With so many fare types and airlines (especially budget ones) flying in and out of Singapore, it's important to know what you're entitled to. This guide breaks it down in simple terms.

When booking flights, you'll generally come across two types of tickets. Understanding which one you’re buying can save you a lot of headaches — and dollars — later on.

What are refundable tickets?

A refundable ticket allows you to cancel your booking and get your money back, usually to your original payment method. These are most common with full-service airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, or Cathay Pacific. They offer flexibility if your travel plans might change — but that flexibility comes at a cost.

Refundable tickets tend to be significantly more expensive. They're best for business travellers, those with unpredictable schedules, or anyone who simply prefers peace of mind when flying.

What are nonrefundable tickets?

Nonrefundable tickets, as the name suggests, generally cannot be cancelled for a full refund. You might be eligible for partial refunds in the form of credit or vouchers, but that depends on the airline's policy.

Budget carriers like Scoot, AirAsia, and Jetstar typically offer these kinds of fares. Terms like "Lite," "Value," or "Promo" often signal minimal flexibility. While these tickets are great for saving money up front, they can be costly if you need to make changes.

What happens if the flight is cancelled or changed?

If the airline cancels your flight — whether for operational or scheduling reasons — you’re usually entitled to a full refund, even on a nonrefundable fare. However, if you’re the one cancelling, you’ll likely receive only a travel credit, minus any administrative fees.

Keep in mind that different routes and airlines (like Scoot from Singapore to Bangkok) may have their own region-specific rules. Always check the fare conditions.

Is there a 24-hour free cancellation rule?

This is a common benefit for flights involving the United States. Under US Department of Transportation rules, airlines must either:

• Offer a 24-hour hold period for the price, or

• Allow free cancellation within 24 hours of booking

This applies to all flights to or from the US, regardless of the airline's country of origin — but only if the booking was made directly with the airline and at least seven days before departure.

This rule doesn’t apply to flights within Asia or those booked through third-party platforms, so always double-check the cancellation policy before confirming your purchase.

Even if you’ve bought a nonrefundable ticket, not all hope is lost. You might still be able to recover some value — or at least avoid losing everything.

You may get a credit or voucher instead

In many cases, airlines will issue a flight credit or travel voucher instead of a refund. This was especially common during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues today.

Credits usually come with expiry dates (typically 6 to 12 months) and might not be transferable. They can be useful — but only if you’re likely to travel with the same airline again within the window.

Basic economy tickets come with the least flexibility

If you’ve booked a “basic economy” or “light fare” ticket, expect very limited perks. These tickets are the lowest fare tier and typically don’t allow cancellations, changes, or even seat selection.

Examples include Lufthansa’s Light Fare or Scoot’s Economy (with no add-ons). These are the most budget-friendly options — but don’t expect flexibility.

Online travel agencies can complicate things

Booking through platforms like Expedia, Trip.com or Traveloka might give you access to cheaper fares, but comes with trade-offs. If you need a refund, your request goes through multiple layers — the platform, then the airline — which slows things down.

These platforms also have their own refund policies, which may differ from the airline’s. If flexibility matters, consider booking directly with the airline when possible.

Travel insurance can provide some protection

Travel insurance can come to the rescue if you need to cancel for valid reasons, such as a medical emergency or a family issue. Look for policies that include trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

In Singapore, major providers include FWD, Singlife, AIG, and MSIG. Just be sure to read the fine print — not all plans cover events like COVID-related disruptions or pre-existing conditions.

» Explore travel insurance options here

Award tickets (flights booked using frequent flyer miles or credit card points) follow a different set of rules. Refunds or changes depend on the airline’s loyalty programme.

In most cases, you can:

• Pay a small fee to redeposit miles

• Forfeit part of the miles or fees

• Lose nonrefundable taxes or surcharges

For instance, KrisFlyer allows you to cancel Saver tickets for around USD 15, though fees may change. Always read the terms and conditions before booking.

» While you’re at it, settle the debate on whether round trip or one-way tickets are cheaper

If your flight is eligible for a refund, here’s what to expect:

• Refunds to credit cards can take anywhere from 5 to 30 working days

• If you booked through a travel agent or third-party site, the refund must go through them first

• The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) encourages transparency but doesn’t enforce refund timelines — so patience may be required

Check your email and payment records to confirm where the refund will land, and follow up if necessary.

» Along with your flight, remember to check if you can cancel your travel insurance and get a refund

Flying budget doesn’t just mean paying less — it often means paying for every little thing. Refund policies on airlines like Scoot, Jetstar, and AirAsia are strict.

Here’s what to expect:

• Additional fees for changing passenger names, seat selections or adding baggage

• No refunds for cancellations unless the airline cancels your flight

• Minimal customer service in case of disruptions

Budget tickets are great for straightforward trips with fixed dates. But if your plans may change, it’s worth spending a little more for added flexibility.

Travelling with children? Then flexibility becomes even more important. Kids fall sick, plans change suddenly, and school calendars can shift.

Opting for flexible or refundable fares offers peace of mind, especially when dealing with unexpected situations. Singapore Airlines offers options like free seat selection for young children and bassinets for infants. Scoot and Jetstar also have “Flex” options that let you modify travel dates.

Also, don’t skip travel insurance. Make sure your policy covers medical emergencies, cancellations and interruptions — all of which are more likely when travelling with little ones.

Choosing your airline based on the credit card promotion available isn’t a bad idea either - rack up points and maximise your spending game, so that you’ll have more for shopping and fun!

• China Airlines – 6% off air fares Citi and DBS/POSB credit cards
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• Emirates – Up to 10% off selected fares with OCBC credit cards
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• Japan Airlines – Up to 8% off with Visa Signature/Infinite cards from DBS, OCBC
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• Qantas Airways – 10% off with Amex, DBS/POSB, OCBC and UOB credit cards
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• Qatar Airways – up to 10% off with Amex, DBS/POSB, HSBC, UOB credit cards
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