Flights to Singapore - flight hacks

Singapore is open to international tourism

From 29 August 2022, all travelers can enter Singapore regardless of their vaccination status. There are no on-arrival tests or quarantine required. However, unvaccinated visitors still must test negative on a pre-departure test (taken within two days before departing for Singapore) and purchase travel insurance that Covid coverage. On arrival, you should either present proof via a hardcopy certificate, a digital vaccination application, or an acceptance letter from the Vaccination Check Portal.

Before landing in Singapore, all travelers must submit the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) declaration – this can be done up to three days before arrival.

Most foreign visitors need a valid visa to enter Singapore (see the visa requirements)

Transit through Changi International Airport is permitted as long as you (1) have all flights booked in the same booking itinerary and (2) have the main luggage checked-through to the final destination. Transit passengers do not have to be vaccinated or present a pre-departure Covid test.

Arriving in Singapore

  • If you are flying to Singapore from abroad, you will most likely land at one of its biggest international airportsits main international airportChangi International Airport SIN. It is located on the eastern end of the island of Singapore, around 20 minutes drive from Marina Bay. Serving more than 100 airlines, Singapore Changi Airport is one of Southeast Asia’s busiest airports and has been recognized as the world’s best airport for several years. Since its opening in 1981, the airport has morphed into a Singapore must-see sight in its own right and is really worth checking if you have some time to spare between your flights (don't miss the world’s tallest indoor waterfall in the newly open Jewel Changi retail complex).

    Arrival information: learn more about the airport on its official website, read this helpful guide for international arrivals and check out the available transport options from the airport to the city. You can also track the real-time updates on flight arrivals and departures. We recommend downloading the official iChangi App for in-app notifications about your flight status and to navigate the airport with interactive maps
    .

    These are also the best (and the cheapest) airports to fly into Singapore. As they are used by many airlines serving the same routes, the competition for passengers is fierce – with decreased airfare as a result.
  • Once in Singapore, take advantage of frequent intercity flights operated by domestic airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and Jetstar Asia Airways. Those in-country carriers typically offer lower fares, operate from smaller airports located closer to city centers (you save on ground transportation), and provide flexible schedules – with a wide range of departure times.
  • Planning to explore the region? Popular destinations near Singapore can be easily reached with regional low-cost carriers (LCCs) by the likes of AirAsia, Bamboo Airways, Batik Air, Cebu Pacific, FlyNas, Go First, Hong Kong Express, IndiGo, Jetstar Airways, Scoot, SpiceJet, Thai Smile, and ZipAir. If you have a layover in Singapore and plan to fly only a short distance to one of its neighboring countries, these budget airlines are an excellent way to save money. However, the “no-frills” carrier may not provide free checked baggage allowance, complimentary food, in-flight entertainment systems, and fast customer support. You may not even get to choose your seats, unless you pay extra.

Airports of Singapore

Best airports to fly into Singapore: Changi International Airport (SIN)
Singapore has just one airport – all international flights arrive in Changi International Airport SIN. It is located in Changi district in the east part of Singapore, around 20km (~12 miles) from the city center.
Things to know before flying to Singapore
Airlines flying to SingaporeAegan Airlines, AirAsia, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air India Express, Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, AirCalin, ANA, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Bamboo Airways, Bangkok Airways, Batik Air, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cambodia Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Citilink, Croatia Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Firefly, FlexFlight, FlyNas, Garuda Indonesia, GoFirst, Gulf Air, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Express, Iberia, IndiGo, Japan Airlines, Jeju Air, JetBlue, Jetstar, KLM, Korean Air, LATAM, Lion Air, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Mongolian Airlines, Myanmar Airways, Oman Air, Pacific Airlines, Perimeter Aviation, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, SAS, Saudia, Scoot, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, South African Airways, SpiceJet, Spring Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Starlux Airlines, SWISS, T'way Air, Thai Airways, Thai Smile, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Vistara, Xiamen Airlines, ZipAir
Airlines of SingaporeSingapore Airlines, Scoot, Jetstar Asia Airways
Main airports in SingaporeChangi International Airport (SIN) — Singapore



Regular price (roundtrip)✈ €600 – €850 (from Europe)
✈ $800 – $1100 (from USA)
Flight hacks 40% — 80% off regular fare
Airline promotionsSee ticket sales & promos available for flights departing from June to August

Book cheap flights in the region

T1 – T4. A brief guide to Changi Airport’s four terminals

The award-winning airport comprises four terminals that are supported by three runways (interactive map). Terminals 1 to 3 are interconnected via Skytrain, while the transport to/from Terminal 4 is provided by a shuttle bus service.

