Changi SilverKris Lounge

[Dannyism]

Not everyone would agree.

I just spent ~AUD130 for 3 nights in Kanchanaburi including breakfast for 2, ~AUD195 for 4 nights in Pattaya including breakfast for 2 and then I splurged ~AUD120 for 1 night in Bangkok, another ~AUD100 for another night in Bangkok and ~AUD80 for1 night in Chiang Mai all including breakfast for 2.

Why does that make me a lesser person? Hotels is where I save money. And if I can easily sleep in lounge during late night transit why would I go and spend money on hotel?

My life gets better the more I travel. The travel budget is limited and I spend it the way I think would benefit me the most. Just because someone chooses to spend AUD200/night on a hotel doesn't make them better nor does it guarantee better sleep than the sleep one would get in a AUD50/night hotel.

To each their own.

I'm trolling a bit... But you just described using you money for the sole purpose of making your life better... So you agreed...

 

[Dannyism]

<refers to deleted post>


Don't get me wrong, everyones got their value sweet spot. When I was 23 I spent 6 months travelling EU and Thailand rockclimbing. Did it for no more than 12 grand including flights. I had a private room most of the time! Fancy.. I also flew airasia A LOT! I spent overnights on the airport floor.. No lounges for me back then..

Now my value sweet spot is a bit different. I'm sure in another 5 to 10 years it will be different again.

I think the one thing we all agree on is travelling is great

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Just because someone chooses to spend AUD200/night on a hotel doesn't make them better nor does it guarantee better sleep than the sleep one would get in a AUD50/night hotel.

To each their own.

I agree - as long as the $50 and $200 rooms are clean (and safe) I'm not really fussed which one I'm in.

But I think there comes a stage where it appears to get a bit ridiculous when people won't spring for a $30 hotel room because of... well... I dunno.

A common example is transit in Bangkok. Some First class award pax on TG have to spend 12 or more hours in the airport - being shuffled out of the TG F lounge when it closes for cleaning at 2am or whatever - because they can't bring themselves to pay USD30 for an hotel (one 5 mins from the airport and including transfers in that price). It's an odd economy.

 

[JohnK]

I'm trolling a bit... But you just described using you money for the sole purpose of making your life better... So you agreed...

Maybe I am missing the point again.

Hotels and food are not important parts of my travel. My wife and golf are the important parts of my travel and she definitely does not want me to spend money on expensive hotels or expensive food.

If I choose to travel in business class (obviously awards) and play the best golf courses people should not look down on me because I am staying in 2-3 star hotel that costs $150 for 3 nights as opposed to some people spending $200-$250 per night on a 5 star hotel.

Similarly I choose to spend the night in SIN airport as I arrive late and I am not going to check in to a hotel at 2:00am, pay AUD100+ for the privilege and head back to airport at ~8:00am. Makes no sense. I can sleep just as easily at the airport.

Anyway I have gone off topic again.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Similarly I choose to spend the night in SIN airport as I arrive late and I am not going to check in to a hotel at 2:00am, pay AUD100+ for the privilege and head back to airport at ~8:00am. Makes no sense.

I can certainly agree with that, when your layover falls that way.

And I'm sure we can all agree that Changi's KF Gold lounge needs some work in the seats-you-can-sleep-in department (even if they are tolerable...) to make all our Y connections that little bit more pleasant. Just a few of those nice recliner-type chairs you get in the VA lounge with the head wings would be great. Love them. Perfect for a nap.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Anyone know what's going on with the KF Gold lounge at the moment?

I heard they're installing showers down one end...*

http://www.singaporeair.com/jsp/cms/en_UK/press_release_news/160304-krisflyerloungeclosure.jsp

*I joke. But I live in hope.

 

[Denali]

I'll be at Changi April 7th so will see if it's completed by then to look. As there's no promo about bringing new facilities to FFers, Im not too hopeful for showers.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

I'll be at Changi April 7th so will see if it's completed by then to look. As there's no promo about bringing new facilities to FFers, Im not too hopeful for showers.

I know it'll be something mundane like some carpet cleaning.

