Singapore's Changi Airport is a global aviation hub, boasting an extensive network connecting travellers to the world via 100 airlines. Navigating the plethora of options can be a daunting task, especially for budget-conscious Singaporeans. Traditionally, full-service carriers have been the obvious choice, but the thriving low-cost carrier scene has become even more competitive in recent years, offering enticing alternatives for travellers seeking to maximise their travel budget.
While some may associate budget airlines with a bare-bones, no-frills travel experience, we're here to show you it can actually be a smart move for anyone looking to stretch their travel dollar further!
1. Discover under-the-radar destinations
Many budget airlines operating at Changi Airport, like AirAsia, Jetstar and Scoot, are the sole operators serving a plethora of under-the-radar destinations within Southeast Asia and beyond. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for adventurous travellers! Here are just some of enticing destinations to inspire your wanderlust:
Malaysia
Venture beyond Kuala Lumpur and discover the laid-back charm of Kota Kinabalu (via AirAsia and Scoot) in Malaysian Borneo, teeming with rainforest adventures and stunning coral reefs. Explore the historical and cultural delights of Ipoh (via AirAsia and Scoot), a city steeped in colonial architecture and famed for its delectable white coffee. Visit vibrant markets of Kuching (via AirAsia and Scoot), a city brimming with indigenous cultures, rainforest adventures, and delicious local cuisine. Bask in the beauty of Langkawi (via AirAsia and Scoot), another Malaysian paradise known for its pristine beaches and dramatic cliffs.
Thailand
Escape the crowds of Phuket and discover the natural beauty of Krabi (via Jetstar and Scoot), a paradise offering limestone cliffs, pristine beaches and world-class rock climbing. Delve into the rich cultural heritage of Chiang Mai (via Scoot), a city adorned with ancient temples, vibrant night markets and a thriving elephant sanctuary scene.
Indonesia
Ditch Bali for the stunning beaches and dramatic volcanic landscapes of Lombok (via Scoot). Hike to the majestic Mount Rinjani, snorkel in turquoise waters or simply relax on secluded beaches. Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Yogyakarta (via Scoot), a city known for its ancient temples like Prambanan and Borobudur, and a vibrant centre for traditional Javanese arts and crafts.
Laos
Vientiane (via Scoot) offers a refreshing change of pace from bustling Asian cities. Explore the serene temples of the capital steeped in history and boasting stunning Buddhist architecture. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Wat Si Saket, a vibrant temple complex housing thousands of Buddha statues, or visit Pha That Luang, Laos' national symbol, a towering golden stupa that reflects the rich history of the country.
China
Venture beyond the Great Wall and discover the coastal charm of Qingdao (via Scoot), where fresh seafood and a unique blend of German influence await. Explore the bustling city of Shantou (via Spring Airlines), a hidden gem known for its delicious Teochew cuisine and historical sites. See the vibrant city of Tianjin (via Scoot), where imperial palaces, and lively street food scenes paint a picture of China's rich history and modern vibrancy. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Wuxi (via Jetstar), another Chinese gem known for its breathtaking canals, classical gardens and serene lakes.
India
Discover the rich tapestry of Amritsar (via Scoot), the spiritual heart of Sikhism and home to the awe-inspiring Golden Temple.
South Korea
Forget the hustle and bustle of Seoul and explore the charming island of Jeju (via Scoot), a volcanic paradise offering stunning landscapes, beaches and unique hiking trails.
Japan
Experience the captivating beauty of Okinawa (via Jetstar), a subtropical island paradise offering stunning beaches, coral reefs and a rich cultural tapestry.
Australia
Take a trip to Broome (via Jetstar), Western Australia, a remote town boasting turquoise waters, pearl farms, and ancient Aboriginal rock art experiences. From 25 June to 26 October 2024, Jetstar is operating seasonal direct flights to Broome twice a week during the town’s dry season.
2. Fly further with less: Buckle up for long-haul adventures on a budget
Forget the days when budget airlines meant just regional hops. Low-cost carriers like Scoot are increasingly using state-of-the-art aircraft models with impressive ranges. Think of the iconic Boeing 787 Dreamliner, also known as the "Dreamliner," used by Scoot. This beauty boasts a longer flying range, opening doors to exciting long-haul destinations like Athens, Berlin (direct flights only with Scoot!), and even Jeddah (a route served by Scoot and Saudia Airlines).
Jetstar and Scoot also flies non-stop to Australia with their widebody aircraft (B787). Jetstar Airways has non-stop services to Melbourne, while Scoot flies non-stop to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
3. More bang for your baggage buck
Say goodbye to baggage woes and travel with peace of mind thanks to baggage allowances offered by some low-cost carriers.
Scoot boasts a generous 10kg carry-on allowance compared to the typical 7kg offered by most budget airlines. Imagine packing that extra pair of shoes or your favorite travel pillow without the hassle of additional charges.
Some low-cost carriers go the extra mile with free checked baggage allowances. For instance, T'way Air lets you travel light on your wallet (and heavy on luggage) with a free 30kg checked baggage allowance for its Singapore-Seoul (Incheon) flights. Similarly, Thai Lion Air offers a complimentary 20kg checked baggage on its Singapore-Bangkok (Don Mueang) services. Perfect for all the shopping hauls you’re going to make!