Terminal 1 — boarding gates C and D. The busiest terminal which serves flights operated by Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and Scoot, among others. T1 is home to such attractions as Kinetic Rain Sculpture and Tropical Rainforest Vivarium.

Terminal 2 — boarding gates F and E. Only a few airlines depart from T2: Air India, Air India Express, and Singapore Airlines. The terminal features Enchanted Garden and Entertainment Deck (games and movies) for passengers to unwind as they await their flights.

Terminal 3 — boarding gates A and B. Serves flights operated by Garuda Indonesia, Etihad, Lufthansa, SWISS, and United Airlines. T3 is known for The Slide (4-storeys high world’s tallest slide), and the Butterfly Garden.

Terminal 4 — boarding gates G and H. Serves mostly low-cost carriers such as AirAsia, Bamboo Airways, Cebu Pacific, HK Express, and VietJet Air. T4 features the Entertainment Corner with a selection of games and arcade machines.

Changi FAST: automated bag-drop machines and immigration clearance

Most travelers are already familiar with self-service check-in kiosks at airports. Changi Airports is one step ahead with its extended self-service system: Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) which uses biometric technologies to expedite the process of getting to the gates for eligible passengers.

You can now print your bag tags and deposit your luggage at the automated bag-drop machines. The system will capture your photo, and if it matches the photo in your passport, the luggage is accepted and added to the baggage handling system. The automated bag-drop machines are located at check-in rows of participating airlines: AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines. Cebu Pacific, Korean Air, and Vietnam Airlines should be joining soon.

The FAST system also includes Automated Immigration Gates (AIG) which use facial and fingerprint recognition, and Automated Boarding Gates (ABG) where you scan your boarding pass and have your photo taken to be allowed to board the plane.

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Flights to Singapore from United States and Canada

  • There are no direct flights from the US or Canada to Singapore. However, most major hubs in Asia have non-stop flights to Singapore, as do some larger airports in the Middle East – your journey will have at least one stop. You have a long journey ahead if you fly to Singapore from North America. Singapore is roughly halfway around the world – whether you're heading east on the transatlantic route (from the East Coast) or west across the Pacific (from the West Coast), you should be prepared for 16-20 hours on a plane.

    There are daily direct flights offered by Singapore Airlines on New York – Singapore (~19hr), Los Angeles – Singapore (~17hr), San Francisco – Singapore (~17hr), Seattle – Singapore (~16hr), and Vancouver –Singapore (~16hr) routes. United Airlines operate one direct connection to Singapore from San Francisco.
  • Singapore is well-served via one-stop flights from North America. Flights to Singapore with one layover depart from most major North American airports, including Atlanta ATL, Dallas DFW, Denver DEN, Chicago ORD, Los Angeles LAX, Las Vegas DFW, Miami MIA, Seattle SEA, Houston IAH, New York JFK, and San Francisco SFO in the United States and Toronto YYZ, Vancouver YVR, Calgary LAS, and Montreal YUL in Canada. You will most likely have a connecting flight at one of these popular hubs: Dubai DXB, Frankfurt FRA, Hong Kong HKG, Seoul ICN or TokyoNRT.
  • The best airlines to fly to Singapore from the US and Canada are: American Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines. They are top full-service carriers, offering exceptional customer service, in-flight comfort, a generous checked baggage allowance, and reliable customer support channels – all included in the ticket price.
  • For long-haul flights, the type of aircraft you choose can make a huge difference to your overall comfort on board – especially if you’re flying economy. The best aircraft have comfier seats with more legroom, WiFi, superior entertainment systems, and a better passenger experience in every cabin in general. When booking a flight to Singapore, look for the airlines that use wide-body planes designed for long-haul flights, such as Airbus A350 (best choice), A380, A320neo, or Boeing 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner.

