Singapore Airlines allows mileage transfers from AMEX, Chase, Citi, and Starwood, making them a great option for awards.
They have an excellent Star Alliance partner airline award chart that still allows for a free stopover. You can also fly one-way for half the miles listed on the chart.
The great news is that the Star Alliance award chart will not be changing. There are fuel surcharges that vary by airline, but none are charged for travel on United and there are lots of bargains compared to the United award chart. Plus Singapore doesn’t charge any close-in fees.
However effective for travel booked on or after 3/23 the award chart for traveling on Singapore will get pricier. Here is the current award chart and here is the new award chart. You can lock in future travel at the current rates and you can change travel dates for free. You can also cancel and refund an award for just $30.
I love that they’re honest and say, that “Revisions to Saver Award levels in the Singapore Airlines and SilkAir Award Chart have been made to ensure that flight rewards remain sustainable yet competitive. We had last made adjustments to award levels in various zones in 2012.”
That’s so much better than American, Delta, and United spinning their devaluations as customer enhancements.
Award rates for travel on Singapore are going up and the 15% online booking discount is being eliminated. In the good news department Singapore will no longer have a fuel surcharge for their own flights.
In other words lets say you want to book a private walled in suite from JFK to Frankfurt:
Currently that would cost 57,375 miles plus $23 tax and $180 in fuel surcharges when you book that online.
Under the new award chart you’ll pay 76K miles plus $23 in tax. That’s an increase of 18,625 miles, but it’s cushioned by the elimination of the $180 in fuel surcharges.
That’s still a devaluation, but considering the elimination of fuel surcharges and the Star Alliance award chart being left unchanged I’d call that a devaluation made with mercy.
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19 Comments On "Singapore Airlines Award Chart Changes: A Merciful Devaluation"
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Can’t imagine star alliance chart will stay unchanged for long.
@Ejb:
The FAQs specifically say that the Star Alliance chart is not changing.
Everything changes eventually, but I don’t see it changing in the short-term, or else they would have just done it now.
There are rumors flying around that YQ on *A flights will be eliminated as well (although the website seems to clearly indicate that it’s only applicable to SQ metal, as written in post). Is there any basis to these rumors?
They claim that they will remove fuel surcharges from awards on their own metal – so that may offset the increase in points – what do you think?
Economy and Premium economy is actually getting cheaper due to lack of YQ.
@David:
#FakeNews. There’s zero basis to that. Don’t get fooled by clickbait headlines on other blogs.
Looking for a way to get to Guangzhou(CAN). First time going there. How would I go ahead if I go through Singapore?
OR if you know a better way?
For booking united flights are aeroplan miles the way to go or Singapore?
Thanks
Will the fuel surcharges still apply on Star alliance?
@Chasuv:
There’s also great charts with Aegean and ANA.
Depends where on whether one-way or round-trip.
@Love sq:
Yes, except for United and select other airlines/routes where they don’t charge.
Looking for a round trip Business class. Best way?
@Dan:
I usually book one way domestic coach who has the best rates? Until now have been booking with aeroplan..
merciful, but relatively short notice
How much will new surcharges be from US to Singapore? and to Thailand?
If the cost in miles is the same to 2 destinations, does that mean taxes will also be?
Any idea on price change for Round the World Award?
Is there fuel surcharge for NY-TLV other than United, can this route be booked online or only over the phone, is the miles needed 37,500 and can it be booked one way?
@Dan:
Again, I doubt they’ll last long because of the arbitrage opportunities and their goal to control program costs. I think they first worked on devaluing their own chart and will then work on the star alliance chart.
I’m wait-listed on a oneway LAX-TYO in business for Early April. If I’m notified to be ticketed after 3/23, will they impose the new mileage requirement? Is there a better way to secure quality J seats to asia other than UR transfer to Singapore airlines?
Thanks……..
im trying to make a flight from nyc to tlv but it doesnt appear in the drop box a option of tlv