Even though Singapore Airlines has impeccable service and a top-notch first class experience, it isn't immune from canceled flights.
If you’re flying on the airline for your next trip, knowing Singapore's flight cancellation policy can help you understand your passenger rights and confidently navigate unexpected changes to travel plans.
How to find Singapore Airlines flight status
Travelers have many options to find the status of their Singapore Airlines flight, but the easiest is to go to the Singapore flight status page and enter your travel details. You'll be able to see any flight updates instantly.
Beyond its website, Singapore will also communicate the status of flights via its telephone reservation system and boarding gates at U.S. airports.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Singapore Airlines says it will inform travelers of delays, diversions and cancellations within 30 minutes of learning of the situation.
Singapore Airlines also offers notifications through SMS text messaging, email, WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Other options include third-party websites or apps like TripIt and FlightAware.
What to do if Singapore Airlines cancels your flight
If Singapore Airlines cancel your flight, follow these steps to quickly rebook or get a refund.
Find the nearest Singapore Airlines' agent or call customer service. When a flight is canceled, it's often a mad rush to speak with someone from the airline. Getting there first will give you priority for the limited number of seats on the next flight.
Have your flight info handy. Being able to quickly share your reservation number allows the agent to find your flight details and rebook you.
Know your rights. Knowing what options are available under the Singapore Airlines cancellation policy allows you to stand up for yourself and ensure that you're given the best possible outcome. In addition to what the airline offers, you may be entitled to compensation based on your departure and arrival cities. For example, EU-261 details what compensation you'll receive for qualifying flights to and from the European Union.
Be flexible. To get you routed to your original destination as quickly as possible, the agent may have to get creative. Being flexible with how and when you'll get to your destination can expedite the process of securing your seat on the next flight.
Know your coverage. In addition to coverage from Singapore Airlines' cancellation policy, you may be covered by your credit card travel protections and travel insurance policy. These plans may protect other parts of your trip, including paying for a hotel, transportation and meals that may not be covered by Singapore Airlines.
Keep notes and documents. Take notes about when you were notified of the cancellation, who you spoke to and when, expenses incurred and other details. Keep receipts and all travel documents so that you have everything you need to file claims with the airline, your credit card and your travel insurance policy.
Stay calm. Be nice to the agent, and remember that it is their job to help you. While you may be frustrated with the cancellation, they didn't cause it to happen, so don't take your frustration out on them.
File claims as soon as possible. To get reimbursed for cancellation-related expenses, file your claim as quickly as possible. Not only will filing quickly get you reimbursed faster, but it also reduces the chance that you'll lose important paperwork or forget relevant details.
» Learn more: How to cancel your Singapore Airlines flight
How to rebook a canceled flight on Singapore Airlines
There are three primary ways to rebook your Singapore Airlines flight reservations after a canceled flight.
In-person
Speaking face-to-face with someone is often the best chance of rebooking your canceled flight. The customer service agents at the desk or at check-in often have access to flights and routes that aren't available through normal booking channels.
If you have Singapore Airlines lounge access, consider talking to an agent in the lounge instead of waiting in line to speak with someone at your gate. In the worst case, you can enjoy complimentary food and drinks while you're waiting.
Over the phone
When a flight is canceled, lines at the airport to speak with an agent can be extremely long. Rather than waiting in line, consider calling customer service. Agents are available 24 hours a day within the U.S. at 833-727-0118.
Online or mobile app
Many travelers prefer to make changes on their own instead of speaking with an agent. In this case, you can visit the "Manage Booking" page on its website or use the airline's mobile app.
To update your reservation, you'll need to provide your last name and either your six-character SQ booking reference number or the 13-digit SQ e-ticket number.
How to get a refund from Singapore Airlines
The airline's policy is to charge fees when you cancel a flight on your own. However, if the airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a refund.
To get a refund from Singapore Airlines, use the Manage Booking feature on the airline's website. You can also contact customer service at the airport, online or over the phone.
Nonrefundable tickets
Nonrefundable tickets have the strictest guidelines and policies, but travelers often choose them because they tend to offer lower prices.
If you cancel a nonrefundable ticket, you're entitled to a refund of the taxes and fees paid only.
When the airline cancels the flight, the nonrefundable rules no longer apply. You can rebook or get a refund without penalty.
Refundable tickets
When you want to have flexibility in your reservations, a refundable ticket allows you to change or cancel it at any time. Under the Singapore Airlines' refund policy, you can get a complete refund of your fare regardless if you cancel it or the airline cancels it.
Award tickets
Singapore Airlines typically charges a redeposit fee of up to $75 when canceling a KrisFlyer award reservation. However, if your flight is canceled by the airline, these fees are waived.
» Learn more: The guide to Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer frequent flyer program
Tickets booked in the U.S.
For flights booked to or from the U.S., the cancellation policy allows you to cancel your flight without penalty within 24 hours of booking the ticket. This policy applies as long as the reservation was made at least seven days before the flight departs. When you cancel within this 24-hour risk-free cancellation period, you’re entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment.
When Singapore Airlines cancels the flight, you can get a refund outside of this 24-hour period.
Credit cards can get your money back
Booking your flight with a rewards credit card not only earns valuable cash back, miles and points, but it also can provide generous travel protections in a scenario like this.
A few travel credit cards that offer trip cancellation insurance include:
Top cards with travel insurance
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
NerdWallet Rating
on Chase's website
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
NerdWallet Rating
on Chase's website
The Platinum Card® from American Express
NerdWallet Rating
on American Express' website
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
NerdWallet Rating
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$95.
$550.
$695.
$95.
Travel protections (not a comprehensive list)
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.
• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.
• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.
• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.
Terms apply.
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.
• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.
• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.
Learn more
Credit card travel protections vary by card, and there may be important exclusions you need to pay attention to. Compare coverage benefits, limits and exclusions when choosing which card to use to book your flight.
» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now
Consider purchasing travel insurance
Travel insurance policies offer an assortment of benefits and coverage limits to match your budget. While you'll generally be rebooked or reimbursed if Singapore Airlines cancels your flight, the airline may not cover other expenses you have. These protections can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable reservations and unexpected hotel, transportation, dining and other expenses due to the canceled flight.
Even if your flight arrives without a hitch, having travel insurance can be a smart choice. Depending on the policy you purchase, it may cover a variety of other travel situations beyond your flight. Examples of benefits include baggage, medical expenses and rental cars.
» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies
Final thoughts on the Singapore Airlines' cancellation policy
Knowing your rights under the Singapore Airlines' cancellation policy will help you quickly rebook your flight or get a refund. Rebooking your flight is typically the best option so you can continue on the rest of your journey.
However, if the airline doesn't have adequate rebooking options or you decide to alter your plans, Singapore Airlines' refund policy will get your money back. Credit card travel protections and travel insurance policy benefits may cover out-of-pocket expenses the airline doesn't reimburse.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance
Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan
Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