Singapore from US & Canada
plane ticket prices in 2023/24

Real-time economy class airfares to Singapore from the US and Canada. See the top deals for flights departing from June to February:

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The cheapest time to fly to Singapore

The cheapest time to visit Singapore is during the low tourist season – from August to September (excluding mid-September when Singapore Grand Prix takes place). These are the country’s slowest months for tourism when flights and hotels are usually more affordable. However, the weather tends to get very hot during this time – you should plan accordingly your activities to do to avoid the oppressive heat.

Another good option is to book your flights during the shoulder seasons, typically from late September to early November and from mid-February to early April. During these months, the weather is more comfortable, there are still fewer crowds, and good deals on airfares are still possible to find.

Auto check-in with Singapore Airlines

If you are flying with Singapore’s national airline, you can choose to be automatically checked-in to avoid the hassle of checking in manually. The airline will automatically check you in 48 hours before your flight departs, and you’ll receive a confirmation via email.

After booking your flight, go to Manage Booking on Singapore Airlines‘ website to turn the auto check-in on.

Auto check-in is also available for passengers with check-in baggage. After arriving at the Changi Airport, you can simply proceed to the automated bag drop machine or counter to check in your baggage.

Auto check-in is not available for group bookings.

Download iChangi app for real-time updates and notifications

If you are traveling through Changi Airport, make sure to download the official app to receive real-time updates on your flight status and gate changes or to use it to navigate the airport with interactive maps and wayfinding. If you scan your bag tag with the app, you’ll be able to track your check-in bags and get updates on your baggage status.

You will also get access to discounted events and exclusive deals at Changi Jewel (the retail and entertainment complex) and to discounted parking fees at the airport’s car park. The app makes it easy to book attractions and amenities at Changi Airport and Jewel or to purchase products online at the airport’s duty-free outlets to pick them up later, before boarding.

You can download the iChangi app for your Android or iOS phone.

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Flights to Singapore with stopover

Direct flights to Singapore are, of course, much less hassle than flights that require one or more connections. However, they tend to be more expensive. In a trade-off between convenience and cost, the best option is often to opt for a flight with one layover.

So if you’re looking at a long-haul trip with at least one connection, rather than simply transiting an airport, why not take this opportunity to plan a longer stopover? A stopover is a prolonged layover — more than 24 hours — and it won’t only break up your long journey but will also become a legitimate part of your vacation. If you’re prone to severe jet lag, a one or two-day stopover would help minimize its adverse effects.

When booking flights, many airlines allow you to include a free stopover en route to your final destination in Singapore. Those flights are usually cheaper than non-stop (direct) flights, and you can often choose your stopover at no additional cost — just by looking for multi-city flights with longer layovers.

Big cities in Asia and Pacific are known for their rich culture and history — making them a great idea for a stopover during a longer journey. Here are a few suggestions for a stopover while en route to Singapore.

Some airlines openly advertise stopovers and offer significant discounts and travel perks for passengers to break up their trips: free luxury hotel stays, complimentary domestic flights, or exclusive rates for activities. Start checking for stopover deals to Singapore with government-owned airlines (as they are looking to attract tourists to give the country economic benefits) — such as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines. Almost every airline’s website has multi-city search functionality, often hidden inside the one-way/return/multi-city switch.

A well-chosen stopover will not only turn one vacation into many but also save you several hundred dollars in airfare. The available stopovers to Singapore will depend on your initial destination (Europe, North America, Asia, etc) and the airline you are flying with. For most airlines, the best free stopover offer will be at their main hub.

