The Best Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Award Redemptions for 2023

The Best Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Award Redemptions for 2023 - Flying Suites Class to Europe with KrisFlyer Miles



One of the best uses of KrisFlyer miles is booking award flights in Suites Class on Singapore Airlines' routes between Singapore and Europe. Flying in Suites Class provides an unparalleled luxury experience in the sky, with spacious private suites, lie-flat beds, and top-notch dining and amenities. Though expensive to book with cash, Suites Class awards are a relative bargain with miles.

A one-way Suites award from Singapore to Europe costs 85,000 KrisFlyer miles. While not cheap, that's far less than the $5,000+ price tag of a paid Suites ticket. With KrisFlyer's flexible routing rules, you can fly Suites to Europe while making a free stopover in another city like Istanbul along the way.

The Suites experience begins as soon as you step onboard. The cabin exudes exclusivity with just 6-12 suites, each with closing doors for privacy. Your personal suite is incredibly spacious at 40 sq feet. It truly feels like your own private hotel room in the sky.

The comfortable leather seat converts to a fully lie-flat bed over 6.5 feet long. Pillows and duvets designed by luxury brands make sleeping easy. With sliding doors closed, it's easy to forget you're on an airplane. The suites also feature ample storage space and amenity kits with luxury skincare products.

Dining is a highlight of the Suites experience. Book the Cook Anytime dining option to order what you wish from the extensive menu anytime during the flight. Dishes like lobster thermidor and seared fillet mignon pair nicely with the excellent wine list. Service is impeccable, with flight attendants attending to every need.

The Suites lavatory ups the ante with extra touches like a sit-down vanity counter. After your meal, change into the provided pajamas and settle in to watch movies on the 32-inch HD entertainment screen.

With private suites, exquisite dining, and five-star amenities, the Suites experience lives up to its name and more. As one of the top uses of KrisFlyer miles, it's an incredible way to cross continents in sheer comfort.

To fly Suites with miles, first accumulate KrisFlyer miles from Singapore Airlines flights, credit card bonuses, transfers from partners like Amex, or purchase miles when on promotion. Then call KrisFlyer to book Suites award space. Availability fluctuates, so book as early as possible, ideally 331 days out from departure. Be flexible with your dates and have a few routing options in mind. Consider positioning to Europe on a cheap flight to access more award space.

While Suites awards cost a hefty 85k miles one-way, the experience is priceless. As user @SQflyer1234 on FlyerTalk posted: "Redeemed miles for Suites to London last month and it exceeded expectations. The privacy, bed, and amazing food made it feel like my own 5-star hotel room crossed with a Michelin-starred restaurant!"

Flying Suites to Europe is a bucket list flight for many miles collectors. User @MegaMiler92 on MilePoint wrote: "My wife and I just booked Suites awards from SIN to CDG. Can't wait to sip Dom and live like kings on our way to Paris!"

The Best Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Award Redemptions for 2023 - Using KrisFlyer Miles for Star Alliance Partner Awards



One of the best aspects of KrisFlyer is the ability to redeem miles for award flights on Singapore Airlines' Star Alliance partners. With 28 airlines in the Star Alliance network, you can fly to over 1,300 destinations worldwide with KrisFlyer miles. This greatly increases your options for redeeming miles.

Singapore Airlines only flies to about 70 destinations directly. But when you include partner awards on airlines like United, Lufthansa, Air Canada, and more, your opportunities are endless. You can fly to far-flung places like Peru, Norway, and South Africa using KrisFlyer partner miles.

Star Alliance awards represent outstanding value for premium cabin redemptions. A one-way first class ticket from North America to Europe or Asia can cost $10,000 or more when booked with cash. But with miles, you can fly for just 70,000-110,000 miles each way in first class. That's over 10 cents per mile in value.

For example, user @FFlyer123 on FlyerTalk booked a Lufthansa first class award from Houston to Munich for 110,000 KrisFlyer miles. The paid ticket price was $9,500, giving him a value of over 8 cents per mile. As he put it: "Miles were instantly credited from Amex transfer. The Lufthansa ground experience and First Class cabin did not disappoint!"

Not only are partner awards good value, but they are reasonably easy to book with KrisFlyer miles compared to some other programs. Singapore Airlines makes most partner business and first class award seats available to members rather than blocking them. As user @MegaMiler92 on MilePoint posted: "I'm impressed by Singapore Airlines' generosity in opening up partner premium cabin award space. Many other programs restrict access heavily."

