VA changes SQ/MI earn tables

[smatho10]

Singapore Airlines and SilkAir Update | Velocity Frequent Flyer

Tip of the cap to VA...

 

[TomVexille]

MEL-SIN is now more expensive for reward bookings by 2,500 points in Y and 5k points in J

 

[roby]

Interesting. This will make VA the only SQ partner to allow mileage accrual on these lowest booking classes.

 

[TomVexille]

Interesting. This will make VA the only SQ partner to allow mileage accrual on these lowest booking classes.

At 0.1 point per mile... still better than nothing I guess.

 

[billystorm]

For someone still getting my head around it all, does this have any impact on whether it's best to still book through SQ directly as opposed to virgin to earn better status credits? Thanks

 

[notzac]

For someone still getting my head around it all, does this have any impact on whether it's best to still book through SQ directly as opposed to virgin to earn better status credits? Thanks

For the most part, probably - the former non-earning fares now earn Discount Economy status credits; the remaining economy fares all still earn (Full) Economy status credits. If you're more concerned about points, the very cheapest fares earn more on the VA code (0.5 points per mile) vs. the SQ code (0.1 points per mile). Additionally, if you have a shiny VA card you'll earn a points bonus (and those always-important sectors) on the VA code.

Here are some sample calcs, based on MEL-SIN-LHR return departing 10NOV2014 returning 17NOV2014 (random dates) on the same flights. Velocity calculates MEL-SIN as 3752 miles (zone 4 for SCs) and SIN-LHR as 6761 miles (zone 5 for SCs).

SQ "Flexi Saver" (W) - AUD 2168.47 - 280 SCs and 21026 points for all members
VA "Saver" (E) - AUD 2262.42 - 140 SCs and 31540 points for Platinum, 140 SCs and 26284 points for Gold, 140 SCs and 21028 points for Silver and 140SCs and 10514 points for Red.

Of course, this is just a sample - sales and different fares would change the comparisons every time, but especially if points are more of a priority - it really depends whether booking SQ is better than VA or vice versa.

 

[billystorm]

For the most part, probably - the former non-earning fares now earn Discount Economy status credits; the remaining economy fares all still earn (Full) Economy status credits. If you're more concerned about points, the very cheapest fares earn more on the VA code (0.5 points per mile) vs. the SQ code (0.1 points per mile).

Thanks notzac, I am more concerned about status credits earnt as attempting to reach platinum. I was intending to purchase SQ flexi fare through SQ to ensure it was full economy status credits earned.

 

[roby]

MEL-SIN is now more expensive for reward bookings by 2,500 points in Y and 5k points in J

I thought redemption had become cheaper ex MEL/SYD particularly in premium cabins.

 

[bullerdude]

This is a positive move and good to see. Whilst the cheapest fares on SQ earn bugger all at least there is no longer the 'does it or does it not earn points' problem.

Also the reward flights points tables have become a little more streamlined and made some Singapore flights a little more affordable.

 

[TomVexille]

I thought redemption had become cheaper ex MEL/SYD particularly in premium cabins.

Can't say I know for F, but MEL-SIN is now 80K in J when it use to be 75K. There are most likely other routes that are now cheaper in premium cabins, but I don't think many (if any) of the OZ-SIN routes are cheaper.

 

[williamsf1]

Looks like a promo as well

https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.com/content/Specials/Airlines/index.htm

Register online by 7 April 2014 to earn 50% bonus Velocity Points when travelling in Economy and 100% bonus Points when travelling in the luxury of Suites, First and Business Class on eligible Singapore Airlines and SilkAir flights flown between 10 April and 15 June 2014

 

[anat0l]

Thank the Lord for only one SQ table now!

Hopefully this means multi-sector SQ redemptions will be cheaper because the single table will mean you look up the cost based on the total mileage of the trip, rather than the sum of individual sector costs.

I wonder if the *A will see red on the missing out on credits of the cheapest SQ classes.

 

[rtyuiop]

Yeah, the way it reads now I think SQ Biz redemptions are no longer quite so hilariously overpriced. Might be an option to/from Europe now!

 

[Globetrotter]

Singapore Airlines and SilkAir Update | Velocity Frequent Flyer

this link has a "book now" button but I wasn't able to bring up any award availability with SQ. Is SQ bookable online via Velocity? If not then they should change the link to 'call Velocity to book'

 

[clarkkent]

Ah very nice to be able to earn SCs on the cheapest fares.

 

[roby]

Now that it has become more affordable to redeem on SQ it perhaps pays to look at SQ as an option. Does anyone have any experience redeeming Business seats particularly if there has been any success on 380/77W?

 

[dajop]

TI wonder if the *A will see red on the missing out on credits of the cheapest SQ classes.

Why would they? Same situation as NZ, fly on some of the cheaper classes they earn Airpoints and Velocity points but zilch on star alliance partners.

 

[anat0l]

Why would they? Same situation as NZ, fly on some of the cheaper classes they earn Airpoints and Velocity points but zilch on star alliance partners.

*shrug* just putting it out there. A lot more would fly SQ Y compared to NZ Y. Particularly as it "reinforces" the cynics who question SQ's *A membership.

 

[dajop]

*shrug* just putting it out there. A lot more would fly SQ Y compared to NZ Y. Particularly as it "reinforces" the cynics who question SQ's *A membership.

True. But I am pretty sure there are many examples of discrepancies in star alliance. LH and LX also have similar odd discrepancies, IIRC. It seems to me the main issues with the likes of SQ, NZ and LH and the the like, come from UA members, who are used to quite generous earning and burning, and availability.

 

[Fr33faller]

IME, booking through SQ is often cheaper than booking onto the same SQ metal with a VA number, at least in the cheaper fare classes. So that may also affect the overall price per SC if that is your main concern. But in saying that it can be worth paying a bit more through VA to get the added VA Status benefits (points bonus/additional baggage etc).