With an unexpected eight hours to kill in the Sydney airport, I decided to split my time between the two Star Alliance lounges in Terminal One – the Air New Zealand lounge and Singapore Airlines Sydney lounge. In this post, I’ll cover the highs and lows of the Singapore Airlines Sydney lounge and share my pick on which one offers the better overall experience.
This review will focus on the amenities, food and drink offerings, seating options, and overall atmosphere of the Singapore Airlines Silverkris lounge Sydney airport. I’ll also compare it briefly with the Air New Zealand lounge to help you decide where to spend your layover time. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your first visit, this review will provide insights into what you can expect from the Singapore Airlines Sydney lounge.
Sign up for an AMEX Aeroplan Card and Get up to 95,000 Welcome Bonus Points!Singapore Airlines Sydney Lounge Location and Access
The Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge in Sydney is conveniently located on the third floor of Terminal One. If you are transferring like I was, you will clear transit customs and then take the escalator up one level. From there, you will see signs directing you to an elevator with both the Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines SilverKris lounges listed. Taking the lift up one more level, you will be let out right at the door of the Singapore Airlines lounge.
Access to the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge is granted to passengers flying in Business Class, First Class, or Suites Class with Singapore Airlines or any other Star Alliance member airline. Additionally, Star Alliance Gold members, regardless of their travel class, can also access the lounge. This includes frequent flyer programs such as KrisFlyer Gold, United MileagePlus Premier Gold, and Air Canada Aeroplan Super Elite.
For those flying on an Aeroplan business class reward ticket, as I was, access to Star Alliance lounges is included, providing a comfortable and relaxing space to spend your layover. The lounge is open from early morning until the last Singapore Airlines departure of the day, ensuring that passengers on various flights can enjoy its amenities.
Singapore Airlines Silverkris Lounge Sydney Lounge Seating
Upon entering the Singapore Airlines Sydney lounge, you’ll find a small overflow seating area. Beyond that, down the hall and to the left, is the main lounge area.
To my surprise, the lounge is quite small, especially when compared to the spacious Air New Zealand lounge next door. The Singapore Airlines lounge consists of essentially one room with a variety of seating options. You’ll find lounger seats, cocoon-style pods complete with tables, bar seats along the window, and tables in the dining area.
Initially, I preferred the cocoon-style seats as they reminded me of the ones I liked at the Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas. However, I encountered an issue when the US power plug in my pod didn’t work, and the other pods were already occupied. This was a bit of a letdown, as the cocoon seats are perfect for a bit of privacy and focused work.
The lack of seating is particularly surprising given that the Singapore Airlines A380 flight I was about to board has the entire upper deck dedicated to business class, with a whopping 78 seats. This discrepancy between the lounge capacity and the flight’s business class seating availability means that the lounge can become quite crowded, especially during peak times.
Overall, while the seating options available are comfortable and thoughtfully designed, the limited space can make it challenging to find a good spot, particularly if the lounge is busy.
Singapore Airlines Sydney Lounge Amenities
In my review of the Air New Zealand business class lounge, I noted that while the amenities were somewhat lacking, it was still better equipped for a long layover compared to the Singapore Airlines Sydney lounge.
The Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer lounge in Sydney features a single shower room, which is a bit of a disappointment considering the number of passengers it serves. A good shower is crucial for freshening up during long layovers, and having only one means that you might have to wait during peak times. The shower room itself is clean and functional, but not particularly spacious or luxurious.
Another surprising element in the lounge was a machine that appeared to be a laminator, emitting noticeable heat. It’s an odd inclusion for a lounge setting and didn’t add to the comfort or convenience of the space.
One bright spot, however, is the barista service. The lounge features a barista station where you can order freshly brewed coffee. This is a nice touch, especially for coffee lovers who appreciate a well-made espresso or cappuccino. The quality of the coffee was excellent, and it was a much-needed perk during my layover.
Aside from these, the lounge doesn’t offer much in terms of amenities. There is a small selection of reading materials and standard business services, but nothing that stands out or caters specifically to the needs of long-haul travelers. There is no dedicated rest area or nap pods, which is surprising given the long distances many passengers are traveling.
In comparison to the Air New Zealand lounge, which at least offers multiple shower rooms, spacious seating areas, and a more extensive food and beverage service, the Singapore Airlines Sydney lounge falls short in providing a comprehensive and comfortable experience for long layovers. For those looking to relax, refresh, and rejuvenate during their transit, the amenities here may leave you wanting more.
Singapore Airlines Sydney Lounge Food & Drink
Much like the rest of the Singapore Airlines Sydney KrisFlyer lounge, the kitchen and bar area is quite small. Given that I was about to board an A380 with a significant number of business class seats, this was surprising. As expected, the closer we got to departure, the more crowded the space became, making it a challenge to find a comfortable spot to enjoy a meal or a drink.
