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KrisFlyer members will soon be charged significantly more miles when redeeming them for Singapore Airlines flights. To add to the blow, the 15% online booking discount available on Singapore Airlines and SilkAir award bookings will also be discontinued. But it’s not all bad news, with “fuel and insurance” surcharges to be dropped on Singapore Airlines award bookings.
Essentially this means that Singapore Airlines award bookings will require more KrisFlyer miles, but lower taxes and charges.
One member has done the maths, comparing the cost of redemptions on various different routes under the old and new rates. For example, they found that a Business class redemption from Hong Kong to Sydney will soon cost 11,250 more KrisFlyer miles, but $158 less in taxes…
I have just done a comparison for my ticketed award flights this year (all one-way, including current 15% discount for booking online):
SQ J HKG-SIN-SYD
Before 27 March: 46750 KF miles + taxes + HKD$940 Airline Fuel and Insurance Surcharge
After 27 March: 58000 KF miles + taxesSo difference is 11250 KF miles vs HKD$940 or AUD$158. I think I prefer the current system, thanks.
This change is fairly representative of the impact to be had on other popular routes. In another example, a one-way Business class award flight from Sydney to London will increase from 80,750 KrisFlyer miles to 105,000 miles – but the cash co-payment will be reduced by several hundred dollars.
While many members are disappointed to see redemption costs increasing, the removal of fuel surcharges does soften the blow substantially. Singapore Airlines previously had some of the highest fuel surcharges of any airline.
I am the opposite, lots of points, short on cash. This change works out nicely for me.
Virgin Australia flyers redeeming their Velocity points continue to pay no fuel surcharges on Singapore Airlines award bookings.
The changes take effect on 23 March, 2017. So, the existing award rates still apply for the next couple of weeks. If you’d rather pay fewer miles for your next award ticket, make sure you book before then.
Mar 22 is the deadline to ticket under current rules I believe
Oh no. Better get some flights booked STAT!
At this stage there does not appear to be any changes to “Standard” award prices, nor to KrisFlyer awards on Star Alliance and partner airlines. Partner airline awards, which can only be booked over the phone, were never eligible for the 15% online booking discount anyway.
Despite the recent changes, many members still see the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer program as one of the best value frequent flyer programs out there. Redemption rates are still reasonable in comparison to other programs, and award availability is generally good.
I don’t mind the change too much.. I understand most of the concern is that no one wants a change to the negative. For me, as long as the availability continues pretty much unchanged, I think it still remains one of the best air services / programs for redemption tickets.
How do you perceive these changes to the KrisFlyer program? Join the discussion HERE.