Flights to Singapore from UK, Germany, France, Netherlands and other countries in Europe

  • There are no direct flights from Europe to Singapore — you’ll need to get a connecting flight from elsewhere in the Middle East or in Asia. Singapore is well-connected with Europe via numerous direct flights from major European hubs such as London, Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich, Paris, Amsterdam, Athens, Rome, Milan, Barcelona, Copenhagen and Helsinki. These non-stop flights are operated by Air France, British Airways, Finnair, KLM, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Scoot, Singapore Airlines, SAS, and SWISS. Flying directly from Europe to Singapore's Changi International Airport takes roughly 10-13 hours.
  • Airlines that frequently fly from the UK, Germany, France, and other European countries to Singapore include British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, EtihadAirways, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airways.
  • Consider departure airports in neighboring countries to increase your chance of spotting the best deal. Especially look for large airports that serve as hubs for multiple airlines. For example, if you live in Western Europe, check air tickets to Singapore from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, and Rome. Use European low-cost airlines such as RyanAir, EasyJet, and Eurowings to fly to the hub, then save hundreds of euros by taking a cheaper long-haul flight to your final destination.

    We recommend checking prices for flights to Singapore from these European airport hubs: London LHR and Manchester MAN in the United Kingdom, Frankfurt FRA and Munich MUC in Germany, Paris CDG and Nice NCE in France, Amsterdam AMS in the Netherlands, Madrid MAD and Barcelona BCN in Spain, Rome FCO and Milano MXP in Italy, Brussels BRU in Belgium, Copenhagen OSL in Denmark, Oslo OSL in Norway, Stockholm ARN in Sweden, Zurich ZRH in Switzerland, Lisbon LIS in Portugal, Vienna VIE in Austria, Warsaw WAW in Poland, Prague PRG in Czech Republic, and Dublin DUB in Ireland.

European airports with the cheapest flights to Singapore

Find the lowest prices for flights to Changi Airport in Singapore from the major airports in Europe — London, Dublin, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Lyon, Barcelona, Athens, Istanbul, Stockholm, Geneva, Helsinki, Zurich, and others.

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Europe to Singapore, up to 80% off.

40% – 80% off

How to book SuperDeals?

At the Air Traveler Club, our go-to solution for finding cheap airfares to Singapore is Google Flights. Every time we send SuperDeals to our 110,000 members (see some examples), we include links to Google Flights so that each deal can be booked immediately.

Google Flights then showcases various options for booking the deal: you can almost always book directly with the airline (by cutting out the middleman) or – alternatively – with an OTA that offers the same flight at a similar price. Once you have chosen your booking option, you will be redirected to the external website where you can finalize your ticket purchase.

One of Google Flights’ standout features is a color-coded bar that appears underneath the booking options. It provides a visual representation of the price in comparison to the typical fare (for the same route, class, and airline) – indicating whether it is lower, average, or higher.

Booking deals with Google Flights: price history
A visual representation of the flight price. In this example, the SuperDeal saves more than 50% compared to the regular fare.

If the marker falls within the green zone (“price is low”) don’t hesitate to secure this deal as it is significantly – 40% to 80% – cheaper than average and unlikely to drop further.

If you are not Air Traveler Club subscriber yet, you’re missing out on SuperDeals (we often send deals to Singapore). Sign up now to start saving 40–80% on flights. It’s free!

For more details on how to book deals on Google Flights, check out this video:

YouTube video

Check different departure airports

Consider neighboring cities when choosing the departure airport – especially look for larger cities with airports that serve as hubs for multiple airlines.

For example, if you live in West Europe, check prices for flights departing from Paris, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome, or Vienna. In 9 out of 10 cases, the cheapest flight to Singapore will depart from one of these hubs, and it may be €500 less or more than your first choice. Yes, you may have to fly a few hundred kilometers to this hub, but low-cost airlines like EasyJet, RyanAir, or WizzAir will happily take you there for €50 – €100.

Use a similar tactic if you depart from the US or another region. It’s one of the best ways to save hundreds on trips.

Book flights from many departure airports
By entering more than one departure city in the flight search engine (at the top of this page), you can quickly find the airport with the cheapest flights to your destination

Last-minute flights to Singapore. The real cost of convenience.

Last-minute flights are often touted as a great way to save money, but the reality is far from it. Booking last-minute flights to Singapore almost always never works out.

Based on years of research, the airlines know what people are willing to pay for specific flights and dates. To make the most money, they will sell their cheapest fares first and then increase the prices right before the flight to take advantage of these travelers who are willing to pay the premium price for late booking.

