A Visit to Changi Airport Terminal 4
The world's best airport just got better! Singapore Airport's 4th Terminal will only begin service at the end of the year but if you are one of the 200k people that signed up for the open house tour, you get to see it before everyone does. Forgot to sign up? No need to worry. Here is a quick look at the cool tech and art in Changi Airport Terminal 4.
Getting to Terminal 4
Unlike the other three terminals, there is no monorail connecting Terminal 4 to the rest of the terminals. You have two options: get there by car/taxi or take the free shuttle bus. At the moment, visitors to the T4 open house can take the shuttle bus at the arrival hall of T3.
When T4 goes public at the end of the year, shuttle bus will only operate between T4 and T2, meaning that those transferring flights from T4 to T1/T3 will have to take the monorail at T2. Not very convenient but T4's location did not allow for a monorail.
Automated Check-in Counters
What is the first step to a smart airport? Automated check-in of course! The new Terminal 4 is equipped with four rows of automated check-in kiosk (for receiving your boarding pass and luggage tag) and automated bag-drop machine (to check-in your luggage). Sounds familiar? This technology is part of Changi Airport Group's FAST initiative and can already be found in Terminal 1, but this is the first time we see it implemented so extensively.
One thing new about the automated bag-drop machine is facial recognition, which is used to verify the identity of the person dropping off the baggage. Thanks to this, passengers can check-in their luggage up to 12 hours in advance, eliminating the need for long queues.
Not comfortable with automated check-in? You can always approach the friendly staffs at the regular check-in counters in the first 3 check-in rows.
Automated Immigration Gates
After checking-in, head right over to the immigration gates. Terminal 4 is a smart terminal so of course, we can expect some cool enhancement to the immigration lanes. Unlike the other terminals, there are not officers checking your boarding pass at the gate. Instead, as part of the FAST initiative, your boarding pass checking will be done at the automated immigration lanes*, equipped with boarding pass scanners and facial recognition cameras.
*Only for fingerprints registered with ICA
Unlike the other terminals, Terminal 4 uses centralized security screening, which happens right after the immigration gates. The new baggage scanner uses CT technology. It sounds very deep but all it means is that you no longer need to remove your laptops and tablets from your bag during security check.
Power Outlets & Chairs
After going through security checks, what do you do? Some may choose to have their meal or go shopping and there are plenty of shops around. But if you need a place to sit down and work, you will love Terminal 4. Chairs are everywhere no matter where you go. When I say everywhere, I really mean it. Best of all, all of them are super comfortable!
If you need to top up juice on your phone or laptop, many of these chairs have power sockets. Forgot your wall adapter? There are also USB ports so all you need is a cable. (If you are an iPhone user and you forgot your cable, get one from the Apple authorized retailer there)
Art Showcase
Inside the waiting area, there are a couple of artworks that you can admire and take a photos with, including interactive walls at the security check and cultural section.
Automated Boarding Gate
The last step to the FAST initiative is the automated boarding gate. Passengers boarding their plane must scan their boarding pass to enter the boarding area. Again, the machine will carry out facial recognition for identity check. However, this will only work if passengers are boarding the flight on the same day they passed through the immigration gate.
Robot Cleaners
Do not be shocked when you see them around! These robots come in two sizes and they will be the ones keeping Terminal 4 clean. I only saw them at the waiting area during the open house but you will probably find them everywhere when Terminal 4 opens.
Conclusion
Terminal 4 is not as spacious as Terminal 3 so the number of shops inside the waiting area is rather limited and the place feels a little cramped, especially with so many chairs around. However, it makes up for this with really advanced airport technology and comfortable chairs that improves check-in and waiting experience. Are you excited for the official opening of Terminal 4? What do you like most about the new terminal? Leave a comment below.
