Review: British Airways Business Class Lounge – Singapore Changi Airport

British Airways Business Class Lounge Singapore Changi Introduction

I checked out of the JW Marriott South Beach Hotel at around 4pm and took a 25 minute taxi to the airport. My flight wasn’t until 9:50pm, but I love Singapore Changi Airport, and knew I wouldn’t have a hard time spending 5 hours there prior to my flight. Japan Airlines is one of many participating airlines that allow early check-in at Changi, and even offer a dedicated premier check-in lounge for business and first class passengers (check here for a full list of participating airlines). I made my way over to the premier area, and after a few security questions (since I was only ticketed to San Francisco) and proof of onward flight to Vancouver, I was on my way through immigration. The British Airways Business Class Lounge Singapore is one of four lounges available in terminal 1 for premium cabin oneworld passengers, in addition to the Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and dnata (contract) lounges.

The lounge is located up a level past immigration (Changi now has automated machines for exiting, which was a nice surprise), just beside the SATS and Qantas lounges. I’ve only ever been to one other British Airways business class lounge at New York JFK, and I wasn’t impressed. The space was tired, food was terrible, and overcrowding was a serious issue. I was pleasantly surprised to find none of that at the British Airways business class lounge Singapore Airport when I arrived shortly before 5pm.

British Airways Business Class Lounge Singapore Airport

This lounge is nice. Like, really nice. Upon entry, I could have been convinced it was a first class lounge. The lighting, decor, and even friendliness from staff was beyond any expectations of a business class lounge, and I immediately had a good feeling.

The friendly staff asked if I had any questions upon scanning my boarding pass and directed me inside. The lounge is quite narrow and long, with a variety of seating, from comfortable chairs to bar seating to a dining area on the other side of the buffet areas.

The self-serve food and alcohol was in the middle, and featured a decent selection of beer, wine and spirits, along with some finger foods and hot items. Admittedly the food selection was a bit smaller than I would have expected, but everything on offer was great quality and really tasty.

Beyond the bar area was more seating, including a few rows of comfortable chairs opposite a television. I really can’t get over how nice this lounge space was – especially going off of my only other experience at JFK. The only other business class lounge that impressed me this much was the Cathay Pacific Lounge at YVR, which is stunning, and still one of my favourites.

Finally, the far end of the lounge featured a small business centre with work desks and computers.

I suppose my only criticism is lack of airside views, which are always my favourite in airport lounges. Instead the windows overlooked the arrivals hall, which was kind of interesting to watch.

Just to the left of the lounge entrance was a hallway to the bathrooms, which were nicely finished and clean, and also an attendant for showers, though I didn’t take one during this visit.

British Airways Business Class Lounge Singapore Airport Bottom Line

I had reasonably low expectations of this lounge based on my previous experience at JFK, and had actually planned to spend much of my time in the terminal, since there’s lots to see and do at the world’s best airport. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this lounge! Seating was ample, even when the lounge got busy in the evening, and I was impressed by the number of available power plugs throughout. I was able to get a lot of work done, given the good wifi, lack of distractions, and semi-private seating areas.

I think the food selection could be improved, though no complaints on quality or selection of beverages. Also, I generally prefer an airport lounge with airside views, though the arrivals hall was entertaining to watch as an alternative.

This lounge was incredible compared to the first class lounge offered by Japan Airlines at San Francisco Airport. Singapore Changi is a great airport overall, and the lounges are no exception (I also visited the Qantas business class lounge and dnata lounge briefly before my flight). It’s easy to see why Changi is consistently ranked the best airport in the world!

Have you visited any of the oneworld lounges at Singapore Changi Airport? Which is your favourite?