Singapore Airlines Baggage Fees 2023: What To Expect

Planning on flying out of Singapore Changi Airport in the near future? If so, there’s a good chance you’ll be flying with Singapore Airlines, the flag-carrying airline of Singapore. Fortunately for you, this airline is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world due to its low costs and an excellent selection of routes.

Before you travel with Singapore Airlines, it’s a good idea to become familiar with their specific policies—especially as they relate to baggage allowances and fees. You can compare to another major airline in that geographic region. Check out the Thai Airways baggage fees to see what may be more convenient for you. This way, you’ll have all the information you need to plan for your trip and to pack accordingly. And with a bit of planning, you may even be able to avoid unwanted/surprise baggage fees at the airport.

Singapore Airlines Checked and Carry-On Allowances

One of the most important things to be aware of when flying with Singapore Airlines is that they follow what’s known as a “weight concept” for most routes rather than a “piece concept.” This means that rather than being permitted a certain number of checked bags per flight, passengers are allowed a specific total weight allowance for checked bags. This isn’t an entirely uncommon concept, but for those used to traveling with airlines who follow the piece concept, it can be a bit confusing.

Checked Bag Allowances and Fees

If you’ll be flying on just about any route with Singapore Airlines except for those to/from the United States, you can expect a weight concept allowance based on the type of fare you booked. For Economy fares, weight allowances can range between 66 pounds (30kg) and 77 pounds (35kg) depending on whether you purchased a Lite, Standard, or Flexi Economy fare.

Premium Economy fares have a weight allowance of up to 77 pounds (35kg), whereas Business fare enjoy an allowance of up to 88 pounds (40kg). Suites and First Class fares have the highest weight allowance for checked luggage at 110 pounds (50 kg).

For flights to or from the United States, a piece concept is in place. For these flights, Economy and Premium Economy fares receive two free checked bags weighing up to 50 pounds (23kg), whereas Business, Suites, and First Class fares can check two bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32kg) each.

Carry-On Allowances and Fees

Singapore Airlines’ allowances for carry-on luggage is a little more straight-forward than their checked baggage policies. All ticketed passengers are permitted one free personal item measuring no greater than 15.7″ x 11.8″ x 3.9″ (40cm x 30cm x 10cm). In most cases, this would be something small such as a purse or briefcase.

In addition to a personal item, Singapore Airlines allows additional standard-size carry-ons. This includes one free carry-on for Economy and Premium Economy class passengers; this bag can measure up to 45 linear inches (115cm) and can weigh up to 15 pounds (7kg). Business and First Class passengers receive two free standard-size carry-on bags of the same maximum weight and dimensions. You can also check out our carry-on size guide if you have any concerns on how to measure.

Best Singaporean Tours

Tours in Singapore are an excellent way to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Unless you intend to rent a car in Singapore (which I don’t recommend), tours are the most convenient and cost-effective means of transportation. By joining tours, you can efficiently visit various sites without worrying about accumulating transportation expenses.

What About Infants, Strollers, and Baby Gear?

If you’ll be traveling with an infant under the age of two, he or she does not need a ticket and may fly as a lap passenger. If you’ll be going this route, you may bring an additional bag carrying necessities such as milk, baby formula, diapers, and infant food so long as it does not weigh more than 13 pounds (6kg).

Charges For Additional Bags and Overweight Luggage

Specific weight limits on checked bags can vary slightly depending on whether you’ll be traveling on a route that goes by weight-concept or piece-concept. For weight-concept flights (which will apply to the majority of routes on Singapore Airlines), you’ll pay a set dollar amount for each additional kilogram of weight over the limit. This amount can vary greatly from $8 to $110.

For piece-concept flights (such as those to and from the United States), a flat fee is charged for overweight bags. This can range between $100 to $225 per overweight bag, one way.

Oversized bags are charged per-piece, with fees ranging from $100 to $225 one way as well.

If you need to purchase additional checked baggage beyond what has been included with your fare, this can be done in blocks of 11 pounds (5kg) for weight-concept flights. For flights to and from the United States, you can purchase up to two additional bags as well.

Saving On Singapore Airlines Baggage Fees (Or Avoiding Them Altogether)

There are plenty of ways to save on baggage fees with Singapore Airlines, especially if you do a little planning ahead of time. From there, you can free up more money to enjoy your trip.

Seek Reimbursement From Your Credit Card

Numerous credit card companies, including CapitalOne, offer credit cards that reimburse for eligible baggage fees when flying with Singapore Airlines. If you have a card that qualifies you for this perk, such as the VentureOne Rewards card, then you may be able to fill out a request for an account credit that covers your baggage fees when you return from your trip. Just keep in mind that most credit card companies will not reimburse for fees related to overweight or oversized luggage.

Become a PPS Club Member or Star Alliance Gold Member

Singapore Airlines’ loyalty program, The PPS Club, offers some additional luggage perks that can help you save money as well. This includes a checked baggage weight allowance of double the standard amount. Furthermore, Star Alliance members can enjoy an additional checked baggage weight allowance of 44 pounds (22kg) per passenger or an extra piece of checked luggage for piece-concept flights.

Limit Your Baggage to Included Checked/Carry-On Luggage

Since all fares on Singapore Airlines come with at least some free checked baggage, you may be able to avoid additional baggage fees altogether by simply planning ahead and limiting what you pack to your included baggage. Depending on your fare booked and how long your trip is, you may even be able to pack all your essentials in your carry-on luggage and enjoy the convenience of having all your baggage with you on the flight.

Pay For Additional/Excess Baggage Ahead of Time

On the other hand, if you know you’re going to need additional baggage beyond what’s included with your fare, you can save money (up to 20%) by pre-paying for this baggage online before your flight. For maximum savings, it is recommended that you do this at least 48 hours in advance of your flight’s scheduled departure time.

Singapore Airlines Baggage Policies: Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we receive about Singapore Airlines baggage policies and fees.

How can I pre-pay for luggage before my flight?

There are two ways to pre-pay for your baggage up to 48 hours before your flight. This can be done directly on the Singapore Airlines website, where you can log in using your flight information. You can also pay for additional luggage using the Singapore Airlines mobile app. Doing so can help you save money on your baggage fees, especially if you’re purchasing additional or excess luggage.

What are the allowances for carry-on baggage?

All Singapore Airlines passengers are permitted one personal item and 1-2 standard-size carry-on bags. All Economy fares include one standard carry-on, whereas Business and First Class fares include two standard carry-ons. The weight and size restrictions are the same regardless of the type of fare you’ve booked or your destination.

If you attempt to bring aboard any carry-on luggage that exceeds weight or size limits, you will be required to check your bag and pay any applicable fees as well.

How can I best avoid overweight/oversized luggage fees?

The best way to avoid overweight and oversized baggage fees (as these can quickly add up) is to use a luggage scale to weigh your bags before you leave for the airport. If your bags are overweight even slightly, you might be able to move a few items into your carry-on luggage to avoid fees. When measuring your bags for size, make sure to include any handles, wheels, or other accessories for accuracy.

If you know you’ll be facing overweight or oversized luggage fees, look into paying them online before your flight in order to save the most money.

What if I need to travel with special equipment?

If you’ll be traveling with any special equipment, such as sporting gear or musical equipment, it’s best to contact Singapore Airlines directly before your flight. More than likely, they’ll want to know exactly what you’re bringing and what the weight/dimensions are to provide you with accurate information on policies and fees. In some cases, you may be required to carry-on special equipment at an additional fee, whereas some equipment may be checked free of charge (such as medically-necessary items).