JL vs SQ · 2026 comparison
JAL vs Singapore
JAL wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; Singapore doesn't clearly win any category. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
JAL
JLWins 1 category
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
Singapore
SQNo clear category wins
Quick verdict
JAL wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; Singapore doesn't clearly win any category. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- JAL: 55 × 40 × 25 cm · Singapore: 115 cm total
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- JAL: Included on every fare · Singapore: Included on every fare
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- JAL: 2 free bags · Singapore: 2 free bags
Side by side
| JAL | Singapore | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 55 × 40 × 25 cm | 115 cm total |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Included on every fare |
| Carry-on weight limit | 10 kg (22 lb) | 7 kg (15.4 lb) |
| Personal item | Must fit under the seat | 40 × 30 × 10 cm |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | 2 free bags | 2 free bags |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | oneworld | Star Alliance |
| Loyalty program | JAL Mileage Bank | KrisFlyer |
| Main hubs | HND, NRT | SIN |
Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.
Bags and fees
JAL allows a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 in), and Singapore up to 115 cm total (45.3 in).
Both include it on their cheapest fares.
Carry-on weight limits: 10 kg (22 lb) on JAL, 7 kg (15.4 lb) on Singapore.
Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on JAL, and 40 × 30 × 10 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 3.9 in) on Singapore.
JAL includes two bags with Economy on flights between the U.S. and Japan, and Singapore includes two bags with Economy Standard on flights between the U.S. and Singapore.
Basic economy
JAL (Economy): Every fare includes the carry-on and personal item (10 kg combined).
Singapore (Economy Lite): Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.
Loyalty and where they fly
JAL is in oneworld and Singapore is in Star Alliance.
Loyalty programs: JAL Mileage Bank (JAL) and KrisFlyer (Singapore).
JAL's main hubs are Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT). Singapore's are Singapore (SIN). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose JAL if you want…
- a more generous carry-on weight limit
- to earn and use oneworld miles and status
- nonstops from HND, NRT
Choose Singapore if you want…
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from SIN
On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.
JAL vs Singapore FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. JAL wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; Singapore doesn't clearly win any category. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Connecting at their hubs
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Japan Airlines official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- Singapore Airlines official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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