A Guide To Departing From Changi Airport Smoothly

Planning a trip can be stressful, but knowing what to expect when departing from Changi Airport can help make your journey a breeze. From check-in procedures to security screening, there's a lot to keep in mind. Changi Airport recommends arriving at least two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul flights to ensure a smooth departure process. This gives you ample time to navigate check-in, immigration clearance, and security checks, while also allowing you to explore the airport's attractions, eateries, and relaxation facilities. Staying updated on flight timings and status changes is crucial, and Changi Airport offers various tools, such as digital boards, a mobile app, and a website, to help you stay informed. Additionally, understanding baggage restrictions, prohibited items, and customs procedures will contribute to a seamless departure experience.

Check-in procedures and options

Checking in for your flight at Changi Airport can be done in a variety of ways, including online check-in, early check-in, and regular check-in at the designated counters. Here is a detailed guide to the check-in procedures and options available:

Online Check-In

Online check-in is a convenient option that allows passengers to confirm their presence and select their seats up to 48 hours before their flight. This option is available through your airline's website or mobile app. By checking in online, you can skip the check-in queues at the airport and proceed directly to the bag drop if you have any checked luggage. Most airlines offer this service, but it is recommended to check with your specific airline for availability and requirements. Online check-in allows you to print your boarding pass in advance or collect it at the airport.

Early Check-In

Changi Airport offers an early check-in option at the Jewel Early Check-In Lounge, located on Level 1 of Jewel Changi Airport. This facility is open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:59 PM and serves passengers of various airlines departing from Terminal 1, with specific time frames for each airline. For example, Singapore Airlines offers early check-in from 3 to 24 hours before flight departure, while Cathay Pacific offers it from 3 to 12 hours before departure. This option is particularly useful for passengers with odd-sized luggage, such as golf bags or strollers, who can check in these items at the lounge.

Regular Check-In

The regular check-in process at Changi Airport typically begins about 2 to 3 hours before departure. Most airline check-in counters open at least 3 hours before the flight, and some airlines may offer early check-in services for flights departing in the early morning hours. When checking in, ensure you have all the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport, air ticket or booking confirmation, and visa (if required). Check the Flight Information Display Screens to locate your airline's check-in row. After checking in, proceed to the Departure Transit Hall, where you can enjoy the airport's facilities, shops, and dining options.

Check-In Tips and Requirements

To ensure a smooth check-in process, it is important to be aware of baggage restrictions and security screening requirements. Pack your luggage, including hand-carried items, according to security guidelines. Any liquids, aerosols, or gels must be in containers no larger than 100ml. Keep portable chargers in your hand luggage instead of checking them in. It is recommended to arrive at Changi Airport at least 2 hours before short-haul flights and 3 hours before long-haul flights to allow sufficient time for check-in and other procedures.

Immigration and customs

Changi Airport in Singapore is one of the biggest airports in Southeast Asia and has been voted the world's best airport by major travel websites. It is a well-connected airport that serves millions of passengers daily and flies to thousands of destinations worldwide. The airport is well-equipped with signs and kiosks to guide new visitors and tourists.

If you are an international traveller, you must clear immigration procedures on arrival and departure. Here is some critical information about the immigration and customs process at Changi Airport:

