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Alaska Mileage Plan Adding Singapore Airlines Earning and Redemptions

Aug. 30, 2017
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3 min read
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Alaska Mileage Plan Adding Singapore Airlines Earning and Redemptions
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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.

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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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.