Can I wait airside ~2.5h after arrival to meet a travel companion from another destination?
I am flying from Düsseldorf to Singapore where I am meeting my traveling companion coming from Christchurch, arriving about 2 1/2 hours after me.
My Question: Can I wait airside for my girlfriend to arrive and meet her before immigrating? Will this cause additional issues at immigration and customs? I will only have carry-on luggage.
Best Answer
For clarity, there is no global Answer to this question because, as noted, it depends greatly on the local circumstances. However, Singapore is somewhat special in that there are no domestic flights so the entire terminal is on the other side of Immigration and 'Security' is essentially at the gate. So, 'airside' is conceptually different there as opposed to say London or Hong Kong.
When arriving, you will be directed away from the Gate's Departure Lounge and into the main Terminal which is essentially all a Transit area. You can wait for her there.
When the GF arrives, you won't be able to get right up to the gate, but close enough depending on the configuration.
There's more information in the edit history, I just don't remember enough right now and won't be able to refresh for ~4 months.
Pictures about "Can I wait airside ~2.5h after arrival to meet a travel companion from another destination?"
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Maria Orlova, JESHOOTS.com, Gustavo Fring, Gustavo Fring