Singapore Airlines allows passengers to bring carry-on luggage up to 115 cm total when you combine its length, width, and height, but its strict 7 kg cabin baggage allowance forces me to focus on lightweight suitcases. With that in mind, my top pick is the Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Carry-On Spinner. It weighs only ~2.4 kg, is just under Singapore Airlines’ size limit, and offers more usable packing space than most lightweight cabin luggage.
I tend to care more about empty luggage weight than most frequent reviewers since I live in Singapore and fly through Changi Airport all the time. Having a nice-looking suitcase isn’t very helpful if it accounts for over half of your carry-on weight before you add clothes, toiletries, and other essentials.
When researching this list, I compared the external dimensions, weight, capacity, construction, and wheel system of each suitcase to determine its suitability for Singapore Airlines’ cabin baggage policy. A few popular carry-ons don’t make the list because they exceed the airline’s size restrictions or are too heavy for its 7 kg weight limit.
Best Carry-On Luggage for Singapore Airlines at a Glance
| Carry-On | Best For | External Dimensions | Empty Weight | Approx. Weight Left |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 International | Best overall | 55.2 × 40 × 19.7 cm | 2.4 kg | 4.6 kg |
| Antler Soft Stripe 2.0 Cabin | Maximum packing allowance | 55 × 35 × 20 cm | 1.9 kg | 5.1 kg |
| July Carry On Light | Ultralight hardside | 54 × 36 × 19 cm | 1.8 kg | 5.2 kg |
| Samsonite C-Lite Spinner 55 cm | Premium hardside | 55 × 40 × 20 cm | 1.9 kg | 5.1 kg |
| Bellroy Lite Carry-On | Organization and laptop storage | 51 × 34.5 × 23 cm | 2.1 kg | 4.9 kg |
The remaining packing allowance is calculated against Singapore Airlines’ 7 kg cabin baggage limit. Actual product weights and airport scales can vary slightly.
Singapore Airlines Carry-On Size and Weight Limits
Keep in mind Singapore Airlines uses a combined-dimension rule and does not have one specified rectangular suitcase size.
Economy / Premium Economy
Cabin bag allowance: One piece
Maximum weight allowed: 7 kg or 15.4 lb
Maximum linear dimensions: Total dimensions cannot exceed 115 cm when adding together length, width and height.
Additional Item: One qualifying handbag, laptop bag, camera bag or document bag.
Business Class / First Class and Suites
Cabin bag allowance: Two pieces
Maximum weight allowed: 7 kg per piece
Maximum linear dimensions: Each piece must not exceed 115 cm when adding together length, width and height.
Additional Item: One qualifying personal item.
Singapore Airlines also notes that passengers should ensure that their baggage can fit safely within the overhead bin or under the seat in front of them. Make sure to include wheels, fixed handles, pockets and other accessories when measuring your bag.
Please refer to Singapore Airlines official cabin baggage page for the most updated rules before your flight.
Does Singapore Airlines Allow a Personal Item?
Yes. Besides your regular cabin baggage allowance, you are allowed one piece of additional item (handbag, laptop bag, camera bag, document bag) when flying with Singapore Airlines.
Measures should not exceed 40 × 30 × 10 cm. The sum of the three dimensions must not exceed 80 cm.
Large backpacks or oversized laptop bags will often be considered your primary cabin bag rather than your additional item.
It pairs better with a thin laptop sleeve, small tote, or compact document bag rather than an oversized travel backpack. Remember that just because your bag fits under the seat in front of you, doesn’t mean it automatically qualifies as your additional item.
How I Chose the Best Singapore Airlines Carry-Ons
Suitcase strengths and weaknesses are defined by the 7 kg restriction. Durable but heavy aluminum luggage leaves you little room for belongings. Weight was my number one consideration when selecting luggage for Singapore Airlines. These were my top priorities.
Weight
I tried to stick to cabin bags weighing 2.5 kg or less when empty.
That leaves you 5 kg for clothes and travel necessities if your suitcase is 2 kg, but only 3 kg if it’s 4 kg.
Dimensions
The total external dimensions of every bag I recommend come in at 115 cm or less.
Make sure the measurements account for wheels and fixed handles; some measurements only include the main packing compartment.
Packing Efficiency
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to travel luggage.
Interior rails, thick wall dividers, oversized wheel housings, and chunky laptop sleeves can devour space and add weight.
User Friendly
Airports like Changi and major layover hubs require a lot of walking.
Rolling wheels, a sturdy telescopic handle, and comfortable lift handles are important when trudging between terminals or lifting your bag into the overhead bin.
1. Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Carry-On Spinner
Best Overall Carry-On for Singapore Airlines
Travelpro’s Maxlite line is made up of lightweight cases with durable coated polyester shells. I like the Maxlite 5 International model as my overall top pick because it offers travelers a low weight, high usable capacity, and good everyday utility.
