Business class transit through Singapore (Changi): an absolute farce

[dajop]

It's not about eligibility here - a 19 hour transit is simply not practical for entering Singapore due to the post-arrival testing and isolation required.

Yes, if on VTL, theoretically possible, could work, but gets expensive quickly. Would need to pay $125 for test and then book a hotel to isolate in whilst taking a rest (test results seem to take about 4-5 hrs) , leaving about 10 hrs to be out and about after that. Quite a PITA.

 

[Chicken]

It's not about eligibility here - a 19 hour transit is simply not practical for entering Singapore due to the post-arrival testing and isolation required.

Well, yes, because:

2. A VTL (Air) traveller must comply with the following conditions:
e. undergo a COVID-19 PCR test at the airport upon arrival in Singapore, and immediately4 take private transportation, taxi, or private hire car from the airport to the place of accommodation as declared in the VTP (Air) application and remain isolated at the place of accommodation until the on-arrival test result is confirmed to be negative;

So a 19 hours stop over is kinda a moot point

 

[NoName]

I thought I had read that transit passengers can not leave the airport? Anyway that may not be correct after all, however the whole situation seems farcical. As I said, the VTL requirements themselves wouldn’t stop me entering but the uncertainty does. Who knows what ridiculous rules they will put in next? So we have changed to a 3.5hr transit now (which would be bearable) and I’m looking for options to return on another airline which I will book as a backup in case something really crazy is implemented.

 

[Chicken]

I thought I had read that transit passengers can not leave the airport?

You are getting mixed up here.

Let's read again.

From Singapore Airlines "Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL)":

Transit passengers flying from a Category IV country or arriving from Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland or the United Kingdom will be required to stay within a transit holding area, where amenities are restricted. The SilverKris Lounge will also be inaccessible due to these regulatory requirements.

From Changi Airport:

travellers from the following countries/regions:
Category IV countries/regions
Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom

Resting facilities - Upon arriving at Changi Airport, you will be met by our airport staff and be guided to a Transit Holding Area (THA) in the terminal your next flight will be departing from.

At the THA, you can enjoy comfortable seating while waiting for your next flight.

Other amenities at the THA include a snooze area, a nursing station, charging stations and free wi-fi.

Transit hotel - For those on a long layover, you can also book a stay at the transit hotel, located at Terminal 1, near boarding gate D41 or Terminal 3, near boarding gates B1-4. Passengers will be escorted straight to the hotels and will not be permitted to shop and dine outside of the hotel. You are strongly encouraged to make an advanced booking.

So if you are transiting from these countries, you will be held in a quarantine pen, or you can choose to book and stay in quarantine hotel. Meaning you will be separated from the rest of Singapore thru out the whole duration.

Anyway that may not be correct after all, however the whole situation seems farcical. As I said, the VTL requirements themselves wouldn’t stop me entering

Correct, you can choose to enter Singapore, but you would need to follow the rules for entering Singapore.

From Immigration & Checkpoints Authority:

undergo a COVID-19 PCR test at the airport upon arrival in Singapore, and immediately4 take private transportation, taxi, or private hire car from the airport to the place of accommodation as declared in the VTP (Air) application and remain isolated at the place of accommodation until the on-arrival test result is confirmed to be negative;

but the uncertainty does. Who knows what ridiculous rules they will put in next? So we have changed to a 3.5hr transit now (which would be bearable) and I’m looking for options to return on another airline which I will book as a backup in case something really crazy is implemented.

"ridiculous rules" will come in, and even more of them will come in, when the next COVID varient arrives. In fact, there is no evidence at the moment that the pandemic is ending at all (despite people talk like it is ending), so if the next varient comes and it mutates in an even worse way than Delta and Omicron, then if you think today's rules are 'ridiculous', you better buckle up your seatbelt.

Which is why I wrote in my last post, that I would pay extra just to get on a direct flight instead of having stop over, because of this uncertainty of rules could get a lot more 'ridiculous' without prior notice.

