Tiger Airways Baggage Policy (Historical - Pre-2017)
Note: Tiger Airways, originally a Singapore-based low-cost carrier, merged with Scoot in 2017. The following reflects the baggage policy of Tiger Airways prior to the merger, based on available historical information. Always check with the airline or ticketing agency for the latest details, as policies may vary by route or codeshare agreements.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
Tiger Airways allowed two pieces of carry-on baggage (one main item and one personal item) per passenger, with a combined weight limit and strict size restrictions.
| Baggage Type |
Maximum Dimensions |
Maximum Weight |
Notes |
| Main Carry-On Bag |
54 x 38 x 23 cm (21 x 15 x 9 in) |
10 kg combined (22 lbs) |
Fits in overhead bins |
| Personal Item |
40 x 30 x 10 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 in) |
Fits under the seat (e.g., handbag, laptop bag) |
- Carry-on baggage was weighed at check-in or gate, with strict enforcement reported, especially at airports like Sydney or Taipei. Bags exceeding 10 kg were checked into the hold and incurred fees.
- Personal items included handbags, laptops, or duty-free bags. Infants had no separate carry-on allowance but could bring one personal item (e.g., diaper bag) within the adult’s limit.
- Liquids in carry-on were restricted to 100 ml per container in a 1-liter transparent, resealable plastic bag.
- Additional items like umbrellas, canes, or coats were permitted free of charge and did not count toward the allowance.
- Bulkhead seats lacked under-seat storage during takeoff and landing, requiring all items to be stowed in overhead bins.
Checked Baggage Allowance
No free checked baggage was included in the ticket price. Passengers could purchase checked baggage via the Luggage Upsize service, with tiered pricing based on purchase timing.
| Route |
Baggage Tier |
Maximum Weight |
Fee (AUD, One-Way) |
| Short-Haul (under 1h 45m) |
15 kg |
30 kg per bag |
$12–$75 (online), higher at airport |
| Short-Haul |
20 kg |
$18–$80 (online), higher at airport |
| Long-Haul (over 1h 45m) |
15 kg |
30 kg per bag |
$15–$80 (online), higher at airport |
| Long-Haul |
20 kg |
$20–$85 (online), higher at airport |
- Bags over 30 kg were not accepted as checked luggage and required cargo transport.
- Fees were lowest when purchased at booking, more expensive via Manage My Booking or Customer Contact Centre, and highest at the airport.
- Excess weight was charged at $20–$25 per kg at the airport, with reports of high fees (e.g., $500 for 20 kg).
- Checked baggage could be added up to 2 hours (domestic) or 3 hours (international) before departure.
- Tianjin Airlines’ interline agreements (e.g., with Virgin Australia) allowed free baggage per Tianjin’s rules, but excess fees were charged separately.
Excess and Oversized Baggage Fees
Excess baggage fees applied for weight or pieces beyond the purchased allowance, with significant penalties for airport purchases.
| Condition |
Fee (AUD, One-Way) |
| Excess Weight (over 20 kg) |
$20–$25 per kg |
| Extra Bag |
$36–$100 |
| Oversized (over 203 cm) |
Not accepted; must be shipped as cargo |
- Checked baggage dimensions were not explicitly limited, but items deemed unsuitable by weight, shape, or size were refused. Typical limits were 203 cm (length + width + height).
- Pre-booking baggage online was recommended to avoid high airport fees.
Special Baggage
Sports Equipment
Sports equipment could be included in the checked baggage allowance if within weight limits; otherwise, additional fees applied.
- Items like golf bags, skis, or surfboards incurred fees of $50–$100 per item if exceeding allowance.
- Bicycles and large equipment required cargo transport and advance approval.
- Equipment had to be properly packed to avoid damage, with no liability for normal wear and tear.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments could be carried as cabin baggage if within specific size limits; larger instruments required checking or an extra seat.
- Cabin: Maximum 30 x 117 x 38 cm (e.g., bugle, clarinet, guitar in soft case). Counted as part of carry-on allowance.
- Checked: Subject to standard or excess baggage fees; hard cases recommended.
- Extra Seat: Required for larger instruments, booked in advance with airline approval.
- Instruments were carried at the passenger’s risk.
Pets
Limited information is available on pet transport, but pets were generally transported as checked baggage or cargo with advance approval.
- Fees and requirements (e.g., health certificates, carriers) varied by route. Contact the airline for details.
- Pets in the cabin were not typically allowed, except for service animals like guide dogs, which traveled free with documentation.
Prohibited Items
Certain items were restricted or prohibited for safety and regulatory reasons.
- Carry-on: Liquids over 100 ml, sharp objects, flammable materials.
- Checked: Loose lithium batteries, hazardous materials, perishable items. Tiger Airways was not liable for damage to fragile items like electronics or jewelry.
- Prescription medications and injectables required a doctor’s note.
Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Baggage
Tiger Airways followed the Montreal Convention for baggage issues.
- Delayed: Report at the airport’s Lost and Found desk before leaving and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Claims for expenses within 21 days.
- Damaged: Report within 7 days at the airport with the bag for inspection. No liability for minor damage (e.g., scratches, dents) or non-water-resistant luggage.
- Lost: File a claim within 7 days; compensation up to 1,288 SDR.
Additional Notes
- Check-in: Online check-in was available 72 hours to 1 hour before departure. Airport check-in and bag drop closed 45 minutes before departure. Passengers with carry-on only could proceed to the gate 30 minutes prior.
- Strict enforcement of baggage limits was reported, especially for weight, with fees for even 0.5 kg over the limit. Some passengers noted inconsistent enforcement, but airports like Taipei were stricter.
- CPAP machines were allowed in the cabin with sufficient batteries for the journey, not counting toward the baggage allowance.
- Tiger Airways operated as a low-cost carrier with no free checked baggage, emphasizing pre-booking to minimize costs.
- Post-merger, Scoot’s policies apply, with a 10 kg cabin baggage allowance (54 x 38 x 23 cm).
