Traveller reference · SQ
Singapore Airlines
Star Alliance · IATA SQ · operator of some of the longest flights in the world
Travelaidnow is an independent travel agency and is not Singapore Airlines, nor affiliated with or endorsed by it.
This page is a general reference written by our team. Baggage allowances, fees and policies are set by the airline and change without notice, so confirm anything that affects your trip with Singapore Airlines directly before you travel.
Official site: singaporeair.comSingapore Airlines operates several of the longest scheduled flights in commercial aviation, including non-stops from the US east and west coasts to Singapore. On sectors of that length the cabin choice matters more than on any other kind of flight, and the airline configures some of these services without a standard economy cabin at all.
Its hub at Changi is consistently rated among the best airports anywhere, and connections through it are among the easiest in Asia. Terminals 1 to 3 are linked airside; Terminal 4 is separate and reached by bus, which is the one case where extra time is needed.
Singapore Airlines at a glance
- IATA code
- SQ
- ICAO code
- SIA
- Based in
- Singapore
- Alliance
- Star Alliance
- Type
- Full-service
- Frequent flyer
- KrisFlyer
Cabins
- Economy
- Premium Economy
- Business
- First / Suites
Main bases
- SIN · Singapore
How Singapore Airlines baggage works
Singapore Airlines applies a weight-based allowance on much of its network, varying by cabin, fare tier and KrisFlyer status, with a piece system on some routes.
The fare tiers within economy — the entry-level ones especially — differ in baggage and flexibility rather than in the seat.
Confirm the allowance shown for your booking on singaporeair.com, particularly on itineraries that include a partner-operated leg.
Check-in
Online check-in typically opens 48 hours before departure.
Changi's cutoffs are clear and the airport is efficient. Terminal 4 is the exception to the general ease of the airport, as it is reached by shuttle bus rather than airside link.
Boarding
Boarding is by group according to cabin and KrisFlyer or Star Alliance status.
On the ultra-long-haul services the boarding process is slower simply because of the aircraft size and the amount of cabin baggage on a flight of that duration.
Before you fly Singapore Airlines
Consider the cabin on an eighteen-hour sector
On the longest routes the difference between economy and premium economy affects the trip more than the budget for many travellers. This is the clearest case for that upgrade anywhere in the network.
Some ultra-long-haul flights have no economy cabin
Certain non-stop services are configured with premium economy and business only. If you are searching for the cheapest fare on those routes, that is why nothing appears.
Terminal 4 at Changi needs extra time
Terminals 1 to 3 connect airside by Skytrain. Terminal 4 does not, and reaching it means a bus transfer.
Planning a trip rather than researching a carrier?
Our route and airport guides cover the journey itself — when demand peaks, which airports work, and how long the connection really takes.
FAQ
Singapore Airlines — common questions
General guidance only. Singapore Airlines sets these policies and can change them, so confirm anything that affects your trip at singaporeair.com.
How long is the Singapore Airlines flight from New York?
The non-stop between New York and Singapore is among the longest scheduled commercial flights operating anywhere, at roughly nineteen and a half hours. Some of these ultra-long-haul services are configured without a standard economy cabin, which is worth knowing before you search for the lowest fare on the route.
Is Changi easy to connect through?
It is one of the easiest major airports in the world for transfers. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are linked airside by Skytrain and walkways, so most connections are quick and well signposted. Terminal 4 is the exception, reached by shuttle bus, so allow more time if your itinerary involves it.
What are Singapore Airlines Suites?
Suites is the airline's first-class product on its largest aircraft, an enclosed private cabin rather than an open seat. It operates on a limited number of aircraft and routes, and is distinct from the business-class cabin, which is itself a lie-flat product available much more widely.