* - Wishful thinking and the end of the pandemic - ABC Coronacast 2022-02-04
- Omicron Could Be the Beginning of the End of the COVID-19 Pandemic - Time 2022-01-26

 

[oznflfan]

I am currently in Changi airport transiting from our flight from Rome to Melbourne (via Copenhagen then Singapore).
After landing, passengers staying in Singapore were asked to disembark the plane first; then followed by those transiting onwards.
Business class were then invited to exit the plane but were stopped at the top of the tunnel by airport staff wearing full PPE and were asked to don a green wrist band.
We then waited about 10 minutes for all of the passengers getting off the plane to be segregated into our onward destinations; Melbourne on the right side, everywhere else on the left before we were then marched through the airport in single file to the intra-airport train to a big transit lounge.
Bearing in mind that everyone on this flight was fully vaccinated and had to have tested negative to board the plane!!
So we were marched about 1 kilometre through the airport (15 minute walk) in single file through the middle of the duty free shopping area (with other passengers all around us wondering who these 100 green wrist band prisoners were )
Anyway, my girlfriend and I had garnered at this point that we wouldn’t be going to the SilverKris lounge. When we arrived at this transit lounge area there was about 200 passengers already here. Add the 100 from our flight made 300.
As you can see in the photos there was a sign that read PREMIUM WAITING AREA. You could see through the glass that this premium waiting area actually looked to have less comfortable chairs than the normal waiting area so we opted to sit in the normal area armchairs instead.
For interest’s sake I decided to go into the premium area to see if there was anything resembling a lounge in there.
I walked up with my boarding pass. Yet there was no staff checking who was getting in there. So I waltzed straight in there. The seats were indeed your less comfortable stock boarding gate seats and there were 4 vending machines in the corner with chocolate bars, nuts, crisps and soft drinks. These were free, make a selection and it dropped down. I walked back out to the normal waiting area, again, no staff at the gate to the premium waiting area, to return to our more comfortable arm chairs in the busy normal waiting area.
I think if word spread through the 300 people quick enough from someone who watched me walk through there unchecked to the free vending machines they wouldn’t have had much left for much longer!
Firstly, I think the safety measures are about a year behind. The full PPE when all passengers are fully vaccinated and have tested negative in the last 24 hours was already a bit much, but then the marching through the airport right next to all the other passengers shopping in duty free made it laughable.
Fortunately I purchased our flights on points, had I paid full fare for our business class tickets to find that the only lounge available for our 3 hour layover was a non-policed uncomfortable boarding gate with some free vending machines giving out Snickers bars and iced tea I’d be ropable.
I’m not trying to be pompous but when you fork out for business class you expect a business class experience. This was second rate from Singapore Airlines who I normally hold to a high regard.
Therefore;
TL;DR
If you’re looking at booking flights with a lengthier layover in Changi, do your search again or you’ll be made to feel like a prisoner 2 and a half years into a pandemic.
I’ll comment with an update in a couple of hours when apparently we’ll be marched to our actual boarding gate… more to come

Just feel for all the Billionaires going through the same experience when they fly in for the Singapore F1 race at the end of this year!

 

[bpcmemorial]

As soon as your gate is called you can leave the transit area to go to the gate, but without being accompanied, and as far as I could tell this is as soon as the gate is open. Aside from angry shouty lady staff were quite friendly and helpful, no problem letting me come back ten minutes later to go to the loo (as there are none at the gates, so that’s probably useful info too).

Final forgotten bit of useful info: there is no airline counter / check-in desk in the transit area. The staff there do not have access to the airline computer systems. (I'd had a problem with my seat for the SIN-SYD leg which couldn't be adjusted on the phone nor at the SIA desk in London, so I was planning on sorting it at the SIA desk in Changi, but there wasn't one, the desk is in the main shopping area. Was advised that would have to wait until the gate.)

 

[Chicken]

Final forgotten bit of useful info: there is no airline counter / check-in desk in the transit area. The staff there do not have access to the airline computer systems. I'd had a problem with my seat for the SIN-SYD leg which couldn't be adjusted on the phone nor at the SIA desk in London, so I was planning on sorting it at the SIA desk in Changi, but there wasn't one, the desk is in the main shopping area. Was advised that would have to wait until the gate .

I wonder if the SQ WhatsApp service would have helped?

 

[NoName]

You are getting mixed up here.

Let's read again.

From Singapore Airlines "Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL)":

Transit passengers flying from a Category IV country or arriving from Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland or the United Kingdom will be required to stay within a transit holding area, where amenities are restricted. The SilverKris Lounge will also be inaccessible due to these regulatory requirements.

From Changi Airport:

travellers from the following countries/regions:
Category IV countries/regions
Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom

Resting facilities - Upon arriving at Changi Airport, you will be met by our airport staff and be guided to a Transit Holding Area (THA) in the terminal your next flight will be departing from.

At the THA, you can enjoy comfortable seating while waiting for your next flight.

Other amenities at the THA include a snooze area, a nursing station, charging stations and free wi-fi.

Transit hotel - For those on a long layover, you can also book a stay at the transit hotel, located at Terminal 1, near boarding gate D41 or Terminal 3, near boarding gates B1-4. Passengers will be escorted straight to the hotels and will not be permitted to shop and dine outside of the hotel. You are strongly encouraged to make an advanced booking.

