The value of Upgrade Redemptions

[albatross710]

I'm just starting to firm up some plans for a tax-deductible trip to ZRH early next year. There is a 'calculation' that I need to make regarding the price of the ticket & the points, how much is reasonable for me to book to the company and how much is person choice.

I was surprised to see that the using the Upgrade Awards is not very good value.

BNE-SIN-ZRH (Saver/Standard award mix) is 221,000 KF pts plus $640 tax.
BNE-SIN-ZRH (Flexi fare) is $2,300. To upgrade from Y-J, same Saver/Standard availability is 220,000 pts.

Maybe this route doesn't look so attractive due to only allowing Standard awards SIN-ZRH. Maybe the upgrade awards are more suited to be using elsewhere.

Any experiences that peoples may have, is appreciated.

Alby

 

[albatross710]

Just thought I'd share two alternatives that I'm tossing into the mix:

Doing a *A redemption and using TG.
Doing a KF redemption BNE-AMS-BNE for 125,000 pts then connecting AMS-ZRH


These other options mean an extra transit day to the trip. (Both transits days in cities i like visiting.)

 

[cove]

I believe you need to keep a travel diary to claim business costs.An audit of the side trip would need to reveal a business purpose.
Your choice of $600 odd plus points on KF direct to Zurich does eliminate questions that could be raised up to 4 years after the trip.

 

[deluxeflyer]

I was surprised to see that the using the Upgrade Awards is not very good value.

BNE-SIN-ZRH (Saver/Standard award mix) is 221,000 KF pts plus $640 tax.
BNE-SIN-ZRH (Flexi fare) is $2,300. To upgrade from Y-J, same Saver/Standard availability is 220,000 pts.


Alby

The calculation I did yields slightly more attractive results:
BNE-SIN-ZRH return upgrade Y-J (saver+standard) is 200,000 miles, 170,000 after 15% online discount.

(Difference of 51,000 miles over a redemption only booking.)

With upgrades one still earns regular and elite (status) miles, which are a fair number for this return route. A big consideration for me.

So if you went with the upgrade, you'd save 51K miles and earn 20,164 miles (25,205 if you have any KF status).
Total of say 76,205 is nearly enough for a return J Saver BNE-SIN.

I'm sure there are other ways of analysing this too !

 

[deluxeflyer]

Doing a KF redemption BNE-AMS-BNE for 125,000 pts then connecting AMS-ZRH

I got 127,500 for this route. (150,000 less 15%)

 

[albatross710]

With upgrades one still earns regular and elite (status) miles, which are a fair number for this return route.

They are good points. I'll probably need to actually do a fare paid flight on SQ to renew my status (currently silver).

Deluxflyer the issue with Zurich is that Saver Awards are not available on the new J class.

Cove that's for the reminder.

Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[cove]

Hey Albatross,don't go overboard by buying a ticket.
Aren't we just playing the game to the max?
Going so far for so little in so much style?

 

[albatross710]

Hey Albatross,don't go overboard by buying a ticket.
Aren't we just playing the game to the max?
Going so far for so little in so much style?

That's another tradeoff for the 'calculation. Those points can fund the family holiday to Cook Is? Vietnam etc. The debate continues.