How NOT to spend a layover at Changi

A bottle of Jim Beam... or the world's best layover airport?
creativecommons image norio-nakayama on Flickr

Did you catch this one?

An Australian was charged a tidy sum after climbing onto Changi Airport Sky Train tracks. The low point was the final layover chapter for "Jim Beamed" (not his real name*) after he managed to drink himself into a stupor at a nearby pub while passing time between flights (read the full story).

We find it ironic that the only thing "Jim" could find to do on his layover at Changi was to hail a cab for a ride to the nearest pub. Singapore Changi International Airport was perhaps won more awards than any other airport in the world, and offers so much to do that it is a traveller's dream.

If Mr. Beam ever visits Changi Airport again ~ if they let him ~ we offer these alternatives:


Hang out with the koi
creativecommons image srikumar on Flickr

Catch a game
creativecommons image rabunwarna on Flickr

Chill with your own cone of silence
creativecommons image tetsuji0105 on Flickr

Catch 40 winks
creativecommons image mikecogh on Flickr

Treat yourself to some zen time
creativecommons image wynnie on Flickr

• Take the airport's free city layover tour (tour details)
• Go swimming in the Terminal 1 rooftop pool (why taking a layover dip rocks)
• Kinetic Rain, a moving sculpture billed as the world's largest kinetic sculpture 
• Walk the nature trail to see the butterfly garden, cactus garden, fern garden, orchid garden, koi pond, sunflower and light garden, fragrant garden, bamboo garden (there are lots of soothing places to sit back and relax, but no Jim Beam!)
• Find one of the free rest areas and snag one of the specially-designed snooze chairs! 


• Spend a few hours in an Ambassador Transit Lounge (Terminals 1, 2 and 3) - you'll find a gym, hair salon, massage, nap rooms and showers 
• Or pop into a Plaza Premier Lounge for a more basic gym and shower set-up
• Catch a flick at the movie theatre (Terminal 2) 
• Get some work done in one of the 24 hour business centres (Terminals 1, 2 and 3)
• Track down one of the airport's Xbox systems 
• See if there is any Live lounge music being performed (available at times)
• Locate a SingTel or Starhub payphone to take advantage of unlimited free local calls 
• Go shopping - it's endless, and there's even a Changi Rewards Card
• Check out the Aviation gallery 
• Chill in one of the Prayer rooms (all terminals) 
• If Jim was up for an adventure, he could have sought out local food the staff canteen at level 3M of the carpark next to Terminal 2 

*We couldn't resist...

Related resources
Australian jailed for trespassing onto Changi Airport Sky Train tracks while drunk
Mastering the long layover - Singapore and Changi Airport
Roundtrip layover tours from airports
Take a dip on your layover
Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN) transportation guide

Layover PaxEx: the FREE airport transit tour

What to Do With Your Next Long Airport Layover - Free Layover Tours

NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Killing time during a long airport layover is never easy, or fun. Between the uncomfortable airport chairs and less than appetizing food options, not to mention the noise, exhaustion and boredom - it's an experience ranking somewhere between root canals and filing taxes. Many travelers are unaware, however, that airports around the world offer free layover tours, excursions that whisk you out of the airport to popular tourist attractions, for which all transportation and logistics are conveniently handled by someone other than you. (In other words - a mini vacation and you will be back in time for your connecting flight.) [... continue reading on The Street]

We were honoured to be interviewed by Mia Taylor, the journalist who researched and wrote the above piece, published today on TheStreet.com. And are definitely thrilled to be quoted in The Street!

We are big fans of the free layover tour, so we've updated our blog post, Roundtrip Layover Tours from Airports, with more of the tours cited in this article, as well as private tours you can purchase.

What about you? Have you taken a free airport layover tour? Please share your experience below, or on Twitter using the hashtag #FreeLayoverTour.

Read the full story on The Street
Follow The Street on Twitter: @TheStreet
Follow Mia Taylor on Twitter: @Luxewritergirl

Related resources
Airport Dining Worthy of a Long Layover
Airline VIP Lounges that Wow
Roundtrip Layover Tours from Airports - UPDATED