The Guide to Singapore Airlines Baggage Policies and Fees

Singapore Airlines is known for providing exceptional service, regardless of which cabin you fly. That excellent service starts at the check-in counter with a generous baggage allowance for all travelers — even those who book the cheaper "Lite" or "Value" fares. However, Singapore Airlines baggage policies vary based on the fare you purchase and even where you're flying.

Let's review what you need to know about Singapore Airlines baggage allowance.

To/from the U.S. and Canada

All Singapore Airlines passengers on flights to or from the U.S. and Canada can check two bags for free.

• In economy and premium economy classes, checked bags can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) each.

• Business class, first class and Singapore Suites passengers can check bags that weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) each.

Elite status members get extra bags on top of this base allowance. KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold members (e.g. United Airlines Premier Gold and above) get an additional free checked bag for a total of three free checked bags. Singapore Airlines PPS Club members get two additional checked bags for a total of four complimentary bags.

Let's run through a couple of examples to clarify how Singapore Airlines baggage allowance works for U.S. flights:

• Non-elite economy passenger: Two bags up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) each.

• Star Alliance Gold (United Premier Gold or higher) elite in economy: Three bags up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) each.

• Star Alliance Gold (United Premier Gold or higher) elite in business class: Three bags up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) each.

• PPS Club elite flying in premium economy: Four bags up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) each.

Regardless of the cabin, checked bag dimensions need to measure less than 62 inches (158 centimeters).

Other destinations

On Singapore Airlines flights that don't travel to the U.S. or Canada, the airline uses a weight allowance system. Instead of limiting the number of bags you can check, you're instead limited by a weight. Passengers can check as many bags as they'd like so long as the total weight is under the allowance.

In short, all passengers get at least 55 pounds (25 kilograms) of baggage allowance. Higher allowances are granted for passengers who book higher fares and elite status members.

Here's the Singapore Airlines baggage allowance by fare type:

• Lite and Value: 55 pounds (25 kilograms).

• Standard and Flexi: 66 pounds (30 kilograms).

• Premium economy: 77 pounds (35 kilograms).

• Business class: 88 pounds (40 kilograms).

• Suites and first class: 110 pounds (50 kilograms).

KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold elites get an additional 44 pounds (20 kilograms) of baggage allowance. PPS Club members get to double the base baggage allowance.

» Learn more: 7 ways to avoid paying checked baggage fees

Baggage allowance for infants

Infants are entitled to their own baggage allowance on Singapore Airlines.

For U.S. and Canada flights, the infant baggage allowance is one piece weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) for economy and premium economy tickets or 70 pounds (32 kilograms) for business and first class tickets.

On all other flights, infants get up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms) of checked baggage allowance.

Parents traveling with an infant can also check the following:

• Fully collapsible stroller or pushchair. 

• Carry-cot or car seat.

» Learn more: How to fly with your baby

If you need to check more than your baggage allowance when flying Singapore, it's going to cost you. However, it’ll cost less if you plan ahead. By purchasing your extra baggage allowance in advance, you can save up to 25% off the rate you'd pay at the airport.

Singapore Airlines' convoluted extra baggage fee charts charge fees that vary based on the following three factors:

• How far in advance you purchase the extra baggage allowance.

• Whether you're flying on Singapore Airlines flights to/from the U.S. or another region.

• The distance of your flight.

You'll get the biggest discount when purchasing excess baggage allowance more than 48 hours before your scheduled departure time. Or purchase between six and 48 hours before departure for a 10% discount.

Singapore Airlines generally doesn't accept checked bags weighing more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms). If you need to check a bag heavier than that, the airline directs you to call your local Singapore Airlines office.

» Learn more: The guide to baggage insurance

In addition to your checked baggage allowance, passengers can carry at least one piece of baggage onboard. However, the size and weight limitations for Singapore Airlines' carry-on bags is less than what many U.S. travelers may be accustomed to.

Regardless of the cabin, your carry-on bag cannot weigh more than 15 pounds (7 kilograms), and the dimensions cannot exceed 45 inches (115 centimeters). For reference, an Away Original Carry-On suitcase barely fits these limitations, measuring a combined 44.4 inches (112.8 centimeters).

Economy and premium economy passengers can carry one bag on board. Business class, first class and Singapore Suites passengers can carry on up to two bags — subject to the same size and weight limitations.

» Learn more: Checked bag vs. carry-on: What you need to know

The baggage allowance on Singapore Airlines depends on your cabin and where you're flying. For flights going to or from the U.S. or Canada, all passengers can check up to two bags weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and carry on one bag weighing up to 15 pounds (7 kilograms).

On flights not touching the U.S. and Canada, passengers get at least 55 pounds (25 kilograms) of checked baggage allowance plus one carry-on bag weighing up to 15 pounds (7 kilograms).

Star Alliance Gold elites — which includes United Premier Gold and above — get an additional free checked bag or extra baggage weight allowance, depending on the type of flight. Plus, business and first class passengers can carry a second bag onboard.