So if you are transiting from these countries, you will be held in a quarantine pen, or you can choose to book and stay in quarantine hotel. Meaning you will be separated from the rest of Singapore thru out the whole duration.

Given I am transiting from one of those mentioned countries then I read it as my previous point being valid - I wouldn’t be allowed to enter. It’s all on one booking so Im a transit passenger meaning either holding pen or quarantine hotel. If I’ve got something wrong here please read it again for me and quote a specific part which contradicts my interpretation. Perhaps it’s the definition of transit passenger, or somewhere it specifically says a transit passenger can still enter, who knows. TBH.

Correct, you can choose to enter Singapore, but you would need to follow the rules for entering Singapore.

From Immigration & Checkpoints Authority:

undergo a COVID-19 PCR test at the airport upon arrival in Singapore, and immediately4 take private transportation, taxi, or private hire car from the airport to the place of accommodation as declared in the VTP (Air) application and remain isolated at the place of accommodation until the on-arrival test result is confirmed to be negative;

Unsure the purpose of this part of your post. Doesn’t that just give the rules for entry which I have already said would not in themselves stop me from choosing to enter?

Anyway, all moot as the booking has been changed now.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Given I am transiting from one of those mentioned countries then I read it as my previous point being valid - I wouldn’t be allowed to enter. It’s all on one booking so Im a transit passenger meaning either holding pen or quarantine hotel. If I’ve got something wrong here please read it again for me and quote a specific part which contradicts my interpretation. Perhaps it’s the definition of transit passenger, or somewhere it specifically says a transit passenger can still enter, who knows. TBH.



Unsure the purpose of this part of your post. Doesn’t that just give the rules for entry which I have already said would not in themselves stop me from choosing to enter?

Anyway, all moot as the booking has been changed now.

Not sure if in my glancing I’m missing the point but everyone is allowed to book the airside transit hotel. But it doesn’t sound of interest to you.

 

[NoName]

No not interested in staying airside for 19hrs either in a hotel or a holding pen. Prefer to simply get home faster which is what we will now do.

 

[dajop]

Given I am transiting from one of those mentioned countries then I read it as my previous point being valid - I wouldn’t be allowed to enter. It’s all on one booking so Im a transit passenger meaning either holding pen or quarantine hotel. If I’ve got something wrong here please read it again for me and quote a specific part which contradicts my interpretation. Perhaps it’s the definition of transit passenger, or somewhere it specifically says a transit passenger can still enter, who knows. TBH.



Unsure the purpose of this part of your post. Doesn’t that just give the rules for entry which I have already said would not in themselves stop me from choosing to enter?

Anyway, all moot as the booking has been changed now.

As you said moot. But for future reference transit restrictions apply if you stay airside. But if you are choosing to enter Singapore (meet conditions of VTL, have applied in advance for the pass to do so, willing to get tested etc) you are not - as far as .gov.sg is concerned transiting but you are entering the country. Entering the country brings in the additional restrictions but removes the need to be stuck in a holding pen - instead you would be stuck in a hotel for the 4-5hrs for a test result.

With any luck, by the time of your travel they might have relaxed the restrictions from those countries, so you can visit the lounge during the 3.5hrs. Who knows!

 

[Chicken]

Given I am transiting from one of those mentioned countries then I read it as my previous point being valid - I wouldn’t be allowed to enter.
Unsure the purpose of this part of your post.

I was trying to say, that you are allowed to enter Singapore as a tourist. Just because you have a connecting flight doesn't stop you from officially entering Singapore. Like this post:

As you said moot. But for future reference transit restrictions apply if you stay airside. But if you are choosing to enter Singapore (meet conditions of VTL, have applied in advance for the pass to do so, willing to get tested etc) you are not - as far as .gov.sg is concerned transiting but you are entering the country. Entering the country brings in the additional restrictions but removes the need to be stuck in a holding pen - instead you would be stuck in a hotel for the 4-5hrs for a test result.

Of course, like you said, what would you do with 19 hours? Nothing really.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Of course, like you said, what would you do with 19 hours? Nothing really.

The long transit for me at SIN/Singapore was used to enjoy two day flights in F/J from Australia to Europe, rather that either flying out of Oz late at night, or starting your flight out of SIN around midnight. While the second option is doable, it is for me not " enjoyable".


In these Covid days, it is the "holding pen" that is the issue in particular. Then after that much increased difficulty in just popping into Singapore which once was so easy to do, though I would be ok without this. But the "holding pen" for a really long transit is a deal breaker.