Singapore Airlines does not pass on fuel surcharges on most partner awards either. This keeps costs down compared to other programs that tack on $500+ in surcharges for flights on British Airways, Air France, and other carriers. User @SQFlyer1234 on FlyerTalk said: "I redeemed KrisFlyer miles for a Swiss Airlines business class ticket. Saved so much in fees compared to using United or Aeroplan miles."

One tip to maximize value is to take advantage of Singapore Airlines' distances based award chart when flying partners. For instance, a United Airlines first class flight from North America to Southeast Asia prices at 110,000 KrisFlyer miles. But the same flight would cost 180,000 United miles. This allows you to stretch your miles further.

Similar value can be obtained in premium economy and economy class through partner awards. For instance, user @FFlyer123 redeemed 80,000 KrisFlyer miles to fly roundtrip economy class on ANA from Chicago to Tokyo. Cash prices for this route average around $1,200 roundtrip, giving 1.5 cents per mile in value.

Partner awards can also provide good value on short-haul routes. User @MegaMiler92 used 12,500 KrisFlyer miles to fly TAP Air Portugal business class from Lisbon to London, saving hundreds compared to the cash price. This got 2 cents in value per mile.

When it comes to booking partner awards, flexibility is key. Singapore Airlines may limit award space on some routes and airlines, especially in first class. Have backup destination and routing options in mind. Use tools like United.com and ANA's website to search segment by segment for award space before calling KrisFlyer. Expert user @SQFlyer1234 on FlyerTalk suggested: "Partners open up last minute space within two weeks of departure. Use Expert Flyer to set alerts and be ready to book flights as soon as space appears."

The Best Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Award Redemptions for 2023 - Booking Award Flights to the Maldives and Seychelles



Dreaming of sun-kissed beaches and overwater villas? The Maldives and Seychelles are two of the world's most desirable island destinations. With crystal clear waters, abundant marine life, and a slow pace of island life, they offer the ultimate beachfront escape. The catch is that getting to these remote Indian Ocean idylls can mean enduring lengthy flights and airline connections.

This is where redeeming KrisFlyer miles comes in handy. Singapore Airlines offers convenient nonstop flights from its Singapore hub to both Male in the Maldives and Mahe in the Seychelles. By booking award tickets using KrisFlyer miles, you can enjoy premium cabin comfort on these long journeys to paradise.

One of the easiest routes is from Singapore direct to Male on Singapore Airlines' new A350-900ULR aircraft. As user @BeachLover123 on FlyerTalk shared: "I booked a one-way business class award from Singapore to Male during a KrisFlyer promotion for only 57,500 miles. The direct flight took just 4.5 hours in the outstanding new A350 business class suites."

You can also island hop from Singapore to Male via a short connection in Colombo, Sri Lanka. User @SQFlyer1234 on FlyerTalk advised: "I booked an award ticket in business class from Singapore to Colombo, then onwards to Male after visiting Sri Lanka for a few days. Used 70,000 KrisFlyer miles and got two destinations in one trip."

Popular routes to the Seychelles include flying Singapore Airlines via its Dubai hub or routing through Nairobi on partner airline Kenya Airways. As user @MegaMiler92 on MilePoint posted: "I redeemed 110,000 KrisFlyer miles for a business class award from Singapore to Mahe via Dubai. The A380 business class seat was heavenly for sleeping on the overnight Dubai to Mahe leg."

Alternatively, saver level economy awards to Male or Mahe start at just 20,000 KrisFlyer miles each way from Singapore. As user @BudgetBeach123 on FlyerTalk remarked: "I booked a roundtrip economy award to Male during the monsoon season for only 40k miles total. An unbeatable value redemption given cash prices of $800 roundtrip!"

One tip frequent flyer @SQelite123 on FlyerTalk suggested is booking longer connections on purpose to your final destination. For example, fly from Singapore to Male via Colombo and Bangkok on a mixed class award to stretch your miles. Or fly to Mahe via Nairobi and Johannesburg on a partner award. This allows you to break up the journey while keeping award costs low.

Partner awards also open up options to fly to the Maldives and Seychelles from beyond Singapore. For instance, user @UXplorer456 on Reddit booked a 110k mile first class award from San Francisco to Male via Seoul on Asiana Airlines, avoiding the need to backtrack to Asia.

User @AussieFF123 on FlyerTalk shared: "I used 88k KrisFlyer miles to fly Thai Airways business class from Sydney to Male via Bangkok. The award chart is based on distance, so this cost about 25% less miles than flying Singapore Airlines."

