24 Hours In Changi Not A Problem But How About 96 Hours?

This crazy idea came to me when I was thinking about my up-and-coming four day trip to Singapore. Could I perhaps forego the reason why I’m travelling there and spend that time inside the terminals at Changi Airport instead?

We know there are some long layovers at airports, but for some Australian travellers, in particular those travelling to and from Adelaide with Singapore Airlines, like me, this happens quite a lot. Especially the all-day layover when arriving early morning in Singapore from Europe and then departing (on the same day) at 23:35 on flight SQ279. This can entail layovers of approximately 18 hours either spent at the airport or a quick trip to a city hotel. We know Changi is a great airport for layovers and one can spend 24 hours there comfortably, but what about 48, 72 or 96 hours? Can it be done and is it possible?

You might be thinking who’d want to stay in an airport that long? Remember the movie The Terminal? The one starring Tom Hanks? Where he lived at New York’s JFK Airport for a while? The movie was inspired by the true story of a man that lived at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris for over ten years. So it can be done and it is possible to remain (willingly or unwillingly) airside in an airport for an unlimited time, albeit within reason as one would need to have the funds to pay for the stay or have someone take care of things.

Airports do have the amenities to cover long layovers: transit hotels and other accommodation, food halls, lounges, toilets and showers and various kinds of shopping available (clothes, travel gear, pharmacies, electrical devices, food, etc.). Singapore’s Changi has all of these and more; throw in a small cinema and an open-air swimming pool which are both free. So it wouldn’t be hard or impossible to spend an extra few days confined there. Locals swear by it. Even more so since the introduction of Jewel several years ago. It’s no wonder Changi is consistently voted one of the best airports in the world. It’s a destination in its self.

What would a stay like this be good for? Perhaps for a status run – those flights people do to retain their status with an airline, usually to earn the miles or points to get over that threshold. The length of these trips can be extremely short, so a stay at an airport wouldn’t be out of the question. It would definitely save time, money possibly too.

If I didn’t want to go into Singapore I could probably do it for a couple of days. Four days, not sure. Would it be worth it or would the cost be prohibitive? Airports usually are more expensive when it comes to accommodation and food. Only plus is you are there and don’t require any extra travel out and in. You don’t even need to pass through immigration and passport control as you are in transit.

This was just a thought. Even if it was for a status run I would think hard about it. Even in Singapore I would rather go into the city. The accommodation would be cheaper and the same with eating at hawker centres. Besides I could go anywhere else without that feeling of being confined in a terminal like Tom Hanks.

For more information on the amenities, events and promotions at Changi check out the Changi Airport website.

Update: Layovers for travellers from Adelaide have shorten on some days as Singapore Airlines have changed their 2025 schedule for flights to and from Adelaide to Singapore. Check flight schedules on the Singapore Airlines website.