

Singapore PM to make live address to nation today on COVID. Source Straits Times. May be travel implications?

I strongly suspect the end of the VTL is nigh.

 

[henrus]

Could even be the death of trace together. That thing is annoying and seems to be providing limited benefits at this stage.

 

[dairyfloss]

Please no masks. Please no masks. Please no masks. (except in very specific and high risk settings)

 

[auriga]

my wishlist - masks only on public transport, no more tracetogether, open borders, no more limits of numbers/density

 

[dajop]

I’d be happy with lifting the 10:30pm alcohol curfew. (only joking when meeting up - I’m at the age where that doesn’t matter - when meeting with friends for a meal and a few drinks we just start earlier than before).

But I’d be pleased if they removed the outdoor mask requirements and the pre-departure testing regime prior to coming back to Singapore, oh and checking in. Seems a waste of time now.

 

[dairyfloss]

I’d be happy with lifting the 10:30pm alcohol curfew. (only joking when meeting up - I’m at the age where that doesn’t matter - when meeting with friends for a meal and a few drinks we just start earlier than before).

But I’d be pleased if they removed the outdoor mask requirements and the pre-departure testing regime prior to coming back to Singapore, oh and checking in. Seems a waste of time now.

They must have a special variant of the virus in Singapore that is nocturnal, and also likes to take walks in the park

 

[henrus]

I must say, the announcement that they are going to make a big announcement in the future has New Zealand vibes.