Chase Ultimate Rewards just got even more valuable with the introduction today of Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer as a 1:1 transfer partner.
KrisFlyer is not a particularly valuable program for most Star Alliance redemptions, but like any program there are award sweet spots. Domestic business class tickets within the USA or travel within South America is 40K r/t and often available without fuel surcharges. But, the most valuable use of Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles is for redemption in premium cabins on Singapore Airlines’ flights.
Note these four key aspects of Singapore award redemptions on Singapore Airlines flights:
- Awards are discounted 15% if you book online
- Singapore releases much more award space to its own members than to partners, including two seats in Suites Class on several routes. For example, the New York to Frankfurt route is less than 100,000 miles r/t in Business Class or less than 120,000 miles in First Class.
- Singapore has three award tiers – though the high award tier rarely makes sense, it is an option if you must be on a specific flight and want to use miles
- Singapore allows award waitlisting, which means you can waitlist for a saver award on any Singapore flight (in my experience, you have a great shot at clearing)
Singapore Airlines award chart (pdf)
Star Alliance partner award chart (pdf)
Singapore has been an American Express and Starwood Preferred Guest transfer partner for many years, but adding Chase as a partner provides even more redemption options. I collect AMEX points for Flying Blue, Delta, and Singapore, but now will direct more spending to Chase because of this new transfer option.
Note that points are not transferred instantly and Singapore does not allow award holds. Chase says points transfers will take up to 72 hours to occur and in my experience with AMEX, points usually post in 24-36 hours.
Stay tuned for my upcoming Singapore Suites Class trip report to Australia.
(tip of the hat to Lucky)
That’s fantastic news! Looking forward to reading your trip report.
Can you provide more details on the waitlist option? I assumed it was not useful…could one book 1 seat, and then waitlist for another? (In case you need 2 seats).
Cool! I already could have used my AMEX or SPG points for SQ, but having more options is always great. I’ll finally get to try SQ suites…someday
@David: I’ll have a post on wait listing tomorrow – it has worked out well for me if you just need one seat.
Chase Ultimate Rewards Adds Singapore KrisFlyer as Transfer Partner – Live and Let’s Fly