Singapore’s SAF Levy: What It Adds to Your 2027 Flights and the Best Cards to Book With
Updated: 12 Nov 2026
Written byAfina Najib
Senior Content Editor - Singapore
⚡ Quick Answer
| Product Name | Airmiles Overseas | Card benefit | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 miles / dollar | 1.2 - 3 miles / dollar | S$196.20 | |
| Up to3 miles / dollar | 1.4 - 8 miles / dollar | S$261.60 | |
| 2.4 miles / dollar | 1.2 - 2.4 miles / dollar | S$196.20 |
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice.
The short answer: who pays the SAF levy, and how much?
CAAS has confirmed that collection of the levy began on 1 October 2026, and it applies to flights departing Singapore from 1 January 2027. The levy was originally meant to apply to tickets booked from April this year, but it was pushed back in March amid the Middle East conflict.
How much you pay depends on two things: where you’re flying to and which cabin you’re in. Economy and premium economy passengers pay S$1.00, S$2.80, S$6.40 or S$10.40 depending on the destination band. Business and first class passengers pay four times that: S$4.00, S$11.20, S$25.60 or S$41.60.
If you’re planning a year-end getaway, a Chinese New Year 2027 trip or the March school holidays, here’s what you need to know, plus the credit cards that make the most of your airfare.
What is the SAF levy?
The SAF levy is a per-passenger charge that funds the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel, a lower-carbon alternative to conventional jet fuel. Singapore is the first country in the world to introduce a levy like this.
The current rates are based on SAF making up 1% of jet fuel used for flights departing Singapore. That target is set to rise to 3–5% by 2030, and the levy will go up with it. Airlines must show the levy as a separate line item in your fare breakdown, alongside other taxes and charges.
How much is the SAF levy for each destination?
| Band | Destinations | Economy / Premium Economy | Business / First |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band I | Southeast Asia | S$1.00 | S$4.00 |
| Band II | Northeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, Papua New Guinea | S$2.80 | S$11.20 |
| Band III | Africa, Central and West Asia, Europe, Middle East, Pacific Islands, New Zealand | S$6.40 | S$25.60 |
| Band IV | Americas | S$10.40 | S$41.60 |
Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
To put this in perspective, a family of four flying economy to Tokyo pays S$11.20 in total. A couple flying business class to London pays S$51.20.
When does the SAF levy apply?
Whether you pay depends on both when you bought your ticket and when you fly.
| Ticket sold | Flight departs | Levy applies? |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1 Oct 2026 | Before 1 Jan 2027 | No |
| Before 1 Oct 2026 | From 1 Jan 2027 | No |
| From 1 Oct 2026 | Before 1 Jan 2027 | No |
| From 1 Oct 2026 | From 1 Jan 2027 | Yes |
If you bought your ticket before 1 October 2026, you won’t pay the levy even if your flight departs on or after 1 January 2027. In practice, that means any new booking you make now for a 2027 departure will include the levy, while December 2026 holiday flights won’t.
A few more rules to know:
Transit passengers are exempt. The levy applies to passengers whose journey starts in Singapore, not to those transiting through Changi.
Multi-stop trips are charged on the first leg. For itineraries with stops, the levy is based on the first destination after you leave Singapore.
Award tickets are included. KrisFlyer award redemptions departing Singapore now include the SAF levy in their taxes and fees.
Decision Guide
Should the SAF levy change how you book?
For most travellers, no. Even at the top rate, the levy is a small fraction of a typical long-haul fare. It’s not worth changing airlines or routes to avoid it.
What it does change is the total cost of travel from Singapore, which keeps creeping up. That makes it more worthwhile to get the most out of every ticket you buy. Paying with the right credit card can earn you miles, give you complimentary travel insurance and get you lounge access, and all of these are worth far more than S$1 to S$41.60.
Before You Compare
Check your ticket’s sale date, not just travel date
Levy applies to tickets sold from 1 Oct 2026 for flights departing from 1 Jan 2027.
Know your destination band and cabin
Rates run from S$1 (SEA, economy) to S$41.60 (Americas, business/first).
Check what currency your fare is charged in
SGD fares earn local miles rates. FCY fares earn more but incur FX fees.
Charge the full fare to unlock travel insurance
Most card travel insurance only applies if the fare is charged to the card.
Factor in conversion fees and transfer partners
Points conversion fees range from free to about S$27 per transfer, by bank.
Best credit cards to book your 2027 flights with
Product | Annual fee | Overseas earn | Flight booking | Travel airmiles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
S$196.20 | 3 miles / dollar | 3 miles / dollar | 3 miles / dollar | |
S$261.60 | Up to3 miles / dollar | Up to6 miles / dollar | Up to8 miles / dollar | |
S$196.20 | 2.4 miles / dollar | - | - | |
S$179.85 | 1.3 miles / dollar | 2 miles / dollar | - |
KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card: best for Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights
You earn 3 KrisFlyer miles per dollar on Singapore Airlines Group purchases, including Scoot, KrisShop and Kris+, and there is no miles conversion fee. This matters because most SIA and Scoot fares booked from Singapore are charged in SGD. A general miles card would only earn its local rate on those, so this card is the stronger choice if you mostly fly the SIA Group.
UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card: best for bookings through travel sites
The card earns 1.4 miles per dollar locally, up to 3 miles per dollar overseas, and up to 8 miles per dollar on hotel and flight bookings made through dedicated Agoda and Expedia links. If you compare and book flights on online travel agencies, this card gives you the highest earn rate.
HSBC TravelOne Credit Card: best for flexible miles
TravelOne earns 1.2 mpd locally and 2.4 mpd overseas, and its points can be transferred to 20 partners for free and instantly. That flexibility helps if you redeem across different airline programmes rather than sticking with KrisFlyer.
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card: best for KrisFlyer loyalists
The card earns 2 KrisFlyer miles per dollar on eligible Singapore Airlines and Scoot bookings, KrisShop and Pelago purchases, with no cap. New American Express card members can get up to 45,000 KrisFlyer miles under a promotion that runs from 1 October 2026 to 31 January 2027.
Frequently asked questions about the SAF levy
Does the SAF levy apply to flights I’ve already booked?
Only if you bought the ticket on or after 1 October 2026 and your flight departs on or after 1 January 2027. Tickets sold before 1 October 2026 are exempt.
Do I pay the SAF levy on award tickets?
Yes. On award flights departing Singapore, the levy is included in the taxes and fees you pay in cash.
Will the SAF levy go up?
It’s expected to rise as Singapore’s sustainable aviation fuel target increases toward 3–5% by 2030.
Can I earn miles on the SAF levy?
Yes. The levy is charged as part of your ticket, so it earns miles at the same rate as the rest of your fare.
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About the author
Afina Najib
Spending most of her young writer's phase working as a freelancer, Afina's written for various industries ranging from e-commerce, travel to health and finance. Her expertise lies in her ability to make complex subjects like finance easy to consume for everyday readers.
The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. While we review and compare financial products to help you find the best options, we do not provide personalised recommendations or investment advisory services. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions.