I’ve been keeping the pressure on, but there is still no fix or workaround for booking Singapore Airlines awards using United MileagePlus miles. That said, a solution is hopefully just around the corner.
Since January, United has been unable to book any awards on Singapore Airlines. The answer is always the same: we are working on it. We are working on it. We are working on it.
But it has been six months now and the problem has not been resolved. What is going on exactly? What is the technical problem? I once again reached out to United Airlines and Singapore Airlines to try to find out. And once again, I was not provided the information I was looking for.
A United spokesperson told me:
We continue to work with Singapore on a solution. This is IT related.
Meanwhile, a Singapore Airlines spokesperson told me:
United Airlines and Singapore Airlines are aware of the ongoing availability and booking issues of UA redemption on SIA. As such, UA redemption on SIA is temporarily not available. Both airlines are working actively to resolve the issue by July 2019.
Well now, that’s some encouraging news. While not a promise, I’ll take the July 2019 as a benchmark for accountability.
Truth be told, some United agents can still book Singapore Airlines awards if you ask nicely and they are willing to look. But most will say no and the space is certainly not appearing on united.com. A fix would be most welcome, as Singapore provides an excellent source of award space on regional flights in business and economy class and on longhaul flights in economy class.
CONCLUSION
I’m still not optimistic we will see a fix by July, but we cannot do much else than take Singapore and United at their word. Unlike the website display issue last time, in which Singapore directly contradicted United, both appear on the same page here…at least publicly.
> Read More: Singapore Airlines Accuses United Airlines of Lying About Pulled Online Award Space
Caution: the “cure” may be worse than the “disease.”
What’s the hurry, SQ seats booked on UA are those that most do not want. Just credit or send your miles to KrisFlyer and the problem is solved.
Hey Matt, thanks for the follow up! Really appreciate the effort, we need more bloggers like you (or press) to hold these stupid airlines accountable for all these “budget cuts” on their own rewards program. How is it possible that one can take years to not fix something in the system and continue to market thousands of dollars for people to buy their miles with limited uses.
Just booked my Singapore award travel yesterday using untied points at United.com!
Let’s hope it is fixed for good.