Plane Spotting at Changi

FredG SG

Hello.

I will be in transit at Changi in mid August and was wondering whether spotting is permitted and if so, from where?

I'll be on Singapore Airlines en route from London to Adelaide and will have approx 5 hours there, between 18.00 and 23.30 I believe.

Also, what time does it get dark there?

Thanks.

SQ22 SG

I'm not sure what plane-spotting means technically, but if you're referring to gawking at planes other than from the terminal buildings, then yes and no.

Yes, it's possible to catch the planes during takeoff and landing from the perimeter fence. Usually we drive up to one of the emergency gates and hang around there. You can get really awesome views of the gigantic monsters of planes. Plus, the noise is really deafening, but it all adds to the experience.

The downside is that it is illegal to crowd around the emergency gates for obvious reasons. I've been chased away by police at least once, but most of the time, nobody bothers you. Smile Just don't visit the gate next to the airport fire station.

Just grab a cab and get the driver to bring you to Changi Coast Road. Make sure he stays there throughout your adventure, or you'd have problems getting back to the terminal.

SQ22

FredG SG

Yeah - gawking at planes about sums it up I'm afraid.

I'll be in transit though, not leaving the airport at all. Is there a rooftop terrace or similar?

SQ22 SG

There is a Viewing Gallery in each of the two terminal buildings. Unfortunately, these are public areas and are out of reach to the average transit passenger. I'm not sure if the Transit Lounges have designated areas for plane-viewing, but even if they do, I guess the views wouldn't be as great as those at the Viewing Galleries (just to give you an idea, each of the viewing galleries takes up almost the entire top floor of the building, and Changi Airport terminals are looooong). As for rooftop viewing, I'm not sure about that. Have you tried seeking help from CAAS? Visit www.caas.gov.sg and drop them a mail.

PS: Why don't you go through immigration and spend your 5 hours outside the airport? Is there some concern with visa requirements?

SQ22

eurofighter SG

Is Changi VIllage closed already? Thought of doing some plane spotting somewhere in changi which offers spectacular views of planes.

service_238 SG

I last heard that Changi Village Rd is guarded by Police Personnel. This means you cant spot planes there. Sad

eurofighter SG

Is there any other ideal places to plane-spot? Thanks!

9v-sva SG

there are 2 open air decks airside. one in T1, one in T2. look for the "smokers" terrace or whatever crap they call it. Think the T2 one is known as Sunflower Terrace or something.

FredG SG

Originally posted by SQ22:

PS: Why don't you go through immigration and spend your 5 hours outside the airport? Is there some concern with visa requirements?

SQ22[/b]

No real reason, however I'll be with my family so I don't want to go swanning off and leave them in the airport.