Occasionally, airlines can offer last-minute deals to fill the remaining seats, but these are for unusual times and unpopular places. Popular destinations and dates tend to sell out quickly.

Planning ahead is key to securing a good deal on your flight. Last-minute flight deals are hard to come by, so as soon as you have a tentative travel timeline, book your flight. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to save money. If you are looking for a good deal, the best time to book your flight to Singapore is 2-8 months before the takeoff.

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Airlines of Singapore

Singapore’s national flag carrier – Singapore Airlines (SIA) – is one of the world’s best airlines, highly valued by travelers. Over the past four decades, SIA has earned a stellar reputation in the fiercely competitive commercial aviation business and five-star ratings for its service and comfort. If you want luxury in the skies, there’s arguably a no better choice than SIA’s Suites Class – individual spacious cabins with their own sliding door and a standalone bed, completely separate from the seat. However, even economy class offers a far-above-average experience; it includes a generous free checked baggage allowance of 30kg (66-pound), a more comfortable seat than most airlines offer in the same ticket class, and complimentary food and drinks (with options for religious, vegetarian and special diets). Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld – an excellent inflight entertainment system – is in the top tier of such systems, with an endless selection of movies, TV shows, live TV channels, music albums and games. Inflight Wi-Fi packages are also available on most flights (complimentary for Suites, First Class, and Business Class passengers, and members of PPS Club and KrisFlyer program). Worth mentioning is SIA’s great customer service.

Despite the quality of its services and premium positioning, Singapore Airlines remains a fairly-priced airline. The SIA’s fleet of around 140 aircraft is always young and fuel-efficient; as the planes need less repair and maintenance, there are fewer delayed or canceled flights. You can fly with Singapore Airlines to 75 international destinations in more than 30 countries — including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, countries of the European Union, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Maldives, Thailand, UAE, UK, and the US.

Other Singaporean airlines – Scoot (SIA’s subsidiary) and Jetstar Asia Airways (a subsidiary of Australian Jetstar Airways) – are much smaller LCC (low-cost) carriers that mostly focus on medium and short-haul flights. They may provide limited service (compared to Singapore Airlines) regarding free baggage allowance, inflight refreshments, meals, or onboard entertainment. In many cases, their tickets are fixed and non-refundable if there is a no-show or cancellation.

Flights to Singapore from Australia and New Zealand

  • Australia and New Zealand are well-connected with popular Asian destinations, including Singapore. In addition to domestic airlines – Qantas, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand – routes from Australia/New Zealand to Asia are operated by large regional carriers such as ANA, Emirates, Etihad, Fiji Airways, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines.

    Direct flights and flights with one layover to Singapore are available from all major airports in Australia – Sydney SYD, Brisbane BNE, Melbourne MEL, Perth PER, Adelaide ADL, Cairns CNS, Gold Coast OOL, Canberra CBR, and in New Zealand – Auckland AKL, Wellington WLG, Christchurch CHC, Queenstown ZQN, Dunedin DUD.
  • In terms of cost-savings, we recommend flying from Australia and New Zealand to a major Asian hub and then booking a flight to your final destination in Singapore with a regional budget airline. Among the low-cost airlines that fly into Singapore are AirAsia, Bamboo Airways, Batik Air, Cebu Pacific, FlyNas, Go First, Hong Kong Express, IndiGo, Jetstar Airways, Scoot, SpiceJet, Thai Smile, and ZipAir.

    Currently, there are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Singapore. You’ll need a layover in one of the major hubs in Asia.


    Ticket prices vary widely, depending on the route and airline. Two budget airlines – Scoot and Jetstar – tend to offer the cheapest flights to Singapore: at around 150 AUD from Perth or 200 AUD from Melbourne (both one-way direct flights). Other airlines with direct flights to Singapore are Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand.

Prices of flights to Singapore from Australia and New Zealand

Real-time economy class fares to Singapore from major airports in Australasia — from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide in Australia, and from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch in New Zealand.