It measures approximately 55.2 × 40 × 19.7 cm for a friendly combined total just under the airline’s 115 cm maximum. Weighing in around 2.4 kg leaves you approximately 4.6 kg available for packing under Singapore Airlines’ standard allowance.
The soft polyester exterior also allows the case marginally more flexibility than a hard shell. Zippered pockets on the exterior are convenient for travel documents and small last-minute items, while spinner wheels allow smooth rolling through Changi Airport.
The case does come with an expansion zipper. My advice is to leave this unzipped for your Singapore Airlines flights. It may take you over the airline’s cabin baggage dimensions and can tempt you to overpack.
Best for: Economy and Premium Economy passengers who want a lightweight suitcase with practical everyday features like useful exterior pockets.
- Dimensions: Approximately 55.2 × 40 × 19.7 cm
- Weight: Approximately 2.4 kg
- Capacity: Approximately 39 litres
- Material: Coated polyester
Pros
- Lightweight for its size
- Front-access pockets
- Smooth-rolling four-wheel spinner design
Cons
- Not as impact-resistant as hard-shell suitcases
- Should leave expansion zipper unzipped for Singapore Airlines
2. Antler Soft Stripe 2.0 Cabin
Best Suitcase for Maximizing the 7 kg Allowance
The Antler Soft Stripe 2.0 Cabin is one of the lightest cases on this list, making it an excellent option if you’re worried about Singapore Airlines’ 7 kg weight limit.
It tips the scales at approximately 1.9 kg, leaving you around 5.1 kg available for packing. Its external dimensions of 55 × 35 × 20 cm equal exactly 110 cm combined, giving you some cushion beneath the airline’s size requirement.
Having that cushion can be comforting when packing a soft-sided suitcase. Fabric tends to expand when stretched under pressure, and soft bags can sometimes end up being fractionally deeper when packed than when empty.
On top of that, this bag has a large front pocket for easy access to your travel documents. The compression straps and zippered pockets in its main compartment take the place of bulkier dividers.
As with most soft-sided luggage, it’s also easier to stuff into small hotel closets since it doesn’t require you to heave open two equally sized shell halves.
The trade-off with softer cases is always protection. While still quite durable, Antler’s recycled polyester will not safeguard fragile items as well as a hard polycarbonate case. Cameras and delicate electronics should be kept in padded sleeves or compartments.
Best for: Packing as much of your 7 kg allowance as possible into clothes and other items.
- Dimensions: 55 × 35 × 20 cm
- Weight: Approximately 1.9 kg
- Capacity: Approximately 32 litres
- Material: Recycled polyester
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Plays it safe with Singapore Airlines’ size allowance
- Convenient exterior pocket
Cons
- Not as protective as hard-sided suitcases
- Smaller capacity than similar models
3. July Carry On Light
Best Ultralight Hardside Carry-On
July makes durable cabin bags in a range of sizes. The Carry On Light is my top pick because it offers sensible protection without weighing down most of your Singapore Airlines weight allowance.
At approximately 1.8 kg, it’s lighter than many travelers’ toiletry kits, let alone soft-sided cabin suitcases.
July also gives you peace of mind with its compact dimensions. The Carry On Light measures approximately 54 × 36 × 19 cm around the outside, totaling just 109 cm before handle and wheels.
The German-made polycarbonate shell provides more protection than fabric cases. It also rides smoothly on double spinner wheels with a twin-bar telescopic handle that gives it the feel of a full-sized piece of luggage.
Your sacrifice for those features is space. Although July rates its Carry On Light at approximately 32 litres, this travel bag won’t hold quite as much as some of the other suitcases on this list.
Think of it as best suited for packing efficiency, warm-weather travel, or as a carry-on to complement a piece of checked luggage.
Best for: Packing fragile items that need more protection than a soft-sided bag while still having over 5 kg of your allowance left for packing.
- Dimensions: Approximately 54 × 36 × 19 cm
- Weight: Approximately 1.8 kg
- Capacity: Approximately 32 litres
- Material: Polycarbonate
Pros
- Lighter than most hard-shell cases
- Leaves you room under Singapore Airlines’ size limit
- Hard-shell protection advantages over soft-sided luggage
Cons
- Smaller capacity than most other bags on this list
- Travelers who overpack will be limited
4. Samsonite Lite Spinner 55
Best Premium Hardside Carry-On
Samsonite’s C-Lite series is another hard-shell option that resists weight without using heavier aluminum.
I especially like the 55 cm variant as a premium choice because it checks in at around 1.9 kg and uses Samsonite’s lightweight woven polypropylene shell.
Non-expandable models measure approximately 55 × 40 × 20 cm for a combined total of 115 cm. It rides smoothly on double spinner wheels, has a multi-height telescopic handle, and includes an integrated TSA-approved lock. Its interior is also well organized, with multiple pockets and easy-to-pack sections.
