SQ Tips, Trips and Tales

[Cruiser Elite]

So I guess we just have to get a bit more creative with KF pts cultivation and harvesting hey Tommy?

Also best to look at the positives:

1. Increased pts cost should lead to decreased demand - ie more availability to those who are basically locked into KF on their reqd routes.

2. Reduced taxes will certainly be more attractive - just hope that doesn't offset Pt 1 too much.

Life goes on huh - as CrownBet would say 'The Game Just Changed'

 

[bismarck]

Ouch. Basically 20-25% increase across the board.

Removing the surcharges is great, but definitely a net devaluation.

 

[TomVexille]

Pretty much Cruiser.

 

[travelislife]

Interesting. Bit of analysis to be done.

 

[kamchatsky]

Just a comparison for my ticketed award flights this year (all one-way, and 15% current online discount):

SQ J MEL-SIN-HND
Before 27 March: 65875 KF miles + taxes + AUD$207 Airline Fuel and Insurance Surcharge
After 27 March: 83000 KF miles + taxes

So difference is 17125 KF miles vs AUD$207.

SQ J HKG-SIN-SYD
Before 27 March: 46750 KF miles + taxes + HKD$940 Airline Fuel and Insurance Surcharge
After 27 March: 58000 KF miles + taxes

So difference is 11250 KF miles vs HKD$940 or AUD$158.

SQ R/F HKG-SIN-SYD
Before 27 March: 63750 KF miles + taxes + HKD$1056 Airline Fuel and Insurance Surcharge
After 27 March: 80000 KF miles + taxes

So difference is 16250 KF miles vs HKD$1056 or AUD$177.50.

I think I prefer the current system, thanks.

 

[JessicaTam]

<snip>

I think I prefer the current system, thanks.

I agree.

I need to get my next lot of redemptions done tout suite.

 

[tizey]

Hrmmmm ok. Time to get the parents organised to book their Europe J return flights as we budgeted everything out on the 15% bonus... And my balance won't accommodate this increase! Very glad there is some notice period though, I'd be one unhappy chappy if it was effective immediately.

All in all, it's give on one hand, take on the other. The lower miles and higher taxes was beneficial, but now higher points and lower taxes levels out overall cost from my perspective. I guess I just need to perhaps cultivate a little harder as the higher points balance required.

Interesting, it's more in line with VFF once you take into account the 1:1.35 ratio. Mel-sin-zrh is 139,000 VFF with SQ, or 100,000 KF with SQ.

Any word on partner redemptions??

 

[tizey]

Answered my own question. No change to Star alliance reward chart in the web link provided.

So.. 95,000 for star alliance J to Europe, vs 105000 for SQ. This could be interesting.

Best non-SQ star alliance J class?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Oh yes they are. SIN to WLG uses a product no too dissimilar to Skybed MKI and an IFE system of same generation and model actually.

I was referring to standard 'sitting' seats... recliners that seem to still be flying some ultra short haul. At least with SQ regional/long haul you pretty much know what the seat is going to be. Unlike some other airlines that sell new seats but you end up with the old.

 

[PDog]

The 23rd of March is 10 days short of when I want to make my next booking! Now trying to reconfigure my plans, tough when we were going for a birthday!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Best non-SQ star alliance J class?

Prolly BR, TK, NH, OZ, LX. Tier 2 LH, TG, UA (polaris). Tier 3 ET, MS et al.

 

[cove]

The redemption Miles are changing. Have a look.

 

[PDog]

Is there an opportunity to book now at the lower cost and then change post 23.3 for a nominal fee like when Etihad dramatically increased their fees? What's the change fee on SQ?

 

[hossein_au]

Is there an opportunity to book now at the lower cost and then change post 23.3 for a nominal fee like when Etihad dramatically increased their fees? What's the change fee on SQ?

Yep, the new chart will become effective on 23 March. Some prices go up quite a bit; for example, Aus-EU one-way in J goes up from 95,000 points to 105,000. And note that if booked online, the price goes up from 80,750 (inc 15% discount) to 105,000 (15% online discount is being discontinued). The same in F goes up from 112,625 (inc 15% discount) to 148,000.

Silver lining is that the notorious YQ is gone.

 

[PDog]

Yep, the new chart will become effective on 23 March. Some prices go up quite a bit; for example, Aus-EU one-way in J goes up from 95,000 points to 105,000. And note that if booked online, the price goes up from 80,750 (inc 15% discount) to 105,000 (15% online discount is being discontinued).

Yup, so if I book now and change post March 23rd, (cause I want to leave March 23rd 2018) will I be slugged with the new point system or will they honour the old like Etihad did?

 

[hossein_au]

Yup, so if I book now and change post March 23rd, (cause I want to leave March 23rd 2018) will I be slugged with the new point system or will they honour the old like Etihad did?

Can you change it past 12 months from the original ticketing date?

 

[PDog]

Can you change it past 12 months from the original ticketing date?

I don't know- that's a very good question.
Anyone??

 

[ajw373]

I was referring to standard 'sitting' seats... recliners that seem to still be flying some ultra short haul. At least with SQ regional/long haul you pretty much know what the seat is going to be. Unlike some other airlines that sell new seats but you end up with the old.

Firstly whilst Qantas markets the suite seat no where does it guarantee that is the product you will get, few if any airline ever does that.

Also your comparison is not really valid as you were comparing it seems SQ sit-up seat to Qantas Skybed MKI !

Point still remains both Qantas and SQ do offer comparable 'old' product on comparable routes.

And disagree with the assertion that on SQ you know what you will get. If you are a serious aircraft nerd then yes but if you are not then it is seat lottery.

Just take my recent trip for example.

SIN-CGK offers mix of A350 with new long haul route, 777-300 with regional business, 777-300ER with long haul business and 777-200 with regional business and occasionally A330-300 with regional business.

SIN-BKK is a mix of A330-300, 777-200 with sit-up seats, 777-300 with regional business and 777-200 with regional business.

And Manila which I flew last year A330-300, 777-200 with sit-up seat, 777-200 with long haul seat, 777-200 with regional business and 777-300 with regional business.

Very inconsistent. At least with Qantas except for the PEK route getting the older product is just a case of bad luck these days.

 

[BacchusMarsh]

I don't know- that's a very good question.
Anyone??

Given that even if you waitlisted last April, you'll be up for more points in the case of a last-minute clearance this April, I can't really see that flying. But I'd be happy to be proven wrong.

 

[PDog]

Given that even if you waitlisted last April, you'll be up for more points in the case of a last-minute clearance this April, I can't really see that flying. But I'd be happy to be proven wrong.

Fair call. Am hoping ticketed is the difference, but I guess we'll see :-(