Singapore Airlines adds more restrictive "promo" award ticket tier
Singapore Airlines' Krisflyer loyalty program recently added a new "promo" award tier. As reported by Frequent Miler, this new and more restrictive award tier shows on the Singapore Airlines website when comparing different types of award tickets. This new award tier shows alongside existing Saver and Advantage awards.
According to the comparison chart, the "Promo" award tier will still include complimentary checked bags and seat selection. However, it will not include complimentary stopovers and promo award tickets cannot be changed, canceled or otherwise exchanged. Promo awards show in all classes of service, including premium economy where there's historically been only one award type.
We're not seeing any bookable promo award tickets on the Singapore Airlines website as of writing. We may see them roll out post-pandemic when it makes more sense to book inflexible travel again. The Singapore Airlines award chart has not been updated with promo award pricing. When asked about this new award tier, Singapore Airlines told TPG the following:
"The Promo award category is available from time to time when we roll out special redemption promotions for KrisFlyer members."
Frequent Miler notes that these restrictions are similar to Singapore's Spontaneous Escapes award tickets offered before the coronavirus pandemic. These awards offered promotional rates on specific routes on last-minute bookings. With this and Singapore's statement in mind, the new tier is likely be a replacement for Spontaneous Escapes. Alternatively, it could be something similar to American's Web Special awards which effectively introduced dynamic pricing and — sometimes — higher pricing on high-demand routes.
If promo rewards are a replacement for Spontaneous Escapes, this is good news for consumers. It will make it easier for consumers to book promotional awards and see them alongside other award tiers. That said, I doubt we'll see these awards be available in the near future as the pandemic continues to make travel plans unpredictable.
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