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travelbag Aug 12th, 2006 06:38 AM

7 hr at singapore airport
 
any advice welcome

i going to book flights with singapore airlines on monday to auckland ,best prices i could find for the dates we wanted

flying with singapore airlines from london to auckland

outward journey 7 hours at airport in singapore

return journey 13hours at airport in singapore

thinking of booking a stopover on return journey and stay in hotel
as we will need to catch up on sleep before next long flight

we will not have much time although we would
like to find a few shops and try local food
any hotel idea's

any idea's about 7 hours at airport on outward journey

JamesA Aug 12th, 2006 06:53 AM

7 hours outboaund: Watch movies in the cinema, go for a swim in the swimming pool, manicure, massage, shopping, often also live entertainment and game shows, shops and restaurants, outside garden areas. multiple TV areas, quiet areas, Blues bar ( Harry's - Smoking ), take the trandit area train through to the other terminal for change of restaurants and shops.

Kathie Aug 12th, 2006 07:02 AM

I can't think of any other airport where I'd rather spend a long layover. Our last time through Changi, we found a place that does foot massage and pedicures. There is free internet access in lots of places. Many food outlets, shopping, etc.

There is a transit hotel that rents basic (clean, but no luxuries) by the 4 or 6 hour block.

travelbag Aug 12th, 2006 07:12 AM

thanks james and kathy

we are a mum and grown up daughter travelling looks like we will find plenty to do

airport sounds very good ,looks like 7 hours will pass quickly,the swimming pool and foot massage sounds like a excellent idea ,plus food outlets and shops

not sure how tired we will be after flight from london,
i do not sleep very well on planes if to tired will have a few hours sleep in transit hotel

JamesA Aug 12th, 2006 09:47 AM

For a small fee you can also have a shower ( at the Gym area ), now these shower rooms are 'fantastic', very large indeed, powerful showers, it is really invigorating. The movie area is next to one of the many eating areas also close to where you can get a massage, it's all very nice, unless you are 'really' tired I would save the costs of the transit hotel room so that when you board your Auckland flight you will be so tired you'll go straight to sleep!

Now, on the return, give us the times of arrival and departure from Singapore. before you ask, there is a hotel le meridien promoted as an airport hotel with a free shuttle but honestly by the time you get there you could have gone downtown, tell us your times and we can suggest how to spend that time.
If you have not flown Singapore Airlines before you will 'enjoy it'.

travelbag Aug 12th, 2006 02:00 PM

james
i have never flown singapore airlines before,i have flown once before to NZ but that was with malaysian airlines and only had a short stop each way

this trip i a last minute surprize i am taking my eldest daughter to nz to visit her sister for her birthday
she thinks we are going to on a short package deal break and my daughter in nz does not know about it either
only thier husband's are in on the surprize
i will tell one daughter when we get to heathrow and we will both surprize the other daughter in NZ

the hardest part is keeping it all a secret

back to my plans
it's a good idea about shower in gym area ,we will use that ,then later have a massage sounds perfect after a long flight and will relax me ready for the next flight

our return journey we land at singapore airport at 20.40 and leave again at 09.00 to london,so any idea's as to what to do?


MichaelBKK Aug 13th, 2006 06:10 PM

I have to agree that Changi is the easiest airport to kill time in. I sometimes think it would be easier if I could just live there. As mentioned, there is a lounge that has a gym, showers, massage, etc. If you're sure you want to use these services, you may be able to save some money by booking in advance. Have a look at this page: http://www.affiliate.viator.com/broc...&AUID=1369

Of course, you can always wait until you get there and see whether you want a bed, a shower or a massage.

MichaelBKK Aug 13th, 2006 06:12 PM

One more thing, Singapore airlines sometimes has some stop-over packages with really good deals on hotels. You might check this with them when you're booking. BUT if your trip is during September you might as well forget it. All hotels are full due to a big World Bank meeting.

thursdaysd Aug 13th, 2006 07:02 PM

You can also take a free city tour of Singapore. The one I took included a boat trip. There's lots of info on the airport at http://www.changiairport.com/changi/en/index.html under airport guide.

watakeet Aug 13th, 2006 08:20 PM

I was in Changi Airport Terminal 1 last week and read that there are lots of free activities in Terminal 2 - free movies, free city tours etc. You may like to check it out.

Guenmai Aug 14th, 2006 07:14 AM

I vaction in Singapore regularly and will be on my way there week after next. As the above posters have said, it's a great airport with lots to do. Plus, you if you want to sleep, you can always rent a room in the hotel which is right inside the airport...it's for intransit passengers. I just finished pulling up my reservation information that they've sent me as I will have a 9 hr. layover. I won't land into Singapore until after 1AM. It's quite inexpensive to get a room which is booked by a 6-hour block...and then in one-hour additional blocks, if needed. A six-hour block costs about S$57.00 Singapore dollars...less than US$35.00. There is a hotel in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2...and you DO NOT clear customs to get to it as it's on the third level. www.airport-hotel.com.sg Since I assume you're arriving during the day, in 7 hours you should be able to see some of Singapore. They have a free tour that leaves the airport which is offered to passengers with long layovers. Happy Travels!

travelbag Aug 27th, 2006 09:53 AM

i arrive at 14.15 at changi airport
and depart 21.00

so that will give me plenty of time for shower/sleep/eat and have massage
sounds like a great airport
pity heathrow where i am flying from is not so nice

albaaust Aug 28th, 2006 04:15 AM

I second thursdaysd. I can't see that you will want to watch more movies when you get to the airport-leave that for the plane. Take a tour from the airport to the city. You can even organise a day/night tour of the Zoo which is supposed to be really good. However, I would try and organise it before you leave. We thought we would do it on our way from Aust to Europe but it was booked out by the time we got to the shuttle bus area.
As everyone has already said there is lots to do in terms of shopping, eating, massage, gym etc if you do decide to stay in the airport.
Try looking at these sites as well. http://www.visitsingapore.com/publis...r_4_hours.html

http://www.visitsingapore.com/publis...r_transit.html

OT Sep 3rd, 2006 12:39 AM

Hi,

I returned from Melbourne and Singapore yesterday, flew Singapore Airlines all the way. Had stop-overs in Singapore both ways, so spent minimum time at the airport.

Have flown Singapore Airlines several times and they are one of the best and the service is outstanding, even in Economy Class.

You do not say if you are flying Business or Economy. The only one thing I have to complain about, is the amenity pack and the lack of eyemasks and earplugs. Business has eyemask and socks, but not the moisturisers, toothbrushes and earplugs. I can't remember if in Economy they even gives out socks.
So I recommend you pack at least earplugs and eyemasks in your hand luggage, a great help when you try to get some sleep. I am going back in November and have already posted a sticker on my passport as a reminder!

OT Sep 3rd, 2006 12:47 AM

HI Again,

Just re-read your post.

A night stop-over in Singapore is a good idea, I can recommend the Trader's Hotel. It is within walking distance to Orchard Road.

A great place for dining is one of the many restaurants at Chjimes, then go accross the road for a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar at Raffles (a must!).

Another great area for dining is Clarke Quay, lots of nice restaurants.

Maudie Sep 3rd, 2006 01:16 AM

We have done the free city tour twice to fill in time. We booked at a special desk, we had to hand over our passports and were taken around the city on a very comfortable coach. We were given plenty of cold bottled water and both times have had very knowledgeable guides. It was a really great way to fill in a few hours.

Maudie


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