Alaska Mileage Plan Adding Singapore Airlines Earning and Redemptions

Update 8/31/17: Singapore Airlines has confirmed that all flights originating in the US are eligible for mileage accrual — the below referenced exception had been posted on Alaska's site in error.

Come this time next month, you'll be able to credit your Singapore Airlines (SQ) flights to Alaska's Mileage Plan program, earning redeemable miles for most first class, business, premium economy and coach travel. Miles earned on Singapore flights will also count towards elite status on Alaska, which makes this partnership even more appealing if you're working toward MVP or above.

As of September 27, 2017, you'll be able to earn miles at the following distance-based rates — note that Suites ("R") class is oddly excluded:

Besides Singapore's own KrisFlyer program, United MileagePlus is probably the most obvious (current) pick for US-based travelers looking to credit Singapore Airlines travel. Assuming your SQ ticket was not issued by United, you'll earn MileagePlus credit at the following rates:

You can also earn credit toward United elite status, but unfortunately all flights earn just 1 Premier Qualifying Mile (PQM) per mile flown, even in Suites and full-fare first class. Additionally, the fare classes listed under "No Mileage Credit" above do not earn elite credit. Generally, unless you're more interested in earning United miles, crediting Singapore flights to Alaska will generate a greater return.

Meanwhile, Alaska's new accrual chart lists an odd/annoying eligibility restriction — flight number restrictions do not apply with United.

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According to the above, flight numbers below 100 are not eligible for accrual. Airlines typically reserve single and double-digit numbers for their most prestigious routes, though, and Singapore does the same. That means all of the airline's US flights technically aren't eligible, including SQ11 from Los Angeles to Tokyo, SQ25 from New York to Frankfurt and SQ31 from San Francisco to Singapore, while many other international flights are, such as Singapore to Delhi, Kuala Lumpur and more. I'm hoping this is simply a typo that will be adjusted before mileage accrual begins on September 27. We've reached out to Alaska to clarify. Update: US flights are eligible for mileage accrual.

Redemptions will be available sometime down the line, but given that Singapore only releases long-haul Suites, first and business-class awards to its own KrisFlyer members, this new partnership will be of little use when it comes to premium-cabin travel. Additionally, this new partnership will enable through baggage checking and codesharing, including the ability to include travel on both airlines on a single ticket.