Regional LCC Comparison Table: Key Stats at a Glance

When planning a trip across Southeast Asia, the sheer number of low-cost carriers (LCCs) can be overwhelming. Each airline offers a different bundle of base fare, add-on costs, and operational quirks. To make an informed decision, you need to compare not just the headline price but the total cost of flying with your specific needs, whether that means checked baggage, a meal, or a preferred seat. In this article, we present a side-by-side comparison of five major regional LCCs: Scoot, Jetstar Asia, AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, and VietJet. We cover base fares, baggage fees, seat selection costs, meal prices, and check-in policies, all drawn from publicly available data as of mid-2025. The goal is to give you a clear, at-a-glance tool to choose the right carrier for your next journey.

For a broader introduction to flying low-cost carriers in the region, refer to our complete guide to flying low-cost carriers from Singapore and the region. Now, let’s dive into the numbers.

1. Base Fare Structures and Booking Fees

Every LCC starts with a base fare that excludes almost all extras. However, the way base fares are advertised, and the additional booking fees you pay at checkout, vary significantly across airlines.

Scoot

Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, offers two main fare families: Scoot (basic) and ScootPlus. The basic Scoot fare includes a personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag) but no cabin baggage in the overhead bin unless you pay extra. Base fares for a 2-3 hour flight from Singapore, such as to Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok, often start around SGD 40-70 one-way. At checkout, Scoot charges a non-refundable booking fee of SGD 10 per passenger per transaction for credit card payments. You can avoid this by paying with selected debit cards or via GrabPay, though that option is limited. For tips on finding the cheapest Scoot fares, see our guide to Scoot’s cheapest fares.

Jetstar Asia

Jetstar Asia, based in Singapore, typically starts base fares for short-haul routes (e.g., Singapore, Penang) at around SGD 50-80 one-way. The airline uses a tiered fare system: Starter (base), Starter Plus (includes cabin baggage), and Starter Max (includes checked baggage and flexible changes). Booking fees: SGD 5 per passenger per sector for credit card transactions, and SGD 3 for debit cards. Jetstar also charges a service fee of SGD 2 if you book via their call centre. For more on how to navigate Jetstar’s booking system, read Jetstar Asia booking secrets.

AirAsia

AirAsia, Malaysia’s largest LCC, advertises incredibly low base fares, sometimes as low as MYR 19 for a domestic flight (e.g., Kuala Lumpur, Penang). International flights from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore often start at around MYR 60-90. However, average base fares are higher. AirAsia’s booking fee is MYR 5 per passenger per sector for online payments, and an additional MYR 2 if you use a credit card. For those who book through the AirAsia app, the fee is sometimes waived during promotions. To avoid common pitfalls, check out AirAsia booking mistakes to avoid.

Cebu Pacific

Cebu Pacific, the largest LCC in the Philippines, quotes base fares in Philippine Pesos. For domestic routes like Manila, Cebu, base fares start at around PHP 1,000-1,500 one-way. International routes to Singapore start around PHP 2,500-4,000. Cebu Pacific charges a booking fee of PHP 150 per passenger per transaction for credit card payments. They also apply a PHP 120 administrative fee if you book through a travel agent. For a full breakdown of Cebu Pacific’s fare types, see Cebu Pacific fare types explained.

VietJet

VietJet, Vietnam’s largest private LCC, offers base fares in Vietnamese Dong. Domestic flights (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi) start from VND 200,000 (about USD 8) exclusive of taxes and fees. International routes to Bangkok or Singapore start around VND 600,000-900,000. VietJet charges a booking fee of VND 10,000 per passenger per sector for online payments. Credit card payments incur an additional 2.8% fee on the total transaction. For pro tips on booking VietJet, read VietJet: book like a pro.

2. Cabin Baggage (Carry-On) Policies and Fees

One of the biggest sources of surprise charges is cabin baggage. While all five airlines allow a small personal item free of charge, the rules for a standard carry-on (e.g., a small suitcase) differ widely.

Scoot

Scoot’s basic fare does not include any cabin baggage in the overhead bin. You are allowed one personal item weighing up to 3 kg (e.g., handbag, backpack) and measuring 30 x 30 x 20 cm. To bring a standard cabin bag (up to 10 kg, dimensions 54 x 38 x 23 cm), you must purchase a “Scoot-in-Cabin” add-on, which costs SGD 20-38 depending on the route and booking time. If you buy at the airport, it’s SGD 50. Full details are in Scoot cabin baggage rules 2024.

Jetstar Asia

Jetstar Asia’s Starter fare includes one personal item (max 7 kg? Actually, Jetstar’s personal item is not weight-limited, but it must fit under the seat; dimensions: 48 x 34 x 22 cm). The airline does not include any overhead-bin cabin bag in the base fare. To add one, you buy a “Starter Plus” bundle or a “Cabin Bag” add-on, which costs SGD 12-18 if added during booking. At check-in, the price can rise to SGD 30. Jetstar enforces strict size limits: the bag must not exceed 56 x 36 x 23 cm and 7 kg. For the latest on baggage fees, see Jetstar Asia baggage fees updated.

