Singapore Airlines is routinely awarded one of the best airlines in the world. The airline operates out of its hub, Singapore Changi Airport, and has 2 subsidiaries in SilkAir and Scoot. Its frequent flyer program is called KrisFlyer and airline currency is called Krisflyer Miles.
Singapore Airlines and its KrisFlyer program are well known for a few reasons. One reason is because of its premium cabin experience. Another reason is due to the ability to book Singapore Airlines and Star Alliance partner airline award flights. The last reason is that Singapore KrisFlyer miles are easy to earn.
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Credit Cards To Earn Singapore Airlines Miles
Singapore Airlines partners with all of the transferable point programs. This means that you can transfer AmEx, Capital One, Chase, Citi, and Marriott points directly to Singapore Airlines. The Capital One transfer ratio is unfavorable and the Marriott transfer time is lengthy, so AmEx, Chase, and Citi are your best transfer programs.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Premier Card, and Amex Gold Card are cards to consider applying for. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers earn 3x points on dining and travel. You earn 3x on airfare, hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores with the Citi Premier Card. Amex Gold cardmembers earn 4x points on dining and US grocery stores.
Additional Ways to Earn Singapore Airlines Miles
KrisFlyer is Singapore Airlines’ frequent flyer program. When you sign up for a free membership, you receive the ability to earn and redeem KrisFlyer miles for many things including award flights.
One way that you can earn KrisFlyer miles is by flying on Singapore Airlines or its partner airline flights. With partner airline flights, you need to credit that flight to your KrisFlyer account in order to earn KrisFlyer miles. Go to wheretocredit.com to determine where best to credit the miles you earn from flying.
Another way to earn KrisFlyer miles is by using its car rental, hotel, and shopping partners. When you spend money with these partners, you earn KrisFlyer miles.
On the whole, earning KrisFlyer miles is not difficult. Frequent flyers and those who spend money on transferable point credit cards will likely earn enough miles for the redemptions covered below.
Basic Singapore Airlines Redemption Rules
Singapore Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance. This means that you can use KrisFlyer miles to book Singapore Airlines and its Star Alliance partner airline award flights. In addition, Singapore Airlines has partnerships with airlines outside of the Star Alliance like Virgin Atlantic.
As you’re reviewing the KrisFlyer program, it’s helpful to know a few of the most important rules of the program:
- Fuel surcharges will vary by the airline that you fly
- Award flights can be booked one-way
- No stopovers on one-way award flights
- 1 stopover per round-trip Star Alliance partner flights excluding intra Europe and the US
- Up to 3 additional stopovers can be added for $100 per stopover
- An open-jaw is allowed on round-trip Star Alliance award flights
- An open jaw and/or stopover is not allowed on Alaska Airlines flights
Using the Singapore Airlines Search Engine
The KrisFlyer search engine is useful for a select number of award flights, however, it’s not reliable enough for all partner airline award flights. If you want to fly in a Singapore Airlines first and business class, you have to use Singapore Airlines miles to book the flight.
When you’re ready to book an award flight, keep the following award search guidelines in mind for these Singapore Airlines partners:
- United Airlines / Air Canada Aeroplan for Star Alliance partner flights
- Virgin Atlantic / Delta Air Lines for Virgin Atlantic flights
- American Airlines for Alaska Airlines flights
Best Ways to Use KrisFlyer Miles
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles are easy to accumulate because of the airline partnerships with American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, and Marriott.
If you’re ready to book a flight using transferable points, it’s helpful to know the transfer ratios and times. Amex point transfers take 1-2 days at a 1:1 ratio, Capital One Miles transfers take 36 hours at a 2:1 ratio, Chase point transfers take 1-2 days at a 1:1 ratio, Citi point transfers take 2 days at a 1:1 ratio, and Marriott point transfers take 6 days at a 3:1 ratio.
1. United North America to Southern South America
Southern South America is a destination with a variety of experiences. Torres del Paine National Park, Iguazu Falls, and Uyuni Salt Flat are a few things that come to mind on places to check out.
