Lounge Review: Qantas International Business Lounge (Terminal 1) - Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

As someone who is based in Singapore, I have found it difficult to fly with oneworld Carriers when I am traveling around the region - Singapore Airlines is always the go-to choice since it offers plenty of direct flights throughout the day, and even though I lost my PPS Club status in April this year, having KrisFlyer Gold still gives me decent perks like priority baggage, lounge access (which is honestly pretty sad when departing from Changi Airport) and complimentary seat selection. As part of the Instant Status Pass promotion last month, I got upgraded to AAdvantage Platinum Pro® status (oneworld Emerald) for being a World of Hyatt Globalist member. On a recent trip to Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia Airlines, I decided to drop by the Qantas International Business Lounge in Terminal 1 before my flight. 

Entrance to Lounge
Qantas International Business Lounge (Terminal 1) - Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

Even though I was traveling on Malaysia Airlines in Economy Class, my oneworld Emerald (OWE) status allowed me to access the Qantas International Business Lounge in Terminal 1. With the OWE status, I was also eligible to access the Qantas Singapore First Lounge but it only opens from 3:30 PM daily (and my flight departed around the same time). The designated lounge for Malaysia Airlines premium cabin passengers is the SATS Premier Lounge in Terminal 2 but you can hop on the Skytrain to Terminal 1 and access the much more superior Qantas International Business Lounge. Apart from having OWE status, you may also access this lounge if you are flying in Business Class on a oneworld carrier, or have oneworld Sapphire status. 

Main Seating Area and Bar
Qantas International Business Lounge (Terminal 1) - Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

My last visit to this lounge was back in 2019 when I flew from Singapore to Brisbane on Qantas Business Class. As mentioned earlier, I tend to fly with Singapore Airlines due to convenience and familiarity, and even on my recent trips with Japan Airlines (a oneworld alliance carrier), I chose to visit the Qatar Airways Singapore Premium Lounge instead. The operating hours for the Qantas International Business Lounge in Singapore is definitely something you should check before deciding to drop by - my flight was on Thursday and it opens from 7:40 AM to midnight which makes it easy to visit but at the time of writing, these are the operating hours of the lounge:

• Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 1:50 PM to Midnight

• Tuesday and Sunday: 7:40 AM to 10:00 AM | 1:50 PM to Midnight

• Thursdays: 7:40 AM to Midnight

Main Seating Area
Qantas International Business Lounge (Terminal 1) - Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

Thursdays are definitely the best days to visit the Qantas International Business Lounge in Singapore if you are planning to spend some time in it. It is definitely worthwhile to check when the check-in desks open (typically three hours before your flight's scheduled time of departure) but you can always use the Early Check-in facilities at Jewel if you are departing on an eligible oneworld carrier. Since I was departing on Malaysia Airlines, the check-in only opens three hours prior to departure but if you wish, you may choose to utilise the ECI facilities at Jewel to check in earlier on the same calendar day from as early as 8:00 AM. 

View from Lounge
Qantas International Business Lounge (Terminal 1) - Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

The Qantas International Business Lounge at Terminal 1 doesn't offer much of a view, as it faces the public area of the terminal. However, the presence of natural daylight is always a welcome feature in any airport lounge. During my visit, the lounge was mostly empty, but one of the staff members approached me to inform me that taking photos with a professional camera requires special approval, and I was only permitted to use my mobile phone for photography. While she wasn't unpleasant, I found it a bit odd, especially considering the lounge was empty, and it didn't seem to make much of a difference in the grand scheme of things.

Wines on Offer
Qantas International Business Lounge (Terminal 1) - Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

My favorite feature of the Qantas International Business Lounge is definitely the bar, with its impressive selection of wines. While Champagne isn’t offered, the Australian sparkling wine available is surprisingly good. Unlike the SilverKris Lounge, where only two bottles of Champagne are available at the self-serve area (even during peak hours), the Qantas Lounge has six bottles on ice. I finished an entire bottle myself, and it was promptly replaced by staff, despite the lounge being nearly empty. I appreciate that they maintain this high standard without cutting costs on small details, focusing instead on delivering a quality customer experience.

