I was determined about getting a business class air ticket so I sign up for a credit card which allows me to earn miles. Since I was a loyal customer of DBS, I decided to sign up for their DBS Altitude card and cancelled the other credit cards I owned. With DBS Altitude card, I not only can convert my DBS points to miles but I am also entitled to two lounge visits per year, using Priority Pass. It is one of the best travel perks because you usually have to fork out at least $50 to $100 just to enter the airport lounges at Changi Airport.
Since I was only limited to two lounge visits per year, I wanted to use it wisely – visiting only the best airport lounges. I did a quick Google search and found a couple of recommended airport lounges at Changi Airport. The top three airport lounges that most travellers recommended were Plaza Premium Lounge, Dnata lounge and TGM (The Green Market).
A month ago, I flew to Osaka via Scoot for a 7-day trip with my fiance. Since my flight gate is in Terminal 1, I decided to visit Plaza Premium Lounge because it is recommended by some bloggers and features a good view of the runway.
Plaza Premium Lounge
In order to gain access to the lounge, I just showed them my e-card on Priority Pass app. For our membership, we could only stay in the lounge for a minimum of 3 hours. But since you don’t have to sign out when you leave, I don’t think they are able to track the number of hours you’ve been there.
Lounge Use Package Prices
The starting entry rate is $58 for an adult. I would say that it is rather affordable, considering that it only works ut to about $12 per hour. But if you have that much time to spare at Changi Airport while waiting for your next transit flight, you might as well join a complimentary Singapore city tour or make use of the complimentary airport amenities available at Changi Airport. There’s a reason why Changi airport has won the World’s Best Airport for many consecutive years.
For an additional $17, you get to rest in their private resting suite where you can catch a quick nap.
A tour of the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 1
It was around 8 am and there were a number of passengers streaming in. But the place wasn’t packed. There were a couple of families with kids who were making quite a din. Since this isn’t strictly a business lounge and kids are allowed, I guess you have to be prepared for such inconveniences.
The lounge looked pretty neat and it offers a nice view of the runway. The armchairs facing the runway proved to be really popular among the passengers too. The seats get filled up quite quickly.
Since the seats near the window are often being occupied, the seats aren’t exactly very clean. There were stains on the cushioned chairs. To be honest, it isn’t a pretty sight and I’ve read a couple of online comments regarding their stained chairs. Maybe it is time for them to do something about this?
Other than that, the lounge looked clean, classy and overall well-maintained. The seating area is quite spacious and there were many partitioned seating areas which allow passengers to enjoy some privacy to themselves. Power sockets are found at every seat so it is easy for you to charge your electronic devices.
Shower Facilities
Due to time, I did not get to try their shower facilities but I read that you would have to book a slot to use the shower. Shower amenities are provided so you don’t have to bring your own towels or toiletries.
Food and Beverage
The food and beverage selection is rather average. There is a bar that serves alcoholic drinks but they are chargeable. If you are in the mood for alcohol, you can grab a cookie or bowl of nuts at the bar counter. It’s funny that they also placed unpeeled oranges there. I asked the staff if I could borrow a fruit knife to cut the oranges and they asked me to grab a butter knife at the other buffet counter. I was stunned. In all honesty, I guess I could slice an orange with a butter knife but wouldn’t it make more sense to provide a knife at the side so that others can peel off the orange skin?
As you can tell, the food selection is very basic. There are breakfast food items like apple juice, orange juice, cereals, toast with sandwich ingredients like ham and cheese.
There are a few hot food selections like noodles and rice. You can also order their ala carte menu items where they would prepare the dishes for you. That day, they only offered two choices: breakfast platter or laksa. I heard that their laksa was good so I tried it. And I would say it is not too bad.
I heard that their laksa was good so I decided to give it a try. And I would say it is a decent bowl of laksa which is of our local hawker standard.
At the other end of the buffet, there is a mini salad bar where you can DIY your salad bowl with cheese, ham and other condiments.
Once again, the food selection is really very minimal. They only have mixed greens, ham and potato salad.
There’s also a fridge filled with canned drinks, yoghurt and a couple of petite desserts.
My Verdict
It was slightly disappointing when it comes to their service and food selection. Based on the pictures I saw on Google reviews, I thought the food selection isn’t that bad. There aren’t many quality food items to choose from. It was comparable to those breakfast buffets provided by budget or 3-star hotels.
Their service wasn’t that fantastic either. The tables were not cleared quickly and they weren’t so polite or forthcoming.
But on a positive note, the lounge is clean and there are shower facilities. Seats are also comfortable and there are power sockets everywhere.
Overall, I would give it a 3 out of 5 stars. In contrary to the online reviews, Plaza Premium lounge isn’t one of the best airport lounges. And I probably would not want to head back there again. Some of my Instagram followers suggested that I should try out Dnata lounge instead. Next time, maybe.
Have you visited the airport lounges at Changi Airport before? Which is your go-to airport lounges?
