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7 things you need to know about the Singapore – Hong Kong air travel bubble starting on Nov 22

Apart from it being a hectic 11.11 promotions-filled day, out comes a piece of excellent news for people who are dying to travel. After the announcement of the in-principle agreement to establish a bilateral air travel bubble mid-October, it’s finally coming to play.

Here are 7 things you need to know about the Singapore and Hong Kong air travel bubble starting on Nov 22 (Sunday).

#1: One flight per day for a start

There will only be a flight a day going into Singapore and Hong Kong. Also, expect a limit of up to only 200 passengers each way. A little too scarce? Fret not. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said that from Dec 7, there would be an increase to two flights a day.

#2: Dedicated flights compulsory

Image Credits: Business Traveller

As it’s probably a given, travellers keen to fly via the air travel bubble will have to hop on dedicated flights. But thankfully, there will be no restrictions on your travel purpose or itinerary. With that said, there isn’t the need to serve any quarantine or stay-home notice.

#3: COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests required

As the world battles the pandemic, the situation might quickly escalate. So even without a controlled itinerary, COVID-19 PCR tests are required. You must test negative within 72 hours before your scheduled departure time.

#4: Take your PCR test at least seven days before departure

Suppose you’re departing from Singapore, you will need a confirmed flight ticket to Hong Kong before applying for approval to take the PCR test. And yes, you have to do it at least seven days before your scheduled departure date.

If you think it’s a hassle to seek approval, then you might want to arrange to travel from Dec 1. By then, you won’t need to apply for approval to take the test. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Tuesday (Nov 10), individuals will be able to get tested at approved clinics and providers.

#5: Cooperate to take another COVID-19 test at Hong Kong

Image Credits: Time Magazine

Upon reaching Hong Kong International Airport, you will take another COVID-19 test. Until you’ve received your negative test results, your movement will be restricted to only within the airport grounds.

#6: Upon testing positive for COVID-19

Should the unfortunate situation happens, COVID-19 positive travellers will have to bear the full cost of any medical treatment. Of course, this is subjected to prevailing medical and healthcare policies in the respective countries.

#7: Possible suspension of the air travel bubble

While arrangements are in place, there are still chances of a suspension of the air travel bubble. Specifically, if the weekly average number of unlinked COVID-19 cases is more than five in either country. When that happens, the air travel bubble will be deferred for two weeks.

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said, “The Singapore-Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble enables us to achieve two objectives at the same time – open up our borders in a controlled manner while maintaining safety in our societies.”

“While we may be starting small, this is an important step forward. I have no doubt both Singapore and Hong Kong will cooperate fully to make this scheme work.”

singapore-hong-kong-travel-bubble-graphic

Image Credits: CNA

Singapore – Hong Kong travel bubble to launch on November 22; air fares cost almost twice as much

You can soon travel to Hong Kong

Singaporeans will soon be able to travel to Hong Kong for leisure. This comes after Minister for Transport, Mr Ong Ye Kung, announced the launch of bilateral air travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong.

According to Mr Ong, travellers from both cities can travel without quarantine, stay-home notices or controlled itineraries. However, travellers must take a pre-departure Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours before departure, and must obtain a negative test result.

There will be no restrictions on the type of travel or itinerary. Whether you’re travelling for business, for leisure or to reconnect with family, friends and loved ones, you can get on the ‘bubble’ and travel between Singapore and Hong Kong, and vice versa.

For the start, there will be a quota of one flight per day with 200 travellers per flight.

Air Fares Jumps On Travel Bubble Plan

According to travel website, Skyscanner Ltd, the cheapest price return air tickets from Singapore to Hong Kong will cost S$330 via budget carrier Scoot. The most expensive ticket can cost up to S$770 for a return flight with Singapore Airlines Ltd.

Air Fares Chart via Skyscanner

What Are The Restrictions And Requirements

Who can travel

Anyone who has lived in Hong Kong or Singapore for the last 14 days will be eligible to travel with the exception of Work Permit and S-Pass holders working in the construction, marine shipyard or process sectors in Singapore. Persons travelling to Hong Kong under the ATB arrangement must ensure that they meet the entry requirements of Hong Kong.

