In last month’s issue we detailed the changes in Singapore Airlines’ mileage program, showing how to save as much as 44% by taking advantage of the new rules. Here’s part two—the routes that offer the best chances of getting a free mileage award. (We were unable to include this information in the March issue because at press time, we were unable to check saver mile-age award space.) Having now checked all of Singapore’s routes from the U.S., we’ve come up with six that offer very good free award availability. (see chart below).
[aside headline="Why You May Not Need to Get the Miles If You Don’t Have Them" alignment="alignright" width="half" headline_size="default"]
Singapore’s own availability of award seats—through its own mileage program—is occasionally similar to the availability of award seats via two partner mileage programs: United and US Airways.
In other words, the miles you’ve been buying cheap through US Airways, which we’ve been strongly recommending, can be redeemed through US Airways award chart for travel on Singapore.[/aside]
How to Get Miles If You Don’t Have Them
Miles can be transferred from American Express Rewards. The website states that the transfer time is up to three business days, but the last time I transferred points, they were posted the same day.
Starwood is also a point-transfer partner. Transfer time is usually longer than that of Amex Rewards, but you get a 25% bonus for every 20,000 points transferred. (Transfer limit: 79,998 points per transaction per 24-hour period, which yields 94,998 Singapore miles.) If your dates are flexible or you just need to top-off an account, then this is the better option because of the 25% bonus.
Save Up to 72% off the Published First Class Fare
The published First Class fare on Houston-Moscow starts at $11,876 (plus taxes). Singapore requires only 135,000 miles round-trip for the ticket, so it’s smart to buy points from Amex Rewards (500,000 annual limit). At 2.5¢ per mile, that comes to $3,375, a savings of $8,501 (72%). Free award space looks very good over the next nine months on this route, and Singapore offers its new First Class cabin on this aircraft.
Free Mileage Space on the A380
On two of the routes listed in the chart below, Los Angeles-Tokyo and New York-Frankfurt, Singapore uses the A380. If you haven’t flown the plane, this is your chance. It costs 115,000 miles in Business Class for New York-Frankfurt and 155,000 for Los Angeles-Tokyo—and there was a decent number of seats available at press time.
Best Routes For Free Award Space on Singapore Airlines Over the Next Ten Months
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