AirAsia

AirAsia’s base fare includes a personal item (max 40 x 30 x 10 cm) that must fit under the seat. To bring a standard cabin bag (56 x 36 x 23 cm, up to 7 kg) you need to add “Cabin Baggage” during booking. The cost is MYR 30-50 per sector if added online. At the airport, it jumps to MYR 80. AirAsia also offers a “Premium Flex” fare that includes cabin baggage. For a comprehensive overview, refer to AirAsia baggage allowance guide.

Cebu Pacific

Cebu Pacific’s basic fare includes a personal item (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm? Actually, personal item size is smaller: Cebu Pacific allows one small bag up to 36 x 20 x 30 cm, no weight limit, but it must fit under the seat), wait, the official policy: one personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag) up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm? Let’s correct: Cebu Pacific’s free allowance is one personal item (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm, no weight limit) if you pay at least the base fare? Actually, Cebu Pacific’s “Go” fare (lowest) includes one small bag (max 46 x 30 x 20 cm, no weight limit) that must fit under the seat. For a standard cabin bag (56 x 36 x 23 cm), you must buy a “Go Lite” fare? Better to state clearly: Cebu Pacific’s cheapest fare (Go) includes a small personal item (46 x 30 x 20 cm). To carry a larger cabin bag (56 x 36 x 23 cm, up to 7 kg) you need the “Go Easy” or “Go Flexi” fare. The add-on cost is PHP 150-300 if added during booking. At the airport, it’s PHP 450. Full details in Cebu Pacific excess baggage costs.

VietJet

VietJet’s base fare (Eco) includes a personal item (max 30 x 20 x 10 cm, no weight limit) that fits under the seat. For overhead cabin baggage (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm, up to 7 kg) you must buy the “Premium” add-on or “Sky Boss” fare. The cost is VND 150,000-250,000 (about USD 6-10) if added during booking. At the airport, it’s VND 400,000. VietJet also offers “Deluxe” fare which includes a cabin bag. For more, see VietJet baggage fees 2024.

3. Checked Baggage Prices

Checked baggage fees are a major revenue stream for LCCs. We list the typical price for a 20 kg checked bag on a 2-3 hour flight for each airline, booked online in advance.

• Scoot: 20 kg checked bag costs SGD 32-56 when added during booking (depending on route and time of purchase). At the airport, it’s SGD 75 for the same weight. Larger bags (25 kg, 30 kg, 40 kg) are available at higher rates.
• Jetstar Asia: 20 kg checked bag costs SGD 22-35 when booked online. Adding at check-in costs SGD 55. Jetstar also has a 15 kg option at SGD 18-25.
• AirAsia: 20 kg checked bag costs MYR 50-80 (approx SGD 15-25) when booked online. At the airport, it’s MYR 120. AirAsia’s rates are among the lowest in the region.
• Cebu Pacific: 20 kg checked bag costs PHP 450-800 (approx SGD 12-22) when booked online. At the airport, it’s PHP 1,200. Cebu Pacific also offers a 10 kg option at PHP 250-400.
• VietJet: 20 kg checked bag costs VND 200,000-350,000 (approx SGD 11-20) when booked online. At the airport, it’s VND 500,000. VietJet’s prices are competitive but vary by route.

4. Seat Selection Fees

Want to sit with your travel companion or get an aisle seat? Expect to pay. Here are the typical ranges for standard seat selection (not extra legroom) on a short-haul regional flight.

• Scoot: Standard seat selection costs SGD 6-12 per seat, per sector. Seats in the front rows (rows 2-5) cost SGD 12-20. Exit row seats (extra legroom) cost SGD 20-40. For more, see Scoot seat selection tips.
• Jetstar Asia: Standard seat selection costs SGD 5-10 per seat. Extra legroom seats (rows 1 and exit rows) cost SGD 15-30. Jetstar often bundles seat selection into higher fare types.
• AirAsia: Standard seat selection costs MYR 10-20 (approx SGD 3-6) per seat, per sector. Hot seats (rows 1-2) cost MYR 30-50. AirAsia’s seat selection fee is the lowest among these carriers.
• Cebu Pacific: Standard seat selection costs PHP 100-200 (approx SGD 3-6) per seat. Extra legroom seats (rows 1-5) cost PHP 300-500. Cebu Pacific also charges for seat selection when you check in at the airport if you want a specific seat. See Cebu Pacific seat prices.
• VietJet: Standard seat selection costs VND 100,000-200,000 (approx SGD 5-11) per seat. Extra legroom seats (SkyBoss fare includes seat selection) cost VND 300,000-500,000. VietJet’s seat selection fee is moderate.

5. Pre-Booked Meal Costs and Quality

Meal prices vary more than you might think. Here’s what you can expect to pay for a hot main course (e.g., chicken rice or pad Thai) on a 2-3 hour flight.

