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Singapore Airlines

Singapore's flag carrier, one of the world's most awarded airlines

  • SingaporeCountry
  • SQIATA Code
  • SIAICAO Code
  • Star AllianceAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is Singapore’s flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, flying from Changi to cities across Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. Even Economy Lite includes 25 kg of checked baggage on most routes, plus a 7 kg cabin bag. This guide covers every fare type, the weight and piece baggage rules, KrisFlyer extras, the 2026 power bank rules, Changi transfers and how Singapore Airlines compares with Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways.

Singapore Airlines traces its history to 1947 and took its current name in 1972. It joined Star Alliance in 2000 and runs the low-cost airline Scoot as part of the same group.

Singapore Airlines flights to Singapore
Photo: Hu Chen / Unsplash

Check-In and Changi Transfers

Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure on the website and the SingaporeAir app. Terminal 3 at Changi is Singapore Airlines’ main base.

Changi is one of the easiest airports in the world for connections: transfers within the airside area do not need you to pass immigration, and the Jewel complex, gardens and free Skytrain between terminals make a long layover pleasant. Short-haul connections to Scoot flights can be booked on one ticket on many routes.

Power Bank Rules on Singapore Airlines

From 15 April 2026, Singapore Airlines and Singapore’s aviation authority (CAAS) apply strict power bank rules:

  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger; extras must be left behind.
  • Up to 100 Wh needs no approval; 100–160 Wh needs the airline’s approval; above 160 Wh is not allowed.
  • Power banks go in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags, and should not be stored in the overhead bins: keep them in the seat pocket or under the seat in front.
  • You cannot charge a power bank from the seat power, or use it to charge your devices, during the flight.

Families, Special Assistance and Pets

Families can add children to one booking, and infants under two travel on an adult’s lap. Bassinets and children’s meals can be requested on long-haul flights.

Special assistance and special meals should be requested in advance. Pets travel in the hold under strict rules.

How to Find Cheap Singapore Airlines Flights

Cheap Singapore Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare Lite and Value: both include 25 kg, so pick the fare whose change rules you actually need.
  • Check Scoot on regional routes: for short flights from Singapore, Scoot is often much cheaper if you do not need a meal or a big bag.
  • Avoid the peaks: Chinese New Year, June school holidays and December push fares up.
  • Use KrisFlyer: miles from flights, credit cards and partners can pay for award seats and upgrades.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Singapore Airlines next to Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and others.

Singapore Airlines vs Cathay Pacific vs Qatar Airways

All three are premium carriers that connect Asia, Europe and Australia through one hub.

Singapore AirlinesCathay PacificQatar Airways
HubSingapore (SIN)Hong Kong (HKG)Doha (DOH)
AllianceStar Allianceoneworldoneworld
LoyaltyKrisFlyerCathay membership (Asia Miles)Privilege Club (Avios)
Economy cabin bag7 kg7 kg7 kg
Best forSoutheast Asia, Australia, Star AllianceHong Kong, China, North AsiaMiddle East, Africa, Europe

See our Cathay Pacific guide and Qatar Airways guide to compare, and our Scoot guide for low-cost flights from Singapore.

Arriving in Singapore

Changi Airport is about 20 km from the city centre. The MRT, buses and taxis connect it with the city.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Singapore Airlines a Good Airline?

Yes. Singapore Airlines is one of the world’s most awarded airlines, with excellent service, strong premium cabins and an easy hub at Changi. Even its cheapest Economy Lite fare includes 25 kg of checked baggage on most routes, which many rivals do not offer.

For more options, see our Emirates guide, our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against the Singapore Airlines checked baggage page and the Singapore Airlines power bank advisory. Rules change, so check the official Singapore Airlines website before you travel.

Star Alliance & Airline Partnerships

Singapore Airlines has been a Star Alliance member since 2000. You can connect in Singapore onto partners such as Lufthansa, ANA, Air India and United on one ticket and earn KrisFlyer miles across the alliance.

Learn more about Star Alliance

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Singapore Airlines has joint ventures and codeshares with partners including Lufthansa Group, Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines and Air India, and connects with its low-cost subsidiary Scoot.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is Singapore Airlines' only hub, famous for its gardens, the Jewel complex and quick, easy transfers.

Popular Singapore Airlines Routes

Singapore Airlines' busiest routes link Singapore with Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Sydney and Tokyo, plus long-haul flights to London, Mumbai and San Francisco. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Singapore Airlines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Singapore Airlines sells Economy as Lite, Value, Standard and Flexi, with similar choices in Premium Economy and Business. Lite is the cheapest but the most restricted; Flexi lets you change for free and get a refund with only a small fee. Higher fares also include more baggage, free seat selection and more KrisFlyer miles.