What is required for travellers

Singapore to Hong Kong: Apply for approval to take a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test in Singapore here. Undergo a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test in Singapore within 72 hours before the scheduled departure time of the designated flight from Singapore to Hong Kong at one of the clinics or testing centres designated by the Singapore Government, and obtain a negative test result report. Once you arrived in Hong Kong, you are required to take a Covid-19 test on arrival at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Hong Kong to Singapore: Travellers can take the test at recognised clinics. Download the TraceTogether app on mobile device and register mobile number and personal details on the app.

Where can I take the pre-departure Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test?
Pre-departure COVID-19 PCR tests for your travel may only be performed at selected clinics as listed here.

For more information on the requirements, click here.

Top 5 Airbnb rentals from S$41/night you can book for your yearend trip to Hong Kong

Just two weeks back, we read with joy that Singapore and Hong Kong are in talks to establish a travel bubble where travellers can exempt from quarantines or stay-home notices. Fast forward to today (Nov 2); it seems like the authorities will put the then in-principle agreement to action soon. To be exact, we should be able to start flying between Hong Kong and Singapore by late November.

Are you thinking of celebrating Christmas and countdown in Hong Kong? We’ve found five best Airbnb rentals from S$41/night with flexible cancellation policies you can book for your long-awaited yearend trip. Prices reflected are accurate at the time of writing and valid for stays from Dec 25 to Jan 1.

#1: Five-star rated room near Causeway Bay Station

Price: S$41/night

When we last check, this room has a perfect five-star rating thanks to its previous occupants! There is a double bed by the window and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. We like how it’s conveniently near Causeway Bay Station. You will be able to walk over to SOGO Causeway Bay, Hysan Place, and Times Square within minutes.

#2: Guest suite with bathroom a 10-minute walk to SOGO

Price: S$45/night

The same Airbnb superhost hosts this guest suite as our previous listing. There are one double bed and a private bathroom. By booking this listing, you will find yourself in the vicinity of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai. According to the host, Causeway Bay Station is a 7-minute walk away, and SOGO Causeway Bay is just 10 minutes away.

#3: Clean and tidy studio for the solo traveller

Price: S$54/night

Solo travellers, this space is perfect for you. There’s a small writing desk which can act as a mini dining table as well. Decent storage spaces are available for you to store your belongings. The studio also comes with an attached toilet, fridge, and water kettle. The closest train station is Sheung Wan Station, and nearby attractions include the Western Market and Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park.

#4: Spacious apartment for two at Kowloon

Price: S$68/night

By Hong Kong’s housing standards, this Airbnb is relatively roomy. You will get a queen-size bed and a private bathroom with a shower. There’s also a two-seater couch with a coffee table right in front of it. Jordan Station is a short walk away, and Temple Street Night Market is steps away from the accommodation.

#5: Flat for four guests close to Eaton HK Hotel

Price: S$75/night

If you don’t mind squeezing, the Airbnb host allows up to four guests in this living space. There are two double beds and a mini kitchen area with a sink. You will find yourself along Nathan Road if you decide to stay here. Sited between Jordan Station and Yau Ma Tei Station, you can walk your way to Temple Street Night Market and Jade Market.

Singapore residents may look forward to ‘air travel bubbles’ for general travel soon

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung announced on Tuesday (Oct 6) that ‘air travel bubbles’ with countries with low COVID-19 infection rates may soon be possible. Negotiations are on the way though he advised the public to manage their expectations.

“I need to manage expectations here. For members who are hoping that I’m about to announce some air travel resumption and even possible December holiday destinations, I am sorry I will disappoint you,” he said.

No requirements for a strict itinerary

‘Air travel bubbles’ differ from reciprocal green lane arrangements because there are no requirements for a controlled itinerary. Also, reciprocal green lanes are used mainly for official and business travel.

What to expect?

Image Credits: AFP/Roslan Rahman

Singapore will only establish ‘air travel bubbles’ with safe countries and regions. Other than abiding by the COVID-19 test protocols, authorities might look into setting a quota on the number of travellers per day.

“We also require travellers to apply for an air travel pass before their journeys, to allow us to plan for their arrivals, and throttle down the numbers, reduce the quota, if the epidemic situation changes,” Mr Ong added.

Which country is top on the list?