The food selection was modest, offering a mix of Asian and Western dishes. Truthfully, I left the Air New Zealand lounge with high hopes of a good meal here but was let down. I sampled a bit of the butter chicken, which was unlike any other butter chicken I’ve had before—and not in a good way. The fried rice was similarly underwhelming.
As the departure time approached, I decided to try some cheese and crackers, which were a safer bet and a decent snack before boarding. However, the overall dining experience did not live up to the expectations set by other lounges I’ve visited.
The bar offerings were standard and entirely self-service. There were various spirits, beers, and wines available, but nothing particularly stood out. The one notable highlight was the selection of Australian and New Zealand white wines on ice, which added a touch of regional flavor to the otherwise generic selection.
Compared to the dining experience in the Air New Zealand lounge, the Singapore Airlines Sydney lounge fell short. The limited food options and the self-service bar felt more in line with a basic airport lounge rather than a flagship experience for a renowned airline. Given the size and status of the Singapore Airlines A380 service, one would expect a more robust and satisfying culinary offering.
For those looking to grab a quick bite before their flight, the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer lounge may suffice, but it certainly doesn’t excel in this area. If you have access to both lounges, I would recommend dining at the Air New Zealand lounge for a more enjoyable pre-flight meal.
Comparing the Air New Zealand Lounge and the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Lounge
Given their close proximity and the fact that they are both Star Alliance lounges, it’s natural to compare the Air New Zealand lounge with the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer lounge in Sydney. From my experience, it should come as no surprise that I suggest choosing the Air New Zealand lounge over the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer lounge for several reasons.
Firstly, the decor and ambiance of the Air New Zealand lounge are far superior. The spacious layout, modern design, and abundance of natural light create a welcoming and comfortable environment. The Air New Zealand lounge feels more like a high-end lounge, whereas the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer lounge, while stylish, feels cramped and less inviting.
Secondly, the seating options in the Air New Zealand lounge are much more varied and plentiful. With a wide range of seating styles, from comfortable loungers to window seats offering fantastic views of the tarmac, the Air New Zealand lounge caters to different preferences and needs. In contrast, the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer lounge has limited seating, which becomes particularly problematic as departure times approach and the lounge fills up with passengers.
When it comes to food and drink, the Air New Zealand lounge clearly outshines its counterpart. The food selection in the Air New Zealand lounge is diverse and high quality, with a mix of fresh pastries, salads, and hot dishes that cater to various tastes. The barista service, allowing you to customize your coffee, is a standout feature. The Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer lounge, on the other hand, offers a more modest food selection that left me underwhelmed. The limited options and the self-service bar simply do not compare to the more comprehensive offerings in the Air New Zealand lounge.
The bar services also highlight a stark contrast. The Air New Zealand lounge boasts a dedicated barista and a bartender, ensuring that drinks are made to order and of high quality. The Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer lounge’s self-service bar, although it includes a selection of local wines, lacks the personalized touch that enhances the overall lounge experience.
Lastly, amenities play a significant role in choosing a lounge, especially for long layovers. The Air New Zealand lounge provides spacious shower rooms with rain showerheads, a children’s play area, and a baggage storage area, making it well-suited for travelers looking to refresh and relax. The Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer lounge falls short in this aspect, offering limited amenities that do not adequately support passengers on long layovers.
This comparison is particularly disappointing for me because I have always enjoyed the SilverKris Lounge in Singapore, known for its excellent services and amenities. However, the Sydney counterpart does not live up to those standards.
If you find yourself in Sydney Airport with access to both Star Alliance lounges, the Air New Zealand lounge is the clear winner. Its superior decor, spacious environment, better seating options, and superior food and beverage offerings make it the preferred choice. The Air New Zealand lounge not only meets but exceeds the expectations of a premium airport lounge experience, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable layover.
Singapore Airlines Sydney Lounge Review – Head Next Door
The Singapore KrisFlyer Lounge in Sydney is adequate for a short stay but falls short compared to the nearby Air New Zealand Lounge, which is accessible to Singapore Airlines business class passengers. The KrisFlyer Lounge feels somewhat dated with limited seating and minimal amenities, resembling a pre-refresh Plaza Premium lounge. Its compact size and modest food and drink options make it less inviting.
In contrast, the Air New Zealand Lounge offers a far superior experience with its spacious design, diverse seating, and excellent food and beverage selections. Amenities like a barista, ample shower rooms, and a comfortable atmosphere make it the better choice. For a more pleasant and refreshing layover, the Air New Zealand Lounge stands out as the preferred option.
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