Beverage Menu
Qantas International Business Lounge (Terminal 1) - Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

The Qantas International Business Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport offers a comparable experience to the SilverKris Lounge in Terminal 3, but with a few distinctions. Having visited the SilverKris Lounge numerous times, I find it decent overall - good food and Champagne certainly help - but it is often crowded and can feel somewhat sterile. In contrast, the Qantas Lounge felt like a refreshing change, perhaps because I’ve only been there fewer than five times in the past decade. I enjoyed the quiet atmosphere and appreciated the impressive wine selection, which was conveniently accessible in both the dining and main seating areas, making refills easy.

Dining Area
Qantas International Business Lounge (Terminal 1) - Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

A large section of the lounge has been thoughtfully designated as a dining area, complete with tables and chairs ideal for enjoying meals and sharing food. I appreciate the natural light that filters in from the side, even though there isn't much of a view to speak of. It makes a big difference compared to dining in airport lounges that have more of a food court atmosphere (and I’m sure you know which lounge I’m referring to at Changi Airport).

Dining Area
Qantas International Business Lounge (Terminal 1) - Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

Candidly speaking, if you're a traveler who enjoys local delights—especially hawker favorites like hokkien mee, prawn noodles, or chwee kueh—the SilverKris Lounge would likely be more to your taste, as it offers a more localized dining experience. On the other hand, if you prefer fresh ingredients and indulgent desserts, the Qantas Lounge might be a better fit for you. Personally, I love local food, which is often reflected in my Book The Cook choices during flights. That said, I’m also open to a Western menu, as long as the food is delicious.

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In addition to the usual carb-heavy options, this lounge offers a variety of fresh and healthier choices. While I truly enjoy traveling and spending time in airport lounges, I’ve noticed that it can take a toll on my health since I often find myself overindulging in food and drinks. Perhaps it’s the mindset of trying to maximize the value of my time here, but it's important to remember that all the effort you put into maintaining a healthy lifestyle shouldn’t be undone by overindulgence. Moderation, even in luxury, is key.

Lunch
Qantas International Business Lounge (Terminal 1) - Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

For travelers who enjoy a pre-flight drink, you'll be glad to know that bottles of wine are readily available throughout the self-serve area in the dining room. Rather than having all beverages centralised at the bar, you can easily pour yourself a glass of wine—or grab a quick refill—at your convenience, even while dining. If you’re in the mood for a crafted cocktail or a barista-made coffee, you’ll need to visit the main bar, but it’s nice to have such accessible options for a more relaxed experience (especially if you do not wish to make small talk).

Signature Laksa
Qantas International Business Lounge (Terminal 1) - Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

For those travelers who cannot resist posting a pre-flight airport lounge laksa on their Instagram Story (guilty as charged), the Qantas International Business Lounge in Terminal 1 has you covered. In fact, I would go as far as to say that I prefer this version over the one served at the SilverKris Lounge, as the gravy here is richer and more flavorful.

Seating Area
Qantas International Business Lounge (Terminal 1) - Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

The Qantas International Business Lounge is arguably the best oneworld Sapphire lounge at Changi Airport. I visited this lounge years ago when I lived in Australia and frequently flew with Qantas (mainly for the savings), and returning after so long has been a refreshing reminder of just how excellent it is. While I do wish it operated earlier in the day throughout the week, I understand the operational costs involved and why the airline has chosen its current schedule.

Main Area
Qantas International Business Lounge (Terminal 1) - Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

I’m looking forward to visiting the Qantas Singapore First Lounge soon, thanks to my oneworld Emerald status. However, I have noticed reports online of non-Qantas passengers being turned away and redirected to the Qantas International Business Lounge due to capacity concerns, even when the lounge appears quite empty. Regardless, I’m glad to have access before my upcoming flights to Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia Airlines.