Hong Kong has revealed its intention to establish such ‘air travel bubbles’ with Singapore alongside other countries. As such, Singapore will most likely begin discussions with Hong Kong and other partners soon.

COVID-19 testing capacity no longer a major constraint

travellers entering Singapore amid COVID-19

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Mr Ong shares that about 27,000 people in Singapore are tested daily and the numbers are set to rise. By November, Singapore may be able to increase testing capacity to 40,000 tests a day.

There are also plans to set up a dedicated COVID-19 testing laboratory at Changi Airport. This is so as to support aviation recovery in the coming months. Currently, Changi Airport has an existing facility to swab up to 10,000 passengers a day.

Travellers must get used to being tested before departing. This additional step is very much similar to us going through security and having our bags checked before we board a plane. Most importantly, it’s crucial to kickstart general travel.

Other plans in place to safely reopen borders

travellers checking-in at a hotel amid COVID-19

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Countries which are economically important to Singapore but with higher infection rates will be considered with “practical schemes”.

“For example, we can replace the 14-day (stay-home notice) in a hotel with new requirements, such as a more stringent and repeated test protocol… we can segregate them from the rest of the community… we can closely track their movements while they are here,” said the minister.

Apart from ‘air travel bubbles’, Singapore will continue to pursue reciprocal green lane arrangements with other countries or regions. At the moment, Singapore has such arrangements with Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea.

Singapore Airlines will not be offering a ‘flight to nowhere’ after reviewing factors

Were you anticipating Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) ‘flight to nowhere’? While some may treat it as a joke, others are dying to get on a plane, even if it means landing back on home ground. That’s why earlier in August, Taiwan’s EVA Airlines offered something similar on a Hello Kitty-themed plane. It was definitely a well-received ‘getaway’ for some grounded travellers.

But we’ve just received news that SIA will not go ahead with their ‘flight to nowhere’ plan following a review of factors. This includes environmental implications and financial viability.

“An idea for a one-off short tour flight, or a ‘flight to nowhere’, was also initially considered but not pursued after the review,” said SIA.

With that said, the public can instead look forward to a range of new experiences launched by SIA. Discover Your Singapore Airlines is the theme behind the airline’s latest curation with these activities:

Restaurant A380 @Changi
Inside Singapore Airlines
SIA@Home

Restaurant A380 @Changi

Image Credits: Singapore Airlines

From Oct 24 to 25, SIA’s A380 will be welcoming diners. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience on the world’s largest passenger aircraft, don’t miss out on dining onboard with SIA. You may choose your cabin classes accordingly.

Try out the signature international Singapore Airlines dishes or enjoy the best dishes from their Peranakan menu, specially designed by local chef Shermay Lee. Your meals will come with two complimentary alcoholic drinks and free flow of other beverages.

If you want to get a rare behind-the-scenes look at private access areas and explore SIA’s award-winning interiors furnished by renowned international designers, sign up for their exclusive pre-dining tour! Limited slots are available.

Other perks include limited-edition souvenirs and exclusive shopping discounts. For more information on Restaurant A380 @Changi, click through the link to view.

Inside Singapore Airlines

Image Credits: Singapore Airlines

Just for two weekends, specifically Nov 21 to 22 and Nov 28 to 29, SIA will be opening their doors to give the public a rare inside look of its SIA Training Centre. You will gain insights over 70 years of SIA heritage. Also, here’s your chance to witness for yourself how SIA’s iconic cabin crew uniform and cabin products have evolved over the years.

Those who’ve always been curious about SIA’s training program will be able to take a look at how their training is conducted. The tour will also feature the latest cabin products and flight simulators.

Peeps who are bringing kids along will be glad to know that there are complimentary craft activities. Engage with hands-on activities prepared for you like shaping balloons into animals and making your own batik roses.

Head over to this link for more details.

SIA@Home

Image Credits: Singapore Airlines

Prefer to dine comfortably at home instead? SIA’s got you with SIA@Home. You can order a home-dining experience for two created by world-renowned International Culinary Panel chefs. Pair it with your choice of wine or champagne.

For the perfect re-creation of SIA’s First Class or Business Class experience at home, you may want to purchase the all-inclusive package. It comes with the exquisite tableware and luxurious amenities one can expect onboard SIA flights.

Click here to view their dining packages.