Blog
Contents
Primary sources referenced
Which site to book from: Scoot direct vs Trip.com vs Klook
What happened to Jetstar Asia
Scoot: route breadth and long-haul reach
AirAsia: cheapest base fares into KL, JB (Senai), Bali, and Bangkok
Head-to-head on National Day 2026 long weekend
Where to book each
National Day booking window and price trend
On-time performance and delay risk
Where cashback fits
Frequently asked questions
Book the long weekend
Blog
National Day 2026 Cheapest Flights from Singapore: Scoot vs AirAsia
National Day 2026 flights from Singapore: Scoot wins on route breadth, AirAsia on base fares into KL, JB, Bali and Bangkok. Baggage and seat fees decide it.
National Day 2026 Cheapest Flights from Singapore: Scoot vs AirAsia
Updated: October 2026.
Primary sources referenced
- Scoot official website for route and baggage policy
- AirAsia official website for KL routings and BIG Loyalty
- Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore for aviation reports
- Changi Airport Group for departures and arrivals
- KrisFlyer official page for Scoot mile earning
The National Day 2026 long weekend (Sat 8 Aug to Mon 10 Aug) has passed, but the same two-carrier decision applies to later long weekends and the December school holidays, so lock fares early, then book AirAsia fares and flight-plus-hotel bundles through ShopBack before you pay, where ShopBack Cashback works like a discount, only easier than a promo code. The LCC choice from Changi is still Scoot and AirAsia for most short-haul and long-haul budget travel. Scoot wins on route breadth. AirAsia wins on base fare into KL, JB, Bali, and Bangkok. The real cost gap opens on baggage and seat fees, not headline price, and this guide helps you decide which carrier and which booking site to use for your route.
Note: some readers land on this page from older Jetstar Asia queries. Jetstar Asia ceased operations on 31 July 2025, so the current LCC comparison from Singapore is Scoot vs AirAsia.
For AirAsia fares, start on AirAsia Travel on ShopBack or Trip.com on ShopBack so the booking earns Cashback. New to ShopBack? Sign up at shopback.sg/signup in one tap. Booking.com, Agoda, Trip.com and Klook are all on ShopBack Singapore; check the live Cashback rate on each store's ShopBack page.
Which site to book from: Scoot direct vs Trip.com vs Klook
The honest answer depends on the carrier and whether you want a hotel in the same basket. Scoot fares are best bought direct, AirAsia fares from Singapore are easiest to earn cashback on through an OTA, and Klook earns its place when the flight is one line in a bundle with transfers and activities.
| Pick | Best for | When it is cheapest | Cashback path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoot direct | Scoot fares on any route, KrisFlyer earning, easier changes | Scoot sale windows (typically 3 to 7 days, several times a year) and 6 to 10 weeks before departure | Book direct on flyscoot.com |
| Trip.com | AirAsia fares into KL, JB, Bali and Bangkok, and flight-plus-hotel bundles | Mega-day windows (10.10, 11.11, 12.12) and mid-week departures | Activate ShopBack, then shop Trip.com |
| Klook | Flight plus airport transfer plus activities in one checkout, Bali and Bangkok especially | When the bundle undercuts the flight-only fare plus separate transfers | Activate ShopBack, then shop Klook |
Compare Scoot direct, Trip.com and Klook on the day, then buy from whichever wins on the all-in price with baggage included. If it is Trip.com or Klook, go through ShopBack before you pay.
What happened to Jetstar Asia
Jetstar Asia (the Singapore-based Qantas Group LCC that operated as 3K from Changi since 2004) ceased operations on 31 July 2025. Its intra-Asia network out of Singapore (Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Manila, Bali, and secondary Chinese cities) is no longer flying under the Jetstar Asia brand.
For most SEA short-haul from Singapore, the practical LCC choice today is Scoot or AirAsia, and both fly many of the routes Jetstar Asia used to serve.
Scoot: route breadth and long-haul reach
Scoot is a wholly-owned Singapore Airlines subsidiary flying Boeing 787 and Airbus A321 aircraft. Route coverage from Singapore is broad (routes change, so check Scoot's current network):
- Long-haul: selected routes beyond Asia (check Scoot's current route map)
- Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth
- North Asia: Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Seoul, Kaohsiung, Taipei
- SEA: Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Manila, Cebu, Denpasar, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Yangon, Phnom Penh
- South Asia: Male, Chennai, Coimbatore
Baggage and fees. Scoot's checked-baggage add is cheapest at booking, moderate at pre-flight, and steepest at airport check-in. Seat selection is optional; standard seats are free at check-in.
KrisFlyer. Yes, at lower rates than SQ. Roughly 50 to 75 percent of SQ mile earning depending on fare class. Add KrisFlyer number at booking.
Book Scoot direct on flyscoot.com. The Scoot direct booking channel supports KrisFlyer earning and easier post-booking changes.
AirAsia: cheapest base fares into KL, JB (Senai), Bali, and Bangkok
AirAsia's Singapore operations are handled primarily by AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia) and Thai AirAsia. The hub model routes most flights via KL, which gives depth into secondary Malaysian and Indonesian destinations but adds transit for some SEA destinations.