And if you didn’t know, Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo offers free 30kg checked baggage allowance on all their international flights.
4. Beyond budget bites: Indulge in premium in-flight menus
Some budget airlines are raising the bar with exciting in-flight menus that tantalise your taste buds.
Air Japan (low-cost carrier of ANA group) offers a variety of pre-purchased meal options that include Japanese style bento boxes for a full Japanese experience onboard. While it is a low-cost carrier, its selection of pre-purchased meals is quite impressive and boasts a good variety. You can choose from the sushi bento, omusubi rice ball bento, chicken nanban rice bowl, pork cutlet sandwich and even options like a vegan green curry bento and a grilled chicken salad. Prices range from S$17 to S$22. If you’re departing from Singapore, pre-order your meal at least 33 hours in advance.
If you’re craving a taste of Asian comfort food, AirAsia has you covered with its extensive menu. Browse its in-flight menu of chicken rice, wanton noodles, biryani and porridge, among other western delights and a wide selection of beverages, guaranteed to keep you satisfied onboard. If the regular portions aren’t filling enough, you’ll be pleased to know that the budget airline now offers a bigger portion of its famed nasi lemak – the Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak Double Special (~S$5.50).
5. Travel with a twist: Special themed flights
If you’re a Pokemon fan or want a unique in-flight experience, don’t miss Scoot’s Pikachu Jets - adding a dash of fun and whimsy to your travels with special themed flights.
Imagine soaring through the skies on a Scoot aircraft adorned with your favourite Pokemon characters – Pikachu and friends! This isn't just a cool plane livery – the entire experience is Pokémon-themed. Think headrests with Pikachu designs, adorable Pikachu-themed cups and serviettes, and even meals served in special Pokemon packaging! The Pikachu Jet flies from Singapore to selected destinations like Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul. Check Scoot’s website for more details.
6. Stay connected even in the air, stay on budget
We've all been there – stuck on a plane yearning to stay connected, but dreading the hefty Wifi fees. While Singapore Airlines might have been the first to offer free Wifi, there's a new budget hero in town! If you’re flying ZIPAIR, you’ll enjoy complimentary in-flight Wifi onboard. Catch up on emails and browse the web – all without breaking the bank. Now that's what we call maximising your travel budget!
The Japanese budget carrier also provides free onboard entertainment, accessible via your mobile phone. Although not extensive, you’ll be able to keep yourself entertained by watching movies, reading magazines or ebooks, and streaming music on Spotify.
7. Sleep like royalty (without the royal price tag)
Who says luxury is reserved for full-service airlines?
ZIPAIR is changing the game with its premium cabin featuring JAMCO reverse herringbone seats (seats are positioned at an angle relative to the spine, creating a more private and spacious feel compared to standard airplane seats) on its Boeing 787 aircraft. Imagine luxurious, all-aisle-access leather seats that convert into full-flat beds in a spacious 1-2-1 configuration. This is business-class style seating at a fraction of the cost, allowing you to enjoy the luxury of increased comfort and privacy typically found in business class cabins.
Low-cost carriers are all about flexibility. Depending on your needs, you can choose to add on extras like checked baggage, in-flight meals, and amenity kits to create your ideal travel experience. This lets you personalise your flight without sacrificing affordability.
For something easier on the wallet, there’s Scoot’s MaxYourSpace where you can snag the empty seat (or seats) next to you for a fraction of the cost. This will come in handy if you’re on a longer haul flight, great for catching some quality shut-eye and the extra privacy. If you travelling with kids, the extra seats will give them more wriggle room and make it more comfortable for them to take naps.
8. Indulge in last-minute shopping, skip the luggage hassles
Here's a common travel pain point - on the last day of your holiday, trying to get last-minute souvenirs and squeeze in more shopping before your return flight back, but you are weighed down by luggage. Well, fret no more! Airlines like AirAsia offer a luggage delivery service that many travellers may not know about. This is especially convenient because you can simply head straight to airport without having to go back to the hotel to pick up your luggage.
For flights on AirAsia between Singapore and Bangkok (Don Muang International Airport) and Hong Kong, you can make use of this luggage delivery service from airport to hotel, and vice versa, at a small fee. Each piece of luggage costs THB 280 (about S$14) for delivery in Thailand, and about THB 740 (~$27) for delivery in Singapore and Hong Kong.
If you’re a tourist flying on AirAsia to Singapore, tap on this service so you can skip baggage claim and head straight into the city!
9. The souvenir hack you never knew existed
Want to bring back A5-grade Japanese Wagyu beef as souvenirs after your holiday in Japan? No problem! For travellers on the Singapore and USA ZIPAIR flights, you can pre-order this Japanese delicacy directly from the airline, often at a lower price than you'd find in local markets (in U.S. and Singapore).
The best part? You don't have to worry about lugging it around or navigating animal quarantine. ZIPAIR takes care of everything – from handling the legalities to transporting your Wagyu directly to your arrival airport, ready for you to collect at baggage claim. There's also no checked baggage fee for your souvenir!
So, the next time you're planning a trip, consider flying with a budget carrier out of Changi Airport. With a bit of research and planning, you can unlock a world of possibilities - hidden destinations, budget-friendly adventures, and the freedom to explore more thanks to the extra cash saved on flights. Now that's a travel hack worth packing for every adventure!
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