Background
Dnata (the Dubai National Air Travel Agency) operates 10 lounges in four countries (Dubai, Switzerland, Philippines and Singapore) as part of its diverse air service supply operations.
It operates two lounges in Singapore’s Changi Airport – one in Terminal 1 and the other in Terminal 3.
Changi’s Terminal 3 has a number of independent lounges to choose from, in addition to airline lounges, including the Ambassador Transit Lounge, The Haven by Jetquay, and the SATS Premier Lounge.
Where is it?
The Dnata Terminal 3 lounge is located in the central area of the Departure Transit Hall directly after going through immigration. Take the escalators to the left up one level to the Mezzanine and the lounge is on your right near the DBS, SATS and Singapore Airlines lounges.
My Singapore Airlines flight to Hong Kong departed from gate B9, which is about a 10- to 15-minute walk from the lounge.
What’s it like?
This isn’t a huge lounge, with the area divided into an “indoor” and “open-air” seating area. The more open space has around 50 seats with views over the tarmac, while the indoor area (where the food buffet, showers, toilets and secluded quiet room are located) offers more scattered seating with small tables.
The lounge is beginning to show its age slightly, despite being located in the airport’s newest terminal (that is until the end of next month when Terminal 4 opens). For example, the overall look and feel felt a little dated with a dark brown and olive green colour scheme and old-fashioned fabric covering the sofas.
That said, it was perfectly comfortable and there were a number of positives. All seats (at least in the “outdoor section”) had access to two power sockets (Singapore/UK/Hong Kong, not universal) plus an internet cable, which was very convenient. Though again, aesthetically, these were quite chunky and noticeable.
At the time I arrived (around 5pm) the lounge was very empty giving me my pick of seats. Entry was immediate – I entered as a Priority Pass member and so was able to scan a QR code, sign my name and enter in under a minute. My entry was free as part of the Standard Plus membership, which allows for 10 free lounge visits across the network – entry is US$27 thereafter.
A dedicated password-protected wifi network was available, which was easy to connect to and offered decent speed.
One major concern for travellers however is the lack of a flight information screen (as far as I could tell). Combined with no announcements, it’s important for flyers to keep themselves updated by checking the airport’s website regularly.
Food and drink
The lounge’s F&B offerings were overall pretty decent, with a fair selection of hot and cold dishes in buffet style along with drinks.
I went for the miniature quiche, char siu bao (barbecue pork bun), spaghetti and mixed vegetables with quinoa. Other options included sandwiches, cakes and instant noodles.
There was no bar available, but cans of beer and soft drinks are available from the fridge (though no wine or spirits). There are also self-service coffee and tea facilities.
Other facilities
There’s a quiet library-esque alcove tucked away towards the bathrooms that’s a good spot for reading if the lounge gets busier, with a TV plus newspaper and magazines.
Showers and toilet facilities are also available.
Who can access?
The Dnata Lounge is the default option for business class passengers and high-tier frequent flyer members of Garuda Indonesia, Qatar Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines and China Airlines. Business class passengers of Myanmar Airways will also be directed here.
Members of the Lounge Key Credit card programme, Lounge Pass, Lounge Club, Diners Credit Card, Priority Pass, Flio and No 1 Traveller can also access the lounge.
Verdict
Travellers without a dedicated airline lounge will find a solid offering at the Dnata lounge, with a good range of services and facilities. The lounge wouldn’t hurt from some modernisation of the soft furnishings and some of the offerings, particularly the drinks selection, could have been more comprehensive.
Opening hours
24 hours daily, (maximum three hours per stay)
Contact
