[settersred]

Hi again.
I have not been on here for a while as we have been busy selling our house and moving into rented. Now done thankfully. :clap
We are hoping to visit in Feb, But as I have never been on a plane before :uhoh I need some advice.
Where do you go to find the cheapest flight? Can I get a flight with an open return date? And I seem to recall reading on here about being able to rent a room in the airport hotel at Singapore, Is this true and if so how?
Any advice would be much apreciated.
Oh! and is the weather down Christchurch really that dyer? Hopefully summer would have arrived by Feb!!

[Babette & Andy]

Hi Settersred,
Exciting year ahead for you guys, full of new experiences. If you do some searches you should easily find some threads relating to booking cheapes flight options.

Booking on the Internet tends to give you the cheapest options, but as far as I'm aware you do need to put return dates in. We booked online with singapore airlines, who last Feb/Mar had some great rates. With stop over at Changi airport (Transit hotel in both terminals, Terminal 1 has a swimmingpool too). We opted for a longer stay this time (as we were migrating not on holiday and we had to wait for our container to catch up with us anyway).

Also there are a number of specialist operators such as: Austravel, Trailfinders & Travelbag who offer very good rates, packages and ofcourse advise. They all have websites too.

Hope this helps a bit.

Babette

[Hannah]

I know this probably sounds unlikely, but we did internet searches and on three separate occasions Thomas Cook's travel shop in town came up with cheapest flights (albeit only a few quid cheaper - however, it's great being able to see the person who is selling the ticket and being able to pop in shop and ask questions etc).
We booked 6 mths in advance first time, a year in advance second time and this time around 4 mths in advance so maybe this helped. Not sure they would be so cheap if we were looking for flights more imminently.

We were flexible with flight dates, and airlines. Our only stipulation was only one stop and ideally a short one (2 hrs, not 10 hrs!). And not LAX (after stopping there first time and vowing never again!!).

I have to say our local Thomas Cook lady spent up to 2 hours on each occasions searching for flights for us - each time i came home and searched on internet myself and couldn't beat the prices.

good luck to you all, hope your plans go well ! It feels great once those tickets are booked - makes it so much more real!
hannah

[Hannah]

PS we asked for a one year ticket with one 'free change'. This meant we booked a return date but had the option to change the dates once without a charge. in fact we changed date twice and were not charged. We asked for this as we booked nearly a year in advance and the later return dates were not available, hence we booked for a return date a month after flying and then rung up AFTER we had flown to change it (they won't let you change outgoing date without charge, and you cannot change return date until after you have taken outbound flight). Need to make sure your ticket is long enough to accept that later date change though (some tickets are 'one month', 'six month' or 'one year' tickets - if you have a one month ticket you must return in one month)
hannah

[stu70]

I am sure there are many routes one can take to get to NZ dipsydoodling along the way. I would personally refrain from traveling via LA (anywhere US)though. You, as an immigrant have pile load of stuff on your plate both before leaving your home and after arriving at the new home(NZ). Last thing you need is BS / mistreatment and long lineups in the USA. Remember no matter what you are doing, the bottom line is you MUST have fun- first and foremost. And I personally do not think traveling via US can be fun these days. And I am a Canadian!

[lollypop]

[QUOTE=stu70].Last thing you need is BS / mistreatment and long lineups in the USA/QUOTE]

This is spot-on in my own personal experience of LA airport. Got swayed by the huge baggage allowance though, and that makes a big difference when you are immigrating. If/When I travel back to the UK again it will certainly be via Asia.

[Angelonthemove]

OMG my daughter is at this moment has just arrived at LA for her trip here, hope it does not put her off seeing us again :D

[Tia Maria]

Hi there,

The link for the transit hotel is:

http://www.airport-hotel.com.sg/

We stayed in the one at Terminal 1 so we'd have access to the swimming pool, (its a short trip on a monorail to this one), but in the end we ran out of time. I'd also planned to have a massage but never got round to that either. But definitely worth booking as it gives you a chance to have a bath, something to eat (the kids got Mcdonalds take-away) and a nap if you didn't get to sleep on the plane (they will give you an alarm call).

Its a really nice airport, check out this link for everything it has to offer:

http://www.changiairport.com/changi/en/index.html

Just make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to catch your next flight, as you will still have to go through passport checks etc, even though you are in transit.

We looked at lots of different places on line and on the high street when we were booking, but in the end we booked through the Singapore Airlines website as it was the cheapest. Not sure what you will be able to get in Feb though as its very last minute at a very popular time.

Cheers

Tia

[spudulike]

Hi,

We came via Singapore this time and had a 16 hour break in the transit hotel -would highly recommend it as you don't need to claim your baggage in between so can just bath/sleep etc.... We have also been via LA and would agree, NEVER again will I travel through LAX!

