Singapore Airlines operates out of Changi Airport Terminals 2 and 3, and while the SilverKris Lounges in Terminal 3 are shiny and new, the ones in Terminal 2 are showing their age, to put it mildly.
These lounges were last renovated more than a decade ago, and they can’t possibly be expected to go the distance till the mid-2030s, when Singapore Airlines consolidates all its operations under one roof at Terminal 5.
Singapore Airlines Changi Airport lounges: Is Terminal 2 or 3 better?
So I’ve long been expecting the airline to make an announcement regarding renovations, and as it turns out, it’s already been done– though not so much a renovation as a refurbishment.
When flying out of T2 a few days ago, I dropped by the SilverKris Lounge and was pleasantly surprised to find that both the First Class and Business Class section have received new furniture, along with expanded seating capacities, additional charging ports and a couple more frills.
While the underlying architecture remains unchanged, the updated furnishings lift the ambiance considerably, and if you have access to the First Class section, you’ll be pleased to know that a quiet area with slumberettes has been added.
It’s certainly not a reason to choose the T2 lounges over the modern comforts of T3, but if you find the latter too chaotic during peak hours, the former is now a much more pleasant alternative.
Singapore Airlines refurbishes Terminal 2 SilverKris Lounges
Singapore Airlines hasn’t provided any official notification regarding the refurbishment of its Terminal 2 lounges, but a spokesperson provided the following statement.
| ๐ฌ SIA Statement |
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In any case, here’s the main differences I noticed during my visit.
SilverKris First Class Lounge
Seating
The First Class section of the SilverKris Lounge previously sported dated armchairs in red and grey tones.
These have now been replaced with new furniture that better matches the design language of the T3 lounges, with burnt orange and grey leather finishes. If you have a bad back, like I do, you’ll also appreciate the fact that the burnt orange armchairs have a noticeably higher backrest, which provides additional support.
Charging outlets
One big frustration with the previous SilverKris Lounge was the relative unavailability and inaccessibility of charging outlets. While there were a few universal power plugs with Type-A and Type-C USB charging ports, they were either located near the ground, which required bending down to access them…
…or were placed in strange locations, partially obscured by furniture or running along a wall with no seating.
That’s now been rectified with the addition of new side tables with a faux marble finish and built-in outlets at waist level. These are better placed and accessible without having to bend.
It’s not a 100% replacement, as some of the old no-power side tables remain. But on the whole, you’ll be able to find an outlet much more easily than before.
Dining area
The previous dining area sported dining chairs with burnt orange cushions and wooden backs.
These have been replaced with newer models featuring a tan leather finish. The booth area has also received some new upholstery, though the dining tables remain the same.
Quiet area
Perhaps the most welcome addition is found at the rear of the lounge. This area previously consisted of four nondescript armchairs facing a TV, with the pre-COVID business centre blocked off by a row of potted plants.
Now the number of seats here has been increased significantly to 15, including two leather-clad recliners.
More importantly, the potted plants have been removed and the business centre transformed into a quiet area with four Rolf Benz slumberette pods.
Each pod is semi-private, with noise-dampening partitions and a side table with power outlets and USB ports. It’s basically the same setup as that which you’d find in the Business Class lounge in Terminal 3 (the First Class lounge in Terminal 3 has four fully-enclosed private nap rooms with bed and work desk).
Pods are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, with no reservations required or accepted. Blankets and pillows can be requested from the lounge staff.
SilverKris Business Class Lounge
Seating
The Business Class section of the SilverKris Lounge used to be row upon row of similar-looking armchairs, with wooden side tables separating them.
Just like in the First Class lounge, the old furniture has now made way for more contemporary equivalents matching what you’ll find in T3. Partitions with frosted glass and bronze finishes have also been added in places.
It’s not a complete replacement, as some of the old furniture still hangs around. It makes for a strange visual contrast, but perhaps Singapore Airlines is waiting for new shipments to fully replace the old guard.
To add extra seating capacity, the wall that previously marked the boundary of the lounge has been knocked down, and an additional annex created. All the furniture in this section is brand new.