Strongest routes from Singapore:
- KL, JB (Senai), Ipoh, Kota Kinabalu, Penang
- Bali (both direct and via KL)
- Bangkok (direct to Don Mueang on Thai AirAsia, or via KL)
- Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi (often via KL)
Baggage and fees. AirAsia's baggage gradient is steeper than Scoot's. Adding checked baggage at airport check-in is typically S$20 to S$40 more per bag than adding at booking. This is the single biggest cost trap on AirAsia; always add baggage at initial booking.
Loyalty. AirAsia has its own BIG Loyalty programme. It does not partner with KrisFlyer.
Booking. AirAsia is on ShopBack Singapore as AirAsia Travel, and AirAsia flights are also bookable via OTAs on ShopBack such as Trip.com and Agoda.
Head-to-head on National Day 2026 long weekend
Long weekend fares are 30 to 80 percent above regular-week prices. Booking window closes for the best fares around end of July; last-minute (post Aug 5) pricing climbs sharply.
| Route | Scoot | AirAsia |
|---|---|---|
| KL direct | Not competitive (limited frequency) | Cheapest, multiple daily |
| Bangkok | Competitive, direct 2 to 3x daily | Direct to Don Mueang (Thai AirAsia) or via KL, base fare often cheaper |
| Bali (Denpasar) | Direct, higher base fare, better luggage terms | Cheaper base direct, luggage adds up |
| Ho Chi Minh | Direct, competitive | Often via KL, cheaper base |
| Tokyo, Seoul | Scoot wins (direct, no direct AirAsia equivalent from Singapore) | Not applicable |
| Sydney, Melbourne | Scoot wins | Not applicable |
| Long-haul beyond Asia | Scoot (selected routes) | Not applicable |
Rule of thumb: for anywhere outside SEA short-haul, Scoot is usually the main LCC choice from Changi. For SEA, run both fare searches side by side and add baggage before comparing.
Where to book each
Scoot: book direct on flyscoot.com or in the Scoot app. The Scoot app supports KrisFlyer number entry, seat selection, and post-booking changes.
AirAsia: open AirAsia Travel, Trip.com or Agoda through ShopBack before you pay so the booking earns Cashback.
Compare bundle deals on Trip.com on ShopBack for Scoot or AirAsia flight-plus-hotel bundles into Bali or Bangkok.
Bundle activities and airport transfers on Klook on ShopBack for the destination end of the trip.
National Day booking window and price trend
Base-fare trend for National Day 2026 across both carriers:
- Up to end July: last window for near-base fares. Book if dates are fixed.
- 1 to 4 Aug: prices climb as inventory tightens on Fri 7 Aug and Sat 8 Aug departures and Mon 10 Aug evening returns.
- 5 to 7 Aug: peak walk-up pricing. Return-flight inventory on Mon 10 Aug evening and Tue 11 Aug morning sells out first.
If your dates are flexible, a Sat 8 Aug morning outbound and a Mon 10 Aug late-night return are usually cheaper than a Fri 7 Aug evening outbound and a Mon 10 Aug evening return.
On-time performance and delay risk
Both Scoot and AirAsia run competitive on-time performance from Changi in normal weeks. Long weekend departures (Aug 8 evening, Aug 10 evening return) sit in the highest-delay slots because both terminals are near capacity.
For Tue Aug 11 morning commitments, book the earliest morning slot Tue Aug 11 return rather than Mon Aug 10 late-night. The safety margin against a 60 to 120 minute delay is worth the modest fare uplift.
Where cashback fits
Cashback is the step after you have chosen the carrier and the booking site, not a reason to pick one. Once the side-by-side fare search with baggage added tells you whether Scoot or AirAsia is cheaper for your route, book a Scoot fare direct with Scoot, or activate ShopBack and click through to Trip.com or Klook for an AirAsia fare or a bundle, so the cashback tracks on the ticket you were going to buy anyway.
The rest of the trip runs through ShopBack merchants too. The hotel at the other end sits on Agoda or Booking.com, airport transfers and day tours on Klook or KKday, and a destination eSIM on Airalo. Go through ShopBack before you pay for each of those bookings.
One caution: ShopBack Cashback is separate from KrisFlyer miles, AirAsia loyalty points and bank card rewards. Whether a booking earns both depends on each store's terms, and the live rate on each store's ShopBack page is the only figure that applies on the day.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jetstar Asia still flying from Singapore in 2026? No. Jetstar Asia ceased operations on 31 July 2025, ending its intra-Asia network from Singapore. For most SEA short-haul from Singapore, the LCC choice is now between Scoot and AirAsia.
Which LCC is cheapest from Singapore for National Day 2026 long weekend? For KL, JB (Senai), Bali, and Bangkok, AirAsia typically leads on base fare. For Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Phuket, Manila, and longer routes (Tokyo, Sydney and beyond), Scoot is often equal or cheaper on total price once baggage is included. Long weekend pricing is 30 to 80 percent above regular-week fares regardless of carrier. Jetstar Asia ceased operations on 31 July 2025, so the LCC comparison is now Scoot vs AirAsia only.
