More SIA KrisFlyer miles needed to redeem flights or upgrade seats to Europe, US from Nov 1

SINGAPORE - From Nov 1, travellers will need to spend more air miles to redeem air tickets or upgrade their seats on certain flights, under Singapore Airlines’ frequent flier programme.

But they will have a new redemption option – called Access – to secure seats on their preferred flights, using air miles.

The flagship carrier announced several changes to its rewards programme KrisFlyer on Aug 25, including a new way to earn points towards upgrading one’s status tier within the programme.

From Nov 1, the air miles needed to redeem or upgrade several types of flights will increase by between 5 per cent and 20 per cent:

Advantage award rates across all zones and cabin classes – except for Africa, the Middle East and Turkey – will go up by 10 per cent to 15 per cent. For the three destinations, the Advantage rates will go up by 5 per cent for economy flights, 18 per cent for business class, and 15 per cent for first class.

But members can save when flying within Asia and the south-west Pacific under the Economy Saver award level, as the miles needed will decrease by 5 per cent. 

Saver redemptions generally cost fewer miles than Advantage redemptions.

Redemption bookings confirmed and ticketed before Nov 1 will be based on current rates, said SIA. 

The change applies to flights on Singapore Airlines, Star Alliance and partner airlines.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, SIA said: “The adjustment is part of our regular review of the KrisFlyer programme, reflecting evolving market conditions. These changes... allow us to adapt to the current landscape.”

It is the first adjustment to the rates since July 2022, SIA noted. Then,

the cost of flight redemptions increased by an average of 10 per cent

, with the airline attributing the rise to higher costs.

Also from Nov 1, the airline will introduce Access, a new redemption option that gives members more opportunities to use their air miles to secure seats on their preferred flights.

“Mile requirements will differ based on the demand for seats and may vary throughout the year,” the airline said in its press release, adding that the new option is an addition to the award seats.

Mr Aaron Wong, founder of travel-based website The MileLion, said that while the increase in the cost of redemption is bad news, it was expected and “not as bad as it could have been”. 

“The airline has to adjust costs with so many miles award schemes available – the number of miles in circulation is growing faster compared with the number of seats available.

“In the past, miles were mostly rewarded to high-income earners, but now, most people can earn four miles per dollar when they spend on credit cards,” he said. 

Mr Wong also noted that air miles needed to redeem flights to and from most regions will be increased by 5 per cent, a smaller bump than the previous reported increase in 2022.

“Five per cent feels like a bullet dodged,” he said.

Earning Status Credits

From Sept 1, KrisFlyer members can earn points towards upgrading or maintaining their status tier by paying for shopping and dining in Singapore and Australia through SIA’s lifestyle rewards app Kris+.

These points, called Status Credits, can also be earned when shopping at SIA’s retailer KrisShop and making bookings on SIA’s travel experiences platform Pelago. 

There are two types of points: PPS Value or Elite miles. PPS Club members will get one PPS Value for every $3 spent, while KrisFlyer members will earn one Elite mile for every $1 spent.

For shopping and dining in Melbourne and Sydney using Kris+, the earn rate is one PPS Value for every A$3 spent, and one Elite mile per A$1 spent.

PPS Club is a premium loyalty programme where members enjoy privileges such as increased check-in baggage allowance and access to airport lounges. Those in this club are also KrisFlyer members.

There are five status tiers – KrisFlyer, KrisFlyer Elite Silver, KrisFlyer Elite Gold, PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club – with the Solitaire PPS Club the most premium tier.

Elite miles are currently earned by flying on full-fare tickets on SIA, Scoot, Star Alliance airlines and other selected airlines. As for PPS Value, it is currently earned by flying in suites, first class or business class on SIA.

However, there are caps on the number of Status Credits members can earn through such non-flight spending.

For example, members can earn a maximum of 5,000 Elite miles through non-flight spending to upgrade to the KrisFlyer Elite Silver tier, or to maintain their status at this level. It takes 25,000 miles, earned in 12 consecutive months, to get to this status tier, or to maintain it.

Members can earn a maximum of 2,500 PPS Value through non-flight spending to upgrade to the PPS Club tier, or to maintain their status at this level. It takes 25,000 PPS Value, earned in 12 straight months, to qualify for this tier, and also to maintain it.

Mr Bryan Koh, SIA’s divisional vice-president of loyalty marketing, said the increase in flight redemption avenues “creates more opportunities for members to qualify for or renew their tiered membership status, and secure seats for travel”.