When I was younger and days of leave per year were the limiting factor on my travel duration I would look for flights/transits that would give me the most time on the ground at my holiday destination as that extra day or two made a difference.

Now with some destinations, you might have little choice, but with say Europe one often has a large choice of when to fly and how long a transit you elect.

For the last two decades time was no longer a real issue for myself, and the last decade not at all. SQ and *A has been my main program for over a decade and so may transits have been spent at Changi/Singapore at least on the flights from Australia. The timing of flights back to Australia normally favours a short transit.

With F in particular I regard night flights as a real waste and to get to Europe one can normally book it as two day flights. Especially hopping on at midnight or so when all you want to do is sleep and not eat or drink or enjoy the service. And on that flight breakfast then becomes your only meal if you skip that dinner which I do as I would already have eaten on the flight prior or The Private Room.
Coming back from Europe does have have sleep component, but normally you board at lunchtime and so a sleep is at the end of a long flight..

Also as I am not rushed I would normally for the flights over book for J flight two day legs.

With the transit we will either pop into Singapore often by train, and sleep at hotel either there or at the airport(either outside immigration or if transit time is shorter at the Airport hotel). After a good nights sleep we would enjoy the next long day flight.

NOW

Yes Covid has now ruined or hampered this for me and so as you suggested I will sadly revert to booking minimal transit times for new bookings.

Instead of indulging myself with two day flights to Europe, one of the flights will hampered.

 

[TAK]

Absolutely! Flying MEL-SIN-MXP-BCN on SQ228/378 - under 1.5 hrs stopover all the way (dont understand why so may SIN connections are waitlisted with long stopovers) And FWIW agent told me the other day they are not providing stopovers due to Covid ATM - looking forward to 23.5 hrs
BUT really, anyone know what a transit in SIN looks like ATM?

 

[TAK]

anywho looking forward to the lounge at SIN in March - man i am i confused about the 100.s of pages of advice for the various governments

 

[bernardblack]

Anyone have insight into how the changing Singapore rules announced today would affect:

Business itinerary for wife/kids/myself, MEL-xSIN-xMXP-BCN (SQ228 > SQ378, all short layovers) in late April?

Potential economy trip for brother-in-law/wife/kids, LHR/MUC-xSIN-MEL midApril then MEL-xSIN-LHR/MUC midMay (all 2-5hr layovers)?

 

[Chicken]

Anyone have insight into how the changing Singapore rules announced today would affect:

Business itinerary for wife/kids/myself, MEL-xSIN-xMXP-BCN (SQ228 > SQ378, all short layovers) in late April?

This bit is fine, flying from Australia into Singapore is not one of those countries where you get put into a holding pen, so you can go into the lounge.

Potential economy trip for brother-in-law/wife/kids, LHR/MUC-xSIN-MEL midApril then MEL-xSIN-LHR/MUC midMay (all 2-5hr layovers)?

There is where the problem is

Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom
Upon arriving at Changi Airport, you will be met by our airport staff and be guided to a Transit Holding Area (THA) in the terminal your next flight will be departing from.

 

[TAK]

latest from the SQ website 16 Feb ( Austalia is a category 2 country)

* From 21 Feb 2359 hrs (SGT), passengers transiting through Singapore will not be required to take a pre-departure test.

Access to the Central Transit Area
There are regulatory restrictions in place for transit passengers at Changi Airport.

Travellers flying from Category II and Category III countries may be requested to remain in their designated central transit area until an hour prior to their next flight departure.

Travellers flying from a Category IV country, or from Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom will be required to stay within a transit holding area, where amenities are restricted. Travellers from these countries may wish to consider booking the Aerotel Singapore Transit Hotel at Changi Airport Terminal 1 or Ambassador Transit Hotel at Changi Airport Terminal 3, where they can stay within the hotel throughout their transit..

SO at this stage it’s looks like it’s up to the people in the PPE to decide if you get to the Lounge!! (the paragraph is confusing)

 

[OATEK]

...
BUT really, anyone know what a transit in SIN looks like ATM?

Did you read post #1?

Business class transit through Singapore (Changi): an absolute farce

I am currently in Changi airport transiting from our flight from Rome to Melbourne (via Copenhagen then Singapore). After landing, passengers staying in Singapore were asked to disembark the plane first; then followed by those transiting onwards. Business class were then invited to exit the...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[wenglock.mok]

It looks like Categories 2, 3 and 4 will be replaced with a General Travel category starting next week. It's likely the information on the various websites is not quite up to date and I won't be surprised if they scrap the holding pen idea altogether once all countries are considered to be similar in risk.