I’ve flown Scoot more than a dozen times over the past few years , from quick hops between Southeast Asian cities to longer hauls between Singapore and Australia. As someone who tracks airline performance closely and obsesses over cost-efficiency in travel, I’ve seen Scoot evolve, expand, and occasionally frustrate. The question I get most often: “Is Scoot really worth it?” Here’s my deep-dive review based on real flights, solid data, and expert comparisons.
What Is Scoot Airlines Known For?
Scoot is the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines. It began operations in 2012 and now flies to over 70 destinations across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and even some long-haul markets like Berlin and Athens. Its positioning is clear: affordable medium- and long-haul travel for budget-conscious flyers.
Unlike legacy airlines, Scoot strips away the frills , you get a seat, the basics, and pay for the rest. It’s part of the Value Alliance, which includes other budget carriers like Cebu Pacific and Nok Air, allowing codeshare opportunities across Asia.
How Cheap Are Scoot Airlines Fares Compared to Competitors?
Scoot typically undercuts full-service carriers by 40–60% on base fare. But base fares only tell part of the story. Once you add checked baggage, seat selection, meals, and travel insurance, the price can rise quickly. Still, Scoot usually remains cheaper than AirAsia X or Jetstar for long-haul flights and is competitive for intra-Asia routes.
Case Example: Singapore to Tokyo (Narita)
I tracked prices over a 4-week period:
| Airline | Base Fare (USD) | Baggage (20kg) | Seat Selection | Total Cost |
| Scoot | $120 | $38 | $12 | $170 |
| AirAsia X | $110 | $40 | $10 | $160 |
| Jetstar | $140 | $35 | $8 | $183 |
In most cases, Scoot’s total cost lands in the middle tier. However, its long-haul fleet (Boeing 787 Dreamliner) gives it an edge on comfort over competitors using older A330s or A320s.
How Comfortable Are Scoot’s Cabins and Seats?
Scoot’s economy class offers 30” to 32” seat pitch , average for a budget airline, but tighter for taller passengers. The seat width is about 18”, which I found tolerable even on long-haul. ScootPlus (premium economy) provides a 38” pitch and 22” width with better recline and charging ports.
Cabin layout is generally 3-3 for A320s and 3-3-3 for the 787 Dreamliner. No first class. No business class. Comfort is functional, not luxurious.
My Experience:
On a six-hour flight to Perth, I upgraded to ScootPlus. The legroom was a relief, but the seat felt more like domestic business class than true premium economy. No lounge access, but boarding priority and baggage included.
Is the In-Flight Experience Basic or Premium?
Scoot’s in-flight service is deliberately no-frills. You won’t find built-in seatback screens , all entertainment is streamed via ScootTV, accessible on your phone or tablet for a fee (starting at $11 per flight).
Food must be pre-purchased or bought onboard. Options include hot meals, instant noodles, and snacks. Expect airline-standard pricing: $10–$14 per hot meal. Water is not free, which surprises many first-time flyers.
Scoot also offers paid Wi-Fi on select 787 aircraft. I’ve used it , it’s good for emails and light browsing, but streaming or heavy downloads are unreliable.
Are Scoot’s Planes Safe and Modern?
Yes. Scoot maintains a young and efficient fleet:
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Used for long-haul routes. Modern, fuel-efficient, and quieter.
- Airbus A320 & A321neo: Used for short-haul intra-Asia flights.
The average fleet age is approximately 6.1 years (as of Q1 2025), making it one of the youngest fleets among budget airlines. Maintenance is handled by SIA Engineering Company, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines , this is a strong trust factor.
What Is the Baggage Policy for Scoot Airlines?
Scoot’s baggage policy can be confusing for new travelers. There’s no free checked baggage , even on long-haul routes.
Baggage Breakdown:
- Cabin baggage: 1 carry-on (7kg) + 1 small personal item. Total must not exceed 10kg.
- Checked baggage: Must be purchased in increments (20kg, 25kg, 30kg, 35kg, or 40kg).
- Excess baggage at airport: Significantly more expensive than pre-booking.
Fees vary by route and booking time. Always pre-book if possible.
How Reliable Is Scoot’s On-Time Performance?
Scoot has an average on-time performance of 78% to 84%, depending on season and route.
Example Data:
- Q1 2024 (FlightStats):
- Singapore–Bangkok: 83.7% on-time
- Singapore–Sydney: 79.4% on-time
- Singapore–Bali: 81.1% on-time
Delays are often due to congestion at secondary terminals (e.g., Don Mueang in Bangkok) or air traffic control in dense regions.
How Do Customers Rate Scoot Airlines?
Scoot receives mixed but fair reviews across major platforms:
- Skytrax: 3 out of 5
- Google Reviews: 3.7 out of 5 (12,000+ reviews)
- TrustPilot: 3.4 out of 5
Common Praise:
- Excellent fares
- Friendly flight crew
- Clean, modern planes
Common Complaints:
- Unclear baggage policies
- Extra charges for basics
- Limited customer service responsiveness during disruptions
What Are the Pros and Cons of Flying with Scoot?
Pros:
- Lowest fares for long-haul Asia-Pacific travel
- Modern fleet with Dreamliners on major routes
- Wide destination network
Cons:
- Almost everything is extra: water, seats, baggage
- No IFE screens or free food
- Customer support is slow during delays or cancellations
Scoot is value-driven , you get what you pay for, and if you manage expectations, you’ll likely be satisfied.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Fly Scoot?
Ideal Passengers:
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Solo tourists and backpackers
- Digital nomads with flexible plans
Not Recommended for:
- Families with toddlers (due to lack of perks)
- Business travelers needing full Wi-Fi and lounge access
- Travelers expecting traditional airline amenities
I recommend Scoot for travelers who are organized, pre-plan their add-ons, and don’t mind skipping luxuries.
How to Book Cheap Scoot Flights and Save Money?
These booking strategies consistently work for me:
- Book 6–8 weeks ahead for best prices.
- Subscribe to Scoot Insider for promo fares.
- Avoid extras: skip seat selection, bring own snacks, pack light.
- Pay via direct debit to avoid card fees (up to $15 per ticket).
Use fare trackers like Google Flights or Hopper to identify drops.
Are There Any Hidden Fees with Scoot?
Yes, but they’re avoidable:
- Credit card surcharge: Up to 2% unless using debit.
- Airport baggage penalty: Often 50%+ more than online rate.
- Late check-in fee: Up to $100 if you miss web check-in.
Always read the fee schedule before confirming your booking.
Alternatives to Scoot Airlines for Cheap Asia Travel?
If Scoot’s timing or route doesn’t suit, here are viable alternatives:
| Airline | Focus Region | Fleet Type | Similar to Scoot? |
| AirAsia X | Southeast Asia | A330 | Cheaper short-hauls |
| Jetstar Asia | Singapore hub | A320 | Comparable pricing |
| Cebu Pacific | Philippines focus | A320 / A321neo | Low base fare, limited long-haul |
| VietJet Air | Vietnam-based | A321neo | Frequent promos |
Scoot generally offers better aircraft on long-haul routes, while others may edge out on domestic connections.
Is Scoot Airlines Worth It for Budget Travel?
Yes, Scoot is a smart choice if you’re focused on saving money, flying mid- to long-haul routes in Asia-Pacific, and don’t mind planning your trip down to the kilo. I’ve had mostly smooth experiences with them , as long as I accepted the budget model and pre-booked wisely.
The seats are passable, the fleet is excellent, and the pricing is transparent if you know what to expect. For people who prioritize function over frills, Scoot delivers a very competitive experience in the low-cost carrier space.