Singapore Airlines Baggage Policy +1-866-666-0215
Navigating Singapore Airlines Baggage Policy can be a minefield, but Singapore Airlines (SIA) is renowned for its customer-centric approach, including a relatively generous and transparent baggage allowance structure. Understanding their policy is key to avoiding unexpected fees and ensuring a smooth travel experience. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about SIA's baggage policy for checked and carry-on luggage.
The Core: Checked Baggage Allowance
SIA's checked baggage allowance is primarily determined by your cabin class, route, and ticket type. Here's a breakdown:
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Cabin Class:
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First Class: Passengers enjoy the most generous allowance, typically 50 kg (110 lbs).
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Business Class: Offers a substantial 40 kg (88 lbs) allowance.
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Premium Economy: Provides a comfortable 35 kg (77 lbs) allowance.
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Economy Class: The standard allowance is 30 kg (66 lbs). However, this is where route variations become important.
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Route Variations (Economy Class Focus):
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Weight Concept (Most Routes): For the vast majority of international routes (e.g., Singapore to Europe, USA, Australia, Asia excluding specific short-haul), the allowance is 30 kg (66 lbs) per passenger in Economy Class.
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Piece Concept (Specific Routes): On select short-haul routes within Southeast Asia (e.g., Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Bali, Manila), SIA operates under a Piece Concept:
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Economy Class: 1 piece of checked baggage.
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Dimensions: Each piece must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches) in total (Length + Width + Height).
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Weight: The weight limit per piece varies slightly by route but is generally 23 kg (50 lbs). Always double-check your specific route on the SIA website or booking confirmation.
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Important Note: The Piece Concept applies only to the specific short-haul routes listed by SIA. All other international routes use the Weight Concept.
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Ticket Type: Some promotional fares or specific fare classes within a cabin might have reduced allowances. Always verify your exact allowance on your e-ticket receipt or the Manage Booking section on the SIA website. Silver and Gold KrisFlyer members enjoy additional baggage benefits (see below).
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
SIA has clear rules for carry-on baggage to ensure cabin safety and comfort:
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One Standard Bag: All passengers are entitled to one standard piece of carry-on baggage.
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Dimensions: Maximum 115 cm (45 inches) in total (Length + Width + Height).
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Weight: Maximum 7 kg (15.4 lbs) for Economy Class; 14 kg (30.8 lbs) for Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class.
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One Personal Item: Additionally, you can bring one personal item such as:
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A handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack.
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Dimensions should fit under the seat in front of you.
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Infant Allowance: Passengers traveling with infants are entitled to one fully collapsible stroller or pushchair and one diaper bag, in addition to their personal item allowance. These can be checked at the gate or cabin door.
Important Carry-On Restrictions:
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Size Matters: Strict enforcement of the 115 cm total dimension limit is common. Over-sized bags will be gate-checked.
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Weight Matters: Weighing your carry-on at home is highly recommended, especially for Economy passengers. Overweight bags may be subject to fees or gate-checking.
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Prohibited Items: Ensure your carry-on doesn't contain prohibited items like sharp objects (beyond small scissors/tweezers), liquids over 100ml (in containers 100ml or less, within a clear 1L bag), flammable items, etc. Check SIA's full list of prohibited items.
Special Baggage & Equipment
SIA accommodates special items, often with specific fees:
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Sports Equipment: Items like golf clubs, bicycles, surfboards, diving equipment, and skiing equipment are generally accepted. Fees vary significantly based on size, weight, and route. Always check the specific fee for your item and route on the SIA website before traveling.
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Musical Instruments: Small instruments (within carry-on size/weight) can be carried on. Larger instruments can be checked as baggage or potentially booked as cargo, depending on size and value. Fees apply.
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Pets: SIA has specific policies for transporting pets, primarily in the cargo hold. Strict regulations and fees apply. Advance booking is mandatory.
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Excess Baggage: If your luggage exceeds your free allowance, you'll need to pay excess baggage fees. These fees are calculated per kilogram or per piece (on applicable routes) and can be quite expensive, especially at the airport. Pro Tip: Pre-purchasing excess baggage online via Manage Booking is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport counter.
KrisFlyer Members & Star Alliance Benefits
Loyalty pays off! KrisFlyer members receive additional baggage allowances:
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Silver Elite: +20 kg (44 lbs) on applicable routes (weight concept).
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Gold Elite: +30 kg (66 lbs) on applicable routes (weight concept).
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Prestige Elite: +40 kg (88 lbs) on applicable routes (weight concept).
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Solitaire PPS Club: +50 kg (110 lbs) on applicable routes (weight concept).
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PPS Club: +50 kg (110 lbs) on applicable routes (weight concept).
Note: These elite member allowances are in addition to the standard cabin allowance and apply to the member traveling on the ticket. Star Alliance Gold members traveling on a Star Alliance carrier also receive additional baggage benefits, typically equivalent to the Silver Elite allowance on SIA.
Baggage Fees & Payment
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Pre-Purchase: The most cost-effective way to add extra baggage is through the SIA website or app ("Manage Booking") well before your flight. Prices increase closer to departure.
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Airport Payment: Fees paid at the airport counter are the highest. Avoid this if possible.
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Online Calculator: Use the SIA website's baggage calculator to estimate fees for your specific route and excess weight.
Tips for Smooth Baggage Handling with SIA
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Verify Your Allowance: Always check your e-ticket or Manage Booking for your exact allowance. Don't assume it's the standard.
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Weigh Your Bags: Use a luggage scale at home to ensure checked bags are within weight limits and carry-ons are under the 7kg/14kg limit.
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Measure Your Carry-On: Ensure it meets the 115cm total dimension limit. Soft-sided bags are often more forgiving.
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Label Clearly: Use sturdy, clearly written tags with your name and contact details (including destination address) on both checked and carry-on bags.
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Pack Valuables & Essentials: Keep medications, important documents, jewelry, electronics, and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag.
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Consider Pre-Purchasing: If you anticipate needing extra baggage, buy it online in advance for significant savings.
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Know the Rules for Liquids: Adhere strictly to the 100ml liquid rule in carry-on bags within the 1L clear bag.
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Electronic Baggage Tags: Consider SIA's electronic baggage tags (e-tags) for faster check-in and baggage processing. They can be purchased or rented at the airport.
Summary Table: Key Allowances
Cabin Class |
Checked Baggage (Most Intl Routes) |
Checked Baggage (SE Asia Short-Haul) |
Carry-On Bag (Max) |
Personal Item |
Carry-On Weight (Max) |
First Class |
50 kg (110 lbs) |
1 Piece (23kg) |
115 cm |
Yes |
14 kg (30.8 lbs) |
Business Class |
40 kg (88 lbs) |
1 Piece (23kg) |
115 cm |
Yes |
14 kg (30.8 lbs) |
Premium Economy |
35 kg (77 lbs) |
1 Piece (23kg) |
115 cm |
Yes |
14 kg (30.8 lbs) |
Economy Class |
30 kg (66 lbs) |
1 Piece (23kg) |
115 cm |
Yes |
7 kg (15.4 lbs) |
Conclusion
Singapore Airlines strives to make the baggage process as straightforward as possible. By understanding your specific allowance based on cabin, route, and ticket type, adhering to size and weight limits for both checked and carry-on bags, and utilizing pre-purchase options for excess baggage, you can travel with peace of mind. Remember to check the SIA website for the most current policies and fees before your trip, and always verify your allowance on your booking confirmation. Pack smart, travel light where possible, and enjoy your journey with Singapore Airlines.