Changi Airport’s passengers are benefiting from greater convenience as more airlines are now offering early check-in. This comes as the strong air travel recovery at Changi continues into 2023.

Since Singapore’s border restrictions were relaxed in April 2022, ten airlines flying from Changi Airport have restarted their early check-in operations. Depending on the airline, passengers can check in as early as 24 hours ahead of their flight. The Early Check-in Lounge located at Jewel Changi Airport offers both self-service check-in and counter-service throughout its daily operating hours from 12 noon to 8pm. 

Travellers who stay in hotels usually need to check out around lunchtime. If they are only flying off in the late afternoon or at night, the early check-in facility gives them the helpful option to come to the airport early to complete their check-in and drop off their bags. Once travel formalities are done, they will have peace of mind and more free time before their flight to explore what Changi and Jewel has to offer.

Jewel offers visitors the unique combination of a ‘great park’ and a ‘great marketplace’, where they can enjoy lush greenery and a plethora of shopping options in a single location.

With over 550 shops and eateries across the entire airport, travellers can stretch their holiday experience right up to their flight departure time. As an added incentive to come early, Changi Airport Group (CAG) gives special perks to passengers using the Jewel Early Check-in Lounge, ranging from buy-1-get-1 free deals to generous discounts at participating shops at Jewel.

Travellers chilling in Changi Lounge before their flight

For travellers who just want to chill out before their flight, directly opposite the Jewel Early Check-in Lounge is the Changi Lounge. This pay-per-use lounge provides an exclusive and comfortable space for passengers to unwind, destress and relax before their flight. Enjoy free-flow light bites, delectable delights as well as a fine selection of favourite brews. For those who want to catch up on a few emails, there is free high-speed wifi and private working areas in the Changi Lounge. Passengers can also recharge with a warm shower or a nap at the snooze area inside the lounge, so they are rejuvenated before the next leg of their journey.

Changi is served by more than 80 airlines, linking Singapore to over 120 cities globally

CAG is looking at expanding the Early Check-in option and continues to talk to more airlines to come onboard.

As of January 2023, the following airlines offer early check-in at Changi:

• AirAsia

• Air France

• Emirates

• Jetstar (selected destinations)

• KLM

• Malaysia Airlines

• Qantas 

• Qatar Airways (selected destinations)

• Scoot (selected destinations)

• Singapore Airlines (selected destinations)

Airlines that CAG spoke to said that there are very tangible benefits to offer early check-in to their passengers. For a start, queues can be reduced at the main check-in rows in the terminals. Travellers will also have greater flexibility and better control of their journey as they can choose when they want to check in and not have the need to lug their luggage around.

Steffi Yee, Manager, Departure Experience, who recently moved to manage tech innovations at CAG, said: “Constantly working to improve the airport experience for passengers is always part of the Changi-DNA. With early check-in, Changi not only strives to deliver a more delightful and stress-free journey for passengers, it also helps the airlines with their processes with better efficiency and smoother operations.”