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The World's Fanciest Airport Just Added a Crown Jewel

April 17, 2019
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3 min read
JewelChangiAirport_08
The World's Fanciest Airport Just Added a Crown Jewel
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The world's best airport is getting even fancier. The 10-story Jewel Changi Airport complex finally opened at Singapore's namesake airport (SIN) Wednesday. The 1.46-million-sq.-ft. retail development directly connects to the arrivals hall of Terminal 1, and is just a five-to-10-minute walk from Terminals 2 and 3 via air-conditioned moving walkways. And although the space is intended primarily for airport visitors, anyone can access the Jewel, as it's located outside of immigration and security regions.


The glass-and-steel Jewel was born out of the airport's need to expand Terminal 1 and parking capacity, and reflects the lavish opulence for which Singapore is renowned. Multiple "park" areas boast lush tropical greenery to refresh travel-weary passersby, including more than 100,000 shrubs and over 2,000 trees and palms surrounding the development's 280 shops and restaurants. The 131-foot indoor waterfall, called the Rain Vortex, is the world's tallest indoor waterfall, although the structure will be eclipsed by the 164-foot Qingdao Eden waterfall in China which debuts in 2020.

The top floors of the Jewel feature a skylight ceiling for abundant natural light, while some walkways feature glass floors. The Mesh Nets, opening June 10, offer adventurous travelers the chance to experience the "indescribable sensation of lightness" by walking across sturdy netting suspended 82 feet above the air.

Dining options range from Singapore's famed street food to world-class international cuisine, while stores offer a variety of shopping experiences, from local brands to global designers.

Travelers will be able to free up their hands for exploring by taking advantage of early check-in privileges currently offered by 26 airlines, including flagship carrier Singapore Airlines, with more participating partners anticipated in weeks to come. (Even if your particular airline doesn't offer early check-in, you can still go hands-free by dropping off your bags at the designated Left Baggage counters on Level 1, which operates 24 hours a day.)

The Jewel Changi Airport is also home to a brand-new YotelAIR, the brand's first hotel in Asia. The rooms, or "cabins", are inspired by first-class aircraft design, and include rainfall showerheads and adjustable SmartBeds, which fold from couch to double bed.

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Photo courtesy of YotelAIR.

Reflecting its location and the Singapore airport's 24/7 reputation, the hotel's 130 cabins will be available at both a standard day rate and an hourly rate, starting at ~$59 USD for up to four hours — perfect for a nap during a layover. Hourly reservations can be made directly through the hotel by emailing singaporechangi.reservations@yotel.com. The largest cabins are the Family size, which can accommodate up to four guests in one room.

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.