is JNB-PEK-SIN considered backtracking by SQ?

[Deskorpio]

Hello All,
I saw JNB-SIN via PEK, J Saver redemption (by Air China) available on United search tool, but not on Krisflyer's. Is that because it's considered backtracking? I only have KF miles so can't redeem using United's

 

[dajop]

Yes, it is about 87% longer than the direct distance between the two cities, so would be considered backtracking. Their is a rumour that the maximum mileage that SQ permit on star alliance awards is a multiple (often suggested to be 1.5x or 1.6x) of the direct distance.

 

[Deskorpio]

Yes, it is about 87% longer than the direct distance between the two cities, so would be considered backtracking. Their is a rumour that the maximum mileage that SQ permit on star alliance awards is a multiple (often suggested to be 1.5x or 1.6x) of the direct distance.

Thank you @dajop.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

It is actually backtracking: Great Circle Mapper

I'd still ask them if they can ticket. But don't be surprised if rejected.

 

[Deskorpio]

It is actually backtracking: Great Circle Mapper

I'd still ask them if they can ticket. But don't be surprised if rejected.

Thank you for the reply. yeah I supposed no harm in asking. Really wish I could experience Air China’s J if possible.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thank you for the reply. yeah I supposed no harm in asking. Really wish I could experience Air China’s J if possible.

i wouldn’t get too hung up on CA J. It’s a flat bed. Nice crew. But not much more.

 

[mrtupperware]

Agree with the above. Air China J is nice but nothing to get too excited over. The lounge in PEK is terrible. You can always book it using two awards if you really want to try it

 

[Deskorpio]

@MEL_Traveller, of all the Star Alliance members (apart from SQ), which J would you highly recommend?

 

[Deskorpio]

Agree with the above. Air China J is nice but nothing to get too excited over. The lounge in PEK is terrible. You can always book it using two awards if you really want to try it

I see..., I don’t think I want it that much to book it on two awards lol

 

[MEL_Traveller]

@MEL_Traveller, of all the Star Alliance members (apart from SQ), which J would you highly recommend?

Overall experience - EVA (BR). PJs, top shelf vintage champagne. Cool amenity kits. reverse herringbone.

Under that, probably a choice of carriers - but none 'perfect': Thai, ANA, Swiss, Lufthansa. Lufthansa not for the bed (weird 'footsie configuration), but the food is good. Thai is a pretty solid product depending on the aircraft (don't much are for the 787 unless bulkhead rows).

Turkish is supposed to be very good, but beware configurations where there is a middle seat. Haven't tied TAP or SAS. United - good beds, poor food. I like Air China for the beds on their A330s.

ET - haven't tried, but they still have aircraft with angled flats for long haul.

Egyptair is ok. If you need to get to Egypt in a hurry (nice crews though)

 

[Deskorpio]

wow! What a comphrehensive list you have! I’ll keep them in mind. I am thinking of redeeming my Kf for ET JNB-SIN via BKK. Hopefully will get the new plane/flat bed on that route.
What route will be the best value redemption for EVA or ANA ex SIN?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Same award chart as SQ (star and SQ same same). You need long haul on both for the best seats and service. BR does TPE-ORD which is pretty long, also bangkok-amsterdam. ANA I’d be shooting for F, the new product.

 

[Deskorpio]

thats right, I gotta aim for long-hauls. Now just have to learn to move points around wisely thanks for your inputs MEL_Traveller! Much appreciated.

 

[Mr H]

Yes, it is about 87% longer than the direct distance between the two cities, so would be considered backtracking. Their is a rumour that the maximum mileage that SQ permit on star alliance awards is a multiple (often suggested to be 1.5x or 1.6x) of the direct distance.

FWIW, I got routes through that were 1.41 and 1.33 times the direct distance. The former was MEL-SIN-DEL-IST-ASB and the final sector is very much a backtrack - but the shortest way to get to ASB using *A flights.

@MEL_Traveller, of all the Star Alliance members (apart from SQ), which J would you highly recommend?

TG has an excellent J.

OZ would have a good J if you got the smartium seats, but their 333s are way old with angle flats.

TK is OK in longhaul, but I had an argument with them over window shades (I wanted mine up and they said their policy is all shades down). The lounge in IST is nice but not as great as all that.

NZ has great J in longhaul.

MS (10 years ago) was Misr-able.

 

[Deskorpio]

@Mr H : whats with the window shade , really?? I also had argument with a very grumpy DL flight attendant who insisted the window shade down all the way from ATL-ICN, even though it was basically dark outside all the time.

 

[Mr H]

@Mr H : whats with the window shade , really?? I also had argument with a very grumpy DL flight attendant who insisted the window shade down all the way from ATL-ICN, even though it was basically dark outside all the time.

I don't mind having the shades down at night, but I try to pick daytime flights and have daylight as I find that minimises jet lag. I know many airlines/FAs like to turn the cabin into night mode regardless of the local time because people pretend to sleep and don't need looking after.