MEL-xSIN-TPE: Layover in Singapore

[Kiwires]

Apologies in advance. This is the first time we're flying with SQ and redeeming KrisFlyer miles.
Flight options:
SQ218 MEL - SIN @00:05 - 06:00 then SQ878 SIN - TPE @11:55 - 16:40. Layover 5hrs55mins.
SQ228 MEL - SIN @10:30 - 16:20 then SQ876 SIN - TPE @08:20 - 13:20. Layover 16hrs.

I've spoken to the KrisFlyer Membership Services CRO and asked if we will be able to leave the airport during the layover in Singapore.
He said that as it's only a layover and not a stopover, he didn't think we'd be allowed to but to ask at the check-in counter.
Unfortunately, our flight will be in April next year and I want to book the seats this week before they are Waitlisted.
If we're not allowed to leave the airport, I'll just pick the flight with the shortest layover and we'll sit back and enjoy the SilverKris lounge (booking Business Class).
Otherwise, I'll pick the longest layover (16hours) and we'll visit friends/relatives in the city before heading back to the airport in the morning.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Absolutely you can leave airport and go into City - have done it 100s of times. KF call ctr staff are really good at booking flts but virtually zero knowledge of other activities involved with transiting SIN.

 

[TomVexille]

Absolutely no issues leaving the airport in transit. They will likely want to check bags through to TPE so just take what you need overnight in a carry on bag.

You may also be able to call up and ask to change the second leg after booking to get a proper stopover.

 

[dajop]

He said that as it's only a layover and not a stopover, he didn't think we'd be allowed to but to ask at the check-in counter.

Definitely can leave the airport, unless you are travelling on a passport from a country that requires a visa to enter Singapore, and you do not have a visa.

 

[Kiwires]

Thanks for the replies!

A few more questions.
If we take the long layover and head into the city, will we have to check in again for the next flight? Or do they issue 2 boarding passes in MEL, one to SIN and another to TPE?
Reason for asking is if it's issued in MEL, then we should be able to return to the airport anytime we want and head to the lounge before our next flight?
If we have to check in again, then we'll have to wait for our flight counter to open in the morning?
I should mention we'll only have carry-on luggage.

 

[TomVexille]

Assuming that it is just a layover, then yes, you will be given both boarding passes at MEL. I've done the same on a 13 hour layover on SQ.

 

[seanpodge]

Should be no problem at all as long as you've got a passport that doesn't need a visa. I've even deliberately chosen flights with longer layovers just so I could have a day in Singapore. You'll get both boarding passes at check in at MEL. When coming back to Changi to fly to TPE, you can skip the check in counters and just head straight to immigration and then you'll be back airside (security is done at the boarding gates in SIN).

If it helps, there are baggage storage services at SIN for rather reasonable fees.

 

[Jonova]

Going to report a different experience regarding the boarding passes. We flew SYD - SIN - HKG with a 17 hour layover in SIN. In SYD we only received our boarding passes to SIN with our Private Room invitations. We had to check in again in SIN the next day to receive our SIN - HKG boarding passes. We did request to short check our bags to SIN not sure if that had something to do with it.

 

[Kiwires]

Tickets all booked and we had first pick on the seats in Business Class from MEL-SIN and SIN-TPE.
10 month countdown to holiday starts now!

 

[TomVexille]

Good to hear Kiwires

 

[Kiwires]

TomVexille - Thanks for your off-forum advice as well. Got to admit I was a bit shocked with the Fuel and Insurance surcharge, $342.60 out of total of $442.11 per pax. Still, cheaper than 1-way economy fare with budget airlines for same route
In comparison, return leg from HKG-MEL on CX105 "J" using QFF points cost HKD$280, equilvalent to AUD$48.15 per pax.
How do airlines calculate the surcharge when redeeming points?

 

[TomVexille]

HKG has a restriction on fuel surcharges for reward tickets. It makes a difference.