Lounge Review: Changi Lounge (Jewel Changi Airport) - Accessible using Priority Pass!

If you are traveling in or out of Singapore Changi Airport soon, there is a brand new airport lounge that you might wish to check out. The Changi Lounge is located in Jewel Changi Airport (yes, the one with the world's tallest indoor waterfall) and the only catch is this - it is located in the public area which means you will only be able to access it before you go through immigration (or after if you are arriving into Singapore).

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Interiors
Changi Lounge - Jewel Changi Airport

When I flew out of Singapore to Kuala Lumpur a couple of weeks ago, I took the opportunity to check out this brand new airport lounge. As you may already know, Jewel Changi Airport is directly connected to Terminal 1 so if your flight is departing or arriving from a different terminal, you might want to check out the directions to Jewel Changi Airport prior to arriving at the airport. Once you find your way to this iconic landmark (and after you have witnessed the magnificent Rain Vortex), the Changi Lounge is located directly opposite the Early Check-in Lounge on Level 1. The Changi Lounge in Jewel Changi Airport is a paid lounge and if you are extremely interested to find out what it is like, you can simply pay to enter this lounge - S$38 for just a 3-hour access and S$50 for access with a shower. The Changi Lounge also participates in the Priority Pass program (find out which credit cards in Singapore give you complimentary airport lounge access!) but in order to access the lounge using this method, you must hold a valid boarding pass. 

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Changi Lounge - Jewel Changi Airport

If you are arriving into Singapore, do note that you will be able to access the Changi Lounge too on the same calendar day. What this means to say is that even though the Changi Lounge is technically open 24-hours a day, you will only be able to access it on the same calendar day as your flight's arrival - if your flight lands at 11:50PM, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to make the cut-off time. If you are accessing the Changi Lounge using your Priority Pass membership (I highly recommend getting The Platinum Card from American Express since it gives you amazing perks and unlimited lounge access), your access will come with a complimentary beverage (including a glass of beer) as well as a shower. As mentioned earlier, your complimentary access will only be limited to a 3-hour window but I honestly do not think anyone will be keeping track on your usage.

Work Stations
Changi Lounge - Jewel Changi Airport

The Changi Lounge in Jewel Changi Airport is quite possibly the most beautiful airport lounge in Changi Airport right now. Since it is located in the public area (instead of the transit area as with most of the airport lounges), it is not being utilised as a contract lounge for premium cabin passengers. As a result of that, there is also noticeably less crowd in the lounge - I visited at approximately 12PM and there were only five other passengers sharing this space with me. Much like most modern airport lounges, there is a few work stations located towards the back of the lounge in case you need them. Most of us probably travel with our laptops so I am not sure how are these still relevant but hey I guess you will never know when you need them.

Meeting Rooms
Changi Lounge - Jewel Changi Airport

There are also two meeting rooms here in the Changi Lounge but I did not wander in to have a look. I did take a peek from the outside and each room looks like it can sit up to eight people - not sure whether the partition can be removed to create a larger meeting space but I would not be surprised if it could. Usage of these meeting rooms is not included in the basic lounge access and should you require them, these meeting spaces can be booked for an additional charge. The meeting rooms are located in one corner of the lounge so it is actually fairly quiet and as I have mentioned, the lounge is actually quite under-utilised so noise will probably be the last thing you that you will be worried about. There is also a nap room by the side where travellers will be able to find sleeping pods - I did have a peek inside and they look very similar to those that Virgin Active gyms in Singapore have. Honestly, with a price of S$34 for the first hour, you are much better off getting some rest in say, the Aerotel Singapore (even though it is located transit side).

Quieter Seating Area
Changi Lounge - Jewel Changi Airport

Directly in front of the meeting rooms and the nap room is where you will find the quietest and possibly the most private area of the lounge. It is also noticeably darker here so if you do not wish to pay a premium for the sleep pods, this will probably be where you want to be if you wish to catch a wink of sleep.

Interiors
Changi Lounge - Jewel Changi Airport

The decor of the Changi Lounge here at the Jewel Changi Airport is done up tastefully and honestly, it feels slightly residential - there are plenty of plants and flowers located throughout the lounge and the furniture is actually beautiful. The different seat and table configurations in the lounge allow for travellers of different party size to find their spot - some of these sofas and areas can easily accommodate up to 8 or 10 adults, making it great for large families who are traveling together (even though I can’t imagine a family wanting to pay S$380 simply for access).

Bar
Changi Lounge - Jewel Changi Airport

As I have mentioned earlier, one complimentary glass of beer is included with the access but if you require more, or a different beverage, drinks can be purchased from the bar. Wines were priced from S$15++ a glass and Bollinger Champagne was offered at S$168++ per bottle. While the prices of the drinks were fairly reasonable, I would definitely recommend that you head to a proper airline lounge in the transit area (assuming you are departing from Singapore) instead if you are traveling in Business or First Class.

Dining Area
Changi Lounge - Jewel Changi Airport

Located directly in front of the bar area is the dining area of the Changi Lounge. You will find a communal table here for up to 10 adults and there are also small tables located towards the back (if you prefer not to share). The space is done up tastefully and I really appreciate the fact that plenty of thought has been placed into the aesthetics of this space. While airport lounges serve a primary purpose of satisfying the basic needs of a traveller, it has become increasingly important for these spaces to also provide an area of comfort for weary travellers who are looking for a moment of sanity (traveling can be hectic!).

Selection of Food
Changi Lounge - Jewel Changi Airport

You will not find anything exceedingly-fancy here when it comes to food and drinks but they are actually quite decent taste-wise. During my visit, there was a small selection of hot and cold dishes that were of a better standard than most of the smaller contract lounges in the airport (e.g. SATS and Dnata Lounge). The selection of food offered here at the buffet area does change according to the time of day - I visited at 12PM so I made it for lunch.

Food from the Buffet
Changi Lounge - Jewel Changi Airport

If nothing on the buffet table appeals to you, there is a dining menu that you can order from (for a fee) but honestly, there are plenty of options in Jewel Changi Airport so just make sure you head out before or after your visit for some proper food instead.

Selection of Beverages
Changi Lounge - Jewel Changi Airport

While additional alcoholic beverages can be purchased for a small price, complimentary drinks (including carbonated soft drinks) can be taken from the fridge. You will also be able to enjoy coffee and tea here if you would like but do not expect any barista-style coffee.

Universal Power Outlets and Charging Ports
Changi Lounge - Jewel Changi Airport

Aside from the food and drinks in the Changi Lounge, travellers will be able to find plenty of universal power outlets as well as USB charging ports located throughout this beautiful space - you’ll find them anywhere you find a comfortable seat!

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Changi Lounge - Jewel Changi Airport

Even though visiting the Changi Lounge in Jewel Changi Airport requires some additional effort and planning (especially when your flight does not depart from or arrive in Terminal 1), it is certainly well worth the effort if you have a few hours to spare. If you have unlimited Priority Pass access with the right credit cards in Singapore, you should definitely make a special trip to check this beautiful space out the next time you travel.