I'll actually be there next Monday so can have a look then.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

For those who believe top-tier VA pax should be able to access the SQ J (at the very least) lounge in Singapore, I highly recommend sending feedback to the [email protected] address with your concerns. I've just done it for the second time, but I truly believe that change will only be made if members make it clear that's what's expected.

 

[moa999]

For those who believe top-tier VA pax should be able to access the SQ J (at the very least) lounge ... but I truly believe that change will only be made if members make it clear that's what's expected.

Given SQ don't allow Star elite members to access the SilverKris louges I see no chance of them changing it for VA.

 

[moa999]

I heard they're installing showers down one end...*
*I joke. But I live in hope.

With only a one month shutdown I tend to agree. New floors/ furniture, replace a PC section more likely

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Given SQ don't allow Star elite members to access the SilverKris louges I see no chance of them changing it for VA.

SQ's highest elites, PPS and Solitaire (even though they're measured by premium revenue), have access to the J or F lounge depending on level. VA competes with QF who gives OWE F lounge access. SQ is a VA shareholder.

I think there's some very good reasons why it should happen.

 

[seanpodge]

I'll be at Changi April 7th so will see if it's completed by then to look. As there's no promo about bringing new facilities to FFers, Im not too hopeful for showers.

At least a toilet would be nice, or an expanded food area with more variety. But I'm not too hopeful either.

SQ's highest elites, PPS and Solitaire (even though they're measured by premium revenue), have access to the J or F lounge depending on level. VA competes with QF who gives OWE F lounge access. SQ is a VA shareholder.

I think there's some very good reasons why it should happen.

Just as people like myself would like to remind SQ that it's called Star Alliance, not Star Friends of Convenience. But if SQ can thumb its nose at *A by not letting *A Gold card holders into the SilverKris lounge, clearly against the spirit of the rules (although not the actual wording), then VA has no chance.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Just as people like myself would like to remind SQ that it's called Star Alliance, not Star Friends of Convenience. But if SQ can thumb its nose at *A by not letting *A Gold card holders into the SilverKris lounge, clearly against the spirit of the rules (although not the actual wording), then VA has no chance.

It's a difficult issue. What do airlines do to keep their premium business class passengers without diluting their business class lounges?

Qantas' 'business' class lounges are essentially economy class lounges catering for huge numbers of QC members and economy pax. The service offering reflects that. Thai airways is the same with their lounges in BKK.

CX manages to deliver a business class lounge that welcomes oneworld though.

SQ is probably trying to strike a balance I guess.

 

[ChrisFlyer]

Given SQ don't allow Star elite members to access the SilverKris louges I see no chance of them changing it for VA.

They do allow Air NZ elites access though if travelling to New Zealand or connecting onwards from an NZ flight as part of the JV they stitched together.

 

[dajop]

Just as people like myself would like to remind SQ that it's called Star Alliance, not Star Friends of Convenience. But if SQ can thumb its nose at *A by not letting *A Gold card holders into the SilverKris lounge, clearly against the spirit of the rules (although not the actual wording), then VA has no chance.

Actually, it's not just star alliance gold cards, it's SQ star gold card holders that they don't allow in the F & J lounges, so not sure how that's anti-star alliance, just anti-economy passengers! They do allow anyone holding a star alliance J boarding pass for travel that day (eg on TG, UA, LH, LX, OZ, etc) into their J lounge.

Now SQ do come under criticism for refusing star alliance gold members access, at certain times, to their SilverKris Lounge in SFO. Ironically the main reason for that is that you can move airside between the international terminal and UA terminal (which hosts domestic flights), and the main reason people want to use the SQ lounge (apart from UA elites not having access to their own lounges on domestic itineraries) is because the SQ lounge has a shower and arguably better catering than the UA lounge (I say arguably, because I've never been to the UA lounge there and the SQ lounge catering is not great). So SQ not providing a shower and the best possible catering - for economy class star alliance gold passengers at its hub is "thumbing it's nose at star alliance", but UA not providing showers and arguably low level catering at one of its main hubs, is is not "thumbing its nose at star alliance"?