We have also flown back with Thai Air through Bankok who were also excellent and when we go back home in May we'll fly with Virgin Via Hong Kong which I have never done before - thought we'd have one more adventure as we won't be able to afford to go away aging for years after this little escapade :wah

L :)

[happymartins]

We're travelling to NZ in March and going via Singapore, we've got time to spare so we're going to spend a few days in Singapore to really break up the journey.

Trailfinders are doing a good deal on a hotel on Sentosa Island that is great for kids. Our daughter will be 2 when we travel so it will be a test to keep her occupied!! Might go and see the zoo as well. Went there 5 years agop and I though it was the best zoo I ever went to

[spudulike]

We're travelling to NZ in March and going via Trailfinders are doing a good deal on a hotel on Sentosa Island that is great for kids. Our daughter will be 2 when we travel so it will be a test to keep her occupied!! Might go and see the zoo as well. Went there 5 years agop and I though it was the best zoo I ever went to

If you go to the zoo make sure you do it on the evening - think it's called the night-time safari and it is amazing! We went a 3 years ago and it is the first time I have seen all animals awake in a zoo - wolves howling at the moon, fire flies around etc. The food there was great too.

Have fun!

L :)

[jonSE]

As others have said Singapore is a good stopover place and the Night Safari is excellent. One word of warning though - If you stay a couple of nights or similar and try to get back Airside (ie check in for your flight about 10 hours early) because you have booked rooms in the transit hotel (which is airside) for 7 hours kip before your flight you will find it very difficult to check back in because they don't like to check you in and not allocate you a seat on the plane - and that may well not be on the computer that early.

I don't know what people have against LAX, been through there 3 times now on the way to NZ and no problems with it at all. Never been in the Transit lounge though - I am told this is to be avoided, but who would want to ? there is no smoking anywhere airside at LAX a good reason to have a few days stopover.

[settersred]

Thanks very much for all the replys, there's a lot of info for me to be getting on with.
Happy new year to you all. :cheers

[Kim39]

Contact Changi by email and book yourself in for a 14 hr stopover. This refreshes you enormously. You'll be able to get your head down in a darkened room for a good 8-9 hrs, wake up totally refreshed and head off on a 2hr free tour of Singapore, and still have a few hours browsing in the airport whilst you wait for your connecting flight. It also helps with the jetlag, as when you arrive in Singapore like us at 7 in the morning, its 23:00 back home, and you would be ready for your pit then anyway.

My opinion is do it and you won't regret it for one minute.

Kim

[dawnshaun]

Hi folks, reading this and now am worried.
Only flight available to suit our time scale.
Flying to NZ via LAX on the 8th Feb. Two hour stop in the
:roll transit lounge :roll
Whats so bad about that :uhoh
Can you seasoned travellers tell me, do they take the luggage off the plane and inspect it. Have bought those special USA padlocks, but found no where to put them on the cases we have :(
So have been told to leave cases unlocked, otherwise they will break the locks to gain access.
A little confused and worried to say the least.
Dawn

[Singel]

These are the facilities and services available at Changi Airport

* IT and Business Services
- Business Centres
- Internet Services

* Nature Trail
Themed gardens ranging from tranquil indoor ponds to outdoor sunny gardens
- Bamboo Garden
- Cactus Garden
- Koi Pond
- Orchid Garden
- Fern Garden
- Sunflower Garden

* Rest and Relax
Enjoy a rejuvenating massage or chill by the poolside at the swimming pool

* Napping Areas
* Shower, Fitness and Spa Services
* Music Bar Lounges
* Rest Areas
* Swimming Pool
* Transit Hotel
* Free Singapore Tour

* News and Entertainment
Be spoiled for choice when deciding what to do at Changi Airport. Catch a movie, play xbox games or be entertained by cable TV unfolding on plasma and LCD screens
- Explorer's Lounge
- Nexus Lounge
- Movie Theatre
- Xbox Games
- Skyplex

* Shopping and Dining City

* Friends of Changi
Sign up as a "Friends of Changi" member and keep up-to-date with the latest happenings, promotions and activities at Changi Airport

* Online Entertainment
Send an e-card, download screensavers and more from the Changi Airport Online Entertainment section
- eCards
- Wall Paper
- Screen Savers
- eGames

[Singel]

We're travelling to NZ in March and going via Singapore, we've got time to spare so we're going to spend a few days in Singapore to really break up the journey.

Trailfinders are doing a good deal on a hotel on Sentosa Island that is great for kids. Our daughter will be 2 when we travel so it will be a test to keep her occupied!! Might go and see the zoo as well. Went there 5 years agop and I though it was the best zoo I ever went to
In Sentosa Island, must see the "Musical Fountain" (free-of-charge) ............. it is absolutely fabulous :nice1 :clap
http://www.sentosa.com.sg/explore_sentosa/attractions/magical_sentosa.html
Prepare to be charmed by Magical Sentosa and its cast of characters in this
S$4-million sound, light and laser extravaganza at the Musical Fountain. During the half-hour multi-media musical, Kiki the hyperactive monkey and his friends will bring you on a journey into a secret Sentosa unknown to the world.

