The Qantas Singapore Lounge

[robd]

Yes. The sequence at Changi is ... "Gate Open", "Boarding", "Final Call", "Gate Closing" .... so Final Call means there is no need to panic yet.

Roughly (in lounge terms) these mean ...

Gate Open = Time for a three course meal still plus many drinks
Boarding = Time for another couple of [insert drink of choice]
Final call = One last [drink of choice]
Gate closing = get the skates on ...

Not for the faint hearted...

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Not in the SIN lounge. They made that quite clear to me at the lounge entrance when I was there a few days ago for the QF flight to MEL.

That was made clear to me at check in and at the lounge entrance.
That's why I was paying attention to the screen.

 

[dajop]

Not for the faint hearted...

Yes drink and punctuality are not always good bedfellows

That aside, when I travel SQ or MI (but not other carriers) out of SIN, I only bother with looking at screens and boarding progression if the flight is running late. If it's on time I simply make sure I am at the gate about 15 mins before departure. They are incredibly reliable in closing gate 10 mins before departure and not any earlier.

 

[Awesom Andy]

Not in the SIN lounge. They made that quite clear to me at the lounge entrance when I was there a few days ago for the QF flight to MEL.

Looks like the boarding calls have been enhanced...

 

[JessicaTam]

Looks like the boarding calls have been enhanced...

I think that QF flights are the only ones that are called. But I could be wrong.

 

[Austman]

I think that QF flights are the only ones that are called. But I could be wrong.

None called any more. Current info (a few days old). And it was the case in reality. The only announcements were for seeking a passenger to come to the desk etc.

 

[JessicaTam]

None called any more. Current info (a few days old). And it was the case in reality. The only announcements were for seeking a passenger to come to the desk etc.

Well that's simple!

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Yes drink and punctuality are not always good bedfellows

That aside, when I travel SQ or MI (but not other carriers) out of SIN, I only bother with looking at screens and boarding progression if the flight is running late. If it's on time I simply make sure I am at the gate about 15 mins before departure. They are incredibly reliable in closing gate 10 mins before departure and not any earlier.

But how do you know whether the flight is on time or late without looking at the screens?

 

[Austman]

But how do you know whether the flight is on time or late without looking at the screens?

Look at the screen 15 mins before boarding time or check http://www.changiairport.com/flight-info/flight-enquiry-on-the-go/ichangi-app ?

 

[dajop]

But how do you know whether the flight is on time or late without looking at the screens?

Well I do look at it once - after passing through immigration or entering lounge, but if it's as per schedule, don't worry about checking it once in the lounge .

 

[Priscilla_A]

I agree with you and I do the same every time I get there. I make sure to take shower and enjoy food/drinks at Qantas J before they close. Staff there are very friendly, I love having chat with them.
After they close I move to SATS lounge just to browse Internet. You will see often people are snoring on the massage chairs at SATS lounge where the decoration is not so fancy as Qantas J.

 

[kermatu]

I have not been a fan of this lounge in a handful of visits over the past 12-18 months. But had a very good experience this week. Was flying BA but went first to the QF lounge, showing my BP and my P1 card. At the desk (didn't see her name unfortunately), was greeted warmly, escorted into the lounge, asked if I'd like to eat something (yes) so shown to a table and given menu etc - asked for a drink order. I then saw her speak to 2 staff members and point to me. Seemed a "look after this person" type conversation. Then staff member Catalina took over and looked after me very well, got a couple of drinks for me from the bar, had a bit of a chat etc. She was very good with other passengers as well, but I definitely had a personal touch.

Food options were ginger chicken or a pork fillet with French sauce. I had chicken, which was fresh and a generous serve. Lacked some flavour/spice but I understand why. Some hot chillis were in the dish but easily avoidable if you don't like. I grabbed some more off the top of a salad. Speaking of which, the buffet had some really nice and different salad options. Very impressed.

For the first time the lounge was actually quiet and relaxing (was between 4pm and 5pm). As I left it was starting to get busy (not crowded, but a queue at the bar and noise starting to rise) and the check-in desks (right below the lounge) were starting to get crowded so I knew the hordes were coming. So I went to check out the new BA lounge, where I stayed for the remaining 90 minutes before boarding my BA flight.

Nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised by the QF lounge this time and in particular the outstanding service.