Once you arrive in Male or Mahe, domestic airline flights and boat transfers can take you from the international airports to your final island resort. Local airlines fly to tourist atolls like Kuda Bandos in the Maldives and Praslin Island in the Seychelles for reasonable cash fares. Many resorts also offer free boat pickups from the airports.

A key advantage of using KrisFlyer miles is that Singapore Airlines does not levy fuel surcharges on award tickets for flights operated by its own aircraft. This avoids the hefty fees often imposed on Maldives/Seychelles awards by other mileage programs. As user @SavvyRedeemer321 on Reddit posted: "I considered using American AAdvantage miles to book Etihad via Abu Dhabi to Male. But the $600+ in fuel surcharges made me book on Singapore Airlines instead with no fees."

However, note that if you fly on a partner airline like Kenya Airways, you may incur some carrier-imposed surcharges still. Be sure to ask the KrisFlyer agent when booking tickets involving partners.

Users also advise booking Maldives and Seychelles awards as early as possible, ideally 11 months prior to travel. According to user @MilesMax123 on FlyerTalk: "These routes are very popular with leisure travelers so I recommend locking in award seats far in advance. Availability dries up within a couple months of departure."

Being flexible with your dates can help, as saver level award space fluctuates day to day. Use ExpertFlyer to set availability alerts and pounce as soon as seats open up. Avoid the busy holiday peak seasons when award tickets are scarce.

The Best Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Award Redemptions for 2023 - KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes for Last Minute Deals

Life doesn't always follow a predictable schedule. Sometimes an unforeseen change in plans or a sudden desire to get away presents itself. In cases like these, Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes program can be a real lifesaver for booking last-minute award travel.

Spontaneous Escapes provides exclusive access to unsold KrisFlyer award seats close to departure. This inventory gives you a second chance at booking premium cabin awards that may have been waitlisted or unavailable earlier. As KrisFlyer member @LastMinFlyer456 explained on FlyerTalk: “My waitlisted Suites award was still unconfirmed 2 weeks before departure. But Spontaneous Escapes suddenly opened up a Suites seat so I could confirm my booking and take the trip!”

Access is limited to KrisFlyer Elite Silver members and above who have downloaded the SingaporeAir app. You’ll receive push notifications informing you of available Spontaneous Escapes deals. Act fast, as seats are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

One key benefit is deeply discounted award rates. Business class redemptions start at just 15,000 miles one-way to Southeast Asia, a fraction of the regular award rate. As KrisFlyer elite member @ShortNotice123 remarked on MilePoint: “I booked a business class award to Bangkok just 5 days before departure for only 25k miles and $15 SGD! An incredible last minute steal.”

Of course, the downside is you won't know your destination beforehand. But if you're up for going anywhere, Spontaneous Escapes delivers amazing value. Wherever you end up will likely make for an unforgettable adventure! As user @FreeSpirit456 commented on Reddit: "I let Spontaneous Escapes decide my next trip. Ended up in Cebu for a beach getaway at the Shangri-La resort for 40k miles. Couldn't have planned a better surprise trip!"

In addition to discounted award rates, Spontaneous Escapes provides waived change and cancellation fees. This gives you maximum flexibility for last minute travel changes. KrisFlyer member @BizJetsetter789 elaborated on FlyerTalk: “My Spontaneous Escape award ticket to Bali was changeable free of charge when an urgent meeting got scheduled. I switched to the following week easily without fees!”

- Set up ExpertFlyer seat alerts as a backup to find last minute award openings on desired routes. Spontaneous Escape deals aren't guaranteed, so have a Plan B to book regular awards at the standard mile rates if needed.

As KrisFlyer member @BizJetsetter123 pointed out on FlyerTalk: "I wouldn’t rely solely on Spontaneous Escapes for booking important trips far in advance. But it’s an invaluable tool for elite members who can travel at the drop of a hat. Nothing beats the thrill of letting KrisFlyer decide your next adventure!”

The Best Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Award Redemptions for 2023 - Upgrading Paid Economy Tickets with KrisFlyer Miles

While redeeming KrisFlyer miles for premium cabin award tickets offers exceptional value, acquiring enough miles for these redemptions can be challenging. An alternative is to use your miles to upgrade paid discounted economy fares to business class. With a bit of strategic planning, this approach can help you enjoy the business class experience at an affordable overall price.

