1KChinito

Perhaps EVA's The Garden is worth a visit, you have to be a BR Infinity MileageLands - Diamond card member.

Majuki

Even without an APEC card, I've not found exit passport control and security to require much time. Arriving at the counter at 8:00 - 8:30 would be fine if you aren't going to be spending much time in the lounges.

I've been at the counter minutes before check-in cutoff (when we realized baba's passport was due to expire and had to run to T1 to rush a new one) and still made group 3 boarding, but I'd not recommend that approach. 😀

myperks

Ah yes. The Garden. Never been eligible since mostly gaining access with business class or star gold.

SPN Lifer

When did the TPE SQ SilverKris Lounge shut down?

I see it is "Closed until further notice."

https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/s...es/silverkris/

myperks

there was a sign as of late March. I don’t remember exactly what it said but somewhere along the lines of the lounge is closed please use EVA. Based on your link, seems they are directing SQ biz and elite members to plaza premium.

plus by now if it hasn’t opened, not sure if it will. Never really understood why it was open considering precovid it was only two afternoon flights to Singapore. Not sure if it is back to two daily flights.

Doppy

Took a 645a express MRT from Taipei main station and even having forgotten my APEC card and stopping by duty free I was in the lounge before 8. The Infinity is pretty grim, Plaza Premium food and space are nicer.

Is there an ABTC security line as well that is "hidden" or just the passport control line? The passport control area is well marked all the way to the left.

bocastephen

In the BR/*A terminal, as you approach the security checkpoint, turn left and walk away from the line with the security area on your right and check-in counters on your left. About 1/2 way down the terminal there will be a small door on the right side that has signs for crew, documents and APEC. Go through that door, make a right turn at the hallway, and follow it to the end where it will open to a blocked off part of the security area with a reserved x-ray machine and metal detector, and a designated immigration inspection desk.

If you're really unlucky, you'll end up behind 1-2 BR crews as that is also the security entrance for BR cabin crews (foreign crews are supposed to use the regular line)

Don't ask the terminal staff, even if you speak Mandarin, they will insist there is no such thing and try to pull you into the regular security line.

goodeats21

Got it. Thanks!

Thanks, will likely lounge hop as you suggest, especially as I want to do some shopping as well.

Seems consistent, and surprising. Would typically think *Alliance lounges in a home hub airport would be a better option over PP lounges.

I have a vague recollection of some visits pre-COVID and thought the EVA lounges were good, if a bit funky in decor. Glad I asked.
Thanks all.

moondog

Nothing is open at 420a, and at least I'm never in the mood to hop when I show up there on a red eye. I suggest finding one lounge in which to chill. The concourse is most unpleasant in the early mornings (i.e. if you're thinking Changi or Incheon, you're way off base).

goodeats21

Thanks for the warning. Would there not be any duty free shops open by 7 or so? Or at least 8?
I wanted to grab some things before 8:50 AM departure to BKK.
Assuming I get some decent sleep on the long haul, I would likely be ready to stretch my legs by arrival time.

myperks

I don’t think it’s the narrow walkway anymore through the pass office corridor (T2). It’s to the very left of the central security entrance now with some other priority passengers. At least that was the case late March. I didn’t specifically use it because central was very short and I was traveling with other people. Plus foreign passport holders can use the eGates (without signing up) to exit so it’s fairly quick to get through.

moondog

Those places seem to start opening at 7, but it takes the staff about 30 minutes to set up their displays.

goodeats21

Thanks. That should be fine for what I need.

bocastephen

Good news! I have a close friend who is in airport management and I’ve been working hard to get a priority line for business/first and frequent flyers but upper management has flatly refused this for years saying everyone should be the same

I haven’t brought up the topic again but is it a real priority line or just disabled/diplomat etc?

myperks

are you asking if the left side of central entry is a real priority line? I don’t think so. I think it is the same access as the “corridor” line which include ABTC.

you would think EVA being a major carrier will lobby for a GOLD TRACK for star alliance.