• Arrival Immigration Counter: When you arrive at Changi Airport, follow the signs to the Arrival Immigration counter on the ground floor, which handles immigration clearance.
• Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready for immigration clearance. These include filled-out Embarkation/Disembarkation cards and entry visas or permits, if applicable. If you are travelling from a country with a recent history of epidemics, you will need to provide a medical clearance or doctor's certificate.
• Goods Declaration: If you have no goods to declare, you may pass through the Green Channel. If you have goods to declare, you must use the Red Channel.
• Baggage Claim: Proceed to the baggage claim area designated for your flight to collect your checked-in bags. In case of lost or misplaced baggage, contact the baggage handling section of your airline, and they will arrange to ship the baggage to your address.
• Transit Passengers: If you are transiting through Changi Airport and your airline offers baggage transfer services, you must first clear immigration at the Arrivals section and collect your baggage before proceeding to your next flight from Terminals 1, 2, or 3.
• Automated Clearance System: Changi Airport offers an Enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (EIACS) for quick self-clearing immigration through automated lanes. This system uses biometric technology to read data from your machine-readable passport, which must comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards.
• EIACS Eligibility: The following categories of travellers are eligible for EIACS: Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and passport holders over six years old with fingerprints registered with the ICA; work pass holders with fingerprints registered with the Ministry of Momental. Additionally, passport holders from Hong Kong, Australia, the Republic of China, the United States of America, and Malaysia can enrol with the ICA to avail of the Automated Clearance System.
• EIACS Counters: EIACS counters are located in Terminal 3, Level 2, at the Departure Immigration Hall, and Terminal 4, Level 1, at the Arrival Immigration Hall.
• Departure Immigration: Visitors can utilise the Automated Immigration Clearance System when departing from Changi Airport. The clearance process is similar to the arrival rules, and travellers can clear EIACS with or without enrolling with the ICA.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST): When purchasing goods in Singapore, you must pay GST if the retailer is registered for GST. The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows you to claim a refund of the GST paid on goods purchased from participating retailers if they are taken out of Singapore through Changi Airport or Seletar Airport.
• TRS Eligibility: To be eligible for a GST refund under the TRS, you must be 16 years or older at the time of purchase, not be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, and not be a member of the aircraft crew departing Singapore.
• ETRS Process: The eTRS is a paperless process. Purchases will be linked to your passport, so present it to the retailer when paying to claim your GST refund. There are several GST refund centres at the airport. For checked-in items, the refund must be claimed before checking in for your flight. For hand-carried items, the GST claim must be made during departure transit after clearing immigration.
• GST Refund Process: The actual GST refund amount will be the purchase amount minus any handling fees. Allow sufficient time before your flight for the GST refund to be processed and goods inspected, if necessary. You must obtain endorsement from the Customs Inspection Counter before checking in your goods or departing. After receiving GST refund approval, you must depart within 12 hours.
• Cash Declarations: Any visitor arriving or departing from Changi Airport must report if they are carrying cash or negotiable instruments exceeding S$20,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency). A 'Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments Report' form must be submitted to the Customs officer at the Red Channel on arrival or to the immigration officer upon departure from Singapore. This form is available in multiple languages and can be obtained from the airline counter, immigration counter, or security points.
• Dutiable and Prohibited Items: Be aware of the goods that are duty-free and those subject to tax. If you carry any dutiable items, go through the Red Channel after exiting the Baggage Claim area. You can pay the duty through the Singapore Customs Tax office or the Singapore Customs Mobile App. Failure to declare goods accurately may result in fines or legal consequences.
• Arrival Tax: All goods imported into Singapore are subject to a 7% GST. However, Singapore citizens and permanent residents are exempt from this tax with certain limitations.

By following these guidelines, passengers can efficiently navigate the immigration and customs procedures at Changi Airport and ensure a smooth departure from Singapore.

Baggage restrictions

To ensure a smooth departure from Changi Airport, it is important to be aware of the baggage restrictions and security guidelines. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare:

General Baggage Restrictions:

• For the safety of all passengers, certain items are prohibited or restricted on aircraft, such as firearms, pointed/edged weapons, blunt objects, chemical substances, and corrosive materials.
• Medication and food items for special dietary requirements, including baby formula, are permitted in cabin baggage but must be declared to security personnel and may be subject to additional checks. It is advisable to carry supporting documentation for prescription medication.
• Each airline may have specific baggage restrictions and requirements, so it is essential to check with your airline for any additional guidelines.

Restrictions on Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs):

• In compliance with international guidelines, there are restrictions on the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that can be carried in hand-carried luggage.
• LAGs in containers exceeding 100ml will not be accepted, even if they are only partially filled.
• Place all LAGs in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which must not exceed 1 litre in total. Only one such bag is allowed per passenger and must be presented separately for examination at the security screening point.
• Exemptions are made for baby food and breast milk when travelling with an infant. Other exemptions may be granted with a bona fide doctor's letter, and additional checks may be conducted for the safety of all passengers.
• If travelling to EU airports, including Switzerland, only LAGs in sealed Security Tamper Evident Bags (STEB) purchased within the transit areas of Changi Airport will be allowed onboard due to EU security restrictions.
• Powder-like substances heavier than 350g (or 350ml) are prohibited in hand-carried bags on US-based airlines and non-stop flights to the USA. Larger amounts of powdered substances must be checked in, with certain exceptions like duty-free purchases in STEBs, baby formula, and medication with a doctor's letter.
• If transferring or transiting through other airports, check the restrictions applicable at those airports.

