A study by Visa back in 2015 pointed out that Singaporeans are one of the most-travelled population. I mean, it’s obvious that we travel way too often. Even someone like me, who hates flying (but does it anyway), travelled a few times in these past two years. The study showed that in the past two years, 96% of Singaporeans have travelled abroad, which is much higher than Asia Pacific (84%) and Global average (76%). Pretty amazing, Singapore.
With our high number of travels, how many of us actually make an effort to check-in to the flight early? Actually, in the first place, why should we check-in early anyway?
A few reasons.
1. Too many rely on calming down during the flight itself
So many of us have ever ended up reaching Changi Airport at the last second – right before the gate closes. And we always swore to never again repeat such a lame excuse for punctuality; which doesn’t work, because we’ll continue check-in later than we should. Consequently, we always rely on the long flight to calm us down from all the panicky moments, the anxiousness and physical exhaustion from running for what seems like a marathon (honestly, Changi Airport somehow becomes twice its original size when you’re late and in a hurry to the gate).
Image credits | celebuzz.com
Anyway, the idea is, we should be calm even before boarding the plane or risk feeling a blanket of anxiety falling over you. Many travellers have transcended their flight anxieties after a couple of flights out, however, if you’re someone like me, getting over your anxiety might be a little less easy. Thus, always make sure to slow down your heartbeat but staying calm before heading up the plane and drink lots of water. It’s way better to keep visiting the toilet in the plane than to have an anxiety breakdown, trust me.
2. Do something cool
As with every young people at the airport, creating something in the airport in hopes of making it viral is pretty much the name of the game. Stop taking pictures of your flight tickets and do something more original instead. Here are some examples:
3. Forced to pack early
Across the board, everyone that had ever travel would have procrastinated one thing – packing the luggage. For some mystifying reason, this procrastination is rampant and unchanging. Singaporeans who are about to travel WILL leave the packing to an hour before heading to the airport.
Checking in earlier ensures you do not start packing your luggage right before you head out and even if you’ve forgotten essential items, you’ve still got a few hours left to buy them. Sometimes, the only way for us to learn from our past is to force ourselves with deadlines!
Ok, from here on out, we’re going to look at Changi Airport’s secrets. With three terminals built and terminal four in the works, bumping into surprising, new places is inevitable!
4. Watch a blockbuster at the cinema!
Image credit | nbcnews.com
Checking-in earlier also means that you’ll be able to watch blockbuster screenings at the cinemas located at terminal 2 and 3! The different cinemas in different terminals screen different movies, so it’ll help a whole lot to check the schedules here.
Sure, the cinema doesn’t screen the latest movies as with the box offices, but if you’re looking for a time-wasting activity without being too bored, the cinema is probably the best. Besides, it’s probably the best group activity!
Here’s where it is:
Terminal 2 cinema (Level 3, Transit)
Terminal 3 cinema (Level 3, Transit)
5. Cool down before the flight
Image cedits| changiairport.com
Another great thing is definitely the Balinese-styled pool at terminal 1. Yes, terminal 1 may be old but it sure is a precious terminal! The swimming pool’s entry fee is SGD 17.00 and you’ll receive a bathing towel as well as a bottle of water. If you’re headed to beach destinations like Gold Coast or Bali and had already packed your swimming kit in your luggage, be sure to go for a celebratory swim at Changi Airport’s swimming pool where you’ll relax amongst the scenic view of planes taking off!
Don’t worry about your luggage – there’s a locker!
Here’s where it is: Level 3, Transit
6. Visit the Butterfly Garden
Image credits | delectant.com
Pretty amazing how Changi Airport is able to integrate zoological elements into its attractions. Who would have thought that a butterfly garden could exist within the premises of an airport? Well, it seems Changi Airport Group had made something improbable a reality. Quite an amazing feat.
In any case, the butterfly garden is an enclosed garden at T3 with its own makeshift waterfall. And quite frankly, the supposed waterfall looks stunning bearing in mind that we’re still in Changi Airport. So should you make time by checking in for your flight early to have a walk in the garden? TOTALLY. It’s beautiful. At the same time, the garden is still overlooking the runway and you’ll still be able to watch as the planes go by.
Smart CAG to make the planes a visible attraction no matter where the passengers are!
Here’s where it is: Level 3, Transit
7. Have a competition at the gaming area
Xbox Kinect, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 consoles are all available in one location! Drag your friends or families to this little part of T2 (right beside the movie theatre) and have a go at beating everyone at the various games available.
Image credits | changiairport.com
8. 4Fingers
Image credits | ahsoh.sg
Fried chicken is a pre-flight ritual that I’ll never ever give up, and 4Fingers satisfies this requirement really, really well. Located in the basement of T3, the KFC joint is quite a luxury for unhealthy chums like me!
The point is, a lot of us tend to reach the airport really late, which means no food before the long flight. And you know how unappetizing the onboard menu food is right? Every fast food joint and hawker food store are available at Changi Airport so the only thing you need to do is CHECK IN EARLY.
9. Explore
Image credits | commons.wikimedia.org
Changi Airport is built on a 13-kilometre-square plot of land and you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll be able to find yourself some kind of wondrous magic somewhere around the area. I mean, it’s basically bigger than NTU, NUS and SMU combined!
If there is a secret canteen that was only recently found out (which isn’t secret to me, having been there since I was small *flips hair*), I bet there are all kinds of secret bases and rooms scattered around the airport!
In any case, if the thought of checking in to your flight makes you want to travel, ShopBack can fix you with awesome deals! Book your flight tickets with Expedia and Zuji and you’ll receive attractive Cashback!
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Top Image: Sorbis / Shutterstock.com
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