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Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: The 2025 Guide to Earning, Transferring & Redeeming Miles

Daniel Globe
Photo Singapore Airlines plane

Updated: October 6, 2025

The KrisFlyer program, established by Singapore Airlines, is a frequent flyer initiative that allows members to earn and redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related benefits. This program is particularly appealing due to Singapore Airlines’ reputation for exceptional service and a vast network of destinations. Members can earn KrisFlyer miles not only by flying with Singapore Airlines but also through Star Alliance and selected other partners, plus hotels, car rentals, financial services, Kris+ and more[16].The program is structured to reward loyal customers with tiered membership levels, including KrisFlyer, KrisFlyer Elite Silver, and KrisFlyer Elite Gold (with separate PPS Club tiers), offering benefits such as priority services, extra baggage, and lounge access via Star Alliance Gold at the Elite Gold/PPS level[1]. KrisFlyer miles can be redeemed for Singapore Airlines and partner flights, upgrades, and non-flight rewards. Redemption types include Saver and Advantage today, with a new Access option (dynamic pricing) launching November 1, 2025[1], [2].

Additionally, KrisFlyer is integrated with the Star Alliance network, significantly expanding options for earning and redeeming miles on a global scale[16].

Key Takeaways

  • Understanding Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: KrisFlyer is Singapore Airlines’ loyalty program for earning and redeeming miles across SQ/Scoot, Star Alliance and select partners[16].
  • Earning Miles: Earn from flights and non-flight partners. From Sept 1, 2025, selected KrisShop, Kris+, and Pelago spend can also contribute toward status (caps apply)[2].
  • Transferring Points: U.S. bank programs American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou, and Capital One Miles transfer to KrisFlyer. Hotels: Marriott Bonvoy 3:1 (+5k miles bonus per 60k points), Hilton typically ~8–10:1 (low value)[10], [11], [12].
  • Award Types (2025): Saver (fewer miles, limited seats), Advantage (more miles, more seats and complimentary stopovers), monthly Spontaneous Escapes (~30% off Saver on select routes), and Access (dynamic, from Nov 1, 2025)[1], [15], [2].
  • Stopovers: One-way Saver: none; round-trip Saver: one free stopover (≤30 days). One-way Advantage: one free stopover; round-trip Advantage: two free stopovers (each ≤30 days). Paid stopovers discontinued for tickets issued on/after Aug 1, 2022[4], [24].
  • Miles Expiry: KrisFlyer miles expire 3 years after the month earned; one-time extensions available for a fee (1,200 miles or US$12 per 10,000 miles or part). KrisPay→KrisFlyer transfers adopt 3-year validity from transfer date[8], [9].
  • Waitlist: You can waitlist up to 3 weeks before departure; unresolved waitlists are canceled 2 weeks prior[5].
  • Fees: An offline service fee of US$25 or 2,500 miles can apply for bookings/changes handled by reservations when available online (waived in specified cases)[6].
  • Partner updates: Vistara ceased operations (routes now under Air India) and KrisFlyer’s Virgin Atlantic partnership ended Apr 24, 2025[16].
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Earning Miles with Singapore Airlines

Earning Miles through Flight

Earn KrisFlyer miles when flying with Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Star Alliance members, and select other partners. Accrual depends on fare class and distance/zone; premium cabins and higher fare classes generally earn more. Always check accrual charts for your booking class[19].

Earning Miles through Partnerships

Beyond air travel, accumulate miles via hotel partners, car rentals, retail and dining through Kris+, and other lifestyle partners. KrisPay miles earned in Kris+ can be transferred to KrisFlyer (typically within 7 days of earn) and will then follow KrisFlyer’s 3-year validity from transfer[9].

Earning Miles through Credit Card & Bank Partnerships

Many banks let you convert credit card points to KrisFlyer miles. Notably: Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou, and Capital One Miles (ratios and transfer times vary by issuer)[10], [13], [21].

Transferring Points to Singapore Airlines

Popular transfer options include Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One, and Marriott Bonvoy[10], [11].

Transferring points can quickly boost your balance. Marriott Bonvoy → KrisFlyer is typically 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus for each 60,000 points transferred in one transaction. KrisFlyer miles can also be converted to Marriott points at 2:1 (use sparingly)[11], [20]. Hilton Honors → KrisFlyer is generally poor value (~8–10:1) but can help top off an award[12].

Tip: Transfers are one-way and non-reversible; transfer only when you’ve found seats. Singapore Airlines long-haul premium cabins are primarily released to KrisFlyer members, with limited partner access[13].

Finding Award Availability

Award Type Typical Value Availability & Notes Best Time to Book
Saver Lowest mileage Limited seats; most competitive[1] As early as T-355 days; be flexible[14]
Advantage More miles Better seat access + complimentary stopovers[1], [4] Good for peak dates/routes
Spontaneous Escapes ~30% off Saver Monthly promo, select routes/dates[15] Month-end when promos publish
Access (from Nov 1, 2025) Dynamic miles Seats confirm if available; miles vary with demand[2] Anytime seats are open
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Search on the Singapore Airlines website or app (toggle “Redeem flights”). For popular routes, book as soon as seats load—roughly 355 days before departure—or use the waitlist. Award space for Star Alliance partners is also searchable online, though certain partners or complex itineraries may still require phone support[14], [1].

Waitlist basics: You can join a waitlist up to 3 weeks prior to departure; if not confirmed, it’s canceled 2 weeks before departure. Confirmation can occur anytime earlier if seats open[5].

Calculating Miles Needed for a Singapore Airlines Flight

KrisFlyer uses a zone-based award chart with Saver/Advantage levels (not purely distance-based). Use the online Miles Calculator and award charts to price your itinerary. Note: mileage requirements adjust on Nov 1, 2025 (generally +5–20% depending on zone/cabin); Access (dynamic) pricing begins the same day[3], [2].

