Deal alert: Singapore business class awards on the world's longest flight — including using Aeroplan miles
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This past weekend, we learned that Singapore Airlines is blocking award availability to partners. However, that doesn't mean you can't book any Singapore awards anymore.
In fact, we're currently seeing widespread, business-class award availability on a number of routes, including on its famous Newark (EWR) to Singapore (SIN) ultra-long-haul route. Even better, despite the partner restriction, as long as you're not traveling before the end of November, you may even be able to book through Air Canada Aeroplan.
However, there are some important caveats about booking this deal, so be sure to read through the end of the post.
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Singapore business class award availability
Singapore Airlines has released a ton of business-class award seats at the Saver level on the EWR to SIN route (a.k.a. the world’s longest flight). The flight covers a distance of roughly 9,500 miles with just under 19 hours of flying time and is operated by Singapore's two-cabin Airbus A350-900ULRs, with just business class and premium economy.
Seats are available from March 2021 through the end of the flight schedule, with some dates offering four or more open award seats. You'll find the most availability through Singapore's KrisFlyer program.
We're also seeing some availability through Air Canada Aeroplan, which charges fewer miles on this route. This is extremely rare, as Singapore usually restricts long-haul business- and first-class award space to members of its own loyalty program.
We even did a test booking to ensure this wasn't phantom award space — and it was ticketed and confirmed without any problems.
Just note that Aeroplan's doesn't always match KrisFlyer's availability. For instance, KrisFlyer is showing three business class award seats for EWR-SIN on March 3, 20201, while Aeroplan is only showing two seats. On the other hand, KrisFlyer is showing four seats available on March 10, 2021, whereas Aeroplan is showing no availability on this date.
No other partners are showing access to this availability.
How to book
As mentioned above, the only way to book this deal is through Singapore's KrisFlyer program or Air Canada Aeroplan. Of the two, the cheapest option would be through Aeroplan, which charges just 77,500 miles to book a one-way ticket on the route. KrisFlyer, on the other hand, will charge you at least 99,000 miles for the same award.
The airline doesn't doesn’t impose any fuel surcharges on its flights, so you'll pay minimal taxes and fees with both programs.
The advantage of booking through KrisFlyer is that you'll find more dates with availability. Additionally, it partners with more transferable points programs.
If you opt to book with Aeroplan, you can transfer in points from American Express Membership Rewards (1:1 ratio), Capital One (2:1.5) and Marriott Bonvoy (3:1, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred). On the other hand, KrisFlyer is a transfer partner of Amex Membership Rewards (1:1), Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1), Capital One (2:1), Citi ThankYou Rewards (1:1) and Marriott Bonvoy (3:1, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred).
Just be sure to pay close attention to the below transfer times, as these aren't always instant.
Related: A guide to earning transferable points and why they’re so valuable
| Program | Transfer time to Singapore | Transfer time to Aeroplan |
|---|---|---|
American Express Membership Rewards | < 24 hours | Instant |
Chase Ultimate Rewards | Usually same day (up to two business days) | N/A |
Citi ThankYou Rewards | < 24 hours | N/A |
Capital One | 36 hours | Instant |
Marriott Bonvoy | < 48 hours | 4 days |
Important things to know
Obviously the big elephant in the room is that we're still in the midst of a global pandemic. International travel is still largely restricted around the globe and there's no telling yet on when travel will resume. Most international travellers are not allowed to enter Singapore. While the award availability is for travel in 2021, if the situation doesn't improve by then, you could be forced to cancel your ticket down the line.
Related: Airline coronavirus change and cancellation policies
Additionally, as previously mentioned, Singapore is currently restricting award availability to its partners due to the travel restrictions. Most partners, like Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, are blocking Singapore award bookings entirely until at least Sept. 1, 2020. However, TPG has found that Aeroplan is showing availability for flights next year.
According to a Singapore Airlines spokesperson, the suspension should only affect flights through Nov. 2020. A TPG staffer was successful in ticketing one of the awards discussed above through Aeroplan for a flight in June 2021. However, it's possible that the situation will change so proceed at your own risk and keep in mind that point transfers to airlines are irreversible.
Here's the full statement a Singapore Airlines spokesperson provided to TPG:
"The temporary suspension of award seats on SQ/MI from partner airlines’ frequent flyer programmes is aligned with Singapore Airlines’ current policy to limit interline connections due to border entry as well as transit restrictions for connecting flights imposed by various countries. At present, the suspension of award redemptions is valid through November 2020, and is subject to further review based on market conditions.
Redemption inventory on SQ/MI segments may still appear in partner airlines’ award searches depending on the itineraries requested, but bookings are not possible during this suspension period."
Bottom line
Now may be a great time to speculatively book award flights for next year. Award availability is off the charts, and it will be easier getting your miles redeposited than getting a cash booking refunded in the event you need to cancel your trip down the line. Most airlines are also providing unprecedented flexibility with change and cancellation policies.
Singapore Airlines offers one of the best business-class products in the world, and finding award availability on this route is usually extremely tough. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with the risks before you book a ticket.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.