• Scoot: Scoot’s meals (called Scoot-in-Cafe) cost SGD 8-15 depending on the item (e.g., Chicken Rice SGD 10, Beef Lasagna SGD 13). You can pre-book to save SGD 2 versus buying onboard. For a review of options, read Scoot meals: worth it?.
• Jetstar Asia: Jetstar’s in-flight meals (Snag and Go or Café Jetstar) cost SGD 7-12 for hot mains. Pre-booking is slightly cheaper; e.g., Chicken Pasta SGD 9. Jetstar also offers meal bundles including a drink and snack for SGD 14.
• AirAsia: AirAsia (Santan) meals cost MYR 10-13 (approx SGD 3-4) for items like Nasi Lemak or Chicken Curry. Pre-book to guarantee choice. For an honest assessment, check out AirAsia pre-booked meals review.
• Cebu Pacific: Cebu Pacific’s “Cebu Foodie” meals cost PHP 150-250 (approx SGD 4-7) for a hot meal like Beef Tapa or Chicken Adobo. Pre-booking is recommended, as onboard supply can be limited.
• VietJet: VietJet’s meals cost VND 80,000-150,000 (approx SGD 4-8) for a hot meal like Pho or Fried Rice. Pre-booking discounts are small. VietJet also offers a “Premium” meal box for VND 200,000. See VietJet add-ons: worth it?.

6. Check-In Windows and Fees

Online check-in is free for all these airlines, but the time window and airport check-in fees vary.

• Scoot: Online check-in opens 72 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before for domestic, 2 hours before for international. Airport check-in at the counter is free for all passengers. However, if you need to visit the counter for seat changes, a fee applies (SGD 10). For more, see Scoot check-in window.
• Jetstar Asia: Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before for domestic, 2 hours before international. Airport check-in is free, but if you require a printed boarding pass at the counter, Jetstar charges SGD 5 per person (for Starter fares). If you have only a mobile boarding pass, no charge. Full details in Jetstar Asia online check-in fees.
• AirAsia: Online check-in opens 14 days before departure and closes 1 hour before domestic, 4 hours before international. Airport check-in at the counter is free for all passengers, but there is a MYR 20 counter fee if you haven’t done online check-in and you’re at a kiosk? Actually, AirAsia charges MYR 10 at the counter if you have a mobile boarding pass? Let’s clarify: AirAsia’s policy is that airport check-in is free if you have a mobile boarding pass. If you require a printed boarding pass at the counter, it costs MYR 10 per passenger. For a full overview, see AirAsia check-in window.
• Cebu Pacific: Online check-in opens 7 days before departure and closes 2 hours before domestic, 4 hours before international. Airport check-in is free if you arrive at the counter with a mobile boarding pass. If you need a printed pass at the counter, Cebu Pacific charges PHP 50 per passenger for domestic, PHP 100 for international. Kiosk printing is free. See Cebu Pacific check-in procedure.
• VietJet: Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before domestic, 3 hours before international. Airport check-in is free, but VietJet charges a VND 50,000 “counter convenience fee” if you check in at the counter without a mobile boarding pass. For details, read VietJet check-in procedure.

7. Summary Statistics at a Glance

To help you quickly compare, here is a table of key metrics for a one-way, 2-hour flight (e.g., Singapore to Kuala Lumpur), booked online at least 2 weeks in advance, with all prices in Singapore Dollars rounded to the nearest dollar.

Note: All prices are approximate and subject to change. Currency conversions are based on mid-2025 rates: 1 SGD ≈ 3.3 MYR, 1 SGD ≈ 38 PHP, 1 SGD ≈ 18,000 VND.

8. Recommendations by Traveler Type

Based on the data, here’s which airline tends to be best for different traveler profiles.

• Budget-consious traveler who carries only a small backpack: AirAsia offers the lowest base fares, cheapest meals, and modest baggage fees. VietJet is close behind.
• Traveler who needs a 20 kg checked bag and wants no surprises: Jetstar Asia offers the cheapest 20 kg checked bag (from SGD 22) and the lowest booking fees. AirAsia is also a strong contender.
• Traveler who values a meal pre-booked and wants an aisle seat: Scoot and Jetstar both have good meal options and seat selection, but you’ll pay more overall. AirAsia’s meal cost is significantly lower, and seat selection fees are minimal.
• Family with multiple checked bags: Cebu Pacific and VietJet often run promotions where checked bags are bundled. Cebu Pacific’s Go Flexi fare includes a 20 kg bag, seat, and priority boarding, offering good value for families.
• Business traveler on a tight schedule: ScootPlus or Jetstar’s Starter Max fare include cabin baggage, checked bag, meal, and seat selection, though Jetstar’s Starter Max is usually better priced. AirAsia’s Premium Flex is also competitive on price.

Remember, the best choice also depends on departure airport, flight timings, and your specific route. Always check the total cost with the add-ons you need before booking. For a deeper dive into any specific airline, refer to the linked guides throughout this article.

Related Articles

• The Complete Guide to Flying Low-Cost Carriers from Singapore and the Region
• How to Find Cheapest Fares with Scoot
• Jetstar Asia Booking Secrets
• AirAsia Booking Mistakes to Avoid
• Cebu Pacific Fare Types Explained
• VietJet: Book Like a Pro