Charging outlets
Previously, there was a smattering of universal power plugs with Type-A and Type-C USB charging ports, sandwiched between selected armchairs at foot level.
Those hollowed-out wooden tables have now been replaced by the newer side tables with built-in charging outlets (no wireless charging, though).
Again, it’s not a 100% change, as some of the legacy marble tables remain, so you’ll want to pick your seat carefully to ensure you have easily accessible charging.
Dining area
The dining area used to have a communal marble dining table and several two-tops. While the two-tops provided more privacy for couples, it also meant a shortage of seating, forcing many guests to take their food in the seating areas with ergonomically-awkward side tables.
The revised layout replaces the two-tops with a series of communal tables, each seating eight guests.
Meeting room
The previous lounge used to have a children’s room with a TV and some pint-sized transparent plastic furniture.
That’s now given way to more business-focused needs, with the room converted into a meeting space with a round marble table and space for four guests.
No more Tiger on tap
I didn’t really know where to put this, but I figured I’d mention it for those who care about this sort of thing: the SilverKris Lounge used to have a Tiger beer tap. That has now been replaced with Crossroads beer, a Singapore-based craft beer brand.
I know next to nothing about beer, so chime in if you’re qualified to comment.
What hasn’t changed?
I was hoping to see some productivity pods added to the First and Business Class section, and I suspect that might yet happen as it’s not a particularly difficult task.
But what can’t be changed are some of the core shortcomings of the T2 lounges:
- The showers are still located within the main restrooms, and not all have en suite toilets
- The Business Class section lacks windows and natural light
- The Business Class section has no room for a bar or live cooking stations
- The Business Class section does not have a separate quiet area for napping
- F&B in the T2 lounges will not be as varied as T3, owing to space constraints (for instance, the First Class live cooking station offers more options in T3 than T2)
I don’t see an easy way to rectify any of this, quite frankly, so those who want such comforts will have to head over to T3.
Full review: Singapore Airlines Changi Airport Lounges
I’ve written detailed reviews of all seven Singapore Airlines lounges at Changi Airport, including The Private Room and KrisFlyer Gold Lounges not mentioned in this article.
Obviously the T2 articles will now need some updating, and I have plans to do that in the near future- stay tuned!
| โ๏ธ SIA Lounges at Changi Airport | |
| Terminal 2 | Terminal 3 |
| No equivalent |  The Private RoomReview |
| SKL First Class Review |
 SKL First ClassReview |
| SKL Business Class Review |
 SKL Business Class Review |
 KrisFlyer GoldReview |
 KrisFlyer GoldReview |
Conclusion
Singapore Airlines has given its tired Terminal 2 lounges a much-needed refresh, swapping out the old furniture for more contemporary equivalents matching the Terminal 3 design language. Seating capacity has also been expanded, with a new annex created in the Business Class section, and denser seating in the dining area.
Visitors to the First Class lounge can now enjoy a dedicated quiet area with slumberettes, though it’s not as lux as the nap rooms in T3.
This obviously isn’t the wholesale renovation some were hoping for, but is a definite improvement on the status quo. I personally would still default to the T3 lounge where possible, but those who prefer peace and quiet over latest and greatest will find the T2 lounges to be a more viable alternative now.
What do you make of the Terminal 2 lounge refurbishments?
Did I notice correctly that they no longer have the Perrier cans in the fridges? Or was it temporarily out of stock? Hopefully not a permanent cut. This was in J class T3 lounge yesterday. Only Schweppes brand was stocked.
yes i noticed this too yesterday in T3
can’t speak to perrier, but there was a time where the mini bottles of evian in the FCL were replaced by paper cartons of ice mountain. thankfully that only lasted for a couple of weeks before the evian came back
our office pantry faces the same situation, it seems evian and perrier sparkling water supplies sometimes run out of stock (on the brand’s side) and we get replacement brands for 1-2 weeks.
Our default is evian and when that is out, we get perrier, followed by other brands if both those are unavailable.
How’s the comfort and usability of the new furniture compared to the old?
The narrow armed, armchairs, may not offer much arm support?
i find it pretty decent! do wish they had productivity pods though.