Cathay Pacific rejoins Changi Jewel Early Check-in programme

Prior to COVID-19, Cathay Pacific used to participate in the Changi Jewel Early Check-in (ECI) programme. However, it’s been a notable absentee since the programme resumed in earnest a couple of years ago.

Even though passengers could in practice check-in early at Terminal 4 if they wished, it still wasn’t the most convenient arrangement for those wishing to do a oneworld lounge safari. That’s because most of the oneworld lounges are in Terminal 1, necessitating at least two annoying inter-terminal shuttle bus rides: once to T1, and then back to T4 to catch your flight. 

Well, here’s some good news. Per a Cathay Pacific spokesperson, the airline has rejoined the Jewel ECI programme effective immediately.

Cathay Pacific rejoins Changi Jewel early check-in

From Monday, 8 July 2024, Cathay Pacific passengers can make use of the Changi Jewel ECI facility once again.

Cathay Pacific is onboard Jewel ECI, which means our passengers holding self-printed, mobile, kiosk-issued, and conventional boarding passes may enter immigration from any terminal at Changi Singapore Airport from 3 to 12 hours before their flight departure time.

-Cathay Pacific spokesperson

This service is available from 10 a.m to 10 p.m daily, and passengers may check-in 3-12 hours before their flight departure time. 

For context, Cathay Pacific operates nine flights from Singapore, running pretty much round the clock. 

Flight	Depart	Arrive	Remarks
CX714	SIN 0145	HKG 0550	Daily
CX692	SIN 0630	HKG 1045	Daily
CX710	SIN 0800	HKG 1220	Daily
CX658	SIN 0945	HKG 1405	Daily
CX690	SIN 1255	HKG 1715	Daily
CX712	SIN 1325	BKK 1515	Daily
CX734	SIN 1605	HKG 2020	Daily
CX716	SIN 1800*	HKG 2210*	Daily
CX636	SIN 2010	HKG 0025 (+1)	Daily
*On Saturday, departure time from SIN is 1755 and arrival time in HKG is 2205

With Jewel ECI, eligible Cathay Pacific passengers can clear immigration at T1 and visit the T1 oneworld lounges first, before heading to T4 via the shuttle bus for the Cathay Pacific lounge and boarding.

The operating hours do present a potential issue for passengers on flights like CX658, CX690 and CX712, however. Given that ECI in Jewel only starts from 10 a.m, they might not get as much time to enjoy the lounges as they would have liked.

To accommodate these passengers, Cathay Pacific has clarified that their current practice will remain, i.e. passengers can continue to check-in at the T4 counters (though you’ll have to make the two-bus journey in that case) so long as there are ongoing flight operations at the time.

Cathay Pacific’s Terminal 4 Lounge

The Cathay Pacific Lounge at T4 was the last of the oneworld lounges at Changi to reopen back in February 2023. It now operates from 3.30 a.m to 1.15 a.m daily.

Interior design was overseen by Studioilse, Ilse Crawford’s design firm; you’ll recognise their work from other Cathay Pacific Lounges worldwide, including Hong Kong and London.  This 849 sqm facility has a capacity for 210 guests, and features signature Cathay touches like a noodle and dim sum bar (freshly prepared, of course- no heated closets here).

Other nice touches include champagne (Moet & Chandon), and this is the only oneworld lounge at Changi Airport with natural light and tarmac views. 

Access to the Cathay Pacific Lounge is available to:

• First or Business Class passengers departing on a Cathay Pacific or oneworld flight
• Cathay Silver, Gold or Diamond members departing on a Cathay Pacific flight in any cabin
• Cathay Gold or Diamond and oneworld Emerald or Sapphire members departing on a Cathay Pacific or oneworld flight in any cabin
• First or Business Class passengers arriving on a oneworld flight with a duration >5 hours and connecting to a same-day (or following day before 6 a.m) oneworld flight in any cabin 

Passengers departing from Terminal 1 can also visit the Cathay Pacific Lounge, provided they don’t mind dealing with the inter-terminal shuttle bus. Per a statement from Changi Airport, you can only board the bus to the “wrong” terminal if you have at least three hours to go before your flight departs. 

Clarified: Transiting between Changi Terminals 1/2/3 and 4

Which other airlines offer ECI? 

Following Cathay Pacific’s return to Jewel ECI, here’s the full list of carriers participating. 

For a detailed guide to the Jewel ECI programme, refer to the post below. 

Guide: Early Check-In at Singapore Changi Airport

Conclusion

Cathay Pacific passengers departing from Changi Airport can once again make use of the Jewel ECI facilities. This allows them to enjoy the full range of shopping and dining options at Jewel, or visit the T1 lounges before making the journey to T4 and onwards to departure. 

This removes the need for a troublesome two-bus journey, though passengers who arrive at the airport outside ECI hours and who still want to do the lounge safari won’t have a choice.