On the top of my list to check out in Changi Airport will be the Plaza Premium Lounge. They have recently rejoined the Priority Pass network and I am keen to see what things are like these days. I did have a pretty good feel for the lounge previously a couple of years back. Taking advantage of my trip last week, I made the effort to hike over to T1 to use the lounge and check it out. Turns out, my flight was departing from the C gates in T1 which makes it even better. I am excited about the Plaza Premium Lounges, they are usually a step above the usual contract lounges and have solid food offerings. Beverages are a little lacking from what I remembered.

Access Requirements

The Plaza Premium Lounge is open 24 hours daily and available to Priority Pass members. You can also access it using other lounge memberships or even the Changi Rewards vouchers for Platinum members. During periods of high occupancy from 8am to 11am, access may be restricted. I usually use my unlimited Priority Pass from Citi Prestige or UOB Reserve. You should be able to enter using Lounge Key as well or other contract lounge membership as well.

Arrival & Location

The lounge is located in terminal one directly above the C gates and just a short walk away from the sky train connecting Terminal 3 and Terminal 1. It took less than 10 mins for me to arrive here from Terminal 1, which makes it convenient to check out this lounge from Terminal 3. The Plaza Premium Lounge is located in the same area as the Emirates and Qatar Lounge. I was welcomed in and presented with my Priority Pass card for entrance. The staff also informed me that 2 hours of complimentary alcoholic drinks are included. You can choose from beers, white and red wine. Entrance via Priority Pass does not include the use of the shower room and you are limited to a 3 hours stay.

Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The lounge consists of one huge room of seating. It did feel kind of private with the different partitions here and there to separate the place into different groups of seating. Immediately upon entering, you will notice the signature Plaza Premium Octagon shape seatings which are good for groups. These are very private. Power outlets are readily available around the lounge seating. They can nicely fit 3 to 4 people. They are one of my go-to seating in the lounge. Towards the left, the lounge branch out into the refreshment area. Here you can find a couple more dining tables that are more suitable for dining. Heading in, you can find some solo productivity cubicles! These are great for solo travellers for both working or dining. Each of them is equipped with a light and power socket. It will be my first choice when travelling alone. The main seating room comprises rows of low armchairs. They alternate between facing the lounge or the large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the runway. The lounge comes with plenty of tarmac views. The seats here get a side table, charging point and a lamp. Wi-Fi is readily available for those who require them. The lounge also has some dayrooms that are available for a charge.

Toilets and Showers

The lounge also has toilets and showers. I did not get a chance to use the showers or check them out since they were chargeable. The toilets were basic but well-maintained. This is not crucial over here in Singapore.

Food and Drinks

The main refreshment counter can be found at the side of the lounge. There are dining tables here with a capacity of 30 people. You can bring the food and drinks to other spots around the lounge. I was here during breakfast service. You can find some self-serve refreshments along the buffet line consisting of some continental options, coffee machines, orange juice and toasts. There are also some can drinks in the fridge. Heading in, the main food items are located. The buffet consists of scrambled eggs, ham and sausages. You can also find some soup and a salad station. This is supplemented by an à la carte all-day menu. The lounge is famous for its chicken rice. The portions are very good and not overly huge. This allows you to try various items. I got chicken rice, laksa and mee siam. The Laksa is pretty miserable. They could have at the very least added one or two frozen prawns. That shouldn’t be very difficult. I also tried the mee siam which was decent. You can order as much as you like. I will recommend you go for the chicken rice. That is the best item here. It is even better than the BTC Chicken Rice on Singapore Airlines. Alcoholic drinks are offered by the bar. They are closed between 3 to 6 am. As mentioned earlier, for alcoholic drinks, you are extended two hours of unlimited access when entering via Priority Pass. You have the option between Red Wine, White Wine or Beer. Here you can find a menu for other drinks that are chargeable. I felt that they are a little cheap. They could have provided some self-served spirits. This aspect is very much lacking when compared to other contract lounges.

Conclusion

This is one of the better lounges in Terminal 1 over here at Changi Airport. It is nice to welcome the addition of this back to the network. There is now an additional option for lounge hopping with an unlimited priority pass. There is a min of 2 lounges in each terminal over here in Singapore. I am looking forward to checking out the restaurants in the future. The Plaza Premium Lounge are usually a step above the usual contract lounges. I did wish that they had included shower room access. That is an integral part of an airport lounge. They always have an identity and common design. Here is another contract lounge review in Singapore Changi Airport. I am excited to check out the Blossom Lounge and to do a review later this year. Currently, my stand for Terminal 1 goes between SATS and this.