" o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

[Pleb Status]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

Although not optimal, it could have been far worse. For example, big points increases with the fuel surcharges intact.

A quick check of my flights are as follows -

PER-SIN-HKG J

SQ Old - 27625pts + AUD250.61
SQ New - 32500pts + AUD85.21

Difference - 4875pts - AUD165.40 or 3.39c/pt (not a bad return)

QF (CX direct) - 65000pts + AUD120.41 (SQ only 50% of points and AUD35.21 cheaper)

PER-SIN-LHR J

SQ Old - 72250pts + AUD440.71
SQ New - 95000pts + AUD85.21

Difference - 22750pts - AUD355.50 or 1.56c/pt (not a great return)

QF (EK via DXB) - 112000pts + AUD638.01 (SQ only 84.8% of points and AUD552.80 cheaper)
QF (CX via HKG) - 139000pts + AUD199.41 (SQ only 68.3% of points and AUD114.20 cheaper)

SQ KF is still magnitudes better value than QFF.

 

[BacchusMarsh]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

difference of 35125 miles for $530 - approx 1.5cpm, could've been worse?

Well, I'd pay $530 to buy 35,125 miles in a heartbeat. Or at least I would have.

 

[NoName]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

Not an ideal situation when I have just sourced enough points for JFK-SYD/MEL in Suites! Luckily I have another 6 months to find the extra pts before I need to book. I guess saving several hundred dollars in fuel surcharges will be nice though

 

[potm]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

I am the opposite, lots of points, short on cash. This change works out nicely for me.

 

[QF1]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

Is there any way we can find out if they have reduced the number of redemptions tickets in this process where they are really trying to look after their loyal customers?

 

[dajop]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

On several routes the savings in surcharges vs extra points seems to about 1.5c per point on several routes. That's always been the value at which below I will buy a commercial economy fare (on comparable airline) in preference to redeeming (in economy).

 

[BacchusMarsh]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

I was just talking to Abdul and apparently there might be a flood of waitlist clearances over the next couple of weeks in a bid to keep us peasants happy.

 

[ermen]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

Although not optimal, it could have been far worse. For example, big points increases with the fuel surcharges intact.

A quick check of my flights are as follows -

PER-SIN-HKG J

SQ Old - 27625pts + AUD250.61
SQ New - 32500pts + AUD85.21

Difference - 4875pts - AUD165.40 or 3.39c/pt (not a bad return)

QF (CX direct) - 65000pts + AUD120.41 (SQ only 50% of points and AUD35.21 cheaper)



SQ KF is still magnitudes better value than QFF.

This is the route I use SQ points on the most, so it actually does work out a little better for me. Always been miffed at the amount of YQ charged!

 

[AnnaB]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

When I first got the email I thought Oh NO!! But then again, its not as bad as it could have been. While it might not be great, at least its not too bad.
Looks as if I am going to have to save up a few more points for that flight I think I will have to do in August or September

 

[lovetravellingoz]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

Bugga! Though at least the removal of the fuel fines is a plus.

 

[JohnK]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

Have fuel surcharges been removed on award redemptions? Fantastic.

If I read correctly economy award SYD/BNE/MEL to Zone 1, 2, 3, 4 is going to be 28,000 KrisFlyer miles which is an increase of 6,750 KrisFlyer miles but no longer need to pay ~$153 in fuel surcharge.

Wish Qantas would go down the same path....

 

[robtemt]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

I'm pleasantly surprised at the number of positive responses. Even those that now have to find more points, still seem supportive of this change. It goes to show what great value SQ redemptions were (and easier to find).

I wonder why the change, as surely they made more profit off that hearty surcharge, but people still booked! They must have a very different way of calculating the value of the miles, as it's been pointed out that most FFs feel their personal points are anywhere from 1-2cents each, but that's not how it adds up with the new difference vs paying the YQ, at least when booking J or F (I've never used miles for econ).

Now doing away with the discount is a strange move. Even if they bumped everything up even more, and offered the discount, it would have been perceived as a good deal still (Like a Harvey Norman sale). I hope everyone starts redeeming by phone, as the increase in labour costs and longer hold times for customers will pressure them to at least offer some incentive to book online (or start charging to book by phone now that I think about it lol).

 

[deva22]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

If only they would add free/taxes only infant redemption to this enhancement, I'd book in a heartbeat.

 

[Gold Member]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

These changes are not that bad in the scheme of things. At least SQ had the decency to make these changes visible and clearly explained to all members. Unlike Qantas who would have hidden them on page 8 of a monthly newsletter and would have marketed them as enchancements (to QF's bottom line).

 

[desafinado74]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

While the elimination of the fuel surcharge is a positive change for some routes, the Krisflyer Miles needed to redeem J fares to Europe have gone up by at least 25% (Factoring in the elimination of the 15% online discount) is bad.

 

[tizey]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

210,000 KF miles for East Coast to Europe in J.... 260,000 KF miles for Star Alliance RTW in J

Hrmmm.... the mind ticks over going what opportunities arise with this given the gap is significantly lowered...

 

[kaktusdigital]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

While its highly unlikely, lets hope they reconsider the 15% discount, heck i'd be happy with 10%.
I'd pick less points over surcharge any day of the week given its quite difficult to amass that extra 25% odd amount of points.

Take a SYD-SIN-CDG , used to be 80,050 - now 105,000. Almost 25,000 more points required now. at best ratio of 3ppd= $8,333 extra spend.

While the elimination of the fuel surcharge is a positive change for some routes, the Krisflyer Miles needed to redeem J fares to Europe have gone up by at least 25% (Factoring in the elimination of the 15% online discount) is bad.

 

[deva22]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

210,000 KF miles for East Coast to Europe in J.... 260,000 KF miles for Star Alliance RTW in J

Hrmmm.... the mind ticks over going what opportunities arise with this given the gap is significantly lowered...

No mention of changes to RTW redemption rates?

 

[desafinado74]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

Point Hacks has a good analysis of these changes :

Our take on KrisFlyer award pricing changes March 2017 - Point Hacks

And from the perspective of a Singaporean travel hacker :

SQ has devalued its Krisflyer award chart. Here’s what you need to know | The MileLion

 

[DaveB]

re: " o noes! " - Singapore enhances redemption rates

Changes all up are reasonable as enhancements go.
Glad to see Saver fares have been left alone other than the loss of the 15% online booking fee. Don't recall there being a call booking fee so seems strange to remove the discount without some penalty for annoying the call centre.
Changes will definitely bring SQ further back into the lead FF group with my SQ usage dropping to 33% the past 12 months.