Check-in Procedures:

• It is recommended to arrive at Changi Airport at least two hours before departure for short-haul flights and three hours for long-haul flights to ensure a smooth check-in process.
• Pack all your luggage, including hand-carried luggage, according to the security guidelines.
• Check-in counters typically open at least three hours before flight departure, and some airlines offer early check-in and online check-in options.
• Remember to check in any LAGs that are in containers larger than 100ml. Keep portable chargers in your hand-carried luggage instead of checking them in.
• Upon arrival at the airport, locate your airline's check-in row and approach the counter with your travel documents, including a valid passport, air ticket or booking confirmation, and visa (if required).
• Before leaving the check-in counter, ensure you have the correct boarding pass(es) and that your travel documents are in order.

For a stress-free departure experience, familiarise yourself with the baggage restrictions and security guidelines provided by Changi Airport and your specific airline. Safe travels!

Security screening

Baggage Restrictions

As part of international safety measures, some items are prohibited onboard aircraft. It is the passenger's responsibility to comply with these measures to ensure the safety of all passengers. The list of prohibited items includes but is not limited to:

• Firearms, including replicas and toys
• Pointed/edged weapons or sharp objects, such as multi-purpose tool kits
• Blunt objects like bats, skateboards, or paddles
• Chemical and toxic substances, as well as other dangerous goods
• Corrosive substances, including batteries, mercury, or drain cleaners

Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs)

There are specific restrictions for LAGs in hand-carried luggage. For passengers travelling to EU airports (including Switzerland), only sealed Security Tamper Evident Bags (STEB) bearing the SGP state code and purchased within the transit areas of Singapore Changi Airport will be allowed onboard due to EU security restrictions. For non-EU destinations, the following guidelines apply:

• LAGs in containers exceeding 100ml will not be accepted, even if they are partially filled.
• Place containers (not exceeding a total of 1 litre) in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which must be completely closed.
• Only one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag per passenger is permitted, and it must be presented separately for examination at the security screening point.
• All LAGs that do not meet the above requirements must be disposed of before the security screening point.

Exemptions:

• Baby food and breast milk are exempt if you are travelling with an infant.
• Medication accompanied by a doctor's letter may also be exempt, but it will be subject to further screening.

AI-Assisted Security Screening

Changi Airport is committed to enhancing the speed and accuracy of the security screening process. They are currently trialling the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to improve the passenger experience. The new system, the 'Automated Prohibited Items Detection System' (APIDS), uses AI and ML-based algorithms to automatically identify items deemed security risks, reducing the time needed for operators to scan images manually. This technology improves efficiency and accuracy while reducing the chances of human error.

Timing Recommendations

To ensure a smooth departure process, it is recommended that passengers arrive at Changi Airport at least two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul flights. This allows ample time for check-in, immigration clearance, and security screening. Arriving early also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the various amenities and services Changi Airport offers, such as airport lounges, dining options, gardens, a cinema, and even a swimming pool.

Boarding time and gate

To ensure a smooth check-in process at Changi Airport, it is important to have all the necessary travel documents ready. This includes a valid passport, your air ticket or booking confirmation, and a visa if required by your destination country. Only passengers with valid boarding passes and the aforementioned documents will be allowed to enter the departure and transit areas.

Check-in counters typically open at least three hours before flight departure, and it is recommended that you check in at least two hours before your departure time. Some airlines may also offer early check-in and online check-in. If you check in online, you can choose to arrive at the departure transit hall one hour before flight departure (or 45 minutes if you have no hold baggage).

Once you have checked in, proceed to the departure transit hall, where you can shop, eat, and enjoy the transit facilities. Keep an eye on the flight information display screens within the transit area for updates on your flight and boarding gate. Please note that no boarding calls will be made, so it is important to monitor the screens for this information. Boarding gates open at least one hour before flight departure, and you should be at your boarding gate no later than 30 minutes before departure.

To make your experience even more seamless, you can download the Changi App, which provides real-time flight information, including any changes to your flight schedule. This way, you can stay on top of your travel plans and be notified of any unforeseen delays.

Frequently asked questions