In today’s interconnected world, frequent flyer programmes offer more than just travel perks – they provide a structured path to exclusive privileges and even complimentary flights. Among the top-tier loyalty programmes globally is Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer, a well-regarded mileage programme tailored not only for the avid globetrotter but also for anyone looking to maximise everyday spending.
Whether you are a seasoned traveller or planning your first international holiday, understanding how to earn and redeem KrisFlyer miles can elevate your travel experience significantly. This guide explores the full potential of the KrisFlyer programme: from earning miles through flights and credit cards to redeeming them for upgrades, flights, and lifestyle benefits.
Understanding KrisFlyer: A Brief Overview
KrisFlyer is the frequent flyer programme of Singapore Airlines, recognised for its flexibility, user-friendliness, and value. Members can accrue miles from flights operated by Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and partner airlines in the Star Alliance network (e.g., Lufthansa, ANA, United Airlines). Beyond flights, KrisFlyer is integrated into a vast network of partnerships including hotels, car rental companies, banks, and retail outlets.
There are two key mileage currencies within the KrisFlyer ecosystem:
- KrisFlyer Miles – These are standard miles earned through flights, credit cards, or promotions.
- Elite Miles – These count towards elite tier status (e.g., KrisFlyer Elite Silver or Gold), offering additional travel privileges.
How to Earn KrisFlyer Miles
Earning KrisFlyer miles is not limited to flying. In fact, many members accumulate substantial miles through non-flight activities. Here’s how you can grow your KrisFlyer balance:
1. Flying with Singapore Airlines and Partners
When you fly with Singapore Airlines, Scoot, or Star Alliance members, you earn miles based on:
- Cabin class
- Fare type
- Flight distance
For example, a Business Class fare from Singapore to London could earn you up to 125% of the actual miles flown. Budget-conscious travellers can still earn a percentage of miles on economy tickets, although discounted fares may yield fewer miles.
Partner airlines include:
- Lufthansa
- Air New Zealand
- United Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Thai Airways
Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, also allows mile accrual at a different rate and redemption under specific terms.
2. Credit Card Spend
Many banks in Singapore and globally allow you to convert credit card reward points into KrisFlyer miles. Major banks such as DBS, OCBC, UOB, Citi, HSBC, and Standard Chartered offer conversion programmes.
For example:
- 5 DBS Points = 10 KrisFlyer miles
- 1 Citi ThankYou Point = 1 KrisFlyer mile
Cards like the AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Card also offer miles directly with every dollar spent, along with welcome bonuses and complimentary upgrades.
3. Hotel and Travel Partners
Earn KrisFlyer miles for each qualifying stay at partner hotel chains such as:
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Hilton Honors
- IHG One Rewards
- Shangri-La Circle
Likewise, renting cars with Hertz, Avis, or Sixt can also earn you miles. Some travel platforms like Agoda, Booking.com, and Kaligo also offer bonus miles when bookings are made through KrisFlyer links.
4. Everyday Spending
Miles can be earned from:
- Kris+ app (for dining, retail, and wellness in Singapore)
- KrisShop (Singapore Airlines’ online store)
- Fuel purchases at Shell and other lifestyle merchants
The Kris+ app even provides bonus miles and regular promotional campaigns, making it a powerful tool for everyday mile collection.
5. Buying Miles
You can also purchase KrisFlyer miles directly, either during the redemption process (to top up for a reward) or through KrisFlyer Miles Top-Up promotions. However, this is generally more expensive per mile than earning them organically.
Maximising Mile Accrual
Here are strategies to optimise your mile collection:
- Choose fare classes that offer higher mileage accrual even if slightly more expensive.
- Consolidate spend on cards with the highest mile-to-dollar conversion.
- Take advantage of transfer bonuses (e.g., 15% extra miles when converting bank points during a promo).
- Book hotel and travel through KrisFlyer-linked platforms.
- Stack promotions on the Kris+ app (e.g., earn miles + cashback).