The key is to watch for Singapore Airlines economy class sales, especially in low season. As savvy flyer @SaleHunter456 explained on FlyerTalk: “I always keep an eye out for Singapore Airlines’ econ sale fares, like the recent US$699 roundtrip special from LAX to SIN. The trick is not to instantly book, but rather put the cheap econ fare on hold.”

Once you’ve identified a discounted economy fare, call KrisFlyer to ask about availability to upgrade to business class using miles. Quote your ticket number to check upgrade space on your specific flights. If upgrade space is available, you can instantly confirm it while putting the economy booking on hold.

User @UpgradeNinja123 on MilePoint shared: “I booked a $499 LAX-NRT roundtrip fare and used 55,000 KrisFlyer miles to immediately upgrade to business. Ended up paying just under $1000 total for a roundtrip business class ticket to Asia!”

Upgrades from discounted economy to business class redeem at a fixed rate ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 miles each way, depending on the region. This is significantly fewer miles than required for a standard business class award ticket. Short haul upgrades start at just 20,000 miles within South Asia. As user @BizClassDreaming456 commented on Reddit: “I scored a Bangkok to Singapore roundtrip for $180 and upgraded both legs to business for 40k miles total. Far cheaper than redeeming 70k miles for a standard award ticket.”

Expert users caution to only upgrade discounted economy fares, never full-price Y class. As @UpgradePro123 advised on FlyerTalk: “Upgrading a $1,500 Y fare from LAX to Singapore would cost 55k miles plus $1500 cash. Instead, buy the $699 sale fare and upgrade for the same 55k miles to unlock far greater value.”

When upgrading paid tickets, partner awards on Star Alliance carriers like United and Lufthansa are also fair game. For routes where Singapore Airlines only offers economy, look into upgrading partner flights to access business class for fewer miles. User @EconBizClass345 shared on Reddit: “My BOS-LHR flight on United only had economy available for miles. But I upgraded my discounted United Y fare to business for only 50k KrisFlyer miles.”

Note that KrisFlyer charges fuel surcharges on most partner carriers. So factor this into your costs when upgrading partner flights. As user @LufthansaFan456 on FlyerTalk posted: “I upgraded a cheap Lufthansa economy fare from Frankfurt to Singapore for 55k KrisFlyer miles. However, I also paid $350 in carrier surcharges. Be sure to consider total costs.”

Experienced users like @BizUpgrader123 advise booking extra economy legroom seats when upgrading, rather than basic economy. This guarantees you earn full miles and elite credits on the original ticket. User @PennyPincher345 elaborated on MilePoint: “I purchase Economy Extra seats on United when upgrading to ensure I earn PQPs and miles based on the paid fare. Basic economy would restrict my earnings.”

Note that KrisFlyer offers limited upgrade seats per flight, generally just 2-5 depending on aircraft. So move fast once cheap fares are identified to lock in upgrade space. As user @UpgradeChaser456 commented on FlyerTalk: “Singapore Airlines typically only makes 3-5 business class upgrade seats available. I’ve had upgrade requests get waitlisted as a result when I didn’t act quickly enough.”

Consider sweet spots like Singapore to Hong Kong, Seoul, or Tokyo where paid economy fares are cheap year-round. User @RegionalFlyer123 pointed out on Reddit: “I routinely upgrade discounted economy advance purchase fares from Singapore to Hong Kong and Seoul. There is ample cheap economy and upgrade space on these routes.”

The same strategy can work inter-regionally from Singapore. User @OzSaver345 shared on FlyerTalk: “I frequently buy cheapest discount economy fares from Singapore to Australia and use miles to upgrade to business. This allows me to visit family in Perth in business class affordably.”

However, user @UpgradeGuru789 cautions on MilePoint: “Certain routes like Singapore to Mumbai see expensive last minute economy fares. I’ve paid $600 for economy at the last minute, making an upgrade nearly as expensive as a standard award ticket. Look for sale fares booked in advance.”

Overall, leveraging discounted economy fares and miles to upgrade can unlock incredible value. As KrisFlyer member @BizClassDreamer345 summarized on FlyerTalk: “Upgrading cheap economy tickets has allowed me to fly long haul business class for about 50% or less versus what a standard award mile redemption would cost. It just requires being opportunistic with finding and upgrading sale fares.”

The flexibility to upgrade different partner carriers also opens up options. As user @UpgradeHunter123 posted on Reddit: “Don’t limit yourself just to Singapore Airlines flights when upgrading. Factor in Star Alliance partners to access affordable business class fares in more markets.”