Whenever you change, you pay any difference in fare. If your dates might move, Standard or Flexi usually costs less overall than paying change fees on Lite.

  • Economy Lite Change fee plus fare difference; generally non-refundable; paid seat selection.
  • Economy Value and Standard Lower change fees and free standard seats.
  • Economy Flexi Free changes and refundable for a small fee.
  • Premium Economy and Business More flexible fares in each cabin, up to fully flexible.
  • Flights to or from the USA You can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage booking on singaporeair.com or the SingaporeAir app.

Singapore Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

Seat selection is free for standard seats on most fares above Lite, and Flexi includes forward seats. Extra-legroom seats can be bought on most flights. Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure on singaporeair.com and in the app.

Singapore Airlines is known for its premium cabins: Suites on the A380, First Class on the Boeing 777-300ER and lie-flat Business Class on all long-haul aircraft. Business and First passengers can pre-order meals through the Book the Cook service.

  • Economy Lite Seat selection for a fee.
  • Standard and higher Free standard seat selection.
  • Extra legroom Front and exit-row seats available to buy.
  • Online check-in Opens 48 hours before departure.
  • Book the Cook Pre-order your main course in Premium Economy, Business and First.
  • Suites First Class suites on the Airbus A380.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs, special meals and other help in advance.

Singapore Airlines Baggage Allowance

Singapore Airlines uses the weight concept on most routes, so you can check any number of bags up to a total weight. The allowance rises with your fare: 25 kg on Economy Lite and Value, 30 kg on Standard and Flexi, 35 kg in Premium Economy, 40 kg in Business and 50 kg in First and Suites. Flights to and from the United States and Canada use the piece concept instead.

In the cabin, Economy passengers can bring one bag of up to 7 kg, and Premium Economy, Business and First passengers two. No single checked bag may weigh more than 32 kg, and your exact allowance is shown on your ticket.

  • Carry-on (Economy) 1 bag up to 7 kg (115 cm total dimensions).
  • Carry-on (Premium Economy, Business and First) 2 bags up to 7 kg each.
  • Economy Lite and Value 25 kg (weight concept).
  • Economy Standard and Flexi 30 kg (weight concept).
  • Premium Economy / Business / First 35 kg / 40 kg / 50 kg (weight concept).
  • USA and Canada (piece concept) 2 × 23 kg in Economy and Premium Economy; 2 × 32 kg in Business and First.
  • Maximum 32 kg per bag; 158 cm per bag on piece routes.
  • PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club Double the normal allowance on weight routes.
  • Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold 45 kg on Lite and Value, 50 kg on Standard and Flexi; Elite Silver adds 10 kg.

KrisFlyer: Singapore Airlines Loyalty Programme

KrisFlyer is the free loyalty programme of Singapore Airlines and Scoot. You earn miles on Singapore Airlines, Scoot and Star Alliance flights and with many partners, then redeem them for award flights, upgrades and more.

Frequent flyers can reach Elite Silver and Elite Gold, and Singapore Airlines' top customers join PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club, based on how much they spend on premium cabin travel.

  • KrisFlyer Free entry level for all members.
  • Elite Silver Priority services and Star Alliance Silver status.
  • Elite Gold Lounge access, extra baggage and Star Alliance Gold status.
  • PPS Club For high-spending premium cabin travellers, with priority services and lounges.
  • Solitaire PPS Club The top tier, with the highest priority.
  • Star Alliance Earn and redeem miles across Star Alliance.
Join or log in on the Singapore Airlines website

Singapore Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Singapore Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is SQ. It appears in flight numbers (for example SQ 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is SIA, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Singapore Airlines part of?

It is a member of Star Alliance. Alliance membership usually means easier connections, shared lounge access for eligible passengers and the option to earn and redeem miles across partner airlines.

03Where is Singapore Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Singapore.

04When was Singapore Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 1947.

05What are Singapore Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Singapore (SIN) – Main Hub.

06What is Singapore Airlines' carry-on allowance?

Economy passengers can bring one cabin bag of up to 7 kg, with total dimensions of up to 115 cm. Premium Economy, Business and First allow two bags of up to 7 kg each.

07How much checked baggage does Singapore Airlines allow?

On most routes it's weight-based: from 25 kg on Economy Lite, rising on higher fares and cabins. To and from the USA, Economy includes two 23 kg bags.

08When does Singapore Airlines online check-in open?

Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure on singaporeair.com and in the SingaporeAir app.

09What is the difference between KrisFlyer and PPS Club?

KrisFlyer is Singapore Airlines' free frequent flyer programme for everyone. PPS Club is a premium tier for travellers who spend a lot on Business and First Class, with extra benefits on top of KrisFlyer elite status.

Singapore Airlines, its logo and trademarks are the property of Singapore Airlines Limited and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Singapore Airlines unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.