Originally Posted by
snic
Not having been in the other lounges in SIN, I can't compare the QR/QF lounges to the SQ lounge. But aside from how crowded it is, I really like the SQ lounge - great service, lots of food and drink options, very nice showers. What SQ needs is not better lounges, but more (or bigger) lounges.
That said, in about 4 visits so far, I haven't ever been unable to find a comfortable seat, or had to wait more than 15 minutes or so for a shower, or faced empty food or drink stations. The staff seem to be very efficient at handling the crowds.
Agreed. Being a zoo is a function of space. For example, the QR lounges in their DOH hub is not anything spectacular. But what they do have are two VERY large Business class lounges and a similar number of lounges for oneworld Sapphire (Star Gold) and one wold Emerald (no equivalent Star ranking), in addition to a dedicated true First class lounge. Another example is CX, which has multiple lounges scattered across HKG. SQ needs to open more lounges around Changi Airport.
Having said that, I do like Changi's more egalitarian approach to shared spaces. It's important to provide space, activities and options to non-lounge folks who transit through/travel from Changi (you can't say the same of HKG or DOH - non-lounge folks will get easily bored if they want to do something else besides shopping). But it does seem that the Business class proposition has been somewhat neglected.
One thing to add if I may, in case SQ management lurks around this forum. Having lived briefly in Singapore I can appreciate a local's perspective on space (there ain't much!). When designing these spaces, what may be perceived as ample by SQ local management may seem claustrophobic to others. If it's SQ's aim to meet and engage premium pax where they are, perhaps get a different perspective when designing these spaces. Footprint and land availability is Singapore' perennial and existential challenge. Maybe thinking about the lounge crunch problem in a different way might help.