Back in November, we visited all of the third-party operated lounges in Singapore Changi Terminal 3, to give you the low-down on where to head to if you are travelling without access to an airline-operated lounge… and this was our favourite.
dnata
Like SATS, dnata is a one-stop-shop for airline services. They do everything from ground handling, aircraft tow-truck services and catering, through to cargo handling and of course – airport lounges.
They were established in 1959 are now wholly owned by The Emirates Group. They currently run 10 Skyview and Marhaba lounges around the world at major hubs like Dubai, Zurich and Bahrain.
Location
To find the Singapore Changi T3 dnata lounge, after immigration, turn left and follow the signs up the first escalator. Incidentally, this is the location of all the Terminal 3 lounges, except for the Ambassador Lounge, and The Haven by JetQuay which is in the land-side / public area.
Once you reach the mezzanine level, signs direct you towards the various lounges, and these also indicate access eligibility depending on which airline you are flying with.
However, if you are using a membership access scheme you’ll need to know which lounge you are heading for.
For dnata Skyview, make a right turn at the top of the escalator and you’ll find a very impressive and welcoming hallway, clad in dark wood which looks very smart, leading to the lounge entrance.
Access
dnata Skyview lounge is the lounge provider for premium and status passengers departing from Changi T3 on the following carriers:
- China Airlines
- Garuda Indonesia
- Myanmar Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- SriLankan Airlines
The following lounge membership programs also allow access:
- Dragon Pass
- Diners Club
- Lounge Key
- Priority Pass
- Lounge Buddy (typically US$37-50)
Walk-up paid access is not allowed for this lounge. We used Priority Pass for access on this trip.
General details
Opening Times: Open 24 hours
Showers: Yes
Bar: No
Wi-Fi: Yes
Multi-standard Power Sockets: No (UK 3-pin only)
USB Charging Sockets: No
Walkthrough video
If you’ve read enough already – watch this quick walkthrough tour.
In detail
Seating
To the left of the entrance is a small, enclosed seating area – the quietest part of the lounge. This area was actually designed to be used if an airline required it for VIP or first class passengers, for example when Garuda were operating their 777-300ER service from Jakarta to London Heathrow via Singapore. Since that service is no longer stopping in Singapore, and no other dnata lounge airline operates a first class cabin product from Singapore, it is usually available for all lounge guests.
Next to the buffet is a dining area and beyond that – in the open area above the main public departure area, is a collection of comfy armchairs and tables.
Power Sockets are available, but they are Type G electrical sockets, not multi-standard. You’ll need an adapter if looking to use something other than the three-pin UK style plug. We also didn’t see any USB charging points.
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi speed in this lounge was adequate, though not amazing:
Download: 3.7mb/s
Upload: 0.6mb/s
Ping: 10ms
Dining
Food choices are more limited than the nearby Plaza Premium Lounge – but they were of better quality. They vary throughout the day depending on airline requirements. When we were there, they were severing an Arabic style mezze – fresh and tasty for a light pre-flight bite. In addition, there was an array of salad, sandwiches and sweet choices.
Wines
Two white and two red wine options are available. The Australian options were good, the French – not so much. This may of course be a matter of personal taste!
Red
- McGuigan Private Bin Shiraz – 2014 (Australia). 3.5 stars on Vivino
- Françoise Chauvenet Lajolie Pinot Noir – 2016 (France). 3.5 stars on Vivino
White
- McGuigan Private Bin Chardonnay – 2016 (Australia). 3.5 stars on Vivino
- Françoise Chauvenet Lajolio Sauvignon Blanc – 2016 (France). 2.3 stars on Vivino
The self-serve fridge is stocked with a selection of soft drinks and beer.
While on the topic of alcoholic beverages, strangely the Priority Pass website listing for this lounge does not mention that alcohol is available, which may be off-putting to many people who will inevitably choose the SATS Premier lounge instead.
We can assure you, complimentary alcoholic beverages are available in this lounge.
A “bean-to-cup” coffee machine, equipped with UHT full cream milk also turns out an acceptable cappuccino.
Showers
Two shower rooms are available. They were clean, newly renovated and stocked with the basic toiletry essentials. Towels are available from reception. See the walkthrough video above where the showers are shown.
Staff
A special note on the staff – we were greeted by Marco at reception on our arrival. He was cheery, efficient and extremely helpful. Clearly well trained, and passionate about his job. A refreshing change from staff we often encounter at lounge receptions, particularly third-party ones. He’s an asset to dnata!
Conclusion
Not the most recently renovated lounge, not the biggest, or even the one with the widest selection of food – but as an overall product – better than the other two third-party lounges in the Changi T3 transit area.
The wine choices are good, the food quality is above average and the seating areas are quiet and comfortable. Even when busy, it’s a very pleasant place to be, and as mentioned already, the staff were exceptional.
Our go-to choice among the third-party lounge options in Changi Terminal 3.
Visited November 2017
In Changi T3, see also:
SATS Premier Lounge T3 Review
Ambassador Transit Lounge T3 Review (coming soon)
The Haven by JetQuay T3 Review (coming soon)
