Singapore Airlines Carry On Rules: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to travel with just a carry-on, you’ll need to be up to speed with airline carry-on policies.  Specifically, the various rules and regulations each carrier has for what you can and cannot “carry-on” to the plane.   Each airline’s carry-on rules are different, so don’t just assume what works for one will work for all airlines.

If you are going to be flying Singapore, then here are the Singapore Airlines carry-on rules you need to be aware of:

Singapore Airlines Carry-On Size Rules and Bag Guidelines

Singapore Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard, at no charge, for economy class and premium economy class.  Similar to Air France, Singapore Airlines allows two carry-on bags plus a personal item if you are flying in Suites, First or Business Class cabins.

The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, and the carry-on bag must be stowed in the overhead bin.

Singapore Airlines Personal Item Size and Fees

Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop, backpack, shopping bag or a similar sized item.

The following items may be brought onboard without counting toward your carry-on limit.

• Handbag or purse
• Camera / Camera bag
• Document bag / Briefcase
• Overcoat
• Umbrella
• Laptop / Notebook
• Baby and infant items & food to be eaten on board. The total weight of these items should not exceed 6kg (13 lbs.)
• A pair of crutches, a walking stick and/or other prosthetic devices
• A small amount of duty-free goods

The maximum dimension for your personal item is 40x30x10cm (16x12x4 in).  If the sum of your item’s dimensions is large than 80cm (32 in), it will count as part of your carry-on allowance (not a personal item).  You may then have to check the bag, depending on how many carry-on bags you have and what class of service you are flying.

Singapore Airlines Carry-On Size Limits

Singapore Airlines size requirements for a carry-on are:

• Dimensions for carry-on baggage: The Sum of the length, width and height of each piece should not exceed 115cm (45 inches).

If you aren’t sure what size your carry on is, Singapore Airlines typically provides “size check templates” located at their ticketing counters.  But if you wait until you get to either of these locations and have an issue, it’s too late.

If the bag is too big or too heavy, you’re probably going to have to pay a fee, so it’s always better to know your bag size and the limitations in advance.

Singapore Airlines Carry-On Weight Limits

Singapore Airlines requires carry-on bags to weigh less than 7 kg (15.5 lbs.). However, they don’t weight your carry-on items prior to boarding, so you’re generally not going to have a problem if it’s too heavy. The weight issue applies to checked baggage more than carry-on bags, since they weigh your checked bags when you check in for you flight.

Prohibited Items and Dangerous Goods

There are certain items that are considered dangerous and classified as hazardous material.  Dangerous goods are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked bags on all flights.  These rules are not specific to any airline and are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency.

The list includes items such as aerosols, fireworks, matches, etc.  A complete list can be found on the FAA website, the TSA website, and/or the EASA website.

One more way to find them is with the Singapore Airlines summary of dangerous goods.

Carry-On Liquids: Singapore Airways Liquids Policy

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA, EASA and FAA.  Singapore Airlines doesn’t make the rules, but they must enforce them.

• Containers with liquids and gel-like substances may hold up to 100 ml (maximum capacity must be printed on container).
• All containers must be carried in a plastic bag (transparent, resealable, max. capacity 1 liter). One bag per person.
• The bag must be presented separately at security. Take your liquids out of your carry-on baggage at the security screening point and present them separately. In exceptional cases, liquids may be opened in the course of security checks and removed from their outer packaging.
• Liquid duty-free goods purchased at an international airport or on board an aircraft outside the EU must be transported in a tamper-proof, certified bag on connecting flights via an EU airport. The proof of purchase must be inside the bag and the bag must be sealed by the retailer.
• Medicines and special food (e.g. baby food) can be carried outside the plastic bag and must also be presented at security.

Below is a table that provides some examples of Non-solid Food and Personal Items that are considered “liquids”:

The TSA 3-1-1 Rule

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

Any liquid that does not meet the TSA 3-1-1 rule will either have to be checked with your luggage or will be thrown away at the security check point.

Here is a little video to help illustrate:

Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food / child nourishment.

Carry-On Food

There are two different scenarios pertaining to food: 

1. Food you bring with you to the airport, and
2. Food you buy at the airport, after you have gone through security.

An important thing to note is the classification of liquid foods vs. solid foods.  

The general rule is “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel”.   This means your food may be considered a liquid and will fall under the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule, which mandates that any liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, or paste in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less, and fit in one quart-size resealable bag (only one such bag is allowed per passenger).

The TSA website advises what food can be brought with you on your flight.  This applies to food you are bringing from home through security.   Once you get through security, you can bring just about any food on the plane that you buy at the airport.

However, Singapore Airlines tries to restrict you from bringing on any food that may have a strong smell and offend other passengers.  Why don’t all airlines do this??

If you are travelling to Singapore, please visit the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for information on the types of food and quantities allowed into the country.

Singapore Airlines Carry-On Pet Policy

Singapore airlines does not allow pets in their cabins.  If you are traveling with a pet, you are going to have to check them in with baggage to travel in the cargo of the plane. 

TSA Approved Pet Carrier for Singapore Airlines

If you do plan on bringing your pet with you, make sure you follow TSA’s pet policy and have an approved Pet Carrier that conforms to Singapore Airlines pet policy.

Singapore Airlines Carry-On Fees

Singapore Airlines does not charge a fee for carry-on baggage that meets their size requirements.  If your bag is too large and doesn’t meet Singapore Airlines’ carry on restrictions, you may be charged a fee to gate check it.

Here is a link to Singapore Airlines Carry-On page to make sure you have the most up to date information.

More related articles….

1. 5 Tips to Travel with Just One Bag
2. How to Use Packing Cubes to Travel with Just A Carry-On
3. The Best Carry-On Bags for Regional and Small Jets
4. 5 Essential Things to Stay Organized While on The Road