What routes does Scoot cover from Singapore that AirAsia does not? Scoot flies from Singapore to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo and Seoul, plus selected long-haul routes beyond Asia (check Scoot's current route map) and a full SEA network. AirAsia focuses on SEA and North Asia short-haul via KL and Bangkok hubs. For anywhere outside SEA and North Asia, Scoot is often the only LCC option.
What is the baggage fee trap on National Day flights? AirAsia charges S$5 to S$15 more per checked bag if you add baggage after booking, and S$20 to S$40 more if you add at airport check-in. Scoot has a similar gradient but shallower. Always add checked baggage at initial booking, particularly for long-weekend return flights where inventory is tighter and prices climb.
Does Scoot fly to Bali for National Day weekend? Yes. Scoot operates Singapore to Denpasar (Bali) daily. AirAsia also flies Singapore to Bali direct, with connections via KL as an alternative. For a Sat 8 Aug departure and Mon 10 Aug return, expect base fares S$180 to S$420 return on Scoot and S$140 to S$380 on AirAsia (routings via KL take longer).
Can I earn KrisFlyer miles on Scoot National Day flights? Yes, at lower rates than Singapore Airlines. KrisFlyer miles on Scoot are typically 50 to 75 percent of the equivalent SQ earning depending on fare class. You need to add your KrisFlyer number at booking or check-in. AirAsia has its own BIG Loyalty programme but does not partner with KrisFlyer.
What is Scoot's Singapore National Day 2026 promotion? Scoot typically runs an SG61 or Singapore-themed sale in late July with reduced base fares on select regional and long-haul routes, plus bonus KrisFlyer miles for KrisFlyer members. Sale windows are usually 3 to 7 days and departure dates fall outside the peak National Day weekend itself. Check the Scoot booking page for current sale terms.
Should I book Scoot direct or through a third-party site? For Scoot: book direct on scoot.com or through the Scoot app when possible. The direct booking allows KrisFlyer miles earning, extended baggage, and easier change or refund handling. Third-party sites (Trip.com, Klook) sometimes bundle Scoot with hotel deals; that trade-off is worth it only when the bundle is materially cheaper.
How reliable is AirAsia on-time performance out of Singapore? AirAsia's on-time performance from Singapore is competitive with other LCCs; delays cluster around KL turnaround windows during monsoon or peak holiday periods. Long weekend departures (Aug 8 evening, Aug 10 evening return) are the highest-delay slots. Book the earliest morning slot on Aug 11 return if you have a Tuesday morning commitment.
How do I earn Cashback on National Day flight bookings? Book Scoot fares direct with Scoot. For AirAsia fares, or for a flight-plus-hotel bundle, go through ShopBack to AirAsia Travel, Trip.com or Agoda before you pay so the booking earns Cashback. The current Cashback is shown on each store's page on ShopBack before you buy.
Can I earn ShopBack Cashback and loyalty points on the same booking? Usually yes. ShopBack Cashback is separate from your hotel or airline loyalty programme points. Go through ShopBack before you pay, enter your loyalty number in the booking flow, and you can usually earn both. The current Cashback is shown on the store's page on ShopBack before you buy.
Is Scoot better than AirAsia for a Bali National Day trip? For a Sat 8 Aug to Mon 10 Aug Bali return, AirAsia's base fare is often lower than Scoot on identical dates. Once a 20kg checked bag is added on both, the gap usually narrows. If the AirAsia fare you find connects via KL, Scoot's direct flight saves several hours.
What's the best time to book National Day flights from Singapore? Book by mid-June for the deepest fares on National Day departures; prices climb sharply in the final week. Midweek departures (Tue 4 Aug to Thu 6 Aug) avoid the Fri 7 Aug evening peak. Return on Mon 10 Aug late-night or Tue 11 Aug early-morning to keep return-leg fares reasonable.
How many days does ShopBack flight cashback take to confirm? Go through ShopBack before you pay and the flight Cashback goes to your ShopBack account; the current Cashback is shown on the store's page on ShopBack before you buy.
Should I book a December 2026 Bali or Bangkok flight from Singapore on Scoot, Trip.com or Klook? It depends on the carrier that wins your fare search. If Scoot is cheaper with baggage added, book it direct so KrisFlyer earning and change handling stay intact. If AirAsia wins on the all-in price, Trip.com is the simplest way to buy it, and it also lets you price a flight-plus-hotel bundle for Bali or Bangkok on the same dates. Klook is worth checking only when you want transfers and activities in the same checkout and the bundle beats the pieces. If Trip.com or Klook wins, go through ShopBack to that store before you pay.
Book the long weekend
For anywhere outside SEA: Scoot is the LCC. For KL, JB Senai, Bali, or Bangkok base-fare depth: AirAsia via OTA. Book Scoot direct. For AirAsia flight bookings, go through AirAsia Travel on ShopBack or Trip.com on ShopBack before you pay so the booking earns Cashback. Deeper trip planning at Klook on ShopBack.
Cashback rates, merchant terms, and promo windows change. Check the live rate on the store's ShopBack page before purchasing.
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