Lounge: KrisFlyer Gold Lounge
Affiliation: Star Alliance
Location: Changi Airport, Singapore
Capacity: 350 guests
Look and feel
The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge was part of a Singapore Airlines SGD$50 million re-design, upgrade, and expansion project in 2022. The design was managed by Singapore-based hospitality design firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates. At double its previous size, the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge has an open and contemporary design with expansive views of the airport runway. In response to customer feedback, the lounge now includes an expanded dining area and open-concept working spaces, as well as dedicated restrooms and shower facilities.
I like the sense of space, thanks to the high ceilings and multiple zones for work or relaxation. Large windows overlook the tarmacs and aircraft. The furnishings are taupe, beige, and navy with splashes of cobalt blue in places, such as a tiled wall behind the food station. Designer lighting and large sculptural forms in the centre of the room creates a sophisticated ambience.
Work and play
There’s fast, free WiFi throughout the lounge that I accessed quickly, without any issues. Multiple power and USB ports are located beside each lounge chair and there are several tables for dining, as well as working zones. Towards one end, well away from the food and busier hub of the lounge, are individual workstations with ergonomic office chairs and lamps located in each pod; at the opposite end are individual couch chairs where people are reading, on their devices, or enjoying their food and beverages.
High and wide benches are fitted with charging disks as well as bag hooks beneath the counter, and general power and charging outlets too. I choose to sit on a navy leather banquette with a protruding, circular table so that I can use my laptop and still have room for food and drinks at the same time.
Food and beverage
I choose a har gow (dim sum shrimp dumplings), seafood siew mai, and wholegrain fried rice. Snack options include cakes such as mango mousse cake and vanilla cream puffs, crisps, sushi, sandwiches, cereals, organic granola, nuts, fruit, and crackers.
Singapore brand TWG Tea, established in 1837, is available at a self-serve coffee and tea station. White and red wines are available for automatic, self-serving dispensing via an Enomatic wine machine. I choose a glass of Bouchard Aine & Fils Chardonnay from France. Soft drinks and beers (Heineken and Tiger Beer) are available, along with spirits like Bombay Sapphire Gin, Absolut Vodka, Teacher’s Blended Scotch Whisky, and Myers’s White Rum from Jamaica.
Freshen up
There are three showers available but you need to reserve them — it’s best to do this upon arrival. The passenger who enquires while I am there is told there is a two-hour wait. She is given a buzzer to take away with her that will indicate when it’s her time. Friendly staff clean the shower rooms after each use. They are stocked with pumped-size body wash, shampoo, and conditioner (no brand name) and they also contain a magnifying mirror that lights up, a hairdryer, and a bathroom vanity. The toilets are in a separate zone; they also contain a magnifying mirror, dental kits, and hair dryer at a make-up station; as well as a low-level washing sink and standard sinks along a bathroom vanity bench.
Family friendly?
There is a Baby Care Room located near the toilets. There is also a child-size toilet in the women’s bathroom. Highchairs are available. There are several families present during my visit and the space works well for both those travelling with or without children.