The Guide to Singapore Airlines’ Cancellation Policy

Even though Singapore Airlines has impeccable service and a top-notch first class experience, it isn't immune from canceled flights.

If you’re flying on the airline for your next trip, knowing Singapore's flight cancellation policy can help you understand your passenger rights and confidently navigate unexpected changes to travel plans.

Travelers have many options to find the status of their Singapore Airlines flight, but the easiest is to go to the Singapore flight status page and enter your travel details. You'll be able to see any flight updates instantly.

Beyond its website, Singapore will also communicate the status of flights via its telephone reservation system and boarding gates at U.S. airports.

Singapore Airlines also offers notifications through SMS text messaging, email, WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Other options include third-party websites or apps like TripIt and FlightAware.

If Singapore Airlines cancel your flight, follow these steps to quickly rebook or get a refund.

1. Find the nearest Singapore Airlines' agent or call customer service. When a flight is canceled, it's often a mad rush to speak with someone from the airline. Getting there first will give you priority for the limited number of seats on the next flight.

2. Have your flight info handy. Being able to quickly share your reservation number allows the agent to find your flight details and rebook you.

3. Know your rights. Knowing what options are available under the Singapore Airlines cancellation policy allows you to stand up for yourself and ensure that you're given the best possible outcome. In addition to what the airline offers, you may be entitled to compensation based on your departure and arrival cities. For example, EU-261 details what compensation you'll receive for qualifying flights to and from the European Union.

4. Be flexible. To get you routed to your original destination as quickly as possible, the agent may have to get creative. Being flexible with how and when you'll get to your destination can expedite the process of securing your seat on the next flight.

5. Know your coverage. In addition to coverage from Singapore Airlines' cancellation policy, you may be covered by your credit card travel protections and travel insurance policy. These plans may protect other parts of your trip, including paying for a hotel, transportation and meals that may not be covered by Singapore Airlines.

6. Keep notes and documents. Take notes about when you were notified of the cancellation, who you spoke to and when, expenses incurred and other details. Keep receipts and all travel documents so that you have everything you need to file claims with the airline, your credit card and your travel insurance policy.

7. Stay calm. Be nice to the agent, and remember that it is their job to help you. While you may be frustrated with the cancellation, they didn't cause it to happen, so don't take your frustration out on them.

8. File claims as soon as possible. To get reimbursed for cancellation-related expenses, file your claim as quickly as possible. Not only will filing quickly get you reimbursed faster, but it also reduces the chance that you'll lose important paperwork or forget relevant details.

» Learn more: How to cancel your Singapore Airlines flight

There are three primary ways to rebook your Singapore Airlines flight reservations after a canceled flight.

In-person

Speaking face-to-face with someone is often the best chance of rebooking your canceled flight. The customer service agents at the desk or at check-in often have access to flights and routes that aren't available through normal booking channels.

If you have Singapore Airlines lounge access, consider talking to an agent in the lounge instead of waiting in line to speak with someone at your gate. In the worst case, you can enjoy complimentary food and drinks while you're waiting.

Over the phone

When a flight is canceled, lines at the airport to speak with an agent can be extremely long. Rather than waiting in line, consider calling customer service. Agents are available 24 hours a day within the U.S. at 833-727-0118.

Online or mobile app

Many travelers prefer to make changes on their own instead of speaking with an agent. In this case, you can visit the "Manage Booking" page on its website or use the airline's mobile app.

To update your reservation, you'll need to provide your last name and either your six-character SQ booking reference number or the 13-digit SQ e-ticket number.

The airline's policy is to charge fees when you cancel a flight on your own. However, if the airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a refund.

To get a refund from Singapore Airlines, use the Manage Booking feature on the airline's website. You can also contact customer service at the airport, online or over the phone.

Nonrefundable tickets

Nonrefundable tickets have the strictest guidelines and policies, but travelers often choose them because they tend to offer lower prices.

• If you cancel a nonrefundable ticket, you're entitled to a refund of the taxes and fees paid only.

• When the airline cancels the flight, the nonrefundable rules no longer apply. You can rebook or get a refund without penalty.

Refundable tickets

When you want to have flexibility in your reservations, a refundable ticket allows you to change or cancel it at any time. Under the Singapore Airlines' refund policy, you can get a complete refund of your fare regardless if you cancel it or the airline cancels it.

Award tickets

Singapore Airlines typically charges a redeposit fee of up to $75 when canceling a KrisFlyer award reservation. However, if your flight is canceled by the airline, these fees are waived.

» Learn more: The guide to Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer frequent flyer program

Tickets booked in the U.S.

For flights booked to or from the U.S., the cancellation policy allows you to cancel your flight without penalty within 24 hours of booking the ticket. This policy applies as long as the reservation was made at least seven days before the flight departs. When you cancel within this 24-hour risk-free cancellation period, you’re entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment.

When Singapore Airlines cancels the flight, you can get a refund outside of this 24-hour period.

Booking your flight with a rewards credit card not only earns valuable cash back, miles and points, but it also can provide generous travel protections in a scenario like this.

A few travel credit cards that offer trip cancellation insurance include:

Credit card travel protections vary by card, and there may be important exclusions you need to pay attention to. Compare coverage benefits, limits and exclusions when choosing which card to use to book your flight.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Travel insurance policies offer an assortment of benefits and coverage limits to match your budget. While you'll generally be rebooked or reimbursed if Singapore Airlines cancels your flight, the airline may not cover other expenses you have. These protections can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable reservations and unexpected hotel, transportation, dining and other expenses due to the canceled flight.

Even if your flight arrives without a hitch, having travel insurance can be a smart choice. Depending on the policy you purchase, it may cover a variety of other travel situations beyond your flight. Examples of benefits include baggage, medical expenses and rental cars.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

Knowing your rights under the Singapore Airlines' cancellation policy will help you quickly rebook your flight or get a refund. Rebooking your flight is typically the best option so you can continue on the rest of your journey.

However, if the airline doesn't have adequate rebooking options or you decide to alter your plans, Singapore Airlines' refund policy will get your money back. Credit card travel protections and travel insurance policy benefits may cover out-of-pocket expenses the airline doesn't reimburse.