Qantas is swapping the location of it First and Business lounges at Singapore's Changi Airport – and, for time being, changing the access rules for who gets into which lounge.

The Red Roo's switcheroo comes as the airline builds an all-new first class lounge in Singapore which will open by year's end.

The lounge, like its new Hong Kong and LAX siblings, will be modelled along the same lines as Qantas' highly-regarded First lounges in Sydney and Melbourne with a contemporary design by Marc Newson and a Neil Perry menu.

Also on the list are 'concierge services' provided by Sofitel, although there's no word if the lounges will include table service for meals or remain as a DIY dining with a plate-around service for selected dishes.

Until then, however, travellers will find that Singapore's large Qantas Business lounge is now the 'Temporary First Lounge' – so when you step off the escalator in Terminal 1, keep going straight ahead instead of veering right (yes, we know you'll be fighting 'muscle memory').

In turn, the rather worn and much smaller First lounge is now the 'Temporary Business Lounge'.

Revised lounge access rules

Qantas has also changed the lounge access policy in this interim period before the new first class lounge opens, with business class passengers will be permitted in the temporary first class lounge.

The airline says this is to avoid over-crowding in the temporary business lounge, so that travellers are spread equally throughout both spaces.

"When the new First Lounge opens, First customers will move back to that lounge and the normal access policies will be reinstated."

Access to the Temporary First Lounge (previously the Business Lounge)

• customers travelling in First on Qantas, British Airways or a oneworld carrier
• customers travelling in Business or Club World on Qantas, British Airways or a oneworld carrier
• Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyers
• British Airways Gold Executive member
• oneworld Emerald members

Access to the Temporary Business Lounge (previously the First Lounge)

• Qantas Gold Frequent Flyers
• Qantas Club members
• British Airways Silver Executive Club members
• oneworld Sapphire members
• Jetstar Business Max fare customers

For more news, reviews and the very latest info for business travellers, follow us on Twitter: we're @AusBT.