Flying on SQ as a Velocity WP - privileges, upgrades and SC + points earn

[theevilmuppet]

Hi all,

First and foremost, apologies if this belongs in the SQ/KF forum.

I'm a Velocity WP looking to exploit my employer's generosity. A potential trip to Singapore is planned (booked on a VA codeshare on SQ metal) and I'm going to spend some additional days overseas once the professional aspects of the trip are sorted, including a SIN-HKG leg (and return) before heading back to MEL.

I know that upgrades on VA codeshare flights on SQ are currently impossible using Velocity or KrisFlyer points (much to the infinite disgust of many members of each program I suspect) so I'll happily spend my time in Y for the SIN-MEL return legs.

My questions relate to the SIN-HKG return legs. I'm looking to book Economy Flexi (E) seats and upgrade to J using KrisFlyer points (transferred from either American Express Membership Rewards or Velocity). With that in said, this will be my first time booking or upgrading with SQ so I have my usual barrage of silly questions:

• I'm looking to leverage the lounge access and priority baggage privileges afforded me via Velocity Platinum status - will there be any complications in doing this with a fare upgraded with KrisFlyer points (I suspect the answer is that it will be fine)
• Ideally I'd like to credit the Points and Status Credits to my Velocity account - is it possible to upgrade with KrisFlyer points and still credit the points and SCs of the purchased fare to Velocity?
• My understanding is that the KrisFlyer points cost of upgrading SQ fares online enjoys a 15% discount at the final stages of the transaction - is this correct?
• How would one check for upgrade availability for certain flights/dates? I'm familiar with VA's questionable process for finding upgrade availability online, but completely ignorant when it comes to SQ
• Are SQ slightly more advanced than VA in that they allow customers to perform online bookings and upgrades in the same interaction/flow? Specifically, I'm looking to eliminate the race hazard between purchasing a fare and upgrading to J without forgoing any online discount that is available.
• Are there any tips, pitfalls or lessons learned by other members that they're willing to share?

As always, thanks to all who reply.

 

[ap_spd]

My questions relate to the SIN-HKG return legs. I'm looking to book Economy Flexi (E) seats and upgrade to J using KrisFlyer points (transferred from either American Express Membership Rewards or Velocity). With that in said, this will be my first time booking or upgrading with SQ so I have my usual barrage of silly questions: I am assuming, this will not a VA codeshare, because in that I dont think you can upgrade.

• I'm looking to leverage the lounge access and priority baggage privileges afforded me via Velocity Platinum status - will there be any complications in doing this with a fare upgraded with KrisFlyer points (I suspect the answer is that it will be fine). You will be fine, if on Y still, the lounge will not be as good but still good food, free booze .
• Ideally I'd like to credit the Points and Status Credits to my Velocity account - is it possible to upgrade with KrisFlyer points and still credit the points and SCs of the purchased fare to Velocity? I am not sure, SQ is slightly funny I think when it comes to earn on upgraded tickets.
• My understanding is that the KrisFlyer points cost of upgrading SQ fares online enjoys a 15% discount at the final stages of the transaction - is this correct? I think yes but never done this.
• How would one check for upgrade availability for certain flights/dates? I'm familiar with VA's questionable process for finding upgrade availability online, but completely ignorant when it comes to SQ. No Idea, never done on either
• Are SQ slightly more advanced than VA in that they allow customers to perform online bookings and upgrades in the same interaction/flow? Specifically, I'm looking to eliminate the race hazard between purchasing a fare and upgrading to J without forgoing any online discount that is available. No Idea, never done on either
• Are there any tips, pitfalls or lessons learned by other members that they're willing to share?. If you can book the A380 much better esp if you dont get the upgrade. HK lounge is not so good as it has no windows, but food was good. VA codeshare tickets will not allow you to select seats (i know you can get the PNR for SQ and select but...)

Enjoy the trip


As always, thanks to all who reply.

 

[yohy?!]

It may be worthwhile also to check what aircraft type will be operating SIN-HKG as most will be a regional business class product. You might prefer to use your miles elsewhere whilst still enjoying WP benefits.

 

[MarkD]

There is also a HUGE difference in service levels on SIN-HKG to other routes. I have flown it many times and found the "Singapore Girls" very blunt and the service inferior on this route. Every other route I have flown with SQ (BNE-SIN, PER-SIN, SIN-LHR) has been flawless. Im a solid Y flyer too BTW

 

[Isochronous]

Can't agree with this - but I was in F on the 773 ER which is SQ2 and hence continues on to SFO, so maybe that explains why.

 

[theevilmuppet]

My questions relate to the SIN-HKG return legs. I'm looking to book Economy Flexi (E) seats and upgrade to J using KrisFlyer points (transferred from either American Express Membership Rewards or Velocity). With that in said, this will be my first time booking or upgrading with SQ so I have my usual barrage of silly questions: I am assuming, this will not a VA codeshare, because in that I dont think you can upgrade.

• I'm looking to leverage the lounge access and priority baggage privileges afforded me via Velocity Platinum status - will there be any complications in doing this with a fare upgraded with KrisFlyer points (I suspect the answer is that it will be fine). You will be fine, if on Y still, the lounge will not be as good but still good food, free booze .
• Ideally I'd like to credit the Points and Status Credits to my Velocity account - is it possible to upgrade with KrisFlyer points and still credit the points and SCs of the purchased fare to Velocity? I am not sure, SQ is slightly funny I think when it comes to earn on upgraded tickets.
• My understanding is that the KrisFlyer points cost of upgrading SQ fares online enjoys a 15% discount at the final stages of the transaction - is this correct? I think yes but never done this.
• How would one check for upgrade availability for certain flights/dates? I'm familiar with VA's questionable process for finding upgrade availability online, but completely ignorant when it comes to SQ. No Idea, never done on either
• Are SQ slightly more advanced than VA in that they allow customers to perform online bookings and upgrades in the same interaction/flow? Specifically, I'm looking to eliminate the race hazard between purchasing a fare and upgrading to J without forgoing any online discount that is available. No Idea, never done on either
• Are there any tips, pitfalls or lessons learned by other members that they're willing to share?. If you can book the A380 much better esp if you dont get the upgrade. HK lounge is not so good as it has no windows, but food was good. VA codeshare tickets will not allow you to select seats (i know you can get the PNR for SQ and select but...)

Enjoy the trip

Thanks for the reply and information. You are definitely right in assuming that this would not be a VA codeshare fare, as one cannot upgrade such fares (much to everyone's frustration)!

Looking at the options between SIN and HKG, there is at least one option that would see me on an A388 (which is very tempting).

 

[theevilmuppet]

It may be worthwhile also to check what aircraft type will be operating SIN-HKG as most will be a regional business class product. You might prefer to use your miles elsewhere whilst still enjoying WP benefits.

There is an option of a flight on an A388 in each direction, which is what I'd be wanting to do (I've never had the chance to try out the A388).