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“Hot seats” on long-haul flights

Those days seat selection is considered an optional, extra paid service – seats with extra legroom (front and exit rows) are usually priced higher. However, if you’re about to take a long-haul flight to Singapore, those “hot seats” are worth considering – expect to pay $50-$100, which is much less than upgrading to Premium Economy.

If you want to choose your seats, do this early (ideally during the booking) for a more extensive selection of available options.

Booking hot seats (preffered seats with extra legroom) on plane
Choosing a hot seat during the flight booking process is usually worth it. For a reasonable price, you will get more room to stretch your legs, as well as a wider seat pitch.

How much is Premium Economy to Singapore?

Heading for a long-haul or overnight flight to Singapore? The premium economy could be a worthwhile investment, ensuring you arrive rejuvenated.

Positioned between economy and business class, premium economy provides enhanced comfort (5–7 inches of extra legroom, wider seats with 2–3 extra inches recline, adjustable headrests and leg rests, larger personal TV screens) and extra perks (superior meals, larger baggage allowances, priority boarding, access to airport lounges). It’s a favored option for those seeking comfort without the cost of a full-fledged business-class ticket.

The majority of Asia Pacific carriers now feature premium economy class. According to Skytrax’s World’s Best Premium Economy Class Airlines Awards, the best premium economy is offered by Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates, ANA, Air New Zealand, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, China Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.

However, the Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seats Award recognized Emirates as the top contender. Their premium economy class, currently available on A380 aircraft, exudes a business-class ambiance and occupies the front of the main deck of the superjumbo.

Premium Economy class cabin on Emirates
Emirates Premium Economy Class on A380. Seats in a 2-4-2 layout come with 40 inches (102cm) of legroom with cushioned leg rests, 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) of width, and 8 inches (20cm) of recline. Enhancements include a wider range of dishes and beverages on the menu, a 13.3-inch HD TV with Bluetooth headphone compatibility.

Premium economy class fares typically range from 25% to 100% more than standard economy tickets on the same flight. For instance, a round-trip economy ticket from the US to Singapore might be priced around $700, whereas a premium economy ticket on the same route could be $1,000 to $1,500. In contrast, business class tickets for an identical itinerary may run between $3,000 and $5,000 or higher.

When booking closer to the departure date, premium economy is generally only 10–30% more expensive than standard economy fare. If premium seats aren’t filled, airlines might offer discounted upgrades at check-in.

To find the current prices of premium economy tickets to Singapore, use our search form (choose “Premium Economy” in the cabin class drop-down menu).

Is the premium economy to Singapore worth the extra cost? This decision hinges on individual priorities. For long-haul and overnight flights, the enhanced comfort can significantly improve the travel experience. If your journey consists of two or more connecting flights, opting for a premium seat on just one leg can still provide a superior journey compared to the standard economy throughout.

However, if the price gap for premium economy appears too steep, consider another viable alternative: hot seats.

Best way to upgrade to Business Class for cheap

A growing number of airlines are auctioning upgrades to their business class seats. Once you book your economy ticket to Singapore, you can offer to pay a bit more in an attempt to get a premium seat. 2-3 days before your flight, an airline will send you an email with a link to their website where you can place a “blind” bid. Alternatively, you can go to the website directly and check if your seat qualifies for an upgrade by providing the Booking Reference number.

There’s usually a minimum bid amount. If you win the auction, you’ll be informed via email, and your seat will be upgraded.

Cheaper business class flight online bidding for upgrades
Virgin Australia auctions off upgrades to Business Class as a way to sell otherwise unused seats at the front of the plane

How to choose the right bid amount? Just check the airline website for the regular cost of a business class seat to Singapore, then subtract what you paid for the economy fare. Place your bid for around 10% to 30% of that price. The alternative strategy is to bid slightly above the competition. If, for example, the minimum bid is $500, try to bid $550-$600, as most people will offer the baseline amount required.

The more available business class seats the airline has on your flight, the lower bid can be successfully used. Check the airline’s daily schedule for flights to Singapore – if there is more than one flight on your chosen route (more available seats), you can safely bid close to the minimum required amount.

