Getting through 2019 without a devaluation of the KrisFlyer scheme was a Christmas wish we probably all hoped would hold true. That Singapore Airlines would leave its mileage redemption rates untouched for two years in a row (the last devaluations happened in 2017) wasn’t too much to ask, surely?
Well just three days into 2019 and it’s Happy New Year from Singapore Airlines with the news we always fear – it’s going to cost you more KrisFlyer miles to secure a raft of Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class award seats starting in just 3 weeks time.
The key points
Before we get into the details, here are the main points from the news:
- Economy Class redemption rates will remain completely unchanged.
- Revised mileage rates for other cabin classes come into effect for bookings made on or after 24th January 2019, so you still have 3 weeks to book at current rates.
- Waitlist awards that clear and are booked prior to 24th January 2019 will be charged at the current rates. Those that clear on or after that date will attract the higher rates.
- Star Alliance award and SIA partner airline award redemption rates are staying the same.
- No KrisFlyer awards are getting cheaper (unlike the Cathay ‘revaluation’ last year, where some rates reduced). It’s the status quo or a devaluation, depending on how you normally use your miles.
Based on flights to and from Singapore:
- Premium Economy Saver awards will set you back around 3% to 9% more miles than before.
- Business Class Saver awards will cost roughly 7% to 12% more. This is the biggest hit in our opinion.
- First Class and Suites Saver awards suffer a 6% to 10% higher redemption rate.
- Pricing for Star Alliance round-the-world award tickets using KrisFlyer miles remains unchanged.
Saver Award Rate Increases
With the exception of Economy Class award rates, which are remaining the same across the board, all other Saver award redemptions booked on or after 24th January 2019 will increase in cost. The following tables show the increases for one-way redemptions to and from Singapore.
Premium Economy
Premium Economy Saver award rates, already a poor value redemption anyway, are increasing from 3.2% to 8.9% depending on the zone.