Booking a Singapore Airlines Flight Online

Use “Redeem flights,” compare award types, and complete payment of taxes/fees.

Log in, choose “Redeem flights,” enter your cities/dates, and select eligible flights. Taxes and fees are paid separately by card. If you prefer to reduce the cost of a cash ticket instead, use Pay with KrisFlyer miles to offset fares and ancillaries at a fixed rate (this is separate from award bookings and does not “top up” miles for an award)[7].

Booking a Singapore Airlines Flight Over the Phone

Phone support helps with complex or partner itineraries that can’t be booked online. An offline service fee (US$25 or 2,500 miles) may apply if the same task is possible online; it’s waived if it isn’t or for PPS Club members in specified cases[6].

Upgrading a Singapore Airlines Flight with Miles

Use miles for one-class upgrades on eligible paid fares (e.g., Economy→Premium Economy or Business where applicable). Mileage varies by zone and cabin; consult the latest upgrade charts and fare-class eligibility before purchasing a ticket to ensure it can be upgraded[25]. Upgrades are subject to availability, and waitlist rules apply where offered[5].

Managing Your Singapore Airlines Booking

Manage bookings online or via the app: review details, select seats, request special meals, and check in. Change/cancel fees vary by award type; see fee schedules and note that redepositing miles is treated as a service action[6].

Maximizing Value with Singapore Airlines Miles

For outsized value, target Saver awards and watch monthly Spontaneous Escapes (~30% off selected routes). Consider Advantage for peak dates or where stopovers add value—and remember current stopover limits (no paid stopovers, max 30 days per allowed stopover). Long-haul premium cabin awards on Singapore Airlines are usually best booked with KrisFlyer itself due to limited partner access[15], [4], [13].

Tips and Tricks for Booking Singapore Airlines with Miles

  • Book early: Set alerts and check around T-355 for new award space loads[14].
  • Be flexible: Search nearby dates/airports and consider mixed cabins if it saves miles.
  • Use promos: Spontaneous Escapes and occasional global redemption sales can reduce mileage[15], [26].
  • Know your award type: Saver for value; Advantage for availability and stopovers; Access (from Nov 1, 2025) if you must travel on fixed dates[1], [2].
  • Transfer smartly: Move points only after you’ve found seats; check transfer times and ratios[10], [11].
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If you’re looking to book a flight with Singapore Airlines using miles, you may also be interested in learning about the best travel fishing rod for your next adventure. Check out this article on travel fishing rods to find the perfect rod for your next fishing trip.

FAQs

What is Singapore Airlines?

Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier of Singapore, consistently recognized for premium cabins and service.

How can I book Singapore Airlines with miles?

Book via your KrisFlyer account by selecting “Redeem flights.” You can also redeem via Star Alliance partner programs, but access to Singapore Airlines long-haul premium cabins is limited; KrisFlyer usually has the best availability[13].

Can I transfer points from credit card rewards programs to book Singapore Airlines flights?

Yes. Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou, and Capital One Miles all transfer to KrisFlyer. Marriott Bonvoy also transfers at 3:1 with a 5k-mile bonus per 60k points[10], [11].

Are there any restrictions or blackout dates when booking Singapore Airlines with miles?

No formal blackout dates, but availability is capacity-controlled. Saver space can be scarce; Advantage has broader access. Access (from Nov 1, 2025) confirms if seats are available, with dynamic mileage[1], [2].

Can I mix miles and cash for an award?

You pay taxes/fees in cash on awards. To offset a cash ticket, use Pay with KrisFlyer miles; this is different from “topping up” an award[7].

Do KrisFlyer miles expire?

Yes. They expire 3 years after the month earned (extensions available for a fee). KrisPay→KrisFlyer transfers receive a new 3-year validity from the transfer date[8], [9].

References

  1. Singapore Airlines — Redeem KrisFlyer Miles (Saver vs Advantage & stopovers). Link
  2. Singapore Airlines — Updates to the KrisFlyer programme (2025) & Access redemption FAQ (dynamic from Nov 1, 2025). Link   FAQ PDF
  3. Singapore Airlines — Adjustments to Award Rates (effective Nov 1, 2025). PDF
  4. Singapore Airlines — Award chart notes incl. complimentary stopovers & Aug 1, 2022 stopover change. PDF   Stopover changes
  5. Singapore Airlines — Waitlist redemption bookings (3-week join; 2-week auto-cancel). Link
  6. Singapore Airlines — Service Fees (offline fees & waivers). Link
  7. Singapore Airlines — Pay with KrisFlyer miles. Link
  8. Singapore Airlines — KrisFlyer FAQ: Miles validity & extension. Link
  9. Singapore Airlines — Kris+ terms (KrisPay→KrisFlyer transfer & 3-year validity from transfer). Link
  10. Singapore Airlines — Financial services partners (incl. Capital One). Link
  11. Marriott Bonvoy × KrisFlyer transfer details (3:1 + 5k bonus). Link   Points→Miles
  12. Hilton Honors → KrisFlyer typical ratios (low value). Guide   Hilton Help
  13. Partner access to SQ premium cabins is limited (best via KrisFlyer). OMAAT
  14. Award release timing ~T-355. Mainly Miles
  15. KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes (~30% off Saver on select routes). Link
  16. Other airline partners page (notes on Vistara & Virgin Atlantic). Link
  17. SIA accrual levels chart (fare class matters). PDF
  18. Chase & Capital One transfer partner overviews (context). Chase partners   Capital One partners
  19. Historic paid stopovers discontinued from Aug 1, 2022. Link
  20. Upgrade award charts & one-class rule. PDF
  21. Global Redemption Sale example (2025). Link
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