Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
Although Singapore Airlines has a reputation for offering an exceptional product, booking long-haul premium cabin awards is not easy. There is some award availability when using Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Air Canada Aeroplan, but you will usually find more availability through Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
KrisFlyer generally charges more miles than other loyalty programs, even on savings dates. However, the program offers discounts on select award flights each month through the KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes promotion.
This month you can book selected ‘promo’ award flights at a 30% discount if you book before September 30 and travel between October 1 and 31. And this month there are flights from the US to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) in economy and premium economy.
Here’s how to maximize this version of Singapore KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes.
The agreement
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Routes: SIN to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO); Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to and from Manchester Airport (MAN)
Cost: From 17,500 miles (IAH-MAN) or 29,400 miles (SIN to US airports) and $5.60 in economy; from 52,500 miles and 86 Singapore dollars (about $63) in premium economy
Travel dates: October 1-31
Book via: September 30th
Pay taxes/fees with: The Platinum Card® from American Express for 5 points per dollar spent on airline tickets booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year), the Chase Sapphire Reserve for 3 points per dollar spent on travel, the American Express® Gold Card for 3 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly with the airline, or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for 2 points per dollar spent on travel
Related: Footrests and good food: Manchester to Houston in the Singapore Airlines A350 premium economy
Sample routes
Singapore KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes offers discounted award flights on selected routes operated by Singapore Airlines. However, only certain flight numbers are discounted each month, so you often only get a discount if you travel in one direction.
Here’s a look at prices for Spontaneous Escapes this month on US routes:
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Origin | Destination | Discount on the reward rate |
---|---|---|
Singapore | The Angels | 29,400 miles in economy on flights SQ36 and SQ38 |
Singapore | San Francisco | 29,400 miles in economy on flight SQ32 |
Singapore | San Francisco | 52,500 miles in premium economy on flight SQ34 |
Singapore | New York | 56,350 miles in premium economy on flight SQ24 |
Houston | Manchester, England | 17,500 miles in economy on flight SQ51 |
Manchester, England | Houston | 17,500 miles in economy on flight SQ52 |
Please note that you should still find award availability on the KrisFlyer website. “Promo” rewards may not be available on certain dates, even if they are not listed as blackout dates. When you search, you will see discounted prices listed as ‘promotional’, if available.
Additionally, all flights on your itinerary must qualify for the promotion to take advantage of the discounted prices. Because the Asia routes are only available in one direction (Singapore to USA), you must book them as a one-way trip. The same applies to booking an eligible outbound flight during the promotional period (October 1-31) and a return flight thereafter. Split these into separate reservations to ensure you get the discounted rate.
Here are sample search results for the routes to the US from Singapore:
Here are some options for Houston to Manchester (and back):
Please note that a flight departing from Manchester is subject to UK government-imposed taxes and fees, which will add 128.27 British pounds (approximately $159) to your ticket.
Check the Spontaneous Escapes homepage for more details and promo prices that do not arrive or depart from US cities.
Related: You Can Now Convert Singapore KrisFlyer Miles to Marriott Points, But Should You?
Earn miles to book this award
It’s relatively easy to earn Singapore KrisFlyer miles. The program is a 1:1 transfer partner with American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards. KrisFlyer is also a 3:1 transfer partner with Marriott Bonvoy, with 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points you transfer.
If you transfer points and they do not immediately appear in your KrisFlyer account, consider calling KrisFlyer to hold award seats until points are posted. Doing this will lock in your award seats so you don’t have to worry about availability disappearing. KrisFlyer generally charges 25 Singapore dollars (about $18) or 2,500 miles to hold award seats.
Related: How (and Why) to Earn Transferable Points
In short
Singapore Airlines offers an economy class option for under 30,000 miles to Singapore and several premium economy options from just 52,500 miles for the September Spontaneous Escapes promotion. You’ll also have access to discounted economy award flights on the Fifth Freedom route from Houston to Manchester (and back).
You can make excellent use of transferable credit card points on these flights.