Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier of Singapore with a reputation for high-quality service. But are tickets booked with them fully refundable if travel plans change?
This article examines Singapore Airlines’ refund and cancellation policies for different fare types and situations.
Overview of Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines serves over 60 destinations worldwide using a fleet of modern wide-body aircraft. It has hub airports in Singapore, New York and London.
It offers four classes of award-winning service – Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class.
The airline is regarded as one of the world’s best for cabin products, in-flight dining, operational excellence and customer service.
But as a full-service premium carrier, its fares are also relatively higher than low-cost competitors within Asia. The trade-off is enhanced flexibility and privileges.
Economy Class Tickets – Refunds and Changes
For Economy class, which most passengers opt for, Singapore Airlines offers a range of fares with differing conditions and flexibility:
- The cheapest Economy Lite fares are completely non-refundable. No cancellations or changes are permitted. Unused flights are forfeited.
- The next level Economy Standard fares allow cancellations and refunds subject to a fee and any applicable fare difference. Changes are also possible for a fee.
- Higher-end Economy Flexi fares provide free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure with a full credit for future use. One free date change is also allowed.
- Top-tier Economy Flexi Plus fares offer free cancellation up to 4 hours before departure and unlimited free date changes.
- For refund eligibility, airfare rules at time of booking apply rather than at time of refund request.
Business Class and First Class Tickets
For front-end Business Class and First Class tickets, conditions are generally more flexible:
- Business Class tickets allow free cancellation and unlimited changes for date, routing and cabin class. However, a fare difference may apply.
- First Class fares similarly permit complimentary cancellations and unlimited free changes prior to departure.
- Front cabins also feature pricier but fully refundable fares on some routes offering maximum flexibility.
- As premium cabins are more costly, their fares incorporate flexibility suited to corporate travelers and luxury flyers.
Fee-Free Cancellations Due to COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore Airlines has offered more flexible rebooking options:
- For tickets issued from March 2020 onwards, one free change is permitted even on Economy Lite non-refundable fares.
- Previously, COVID-related ticket changes incurred fees but are now fee-waived as a special provision.
- COVID-positive passengers also get complimentary cancellations and refunds on suitable medical documentation.
- Award tickets are allowed one free change though additional changes still incur fees.
- However, regular fare rules eventually apply beyond the one-time COVID change option.
Refund Methods and Timeframes
For eligible refunds, payment mode affects processing time:
- Refunds to original credit card take 7-14 days to process after request submission.
- Bank transfers take slightly longer around 10-21 days after refund approval.
- Refunds via travel vouchers are instant but vouchers must be used by an expiry date.
- Processing may be delayed in peak periods as staff handle high volumes of COVID-related refunds.
- Passengers can check refund status online via their booking reference before completion.
- Refunds only apply to airfare charges. Ancillary fees for extras purchased are non-refundable.
Expiring or Exchanging Tickets
If unable to utilise a ticket close to expiry, passengers have some recourse:
- Tickets expiring within 6 months may pay a fee to extend validity by another 6 months.
- Expiring tickets can switched to a travel voucher valid for 2 years with payment of a fee.
- Exchanging to another person is possible for a ticket change fee before expiry.
- Exceptions apply for non-refundable fares which cannot be extended or exchanged in most circumstances.
In summary, while highly restrictive fares exist, Singapore Airlines does offer economy class tickets with reasonable refundability for an additional cost. For premium cabins, flexibility is complimentary. Proactive travelers should consider refund policies when booking to optimise value.
Goh Jun Cheng is the chief staff writer for SingaporeAirport.com. Jun Cheng graduated with a degree in journalism from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
He has over 5 years of experience writing about aviation, tourism, and lifestyle topics relevant to locals and visitors in Singapore. His articles provide insights into the rich culture, cuisine, and attractions of Singapore. Jun Cheng is an avid traveler who has visited over 15 countries.
When he is not writing or traveling, he enjoys photography, trying new foods, and hiking. As a longtime Singapore resident, Jun Cheng is passionate about sharing hidden gems and perspectives about his home country.
