Singapore Airlines Stopover: Your Complete Guide
Add a free stopover in Singapore when booking KrisFlyer award tickets. Visit two countries for the price of one, save on miles, and even save on visa costs.
If you're booking a KrisFlyer award ticket that connects through Singapore, there's a feature most people overlook: the Singapore Airlines Stopover. It lets you break your journey in Singapore for a day, a weekend, or even a week, without paying any extra miles. Here's everything you need to know.
What is a Stopover?
A stopover is a deliberate break in your journey where you spend 24 hours or more in a connecting city. Instead of rushing through Changi Airport to catch your next flight, you actually leave the airport, explore Singapore, and catch a later flight to your final destination.
How is a Stopover Different from a Layover?
A layover is a short, incidental connection where you stay within the airport. A stopover is a deliberate, extended stay in the connecting city. With Singapore Airlines, you can turn what would be a regular layover in Singapore into a multi-day visit, all on the same award ticket.
Singapore Airlines Stopover Rules
The stopover option is available on Saver award return tickets booked with KrisFlyer miles. For context, a Saver economy return ticket from Mumbai to Singapore costs 19,000 miles, while an Advantage economy return costs 37,000 miles. The stopover is available on the Saver award with an additional charge of approximately ₹5,000 in taxes.
Why Should You Book a Stopover?
Let's say you want to fly from Mumbai to Bali. A KrisFlyer Saver return ticket for Mumbai-Singapore-Bali costs 38,000 miles total. Now, instead of just connecting through Singapore, add a 2-night stopover there. You'll pay the same 38,000 miles plus roughly ₹3,500 in additional taxes.
Without the stopover, if you wanted to visit Singapore separately, you'd need an additional 8,500 miles plus taxes for a separate Singapore-Bali segment. The stopover essentially gives you a free visit to Singapore.
This is the real value: visit multiple countries for the same miles.
Save on Visa Costs
Here's a practical benefit many people miss. If you're travelling to a country that requires a visa (like the Philippines), stopping over in Singapore first can sometimes help with visa logistics. Singapore has a hassle-free entry process for Indian passport holders with certain valid visas.
Disclaimer: Visa rules change frequently. Always check with the respective embassy or consulate before making travel plans based on visa assumptions.
How to Add a Singapore Airlines Stopover
The process is straightforward, but it's only available on the Singapore Airlines website (not the mobile app). Here are the steps:
Step 1: Enter your flight itinerary on the SIA Redeem Flights page.
Step 2: On the next page, click the Stopover button.
Step 3: Select your stopover dates (you can choose to stop on the onward or return leg).
Step 4: Choose your flights. The system will show you three separate journeys: your origin to Singapore, your time in Singapore, and Singapore to your final destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a stopover on revenue (cash) tickets?
No, the stopover feature is only available on KrisFlyer award tickets.
Do taxes change with a stopover?
Yes, taxes may vary slightly when you add a stopover, typically around ₹3,500-5,000 additional.
Does the stopover date need to be within my journey dates?
Yes, your stopover dates must fall within the overall journey dates of your award booking.
Which cities are eligible for a stopover?
The eligible cities are shown during the booking process. Singapore is the primary stopover city on most routes.
Can I book a stopover on the SIA mobile app?
No, the stopover feature is only available on the Singapore Airlines website or by calling their customer service.
Is this available for Star Alliance partner itineraries?
No, the stopover option is only available on KrisFlyer award bookings, not Star Alliance itineraries.
Which Credit Cards Transfer to KrisFlyer?
To book KrisFlyer award tickets with a stopover, you'll need KrisFlyer miles. Several Indian credit cards transfer to KrisFlyer, including cards from Amex, HDFC, Axis, and others. You can check all cards that transfer to KrisFlyer and their current ratios on the Magnify app.
Wrapping Up
The Singapore Airlines Stopover is one of the best-kept secrets in KrisFlyer award bookings. You're essentially visiting two countries for the price of one, with minimal additional cost. For Indians travelling to Southeast Asia, Australia, or anywhere that connects through Singapore, this feature is incredibly valuable. All you need is enough KrisFlyer miles and a Saver return award ticket.
