Emirates Skyhigh Miles or Singapore Krisflyer

[bynature123]

Hi All

I have accumulated a total of 770000 points on my Citibank c/c
Which I should have linked to Qantas FF from the beginning but too late to do so now
I am planning to use these points for redeeming flights but was told by Citibank that I can
only transfer to either Emirates or Singapore Airlines

Would like your advice as to which would be the better of the two for redeeming flights. I am a newbie
so please be gentle with me

Thank you so very much

 

[TheRealTMA]

Hi All

I have accumulated a total of 770000 points on my Citibank c/c
Which I should have linked to Qantas FF from the beginning but too late to do so now
I am planning to use these points for redeeming flights but was told by Citibank that I can
only transfer to either Emirates or Singapore Airlines

Would like your advice as to which would be the better of the two for redeeming flights. I am a newbie
so please be gentle with me

Thank you so very much

Can't advise on SQ but EK are good with availability and release of FF flights. You should compare conversation and redemption rates I sugg st.

 

[dajop]

Welcome to AFF. I think from memory, the conversion ratio to SQ is better, and the number of points required is also less on SQ than using Emirates. But a quick question, how do you want to use the points (where to? which class? how many people?), that might help us work out an answer.

 

[Mattg]

Singapore KrisFlyer is a far better program in general. I believe the transfer rates are better, and redemption rates are also better (although this does depend somewhat on the route). Both airlines charge high fuel surcharges.

 

[bynature123]

Welcome to AFF. I think from memory, the conversion ratio to SQ is better, and the number of points required is also less on SQ than using Emirates. But a quick question, how do you want to use the points (where to? which class? how many people?), that might help us work out an answer.

First option: I plan to purchase tickets and use the points towards upgrades to business class. Originating from Melbourne/Asia/Europe
2 Pax

Another question please.
Can EK miles be used to redeem classic flights on Qantas of which I am a FF member? Are they also redeemable on Malaysian Airlines?

Thank you for your patience

 

[TheRealTMA]

First option: I plan to purchase tickets and use the points towards upgrades to business class. Originating from Melbourne/Asia/Europe
2 Pax

Another question please.
Can EK miles be used to redeem classic flights on Qantas of which I am a FF member? Are they also redeemable on Malaysian Airlines?

Thank you for your patience

You have to use your FF points through the respective airline FF program. Yes you can use EK points through skywards to get QF flights but you can't use them to upgrade QF ticketed flights. I think you can also get Malaysian flights through Skywards.

http://www.emirates.com/au/english/skywards/about/partners/our-partners.aspx#/airlines

 

[bynature123]

Thank you very much for your help,guys

 

[Mattg]

Have you compared the cost of an award through Emirates vs Singapore Airlines on the route/s you'll be flying?

As far as I'm aware, 1 Singapore KrisFlyer mile = 1.5 Citibank points. Alternatively, 1 Emirates Skywards mile = 2.5 Citibank points. (You may wish to double check this in case the rates have changed/your card is different.)

The other thing to consider is the cost of redeeming the points once transferred. You said you wanted to use the points to travel from Melbourne to Asia or Europe, so I'll look at two examples: Melbourne to Singapore and Melbourne to Rome (return) using each program. To make it easier I'll just look at business class redemptions.

1. Melbourne to Singapore

Singapore Airlines: 93,500 miles (including 15% discount for booking online) + $472 in taxes. That's 140,250 Citi points.
Emirates: 120,000 miles + $611 in taxes. That's 300,000 Citi points.

2. Melbourne to Rome

Singapore Airlines: 136,000 miles (including 15% discount for booking online) + $889 in taxes. That's 204,000 Citi points.
Emirates: 256,000 miles + $1294 in taxes. That's 640,000 Citi points.

So... I think Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is a clear winner!

 

[bynature123]

Have you compared the cost of an award through Emirates vs Singapore Airlines on the route/s you'll be flying?

As far as I'm aware, 1 Singapore KrisFlyer mile = 1.5 Citibank points. Alternatively, 1 Emirates Skywards mile = 2.5 Citibank points. (You may wish to double check this in case the rates have changed/your card is different.)

The other thing to consider is the cost of redeeming the points once transferred. You said you wanted to use the points to travel from Melbourne to Asia or Europe, so I'll look at two examples: Melbourne to Singapore and Melbourne to Rome (return) using each program. To make it easier I'll just look at business class redemptions.

1. Melbourne to Singapore

Singapore Airlines: 93,500 miles (including 15% discount for booking online) + $472 in taxes. That's 140,250 Citi points.
Emirates: 120,000 miles + $611 in taxes. That's 300,000 Citi points.

2. Melbourne to Rome

Singapore Airlines: 136,000 miles (including 15% discount for booking online) + $889 in taxes. That's 204,000 Citi points.
Emirates: 256,000 miles + $1294 in taxes. That's 640,000 Citi points.

So... I think Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is a clear winner!

Wow! This is an excellent comparison. You have just provided me with the answer. Heaps of thanks for working this out for me. Much appreciated