Has SQ Stopped all MEL/SYD Business Awards from Velocity

[ChrisFlyer]

Question is though why is Aeroplan getting them and not Velocity.
Seeing plenty of dates where absolutely nothing showing on Velocity but available on Aeroplan

Singapore Airlines charges partners more for premium inventory rather than distressed inventory. When Velocity and SQ first partnered, Velocity only had access to the latter, so you could almost never find a premium cabin seat. Then, they ponied up for premium inventory, and more flights became available for Velocity members. Could be that the premium agreement has timed out and hasn't been renegotiated, but that Aeroplan's premium agreement with SQ for long-haul premium cabins remains in place. Who knows whether Velocity will get this sorted or just rely on reward seats with Qatar for Europe, etc. It could go either way, as we've not seen a return of F rewards on SQ through Velocity, despite the Velocity site listing agreed carrier charges for them.

 

[kamchatsky]

Historically, Velocity has been one of SQ's "special friends". How many other programs have an ability to transfer points to Krisflyer and v/v?

But maybe that's over?

Maybe because VA points can be transferred to SQ, there is no need for VA to try to get more SQ awards, esp from SYD/MEL?

 

[kamchatsky]

Aeroplan negotiated better conditions for their program, and Velocity didn't.

Even in AC, there are lack of premium awards on SQ from SYD/MEL. This makes AC almost worthless for me as I am based in SYD.

At least with VA I can transfer the points to SQ directly.

 

[bcworld]

Could be that the premium agreement has timed out and hasn't been renegotiated, but that Aeroplan's premium agreement with SQ for long-haul premium cabins remains in place.

If it wasn't for the PER-SIN thing that would definitely add up. MEL & SYD are the only ports that get SQ's non regional business class cabins (A350LR, 77W and A380).

Having said that...I've actually just found some SYD-SIN business class on Velocity.



MEL-SIN seems to have gone like PER...now economy is never available...only Premium Economy on MEL-SIN.

 

[drron]

When I looked at the whole of September that was available on Velocity there were occasional premium awards from SYD and MEL. A few more via. CNS- 787 or DRW- 737Max
On the couple of days I looked at 10am QLD time at 330 days out there were J awards from SYD. I didn’t look at MEL.

So SQ awards in premium cabins have become harder to get. I have decided that if. I really want a SQ award on a particular date I will transfer from Velocity as I have run into trouble previously with SQ 3 years rule.

 

[ben95]

Could be that the premium agreement has timed out and hasn't been renegotiated, but that Aeroplan's premium agreement with SQ for long-haul premium cabins remains in place.

Seems like that is indeed the case. Since a few days ago based on seats.aero you can now find J rewards availability on SYD/MEL to SIN and back. Below is the chart for MEL-SIN as an example, and spot checked a few dates on VA's website I can confirm the result as well.

PER remains completely unavailable (even Y).

Hey, how do you look at these stats retrospectively on seats.aero?

Using the routes tab, it's the stats icon next to the "Find availability" button.

 

[Ccdee]

Are we checking exactly at 12am AEST for 330 days* ahead?

Is it not that they are getting snapped up immediately by a savvy reward seat hunter?

It's just that previously it wasn't as competitive so the seat might still be available a few days after being released.

 

[elanshin]

Are we checking exactly at 12am AEST for 330 days* ahead?

Is it not that they are getting snapped up immediately by a savvy reward seat hunter?

It's just that previously it wasn't as competitive so the seat might still be available a few days after being released.

Well yes that's some of the results especially as Aeroplan (and other partners)has access to the same seats even earlier.

But even on Aeroplan, mel/syd have largely disappeared.

 

[ben95]

Are we checking exactly at 12am AEST for 330 days* ahead

No, for instance I spot checked dates in Feb 26.

Previously even spot checking exact at 330 days when I couldn’t sleep after a big arvo coffee wouldn’t return any results, plus the overnight disappearance on seats from dates far and near suggest it’s not just a change in redemption pattern but a change in the release of inventory.