Can a connection in Singapore airport be too long?
I am looking currently at flights from Darwin, Australia (DRW) to Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV).
There are not many offerings on airline websites for routes between these airports. The itineraries I found have a very long connection in Singapore (SIN) airport, around 18 hours. I don't really mind the long connection, but would wish to remain "airside" and not have to go through immigration/passport-control and "formally enter" the country (Singapore).
What I found is quite a convoluted route, with Singapore Airlines and Finnair through Singapore (SIN) airport and then Helsinki (HEL) airport.
I am wondering whether there would be any issue with staying for 18 hours "airside" in transit in Changi airport in Singapore. Main issues I can think of are:
There will be an issue passing on my baggage when the connection is so long, so I will need to go pass immigration and collect it myself. I could probably travel with carry-on baggage only if that will help.
Maybe there is simply a limit on how long a passenger is allowed to stay "airside" in transit?
Best Answer
Yes! You can stay "airside" if your layover is less than 24h as long as it is the same booking into and out of Changi (assuming you are flying with Singapore Airline). This Will my luggage transfer during an 18h layover in Changi? answer refers to a twitter message by singapore airlines confirming that during an 18h layover at Changi the baggages are checked through to final destination and you don't need to pick them up.
You can even sleep in a hotel "airside"! [Website of airside hotel]
See the testemony from someone who did it here:
During our 8-hour layover in Singapore (arrived at 1AM and left at 9AM), we were able to take advantage of one of the three Ambassador Transit Hotels located within the airport proper. This means that after landing, you don’t need to clear Customs or leave the secure area of the airport. You go from your gate to the hotel and go to sleep. Rooms can be booked in a 6-hour block with a three 1-hour extensions so the max time you can stay is 9 hours.source
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How long can I layover in Singapore?
\u2013 Just present your passport, boarding pass, and e-tickets that show your full itinerary. \u2013 Transit means that you have a layover at the airport that is not more than 24 hours.How long is enough between connecting flights?
Pad Your Schedule for Airport Connections That's why many travelers deliberately pad their schedules by booking a longer layover than the minimum at a connecting hub. Consider allowing at least 60 to 90 minutes for a U.S. domestic connection, and at least two hours for an international connection.What is the minimum connecting time in Singapore?
At least two hours is recommended. Just remain in the transit area. You won't need to clear arrival immigration and check in again for your connecting flight, so you won't need a visa to enter Singapore.How long layover is OK?
Connections of less than an hour usually are possible if everyone in your party is fit and healthy, and you do not have gate-checked items such as a stroller. For peace of mind, particularly when connecting in a large city, try to schedule a layover of at least 60 minutes.My HUGE mistake at JEWEL CHANGI | Exploring SINGAPORE'S CHANGI AIRPORT TERMINALS 2019
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Answer 2
This partially depends on the ticket and airline, so you need to check with your airline(s) directly. Typically it works as follows:
- A connection with less than 24 hours, is a "layover". Your bags will not be returned. You should get the boarding passes for all segments at check-in for the first segment.
- A connection of 24 hours or more is a "stopover", you are expected to pickup your luggage and check in again. That's when you get the boarding pass for the next segment.
- All larger airports are open all night. You can stay airside as long as you like. There is actually a website dedicated to this. For Changhi see: https://www.sleepinginairports.net/asia/singapore.htm
Answer 3
As stated in Timatic, the database used by Airlines:
TWOV (Transit Without Visa): - Holders of confirmed onward tickets for a maximum transit time of 24 hours.
In other words, you can connect airside, with your lugagge checked through, for max 24 hours.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Phyo Hein Kyaw, Adrian Agawin, Andrea Piacquadio, Matthew Simmonds