Redeeming KrisFlyer Miles: Flights and Beyond
Once you’ve accumulated enough miles, the real benefit begins – redemption. Here’s how to make the most of your KrisFlyer miles.
1. Redeeming Award Flights
KrisFlyer miles can be redeemed for award tickets on:
- Singapore Airlines and Scoot
- All 26 Star Alliance members
- Non-alliance partners like Virgin Australia and Vistara
Award flights come in two options:
- Saver Awards – Cost fewer miles but have limited availability.
- Advantage Awards – More flexible but require more miles.
For instance, a one-way Saver Economy ticket from Singapore to Tokyo costs around 25,000 miles, while Business Class could cost 47,000–65,000 miles depending on seasonality.
2. Flight Upgrades
Miles can also be used to upgrade from:
- Economy to Premium Economy or Business
- Business to First or Suites Class
This is an excellent way to enhance your travel comfort at a reduced cost – especially for long-haul flights.
3. Mix Miles + Cash
If you don’t have enough miles for a full redemption, KrisFlyer allows part-mile, part-cash payments. This offers flexibility, particularly for those new to the programme or during promotional periods.
4. KrisShop Redemptions
Use your miles to shop for:
- Electronics
- Travel accessories
- Wines and spirits
- Singapore Airlines exclusive merchandise
While the value per mile is lower compared to flight redemptions, it’s a practical use for smaller mile balances.
5. Kris+ App and Lifestyle Redemptions
Convert miles to KrisPay credits via the Kris+ app, usable at restaurants, wellness outlets, and retail stores. It provides instant gratification and flexibility, although again at a lower per-mile value than flights.
Understanding KrisFlyer Status Tiers
As you accumulate Elite Miles through flying, you can ascend the KrisFlyer tiers:
| Tier | Requirement | Key Benefits |
| KrisFlyer (basic) | Free to join | Earn/redeem miles, Kris+ access |
| Elite Silver | 25,000 Elite Miles/year | Priority waitlist, bonus miles |
| Elite Gold | 50,000 Elite Miles/year | Lounge access, priority boarding, extra baggage |
Elite Gold status also unlocks Star Alliance Gold benefits globally, which includes lounge access at over 1,000 airports.
Tips to Avoid KrisFlyer Mile Expiry
KrisFlyer miles are valid for 36 months from accrual. To prevent wastage:
- Monitor your miles via the KrisFlyer website or app
- Set alerts for expiry dates
- Redeem or transfer low balances for Kris+ redemptions
- Consider pooling family miles through Singapore Airlines’ ‘Parental Link’ programme
Note: Elite status members may enjoy some flexibility around expiry and reinstatement policies during promotional periods.
Conclusion
Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer is a dynamic, comprehensive loyalty programme that caters to a wide range of travellers – from the occasional leisure flyer to the frequent business executive. By strategically earning and redeeming miles, one can unlock luxurious travel opportunities, exclusive upgrades, and even non-flight rewards that enhance everyday life.
What makes KrisFlyer especially valuable is its seamless integration into both the travel and lifestyle ecosystem. By choosing the right fare class, leveraging credit card conversions, and staying informed of promotions, you can fast-track your journey towards complimentary flights and travel perks.
Ultimately, KrisFlyer is not just about miles – it’s about making every journey, transaction, and experience work harder for you.
FAQs
1. How do I join KrisFlyer?
Joining is free and can be done online via the Singapore Airlines website.
2. Can I transfer KrisFlyer miles to someone else?
Not directly. However, you can book award tickets for family members using your account.
3. What is the best use of KrisFlyer miles?
Generally, long-haul Saver Business Class redemptions offer the highest value per mile.
4. Can I combine miles from different cards and sources?
Yes, provided they’re transferred into the same KrisFlyer account.5. What happens if my miles expire?
They are forfeited unless extended during a promotional grace period. Keep an eye on expiry notifications.
