There’s one airline that consistently snags the best marks in surveys that rank seats and service. Today that airline is offering a way to Europe orAsia through its mileage program for up to 50% off its award redemption—whether or not you are a member of the program. In case you haven’t guessed, the airline is SingaporeAirlines. It partners with theAmerican Express Rewards program, which allows you to buy and transfer Amex points to a Singapore KrisFlyer account fast and easily; the cost is 2.5¢ per mile.
Big Savings and a Big Seat
Currently SingaporeAirlines is offering a 50% off their standard redemption offer, for travelMay through September, charging 120,000 miles for a Business Class ticket (normally 240,000) from LAX to Singapore on its all-Business ClassAirbus 340-500. Singapore uses a three-tier mileage program; standard gives you more award availability than a saver award. Delta charges 120,000 miles for coach class for its version of the standard award, called a “Medium” award toAsia. Singapore’s Business Class is at the top of its class: it has the widest seat (30 inches), and a fully-flat bed. Two other options offer the same deal: San Francisco to Hong Kong for travel inAugust, and Houston to Singapore for travel in September. Where Else Can You Go?
Singapore also offers many other destinations at 25% off. For example, for 60,000 KrisFlyer Standard miles you can fly NewYork to Frankfurt on the carrier’s B747—again, that’s what many airlines charge for a coach class seat.Keep in mind that once you’re in Europe or evenAsia, it is easy to make connection to a final destination, if your award ticket doesn’t get you there. Just buy a separate ticket, or maybe try train travel for Europe. It’s the long-haul Europe orAsia flight that matters most—and where special offers like this pay dividends.
For the current offer, seats must be booked through singaporeair.com by Sep. 15 and travel completed by Sep. 30. For details: http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/Account/RedeemMiles.jsp