Meet the singing and dancing octopus and jellyfish and the beautiful Princess Pearl who will cast her spell on you with her siren song. Thanks to amazing special effects – a combination of state-of-the-art lasers and computer graphics, water jets and fiery flames – your Magical Sentosa experience will be quite unforgettable.

* Popular time slot. Guests attending the 7.40pm show are requested to be seated before 7.00pm to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all. Gates will be closed at 7.00pm or once we have reached full capacity. Please come early to avoid disappointment.

[willowshouse]

Can you seasoned travellers tell me, do they take the luggage off the plane and inspect it. Have bought those special USA padlocks, but found no where to put them on the cases we have :(
So have been told to leave cases unlocked, otherwise they will break the locks to gain access.
A little confused and worried to say the least.
Dawn

I recommend getting in touch with the your airline to ask all the questions you have as it may vary from airline to airline. However, we have just had visitors on BA/Quantas flights through LAX and even though they were not staying over and they only had 2 hours between landing in LAX and taking off again - they had to collect all their luggage and re-check it in again which means you are going through check-in twice. Apart from the hassle (which you don't get on Singapore Airlines, can't speak for any others!) the queues for check-in were so long that they were in danger of missing their flight.

No point worrying about it if you've booked the tickets already - plenty of people survive LAX - me included!

[alan999]

Hi folks, reading this and now am worried.
Only flight available to suit our time scale.
Flying to NZ via LAX on the 8th Feb. Two hour stop in the
:roll transit lounge :roll
Whats so bad about that :uhoh
Can you seasoned travellers tell me, do they take the luggage off the plane and inspect it. Have bought those special USA padlocks, but found no where to put them on the cases we have :(
So have been told to leave cases unlocked, otherwise they will break the locks to gain access.
A little confused and worried to say the least.
Dawn

Flew into Auckland just last week via LAX using ANZ.

Never saw hold baggage, had to take off cabin baggage but even this wasn't checked or anything, just had to keep it with me.

Had the iris/ fingerprint thing done which was a bit of a fag but not the end of the world. Got back onto a cleaned up plane.

In short, don't worry about it, I will certainly use the same route again.

[vixxann]

We will be arriving in Singapore 7am their time (very late evening for us) so we are planning on taking a room in the transit hotel.

Few questions if anyone can help....

1) We're flying Singapore Air, Manchester to Auckland with 14 hour stop in Singapore. Does our checked luggage go straight from first plane to second or do we have to handle it?

2) Does the answer to the above question change if we go out of "Transit" and into Singapore for a few hours?

3) Can you pre-book a room at the Transit hotel -is it worth doing that or are they usually available?

4) We have three kids - does anyone know the occupancy of the Transit hotel rooms?

thanks - that's it for now ;)

[Singel]

Hello Vixxann
We will be arriving in Singapore 7am their time (very late evening for us) so we are planning on taking a room in the transit hotel.

Few questions if anyone can help....

1) We're flying Singapore Air, Manchester to Auckland with 14 hour stop in Singapore. Does our checked luggage go straight from first plane to second or do we have to handle it?

You don't see your checked luggage until Auckland.

2) Does the answer to the above question change if we go out of "Transit" and into Singapore for a few hours?

No change to above answer. You may register at the "Free Singapore Tour" counter in the transit area.
http://www.changiairport.com/changi/en/airport_guide/exp_changi/rest_n_relax/free_sgtour.html

3) Can you pre-book a room at the Transit hotel -is it worth doing that or are they usually available?

The Transit hotel can be busy, so it is worth booking in advance.
http://www.airport-hotel.com.sg/contact.htm

4) We have three kids - does anyone know the occupancy of the Transit hotel rooms?

Have a look at the type of room available for family: http://www.airport-hotel.com.sg/rates.htm

thanks - that's it for now ;)

[vixxann]

Singel - Thank you so much for the info :clap

Have had a look at the Changi airport website - great stuff - however I cannot get onto the other website for the hotel, either with your link or the one off the airport website. Did you get on it today when you looked it up? Just wondering if it's down or my computer at fault (in which case I'm stumped as I haven't a clue :o)

[Marie P]

Vixxann

We had a room in the transit hotel with 2 single beds and a huge triple sized bed that fitted us and my youngest in no problem .

Marie x

[StevieD]

The thing with the luggage, is it the same with us stopping overnight or do we have to put it in left luggage? We are going to stay on Sentosa Island and could do without lugging a load of cases from the carousel, into the left luggage and collecting the next evening for it all to start again...... but if it has to be done!

[willowshouse]

Check with the airline but it should be OK ..

We flew Singapore Airlines and landed in Singapore about 5.00pm leaving the next day about 7.00pm. The 'rule' is that as long as your stopover is less than 24 hours they will forward your luggage on. Ours as you can see was slightly more but they still said OK.

Dawn