Among the airlines that allow bidding for seat upgrades are: Air Canada (AC Bid), Air New Zealand (OneUp), Cathay Pacific (Upgrade Bid), Etihad Airways (Bid To Upgrade), Fiji Airways (Bula Bid), Garuda Indonesia (BidUpgrade), Hawaiian Airlines (Bid Up), LATAM (Cabin Upgrade), Lufthansa (Bid Upgrade), Royal Jordanian (Go Crown), Qantas (Bid Now), SAS (SAS Upgrade), Singapore Airlines (mySQupgrade), SriLankan Airlines, and Virgin Australia (UpgradeMe).

Hidden-city ticketing hack

Hidden-city ticketing is a less-known money-saving tactic where you buy a plane ticket with a layover, with the intention to get off at the layover rather than the final destination. For example, a flight from New York to Tokyo might be $600, but a similar flight from New York to Singapore with a layover in Tokyo might be only $350. Choosing the latter and ending the trip in Tokyo would save you $250.

It seems counterintuitive that a fare from A to C via B could possibly be cheaper than a simple fare on a shorter route from A to B. However, airlines use dynamic, computer-driven price models calculated with little human intervention, and such deals happen quite often.

How to find hidden-city tickets? The easiest way is to use the Skiplagged website, which was designed for unearthing hidden-city deals — give them a try for your flight to Singapore.

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Flights to Singapore from Bali, Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and other major hubs in Asia

  • Thanks to numerous low-cost airlines (LCCs) operating in the region, it is easier than ever to visit Singapore as part of a wider Asian trip. AirAsia, Bamboo Airways, Batik Air, Cebu Pacific, FlyNas, GoFirst, Hong Kong Express, IndiGo, Jetstar Airways, Scoot, SpiceJet, Thai Smile, and ZipAir provide budget direct flights to several big cities such as Bangkok, Delhi, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, and Tokyo.
  • Asia is probably the best continent for short-haul and mid-haul flying. The sheer scale of this most populous region on Earth is reflected in the type of aircraft operating many shorter routes: intra-Asia flyers benefit from comfortable, wide-bodied aircraft by the likes of Boeing 777, 787 or Airbus A350, A330, and A380. When booking your flight to Singapore look for these bigger planes as they will almost always give you the best experience in every cabin, including better seat pitches, higher ceilings, and larger overhead bin space.
  • Asia is also home to most of the world’s best airlines. There are only ten airlines that received the prestigious 5-star mark of quality from Skytrax, and all of them are from Asia: ANA, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines. Choosing one of these airlines for your trip to Singapore will guarantee a pleasant journey – delicious meals served during the flight, great in-flight entertainment, and above-average airline customer service.
  • Asia is extremely well served by low-cost regional airlines. If you are visiting Singapore and want to see several other countries on a tight budget, they often have great sales with rock-bottom prices, while still offering a relatively comfortable flight experience. Among the best Asian budget airlines you can book without hesitation are AirAsiaCebu Pacific, Citilink, FlyDubai, Indigo, Jetstar Airways, Scoot, SpiceJet, and VietJet Air. The cons? Being no-frills airlines they may not provide free baggage allowance, inflight meals, or onboard entertainment. The departure times may also be quite inconvenient as they try to save money by flying at off-peak hours.

Flights from major Asian airports to Singapore

Most major Asian airports have convenient and frequent flights to Singapore — including Changi (Singapore), Dubai (UAE), Hong Kong (China), Incheon (Seoul, South Korea), KLIA (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Narita (Tokyo, Japan), Denpasar (Bali, Indonesia), Soekarno–Hatta (Jakarta, Indonesia), Ninoy Aquino (Manila, Philippines), Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok, Thailand), Taoyuan (Taipei, Taiwan), and others.

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Lost luggage prevention: Essential tips

Every year, airlines handle millions of bags and a small percentage never make it to their final destinations. Avoid lost luggage nightmares on your trip to Singapore by removing old tags from previous flights on your suitcases – they can confuse baggage handlers and conveyor belt scanners. It’s also a good idea to label your luggage with your name, address, and phone number (both inside and outside the case) and attach a GPS-tracker device like Apple AirTag or Samsung SmartTag.

