Airport Tax for Singapore Transit Passengers?

by Jamie So
(Taiwan)

Hi. Very good day to you.

I know there is no requirement to pay airport tax if transit is less than 24 hours. But the air fare has included the tax. How to refund?

I arrive at 3:15am Singapore Budget Terminal and my connecting flight is at 12:55pm to Langkawi by Tiger Airways. I may also arrive in Singapore from Kuala Lumpur around 10/3 4pm, then leave Singapore the next day 11:30am to China.

Is there a need to pay airport tax on this itinerary? If there's no need, how do I get a refund for the airport tax? Thank you for help.

Jamie

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Airport Tax for Singapore Transit Passengers?

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Sep 06, 2009

Airport tax is waived only for...
by: Gabriel Tan

Hi Jamie

the airport tax at Singapore Airport is waived only when all the following conditions are met:

1. The transit is less than 24 hours.

2. The transit takes place at one of the main terminals (i.e. Terminals 1, 2 or 3).

3. The transit passenger is on a single air ticket and has no necessity to clear immigration and collect checked-in luggage.

'Transit' through the Singapore Budget Terminal does not fulfill these conditions.

When you make a transfer at the Budget Terminal, you are making 2 separate flights and not technically in transit. You need to clear customs, collect your checked-in luggage, and re-check-in again. All these procedures require additional manpower and security measures.

Hence, you'll need to pay the airport tax for the flight departing from the Budget Terminal.

The airport tax you paid for the ticket to Singapore is not collected by the Singapore Budget Terminal. It is paid to the airport you came from, for all the work they do to get you and your luggage onto the plane to Singapore. So you cannot get a refund for that either.

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