With 57,500 Singapore Airlines miles, you can book a one-way Star Alliance business class flight to Southern South America. Booking economy flights with 30,000 Singapore Airlines miles can also present good value.
Examples of United Airlines flights you can book include:
- Houston–Intercontinental (IAH) > Buenos Aires (EZE)
- Houston–Intercontinental (IAH) > Santiago (SCL)
- Chicago–O’Hare (ORD) > São Paulo (GRU)
2. Star Alliance North America to Europe
Europe is a relatively easy destination to access from the US. Not only are the flights reasonable in duration, but you also have a variety of Star Alliance partners based in Europe. This means you generally have your pick of which airline you want to fly.
With 27,500 KrisFlyer miles, you can book a one-way Star Alliance economy flight to Europe. Check out Turkish Airlines, Avianca LifeMiles, and Air Canada Aeroplan if you want to fly business class.
Examples of flights you can book include:
- Los Angeles (LAX) > Istanbul (IST) on Turkish Airlines
- Washington–Dulles (IAD) > Paris (CDG) on United Airlines
- Miami (MIA) > Zurich (ZRH) on Swiss Air Lines
3. United North America to Central America
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Tikal, Arenal Volcano National Park, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve are some of the many places to consider checking out on a trip to Central America.
With 17,500 Singapore Airlines miles, you can book a one-way United economy flight from the US to Central America. Turkish Airlines, Air Canada Aeroplan, United Airlines, and Avianca LifeMiles offer competing award pricing and should be considered.
Examples of flights you can book include:
- New Orleans (MSY) > Panama City (PTY) on Copa Airlines
- Los Angeles (LAX) > San José Costa Rica (SJO) on Avianca
- Newark (EWR) > San Salvador (SAL) on United Airlines
4. United North America to the Caribbean
The Caribbean is a destination that I’ve come to know and love. Having visited The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica, St Thomas, St Croix, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, it’s a place I try to visit every year.
With 17,500 Singapore Airlines miles, you can book a one-way United economy flight from the US to the Caribbean. Check out the pricing offered by United Airlines, Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, and Turkish Airlines as well.
Examples of flights you can book include:
- Chicago–O’Hare (ORD) > San Juan Puerto Rico (SJU) on United Airlines
- Newark (EWR) > Punta Cana (PUJ) on United Airlines
- Houston–Intercontinental (IAH) > Jamaica (MBJ) on United Airlines
5. United North America to Mexico
From the beautiful beaches of Tulum to the street food in Mexico City, this country is one that’s been on my list to visit for quite a while. One can appreciate the unique experiences you can have on a single trip that’s not too far from the US.
With 17,500 Singapore Airlines miles, you can book a one-way United economy flight from the US to Mexico. United Airlines, Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, and Turkish Airlines offer similar pricing so give these programs a look.
Examples of flights you can book include:
- San Francisco (SF(O) > Mexico City (MEX) on United Airlines
- Cleveland (CLE) > Cancun (CUN) on United Airlines
- Houston–Intercontinental (IAH) > Guadalajara (GDL) on United Airlines
Common Singapore Airlines Questions
Is Emirates better than Singapore Airlines?
Read these Singapore Airlines first-class reviews here, here, here, and here. Then compare them to these Emirates first-class reviews here and here.
Is Singapore Airlines better than Qantas?
Qantas first-class reviews can be found here and here. Compare these reviews to the Singapore Airlines first-class reviews above to help you determine which airline is better.
Can I get my money back from Singapore Airlines?
Cancellations and refunds lists your options on how to get your money back from Singapore Airlines.
Conclusion on the Best Ways to Use Singapore Airlines Miles
Transferable point credit cards make KrisFlyer miles easy to earn. Once you’ve earned enough miles to book a flight, referencing the key KrisFlyer program rules should help during the flight booking process. Singapore Airlines search engine isn’t the best so familiarize yourself the with United Ailrines search engine. All in all, Singapore Airlines doesn’t have the most competitive award pricing, however, there are a few bright spots in the program to keep in mind.
How do you find value with your Singapore Airlines miles? Please let me know in a comment below or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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