Still waiting on a Singapore Airlines refund?
Can you get a refund from Singapore Airlines? Check eligibility first
Refundable vs Non-refundable Tickets:
- Refundable Tickets: Fully refundable minus cancellation fees (if applicable).
- Non-refundable Tickets: Only unused airport taxes refunded. Base fare is non-refundable. Cancel before departure to avoid losing the entire value.
24-Hour Cancellation Policy (U.S.):
Bookings to/from the U.S. made at least 7 days before departure can be cancelled within 24 hours of booking for a full refund with no penalty.
Flight Cancellations & Significant Delays:
If Singapore Airlines cancels your flight or delays it significantly (typically 5+ hours), you’re entitled to a refund of unused ticket portions. This includes denied boarding due to overbooking.
Third-party Bookings:
Tickets booked through travel agencies or partners must be refunded via the original booking agent. Singapore Airlines cannot refund these directly.
Special Exclusions:
- Promotional fares often non-refundable (except taxes).
- Partially used round-trip tickets may not refund unused portions.
- Award tickets may incur redeposit fees or restrictions.
How to get a refund from Singapore Airlines
1. Cancel Your Booking Online:
- Visit Manage Booking on Singapore Airlines' website.
- Enter booking reference and last name.
- Select “Cancel Booking” and confirm your cancellation.
2. Complete Online Refund Form (if required):
If online cancellation isn’t possible or errors occur, use Singapore Airlines’ online Assistance Request Form for refunds or changes.
3. Check Your Confirmation Email:
After submitting your refund request, ensure you receive an email confirmation with a refund reference number.
4. Travel Agent Bookings:
Contact your agent directly; the agent must handle refunds.
5. Follow-up if Delayed:
If refund hasn’t been received after 6 weeks, contact Singapore Airlines customer service with your booking and refund request number.
Singapore Airlines’s refund timeframe - how long it takes
Standard Processing Time:
Refunds typically take up to 6 weeks, though many customers receive refunds sooner.
Payment Method Timelines:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Often processed within 7–10 business days.
- Cash or Bank Transfers: Up to 20 business days due to banking procedures.
Factors Affecting Speed:
- Bank processing time
- Currency exchange
- High-volume refund periods (e.g., flight disruptions)
Follow-up Protocol: Contact Singapore Airlines customer support if you haven't received your refund after 6 weeks.
Singapore Airlines’s refund methods - how you'll get your money back
Original Form of Payment (Default Method): Refunds credited to the original payment method (e.g., same credit/debit card used for purchase) without extra airline-side fees.
Alternative Methods (If Original Payment Invalid): If your original card is expired or closed, contact Singapore Airlines to arrange a bank transfer or cheque refund.
Cash/Bank Transfer Payments: Refunds issued via bank deposit or mailed cheque, typically taking longer (up to 20 business days).
Travel Credits/Vouchers: Offered occasionally (e.g., during disruptions), but cash refunds remain available for airline-cancelled flights.
Common refund issues with Singapore Airlines
- Confusion Over Non-Refundable Fares:
Passengers often misunderstand that non-refundable fares only return taxes, leading to dissatisfaction. - Missing the Cancellation Deadline:
Failing to cancel before departure results in a no-show, typically forfeiting the ticket's value. - Third-party Booking Refunds:
Refunds for tickets bought via travel agents must be handled by the booking agent. - Delayed Refunds and Communication:
Customers sometimes experience extended waits and need follow-ups during busy disruption periods. - Credit Card Issues:
Expired or closed cards used for booking can delay refunds significantly. - Partial Itinerary Cancellations:
Online cancellations of only one leg (e.g., return trip) are not directly supported and require special handling. - Cancellation Fees & Deductions:
Unexpected fees clearly outlined in fare conditions surprise some customers.
Singapore Airlines cases submitted through Ajust
My Singapore Airlines flight was delayed by five hours, which completely threw off my plans. I missed an important meeting and had to reorganise transport at my own cost. The delay caused real stress and financial impact, and I felt there was no clear accountability. I asked for compensation because when a delay affects your day this much, a fair refund or response really matters. - Kon
My family missed our Singapore Airlines flight because it departed earlier than scheduled. My wife and son were left stranded at the airport, and we had to pay extra to make new travel arrangements. I followed up with the airline and requested a full refund, as the situation was out of our control and caused unnecessary stress and added costs. - Mir
Customer experiences with Singapore Airlines refund cases
Fast Refund for Refundable Tickets: Passengers successfully received refunds in under a week after online cancellation, highlighting the efficiency of refundable fares.
Delayed Refund Requiring Follow-up: Refunds taking over 6 weeks were resolved promptly after customers proactively contacted Singapore Airlines customer service.
No-Show Misunderstanding: Passenger medically unable to fly was initially denied a refund. Escalating with documentation eventually secured refund approval.
How Singapore Airlines Refund Policy Compares to Competitors
Versus Qantas:
- Both airlines have a similar refund structures, with refundable/non-refundable fares clearly defined.
- Singapore Airlines matches Qantas on processing timelines (~7 business days for card refunds).
- Qantas provides a same-day cancellation grace period; Singapore Airlines offers a similar 24-hour rule primarily for U.S. flights.
Versus Emirates:
- Refund policies nearly identical, but Emirates requires an additional form after cancellation, while Singapore Airlines integrates cancellation and refund requests more smoothly online.
- Both handle refunds efficiently, typically within two weeks.
Versus Budget Airlines (Jetstar, Scoot):
- Singapore Airlines offers significantly more flexible refund options compared to strict non-refundable policies of budget carriers.
- Refund rights and processing are superior on full-service airlines like Singapore Airlines, though at higher ticket prices.
Transparency & Communication: Singapore Airlines excels in transparency regarding refund conditions compared to some competitors, clearly outlining refund eligibility and process steps online.
Official Singapore Airlines Refund Resources & Links
- Singapore Airlines Cancellations & Refunds Policy
- Refund FAQs
- Online Assistance Request Form (Refunds)
- Australia Customer Service Contact: Call +61 2 7209 4388
- Global Singapore Airlines Offices & Contacts
Singapore Airlines Refund FAQs
Can you get a refund from Singapore Airlines on a non-refundable ticket?
Yes, but it’s usually limited to unused airport taxes only. Non-refundable Singapore Airlines tickets do not return the base fare unless the airline cancels or significantly delays the flight. To protect any value, you must cancel before departure, as no-shows typically forfeit the entire ticket. Always check your fare conditions, as promotional fares often have stricter refund limits.
When is Singapore Airlines required to give a full refund?
Singapore Airlines must refund unused ticket portions if they cancel your flight or cause a significant delay, usually five hours or more. This also applies to denied boarding due to overbooking. In these cases, refunds are not limited to taxes and are processed back to your original payment method. These rights apply regardless of whether your ticket was refundable.
How long does a Singapore Airlines refund usually take?
Most Singapore Airlines refunds are processed within six weeks, though many arrive sooner. Credit or debit card refunds often appear within seven to ten business days, while bank transfers or cash payments can take up to twenty business days. Delays are often caused by bank processing times, currency conversion, or high-volume disruption periods.
Why can’t Singapore Airlines refund my ticket if I booked through a travel agent?
Singapore Airlines cannot directly refund tickets purchased through third-party agents because the agent controls the payment and booking. You must request the refund through the original travel provider, even if the airline cancels the flight. This applies to online agencies, corporate travel managers, and partner booking platforms, which handle both cancellations and refunds.
You deserve your money back, don’t let it slip away.
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Singapore Airlines
refund request that gets seen.