Singapore - arriving in Changi 11:45pm and using transit lounge, is it permitted?

Hello.

I am flying in to Changi via United Airlines and would be arriving Changi at 11:45 pm. I have access to the Diners premiere lounge in terminal 2 which I am planning to use, the problem is that it is inside immigration.

Would I be able to go to that lounge given the fact that UA arrives on terminal 3, and I dont want to book the transit hotel or go downtown since it is quite late. I would be spending a few nights in SG, so this is one concern Im looking into as well. Wont immigration question me why I just went to immigration at 6 am when my flight arrived at midnight?

I also have a * alliance gold card but I dont think I can access the lounge of star alliance as I wont be departing Changi the following day as I would be spending 3 nights in Singapore first.

Thanks for the responses.

I've done something similar. I don't think immigration will even ask you what happened, if they do, just tell them. I believe it is possible to walk between any of the three terminals while in the international zone, although you may prefer to take the train.

Hello.

I am flying in to Changi via United Airlines and would be arriving Changi at 11:45 pm. I have access to the Diners premiere lounge in terminal 2 which I am planning to use, the problem is that it is inside immigration.

Would I be able to go to that lounge given the fact that UA arrives on terminal 3, and I dont want to book the transit hotel or go downtown since it is quite late. I would be spending a few nights in SG, so this is one concern Im looking into as well. Wont immigration question me why I just went to immigration at 6 am when my flight arrived at midnight?

I also have a * alliance gold card but I dont think I can access the lounge of star alliance as I wont be departing Changi the following day as I would be spending 3 nights in Singapore first.

Thanks for the responses.

The lounge is actually operated by Plaza Premium Lounges; so it seems Diners has contracted with them. In any case it appears they also have a lounge in the T3 Arrivals area per this site

http://www.dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounge.html?cityList=Singapore--Singapore&type=city&x=16&y=14

Why not check this out (especially if the lounge is inside or outside the customs area) - there's contact info for Plaza Premium. If it's outside the customs area your problem is solved.

Let's say for whatever reason the T3 lounge doesn't work for you so you stay in the T2 one. Offhand there should be no issue with Immigration; there have got to be people who stay in the Transit hotel in the wee hours of the night and only go through Immigration in the morning. But just keep in mind that you need to find out how to retrieve your check in baggage since you won't be able to get to it if you stay overnight in the T2 lounge (I'd presume you would need to go back to T3 at a minimum).

Re the comment from the other poster, it's definitely possible to walk between T1 and T2, presume the same is possible for T3, but it's a mighty long walk. However the internal train connects all three terminals on the airside of the airport, with a parallel service connecting the ground side.

The lounge is actually operated by Plaza Premium Lounges; so it seems Diners has contracted with them. In any case it appears they also have a lounge in the T3 Arrivals area per this site

http://www.dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounge.html?cityList=Singapore--Singapore&type=city&x=16&y=14

Why not check this out (especially if the lounge is inside or outside the customs area) - there's contact info for Plaza Premium. If it's outside the customs area your problem is solved.

thanks for the responses !

Already contacted diners and they told me the arrival lounge is closed already, and the only thing open is the terminal 2 lounge inside immigration--Plaza Premium Lounge(so thats my only option). I am worried because I dont know if after walking past the tarmac, I can reach terminal 2 diners lounge which is in level 3. Level 1 is arrival I believe so i dont know if that is still considered inside immigration.

The location of diners lounge(Premium Plaza) is at:
Plaza Premium Lounge
Lounge Location Terminal 2, #3rd Level Departure/Transit Lounge, inside the immigration area.
Telephone 65 6545 0388
Fax 65 6542 0878
Hours Open Open 24 hours, 365 days a year
Languages Spoken English
Entry Conditions Valid Diners Club card.
Amenities Offered Unlimited hot and cold beverages, self service buffet bar, light snacks, internet and email access, complimentary local calls, newspapers, magazines, and shower with amenities. Smoking area is available at Sunflower Garden outside the lounge.
Fees Cardmembers please check with your issuer for terms and conditions of lounge access. Guest fee - S $30.

Dont want to pay SGD90 for a night for the transit as we are three in the party and all of us have diners card.

Thanks again!

Re the comment from the other poster, it's definitely possible to walk between T1 and T2, presume the same is possible for T3,

I seem to recall that it is possible for T3, and a bit of Google work suggests that my memory is correct. All three terminals look to be connected seamlessly airside.

but it's a mighty long walk.

Yes it is!

However the internal train connects all three terminals on the airside of the airport, with a parallel service connecting the ground side.

Sometimes in different cars of the same train :) Yes, the train should be available unless there is a serious delay, I think it runs until 2:45 AM.

OK, in that case... yes, you can get to T2.

What happens is that once you're off the plane you're in the general gate area. Unlike NRT or HKG departing and arriving passengers intermingle at Changi. So you need to do two things:

1) Upon disembarking the plane, look for a SATS (Singapore Airport Terminal Services) representative. (They'll be ladies wearing blue uniforms with blouses that have the same batik pattern the female Singapore Airlines flight attendants wear). SATS handles the ground services for UA at Changi. Tell them that you are going to the Plaza Premium Lounge in T2 and to please set aside your luggage for pick up in the morning. I guess they'll want your baggage tags. You should also ask what you need to do to retrieve your bags in the morning.

2) Then look for the signs that say 'Skytrain'. Whatever you do, DON'T go downstairs - the lower level is where Immigration is located. Once on the Skytrain, take it to T2. At that point, I suppose what you do is to follow the signs for the Plaza Premium Lounge.

3) The following morning, reverse the trip, go through Immigration in T3. I would expect that wherever you need to go in order to collect your luggage, it will be after Immigration but before Customs and the exit.

To be safe, you might want to call Plaza Premium in T2 to ensure this procedure is workable.

Hope this helps!

No need to contact anyone about luggage - if not picked up it will automatically be kept in a special area. Just go back to the terminal where you landed - go through immigration (and no they are unlikely to give you a problem) then search out the luggage area - find the office- give them your luggage tags - wait 5-10 minutes, get luggage, exit customs;)

...I would expect that wherever you need to go in order to collect your luggage, it will be after Immigration but before Customs and the exit...Done that. That is correct. It's an office just off the main baggage claim area. (There may be multiple offices, depending on the airline. I don't recall, I just know I didn't have any trouble finding the right place.) You'll have to fill out a simple form. Don't worry, you'll be far from the first person who showed up the morning after a late-night arrival to claim his or her bag!

thanks for all the messages, I gladly appreciate it!

Actually we wont be checking in our bags as we would be only be having carry ons on that flight. I would be bringing my bags to the lounge, as it is feasible for us to have our carry ons with us.

Thanks for all the responses. Glad that is done, as I am really worried about my late night arrival in SG. At least now I dont need to think about booking a hotel on the first night:) and the food would be free as well at the lounge:)