More KrisFlyer Miles Needed to Redeem Flights or Upgrade Seats to Europe, US

From Nov 1, travellers will need to spend more air miles to redeem air tickets or upgrade their seats on certain flights, under Singapore Airlines' frequent flier programme.

- Kolette Lim

But they will have a new redemption option - called Access - to secure seats on their preferred flights, using air miles.

The flagship carrier announced several changes to its rewards programme KrisFlyer on Aug 25, including a new way to earn points towards upgrading one's status tier within the programme.

From Nov 1, the air miles needed to redeem or upgrade several types of flights will increase by between 5 per cent and 20 per cent:

Europe and the US: Saver award rates will increase by 5 per cent across all cabin classes

Africa, the Middle East, Turkey: Award rates will go up by 10 per cent to 20 per cent

Asia, south-west Pacific: Saver award rates for business and first/suites classes will increase by 5 per cent

Advantage award rates across all zones and cabin classes - except for Africa, the Middle East and Turkey - will go up by 10 per cent to 15 per cent. For the three destinations, the Advantage rates will go up by 5 per cent for economy flights, 18 per cent for business class, and 15 per cent for first class.

But members can save when flying within Asia and the south-west Pacific under the Economy Saver award level, as the miles needed will decrease by 5 per cent.

Saver redemptions generally cost fewer miles than Advantage redemptions.

Redemption bookings confirmed and ticketed before Nov 1 will be based on current rates, said SIA.

The change applies to flights on Singapore Airlines, Star Alliance and partner airlines.