Bottom line, star alliances weakness is lounges and the fact there is no mutual recognition of the uber elite tiers (LH Honors Circle, SQ PPS, UA Premier 1K etc). If you're after fantastic lounge experience each and every time, and alliance wide recognition of top elite tier, better stick with oneworld. If you can accept the weakness, star alliance is fine.

VA thing wedges in between it all, one positive VA elites, at least get access to the SQ KF Gold lounge travelling MI (not a privilege extended to * golds). It would diminish a lot of the complaints though if however VA WP's (but not SG's) got access to the better lounges at Changi.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Actually, it's not just star alliance gold cards, it's SQ star gold card holders that they don't allow in the F & J lounges, so not sure how that's anti-star alliance, just anti-economy passengers! They do allow anyone holding a star alliance J boarding pass for travel that day (eg on TG, UA, LH, LX, OZ, etc) into their J lounge.

Now SQ do come under criticism for refusing star alliance gold members access, at certain times, to their SilverKris Lounge in SFO. Ironically the main reason for that is that you can move airside between the international terminal and UA terminal (which hosts domestic flights), and the main reason people want to use the SQ lounge (apart from UA elites not having access to their own lounges on domestic itineraries) is because the SQ lounge has a shower and arguably better catering than the UA lounge (I say arguably, because I've never been to the UA lounge there and the SQ lounge catering is not great). So SQ not providing a shower and the best possible catering - for economy class star alliance gold passengers at its hub is "thumbing it's nose at star alliance", but UA not providing showers and arguably low level catering at one of its main hubs, is is not "thumbing its nose at star alliance"?

Bottom line, star alliances weakness is lounges and the fact there is no mutual recognition of the uber elite tiers (LH Honors Circle, SQ PPS, UA Premier 1K etc). If you're after fantastic lounge experience each and every time, and alliance wide recognition of top elite tier, better stick with oneworld. If you can accept the weakness, star alliance is fine.

VA thing wedges in between it all, one positive VA elites, at least get access to the SQ KF Gold lounge travelling MI (not a privilege extended to * golds). It would diminish a lot of the complaints though if however VA WP's (but not SG's) got access to the better lounges at Changi.

Star Alliance aside, I guess my argument is really one for VA – they don't provide a premium lounge access in what is the biggest international hub available to them (i.e. SIN), when their direct competitor, QF, do (i.e. HKG, DXB et al).

I have no issue with relegating non-J/F pax to a separate lounge, just make sure it has the basics. Still, giving WPs access would go a long way.

 

[penegal]

Bit of an uphill battle IMHO.

SQ think they have appeased Star Alliance by having the Star Alliance lounge. And for the most part I agree it's just an extension of LH's antics, and the general way that Star works. There are so many *G passengers, so it is understandable (from their perspective) to limit what benefits are actually provided (and what these benefits cost).

The premium lounges do feel "exclusive". If you put a hundred more pax in there the lounge would feel crowded, therefore a bigger lounge would be needed to maintain the ambiance.

 

[penegal]

Star Alliance aside, I guess my argument is really one for VA – they don't provide a premium lounge access in what is the biggest international hub available to them (i.e. SIN), when their direct competitor, QF, do (i.e. HKG, DXB et al).

I have no issue with relegating non-J/F pax to a separate lounge, just make sure it has the basics. Still, giving WPs access would go a long way.

VA do provide lounge access for the passenger and 1 guest if flying SQ (to the *G lounge).

Now, I am the first to admit that the *G lounge pretty average, but I dare say VA would think they are "ticking the box".

---

As a side note, I do recall the question being asked of a Velocity executive at a FF meet and greet, and they said SQ didn't even want to put it on the table, let alone talk about the price it would cost VA for access.

I guess the contrast is VA members seem to almost have better benefits on EY than EY's own elites.

 

[JohnK]

Bit of an uphill battle IMHO.

SQ think they have appeased Star Alliance by having the Star Alliance lounge.

And still giving some people lounge access by not turning them away.

Win, win for all? I am grateful.