How to Access Free and Pay-Per-Use Lounges at Changi Airport

Changi Airport, a nexus of international travel, offers more than just a gateway to the world; it provides sanctuaries known as airport lounges, where travellers can escape the often stressful airport atmosphere.

Amidst the hustle of boarding calls and the bustle of transit passengers, these lounges stand as serene havens, offering everything from gourmet meals to high-speed Wi-Fi.

Accessible through a variety of means—whether by flying in a premium cabin, holding certain credit cards, or purchasing day passes—these lounges ensure every journey begins in comfort and style, not just for the luxury traveller but for any guest seeking peace before their flight.

Airport lounges provide a welcome respite from the bustling terminal spaces, providing a range of amenities designed to enhance the travel experience. 

These exclusive areas are typically reserved for passengers who are members of frequent flyer programmes, those flying in premium cabins, or holders of specific credit cards. The perks of accessing an airport lounge at Changi Airport include comfortable seating, free food and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, shower facilities, workstations, and often quiet zones for relaxation or snooze areas for rest.

>> Learn more: Priority pass membership & lounge review

These are some of the many access points to airport lounges that can enhance your travel experience significantly.

Flying in a premium cabin not only elevates your in-flight experience but also opens the doors to exclusive lounge access. At Changi Airport, travellers with business or first-class tickets enjoy complimentary entry into luxurious lounges. For instance, Singapore Airlines offers its esteemed KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold customers access to the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge, known for its top-notch amenities. 

Similarly, Qantas First Lounge extends exclusive services to their premium passengers, including gourmet dining facilities and more. Membership in global airline alliances like Star Alliance, oneworld, or SkyTeam further broadens lounge access, ensuring a seamless luxury experience across international networks.

Achieving elite status with airlines is another formidable way to gain lounge access at Changi Airport.

For instance, as mentioned above, Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer Elite Gold members, along with Star Alliance gold cardholders, are welcomed in the SilverKris Lounge, where they can enjoy comprehensive amenities.

Similarly, British Airways offers access to its luxurious lounges to passengers with Premier, Gold, or Silver status in its Executive Club. These lounges provide a range of services from self-serve bars to comfortable resting areas.

Emirates and Qatar Airways also cater to their first and business-class passengers, as well as certain tier members, with exclusive lounges that offer everything from gourmet meals to quiet sleeping zones, ensuring a restful and luxurious wait at Changi Airport.

For travellers looking for a short-term retreat at Changi Airport, acquiring a day pass for lounge access is an excellent option. Several lounges at Changi Airport offer this flexibility, allowing visitors to purchase single-entry passes directly through the airlines or at the lounge entrances.

For example, Qantas provides one-time lounge passes that can be purchased by both Qantas Frequent Flyer members and non-members. These passes are ideal for those not typically eligible for free lounge access, such as economy passengers without frequent flyer status.

Pass prices vary, so it is advisable to check availability and purchase options either online or directly at the airport.

Securing a membership with lounge networks like Priority Pass or DragonPass is a strategic move for frequent flyers who frequent Changi Airport lounges. These memberships open the door to over 1,700 lounges globally, complete with complimentary services such as dining, beverages, showers, and W-iFi. 

For occasional lounge users, a single entry pass costing around US$35 might suffice, but regular travellers will find more value in annual plans. Priority Pass, for example, offers tiers from US$99 to US$469 per year. The mid-tier Standard Plus includes 10 free visits for US$329, after which each visit costs US$35. In contrast, DragonPass provides more economical plans, offering up to unlimited access, with rates ranging from US$99 to US$429 annually, making it a cost-effective choice for avid travellers.

While military ID typically does not grant lounge access at Changi Airport, there are various other ways for Singaporeans to enjoy lounge privileges. For instance, certain credit cards affiliated with major banks provide complimentary or discounted access to select lounges. 

These cards often include benefits such as a percentage off on lounge access packages, enhancing the pre-flight experience for cardholders and their guests without the need for specific credentials.

Numerous premium travel credit cards available in Singapore offer valuable lounge access benefits, easing travel with a touch of luxury. Cards like Citi PremierMiles, DBS Altitude Visa Signature, and Citi Prestige provide free entry to airport lounges worldwide, including those at Changi Airport.

