At-a-glance comparison
| Attribute | Air India | Singapore Airlines | Notes / verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline category | Full-service | Full-service | Same category — direct comparison |
| Primary hub | DEL (+ BOM, BLR, HYD) | SIN | Different hubs — pick the one closer to you |
| Fleet size (approx.) | 220+ aircraft | 140+ aircraft | Larger fleet: Air India (more route redundancy on cancellation/delay) |
| Global alliance | Star Alliance | Star Alliance | Both Star Alliance — interline benefits + miles transfer |
| Founded | 1932 | 1947 | Air India has the longer operating history |
| Aircraft types in fleet | B777, B787, A350, A321neo, A320neo | A380, A350, B777, B787 | — |
| Domestic checked baggage (economy entry) | 25 kg (economy), 35 kg (business) | N/A | Compare against your typical packing — more = better for return-with-souvenirs trips |
| Cabin baggage | 8 kg | 7 kg | — |
| In-flight meals | Complimentary meal | Complimentary meal | Same meal policy |
| India customer care number | 0124-264 1407 | 022-6190 1111 | — |
About Air India
Air India is India's flag carrier, founded in 1932 and now part of Tata Group since 2022. The airline operates long-haul flights to North America, Europe, Australia, and across Asia, alongside an extensive domestic network. A Star Alliance member with a modernising fleet of Boeing 777s, 787s, and Airbus A350s.
Fare structure: Economy (Eco Value, Eco Flex), Premium Economy, Business (Vista)
About Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is Singapore's flag carrier and one of the most awarded airlines globally. Star Alliance member serving 12+ Indian cities with connections to Asia-Pacific, Europe, Americas.
Fare structure: Economy Lite, Standard, Flexi; Premium Economy; Business; First
Best for...
You want the cheapest possible fare
Best: Either — compare same-day fares
Both carriers are in the same fare class. Compare actual same-day fares on HappyFares; differences are usually ₹200-500 either way based on route and day.
Long-haul international with stopover
Best: Air India
Air India operates wide-body aircraft (B777, B787, A350) on long-haul. Singapore Airlines is also full-service.
Travelling with infant or family
Best: Air India
Air India includes complimentary meals, generous baggage, free seat selection (sit-together) — material savings for a family. Singapore Airlines sells these add-ons separately, which can equal or exceed the headline price gap.
Frequently asked questions
Is Air India cheaper than Singapore Airlines?
Both carriers are in the same fare class. Compare actual same-day fares on HappyFares — the difference on overlapping routes is usually under ₹500 either way. On HappyFares, the displayed price is the all-in price (no convenience fee) for either airline.
Does Air India or Singapore Airlines have more checked baggage allowance?
Air India's economy domestic checked allowance is 25 kg (economy), 35 kg (business). Singapore Airlines's is N/A. If you typically pack more than 25 kg (economy), 35 kg (business), Air India avoids the excess-baggage surcharge.
Which has the better frequent flyer programme?
Air India's programme is part of Star Alliance — your miles transfer across 25+ partner airlines worldwide and earn elite status across the alliance. Singapore Airlines's programme is part of Star Alliance — same alliance-wide benefits. For frequent international travellers, alliance membership is the deciding factor.
Does Singapore Airlines have a business class?
Singapore Airlines's premium offering varies by route. Air India has a full-service business class with lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft.
Which has better refund / cancellation policy — Air India or Singapore Airlines?
Both follow DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3 Series M Part IV — the regulator-mandated framework is identical. Air India's standard fares (Eco Flex, Premium Economy) carry the lowest cancellation fees among Indian carriers; entry-level Eco Value mirrors low-cost-carrier penalties. For Cancel-for-Any-Reason refunds regardless of fare rules, HappyFares Smart Saver add-on covers either airline.
Does Air India fly the same routes as Singapore Airlines?
Air India's hubs is DEL (plus BOM, BLR, HYD). Singapore Airlines's hub is SIN. Both serve major Indian metros, but their route networks differ — Air India covers all 6 metros and 70+ Indian cities, and Singapore Airlines connects via SIN. Use HappyFares to see which airline operates your specific city pair.
Can I book both Air India and Singapore Airlines on HappyFares?
Yes — HappyFares lists fares from both Air India and Singapore Airlines (along with every other major airline operating Indian routes). The same all-in pricing applies regardless of carrier: zero OTA convenience fee on domestic flights, transparent fare breakdown, no pre-ticked add-ons. Compare and book either carrier in the same booking flow.