If you fly often or travel for work, it may feel even sturdier than those specifications suggest. Frequent flyers and business travelers should consider the Samsonite C-Lite Spinner as a versatile upgrade over the budget models above.
Just make sure you’re buying the right one. Samsonite also sells C-Lite Spinner bags with expandable depths of around 23 cm. When flying Singapore Airlines, you’ll want to keep the case unzipped.
Best for: Frequent flyers who don’t mind spending a little extra to keep their suitcase during airport layovers.
- Dimensions: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
- Weight: Approximately 1.9 kg
- Capacity: Approximately 36 litres
- Material: Woven polypropylene
Pros
- Feels more premium than its price suggests
- Lightweight shell with room to spare
- Built tough with strong Samsonite construction
Cons
- Costs more than most lightweight suitcases
- Combined dimensions sit right at Singapore Airlines’ maximum
5. Bellroy Lite Carry-On
Best Cabin Bag for Organization and Laptop Storage
Travelers may be more familiar with Bellroy’s popular Transit Carry-On suitcase, but the Lite version is a better match for Singapore Airlines travelers.
It has a lightweight soft shell and clamshell-style opening, but it also has integrated packing cubes and a laptop sleeve.
The Bellroy Lite Carry-On weighs in at around 2.1 kg and has external dimensions of approximately 51 × 34.5 × 23 cm. Those measurements total around 108.5 cm combined and leave you with approximately 4.9 kg to allot to your packed items.
Its shorter height and width also make it easier to lift overhead and shove under seats than many other carry-ons. Meanwhile, the approximately 38-litre capacity is impressive given the suitcase’s overall dimensions.
Bellroy also includes a quick-access front pocket and allows you to replace worn wheels and handle components.
Instead of four spinner wheels, the Lite Carry-On uses just two larger wheels. It rolls easily over rough ground, but you can’t quite scoot it sideways through tight spaces the way you would with a four-wheel spinner.
Best for: Organized travelers and frequent business travelers who need to keep a laptop with them in flight.
- Dimensions: Approximately 51 × 34.5 × 23 cm
- Weight: Approximately 2.1 kg
- Capacity: Approximately 38 litres
- Material: Lightweight ripstop nylon
Pros
- Helps you keep everything in its place
- Includes built-in laptop storage
- Great balance of size, weight, and capacity
Cons
- Two large wheels don’t maneuver as easily
- Not as tough or protective as hard-shell luggage
Carry-Ons I Would Avoid for Singapore Airlines
Lots of popular carry-ons are sized mainly with US airlines in mind. They tend to be larger or heavier than needed on Singapore Airlines.
I’d also tend to shy away from aluminum cases when traveling Economy. Some come in at 4–5 kg (9–11 lb) empty. That doesn’t leave much room if you want to bring more than a change of clothes!
The LEVEL8 Road Runner Carry-On isn’t easy to recommend for Singapore Airlines either. Their current published dimensions are about 22 × 14.8 × 10″. That totals over Singapore Airlines’ 45-inch/115 cm size limit.
Its published weight is also around 4.2 kg prior to packing.
Check large “carry-on plus,” “continental,” and expandable bags carefully too. Product titles like “cabin size” or “international carry-on” are not universal airline standards.
Softside vs Hardside Luggage for Singapore Airlines
Softside luggage is generally recommended for SIA Economy passengers.
It’s lighter, has useful exterior pockets, and easier to pack at small hotel rooms.
Soft exteriors can also be squeezed into tight spaces when stowing luggage in overhead bins. Be warned that that same softness should not be used as an excuse to overpack. Bulging pockets are still measured as part of the bag’s external dimensions.
Hardside bags are better suited for fragile valuables. They also offer more rigid protection and predictable dimensions.
Lightweight polycarbonate or polypropylene models (July Carry On Light, Samsonite C- Lite) are recommended over aluminum if your weight allowance is under 7 kg.
How to Stay Under Singapore Airlines’ 7 kg Limit
Measure your Baggage Weight Before You Leave Home
Use a portable electronic baggage scale. Don’t rely on guesswork.
Pack for Approximately 6.5 kg
Don’t aim for exactly 7 kg – Build in some wiggle room to account for variations between airport scales and last-minute souvenir purchases.
Avoid Packing with Expansion Seams Open
Opening the expansion seams of your suitcase increases its volume and makes it easier to go over the weight limit.
Wear Your Bulkiest Shoes/Jacket/Coat
Skip packing your bulky shoes, jacket, or coat and just wear them instead.
Avoid Heavy Packing Cubes
Solid base packing cubes made with thick fabrics and heavy zippers can add weight you don’t realize.
Limit Bringing Extra Electronics
Travel adapters, camera bags, charging cables and power banks can collectively add a lot of weight to your bag.
Bring an Acceptable Personal Item
A lightweight laptop or document bag can be helpful to keep items you want to keep on-hand, but should not exceed the size of 40 × 30 × 10 cm.