For peace of mind, consider purchasing travel insurance to cover the full value of your luggage, as airline liability usually doesn’t reflect the actual value of the baggage content.

Booking group flights to Singapore

Flights are cheaper when purchased in bulk rather than as individual tickets. Booking group flights to Singapore can be a cost-effective option for a school trip, family reunion, or corporate group traveling to a conference.

To qualify for the special group rate, the group must usually have at least 10 passengers. Discounts depend on the airline, group size, and travel dates, and typically range from 5% to 20% off the regular airfare.

Airlines and flight search websites typically limit automatic group bookings to 10 passengers. This limit reflects the complexity of managing larger groups, which require personalized service and more time to coordinate. To get the price quote for your group, you’ll need to contact the airline or a travel agent directly.

Most airlines have a group booking form or phone number (see examples at Emirates and Qantas). Fill out the form, and the airline will come back to you with the proposed group rate. If your group is large and a scheduled flight cannot accommodate everyone, the airline may offer you a charter flight.

Additionally, there are various perks that your group may be eligible for:

  • free seats (complimentary tickets for every 10 or 20 passengers that book together)
  • free checked baggage allowance
  • dedicated group check-in counter at the airport
  • cabin crew who speak your group’s language
  • flexible booking terms (that allow changes without fees)

Booking group flights to Singapore is similar to booking individual flights. The main difference is that you’ll need to provide personal information for all passengers, and the airline may request additional details, such as meal preferences or accommodations for disabled travelers. A deposit – typically 10-50% of the total cost – may be required to secure the booking. However, some airlines offer deferred payment options where you can secure a reservation with a booking fee and pay the balance later.

If you’re open to different airlines or want more personalized service, a travel agent may be a better choice. Travel agents may have access to discounted group rates to Singapore and can help with logistics and scheduling.

“Book Flights Now, Pay Later” — is it worth it?

Booking a flight and paying for it later has recently become a popular trend in the travel industry, with many airlines offering delayed payment plans. They will allow you to make flight reservation to Singapore now and then pay the bill in installments. But should you take advantage?

Book Now Pay Later (BNPL) plans are essentially short-term personal loans. By partnering with financial companies such as Affirm, Afterpay, PayPal Credit, Fly Now Pay Later, and Uplift, airlines can offer their loan services on the checkout page. When you book the flight with the BNPL option, the company pays the airline, and you repay the loan in installments over a set period (usually up to 24 months), with a set interest rate.

BNPL providers have varying terms and fees. Some may offer interest-free loans but have fees for late payments and require forced autoplay on your bank account, while others may have high annual percentage rates (up to 30-40% APR). There may also be transaction fees, down payment requirements, and many companies even run a credit check on the traveler.

Fly now pay later - delayed payments for flight reservations
Fly Now Pay Later works with numerous popular travel brands to provide delayed payment options

Among the airlines that offer a “fly now, pay later” option are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Southwest, and Virgin Atlantic.

Is BNPL financing worth it? If paid off on time, interest-free delayed payment on your flight ticket to Singapore can be a great way to free up your cash flow. However, there may be safer alternatives available – such as taking advantage of an introductory 0% interest offer on a credit card or using flight price “freezing” services like Hopper.

Proof of onward travel – a simple hack

Travelers who go on long trips often don’t have a set itinerary and fly on one-way tickets. The problem? For many APAC countries, proof of onward travel is a legal requirement. If you arrive at the airport without an onward ticket (from Singapore to another country), you’ll either be forced to buy one online or forbidden from boarding the plane altogether.

The cheapest solution? Renting an onward ticket! Use the websites such as OneWayFly or OnwardTicket to get a flight reservation for a limited amount of time (usually 2 to 14 days). They work by actually booking you on a real flight out of Singapore and giving you a confirmable flight reservation with a PNR (Passenger Name Record) under your name. After the time limit, your spot on the flight is automatically canceled. Such “temporary tickets” tend to cost anywhere from $10 to $20.

Confirmed flight ticket reservation
Proof of onward travel: confirmed flight ticket reservation (source: OnwardTicket)