SIN Baggage Transfer

[ausflyer2421]

Hi All. I was thinking of booking two separate flights on two separate airlines via Singapore and was wondering if my bags could be checked through without needing to enter customs/immigration.
1) Qatar Airways Business Doha - Singapore
2) Singapore Airlines Business Singapore - Melbourne

There are a few hours between flights. I know Qatar and Singapore aren't partners/have an agreement, but I have read online that if I go to a transfer desk in SIN the staff can arrange for my bags to be collected and re-checked through to Melbourne. Without me needing to go through customs/immigration to collect it myself.

Is that correct? I have read conflicting reports but would be great if that's the case. Thanks

 

[SeatBackForward]

Is that correct? I have read conflicting reports but would be great if that's the case. Thanks

I doubt it. In Doha if the bag(s) are only tagged to Singapore, they won't have any clue that you're transferring to another flight. The bags will just be carted to the carousels for collection with all the other bags coming off that flight. You'll have to go through immigration, collect the bags, then return to the Singapore counters to check the bag(s) in for the next flight.

 

[AIRwin]

You can always ask at Transfer Desk C or D upon arrival at SIN T1 - if no luck, just proceed down the escalator to the immigration hall

 

[SeatBackForward]

You can always ask at Transfer Desk C or D upon arrival at SIN T1 - if no luck, just proceed down the escalator to the immigration hall

I'd say its highly unlikely the transfer desk will go find a bag tagged to SIN, take it out of the arrival trolley, pit new tags onto it, then forward it onto the right trolley for an onward connection.

If it's not tagged at the origin then it's only going as far as SIN

 

[Cynicor]

I'd say its highly unlikely the transfer desk will go find a bag tagged to SIN, take it out of the arrival trolley, pit new tags onto it, then forward it onto the right trolley for an onward connection.

If it's not tagged at the origin then it's only going as far as SIN

That’s exactly what they used to do, and their main job.
I believe it’s what they still do.

 

[AIRwin]

That’s exactly what they used to do, and their main job.
I believe it’s what they still do.

No harm asking at Transfer Desk C or D upon arrival at SIN T1 - if no luck, just proceed down the escalator to the immigration hall

 

[SeatBackForward]

Hmm ok, well this is what is written on the Changi Airport website:

Note to transiting passengers: If your airline does not provide a baggage transfer service, you are required to clear Arrival Immigration and claim your baggage before checking in for your next flight.

I can recall many years (35+) ago, having to visibly identify bags on the tarmac at SIN for transferring.

 

[Cynicor]

Even that quote is interesting wording. It’s not saying “if your bags aren’t tagged to your final destination”.
But I know the transfer desks changed a lot during and post covid.
Prior they would do exactly as you described- find your bags and retag them.

Now, no idea. I’ll try it one day when the kids are older

 

[AIRwin]

Hopefully @ausflyer2421 can report back