Tried & Tested

Lounge review: Singapore Airlines Silverkris Lounge, First Class (Terminal 3)

6 Apr 2018 by Craig Bright
Singapore Airlines Changi Airport T3 Silverkris first class lounge

Background

Singapore Airlines has two Silverkris lounges at Singapore’s Changi Airport – one in Terminal 2 and one in Terminal 3 – both with separate business and first class areas. This is a review of the Terminal 3 first class facility.

Just after reception, you will be prompted to walk either left for the business class facility or right for the first class area, the latter having an additional mini reception space where customers’ boarding passes are checked. I’ve visited the business class facility at Terminal 3 a number of times, however this was my first time in either of the airport’s Silverkris first class lounges.

Where is it?

The lounge is located on Level 3 of Terminal 3 – a short walk to the left towards the “A” Gates after clearing immigration. Head up the escalator and continue walking left, and you’ll pass the DBS Asia Treasures Lounge and Singapore Airlines’ Krisflyer Gold Lounge. Continue to the end of the corridor following the next few corners, and you’ll hit the Silverkris Lounge after passing the smoking area.

Who can access?

First class passengers on any Star Alliance carrier are able to enter the lounge, though only those flying first class on Singapore Airlines can access the internal The Private Room area. Solitaire PPS Club members flying in any class on Singapore Airlines or Silkair can also access the First Class lounge.

What’s it like?

Despite being attached to the business class lounge, the first class area is quite a different space, most notably with regards to its size as well as levels of noise and light. The lounge overall is incredibly quiet, making getting on with work an easy task. The space is also significantly brighter than its neighbouring space with tall windows facing out onto the tarmac complemented by an overall lighter colour scheme that makes the area feel a lot more awake despite its calmer atmosphere.

There are three main zones in the lounge – two seating areas separated by a dividing wall, and a dining area. Beyond the second of the two seating areas is also The Private Room, an even more exclusive space that’s only available for travellers flying out on Singapore Airlines first class (those flying first class with other Star Alliance partners are not eligible to enter).

Singapore Airlines Changi Airport T3 Silverkris first class lounge

When I entered the first class lounge at about 5pm there was only a handful of other people using it, and for the hour I was there this barely changed. This meant I was spoilt for choice when it came to choosing a seat, most of which are armchairs with adjacent side tables, set up in clusters of four or in lines of individual seats.

These armchairs are undeniably comfortable, however if you’re looking to do some work they can be a little impractical. Notably, this has to do with the fact that there isn’t a table in front of you and that the majority of seats don’t have any nearby charging stations (an issue that also affects the business class lounge experience). If you need charging, keep an eye out for seats with adjacent cream-coloured marble tables as these do have nearby power outlets.

Having only a side table also makes the armchairs slightly awkward to sit in while eating. Fortunately, the food area has tables and chairs that make for much simpler dining. The selection of food is still quite extensive despite the lounge being smaller than the neighbouring business class area. Cold options include salads, breads, cereals, cheeses, cakes and sandwiches, while hot dishes include a buffet with Asian salmon, chicken and pork dishes along with a separate, dedicated Indian cuisine station.

These quality of food in these selections is good, however I’d definitely recommend the cooking station as your first port of call. Here the kitchen prepares individual dishes to order and brings them to your seat, meaning they are not only hotter but also fresher than the buffet options. When I was there, dishes included fried Hokkien mee with prawns, rosemary roasted lamb leg with boulangere potatoes, and roti prata with a choice of chicken curry or vegetable dalcha.

If you’re looking for drinks, there are chilled options in a fridge to the right hand side of the dining area, while for something stiffer head to the manned bar in the main seating area. The selection of drinks is pretty good – I went for a simple gin and tonic that was served with a good measure of gin – and there is separate barstool seating for those who desire it. If tea and coffee is more your drink of choice, there is also a fancy hot water dispenser where guests can pour their own cup of TWG tea.

Other facilities and features include bathrooms with private shower suites including amenities, magazines and newspapers, and TV screens. Wifi is also quick and easy to connect to – just keep your eyes open for the signs with the login password on the dividing walls.

Verdict

A spacious and quiet area, Singapore Airlines’ first class Silverkris Lounge is a good place to rest, grab a pre-flight bite and freshen up. While minor changes could make it slightly more convenient as a space to work, the exclusivity of the lounge makes it an appropriate introduction to a first-class flight experience.

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