Originally Posted by
Kevcwang
hello folks-
hope this email finds you well. i am doing a mileage run 12/7 to 12/9 on united from SFO to singapore through hong kong and back, and wanted to ask the experts on the forum whether there are lounges accessible for someone with UA premier gold/star alliance gold status, even in the early mornings, to shower and snack a bit. any and all input is much appreciated!
many thanks in advance
Even if you have your onward boarding passes, check in with the UA transfer desk within the secure area at SIN which opens 3:30 AM. They have always given me (1K flying economy) a complimentary pass to the SATS lounge which opens at the same time and has a buffet and showers. They probably give passes to UA gold - for sure if you are flying business or first. Be sure not to leave the secure area and to not clear customs or immigration when you arrive at SIN.
Have a copy of your itinerary (or onward boarding passes) to show to roving security at SIN - they approach everybody before the morning rush. On the way to SIN, you can get onward boarding passes at the HKG United Club.
On another note - if you would like to fly a Dreamliner both ways and get 1198 more miles, as gold you can request a complimentary sdc, SFO-LAX-NRT-SIN-NRT-LAX-SFO. You would have to leave early morning instead of afternoon, but for your dates there will probably be a lot of good seats left to choose from. If you decide to do this, you can request sdc for the return trip at the NRT United Club on the way to SIN. The front desk will give you the UA premier Tokyo phone # to which you can call from any of the many land lines in the lounge. No one at SIN can help you with a sdc - you would have to call the UA premier line USA.
Keep in mind that a sdc has to be requested 24 hours before a change in the last segment - in your case you can request the first sdc after 1:05 AM Dec 7 PST (6:05 PM Dec 8 Tokyo time, departing NRT to SIN)
After taking care of business at the NRT United Club, you can mosey on over to the less crowded ANA lounge. They require you to show your UA Gold card as well as your onward boarding pass. They have a nice buffet and showers.
When I have flown this route in economy, I put a large pillow and blanket in my carry-on along with changes of clothes. They come in handy if I get a row to myself. If all I am carrying is a small backpack, I am almost always questioned and inspected by customs upon return to the U.S. - travelling very light on a long haul is a red flag. Pulling a carry-on, I have never been detained.
With a free google account, from your laptop you can call any USA land-line or cell phone from Singapore (or anywhere) for free using Hangout, new since Sept 2014. However, the people you call cannot ID you, and may not answer. You can also use it for calling a UA premier line while at SIN.
Bon Voyage!