For example, the Citi PremierMiles Card grants two free accesses per year to airport lounges worldwide, allowing cardholders to relax in comfort before their flights. 

The DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card extends similar privileges, offering two free access to over 1,700 lounges globally. 

Each card has its specifics regarding the number of allowed visits and the included lounges, ensuring that travellers can find a card that best suits their travel frequency and preferences.

Explore the premier credit cards with lounge benefits.

The American Express Platinum Card stands out as a top choice for avid travellers, largely due to its extensive access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. Although accompanied by an annual fee of S$1,744, the breadth of lounge access provided justifies the investment for frequent flyers.

Cardholders are entitled to an impressive array of lounge options, which include:

>> Learn more: Best credit cards with lounge access in Singapore 2025

In the competitive world of travel credit cards, several key players stand out by offering coveted airport lounge access, blending comfort with convenience for frequent travellers.

Banks like American Express, Citibank, and DBS lead the pack, each presenting an array of cards that cater to different travel needs. Whether opting for a card tied to a specific airline—offering streamlined benefits and rewards for brand loyalists—or a general travel card that provides more flexible access across various airlines, travellers can find tailored options. 

DBS extends a pathway to tranquillity for seasoned travellers through its DBS Vantage Visa Infinite Card. Enjoy a gateway to comfort with 10 complimentary Priority Pass™ visits annually, offering access to over 1,700 airport lounges globally. Additionally, the DBS World Business Card not only facilitates business travel but also grants 10 lounge visits per year, ensuring a serene pre-flight experience for business leaders.

Embark on your journeys with the Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Card, your ticket to six free lounge visits per year through Priority Pass. Activate your pass and transform travel days into seamless experiences. For those starting their travel perks journey, the Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card includes two complimentary lounge visits annually, enhancing your travel experience without the usual fees.

The CIMB Visa Infinite Card offers more than just travel perks; it redefines them. With this card, indulge in unlimited 2% cashback on all overseas spending while enjoying complimentary access to airport lounges, ensuring every journey starts on a luxurious note. 

The best part? It comes with no annual fees, making luxury travel more accessible.

For professionals who traverse the globe, the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card brings a blend of luxury and functionality. It not only provides two complimentary lounge visits per year but also includes Priority Pass membership, adding a layer of comfort to your business travels.

Citibank elevates the travel experience with two distinctive cards. The Citi Prestige Card offers unlimited access to hundreds of Priority Pass lounges worldwide, setting the standard for travel luxury. Meanwhile, the Citi PremierMiles Card is tailored for the avid flyer, providing two complimentary lounge visits annually, along with perpetual Citi Miles and exclusive travel booking privileges.

From occasional flyers to frequent globe-trotters, Changi Airport offers a range of options for accessing its premium lounges. Whether it's free access through elite airline statuses, paid day passes, or strategic credit card benefits, passengers can find sanctuary away from the bustling terminal areas.

These lounges provide a tranquil environment where even economy passengers can enjoy amenities usually reserved for first-class travellers. 
Exploring the different access methods can significantly elevate your travel experience, making even the longest layovers enjoyable and relaxing.

When selecting a travel credit card, prioritise features that align with your travel habits and financial goals. Top contenders for 2025 include: 

If you’re not flying in first class or don’t have a credit card with lounge access, there are pay-per-visit lounges where you can enjoy airport lounge facilities — for a fee. This can be a good option for those who don't want a long-term commitment to a membership, airline, alliance, or credit card. 

One of the lifestyle perks of being a priority/private banking customer is that it comes with complimentary airport lounge access.

Indeed, priority and private banking customers can access airport lounges with their 'high-end' credit cards. Some of these cards include the Standard Chartered Priority Banking Visa Infinite Credit Card, OCBC Premier Voyage Card, Maybank Privilege Horizon Visa Signature Card, and Citi Prestige Card. 

Some banks have exclusive airport lounges that cater exclusively to their premium clients. One example is the DBS Asia Treasures Lounge in Changi Airport Terminals 2 and 3, which can only be accessed by DBS Treasures Private Client or DBS Private Bank Client members. 

In other words, you’ll need to be a DBS Private Client with a minimum asset management (AUM) of S$1.5 million.