Deal: Book discounted Singapore Airlines awards from Europe with KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
While Singapore Airlines has a reputation for offering an exceptional product, booking long-haul premium cabin awards isn’t easy. You’ll find some award availability using the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Air Canada Aeroplan, but you’ll usually find more availability through Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
KrisFlyer generally charges more miles than other loyalty programs, even on saver dates. However, the program offers discounts on select award flights each month through its KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes promotion.
This month, you can book select “promo” award flights with a 30% discount if you reserve by May 31 and travel between June 1 and 30. While it only applies to a single route in a single direction, this could be a great option for anyone looking to beat the high prices of airfare from Europe this summer.
Here’s how you can maximize this iteration of Singapore KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes.
The deal
Airline: Singapore Airlines.
Route: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Cost: 36,400 miles and 121.43 euros (around $132) with Spontaneous Escape pricing.
Dates: June 1-2, 5-21 and 23-30.
Book by: May 31, 2023.
Pay taxes/fees with: The Platinum Card® from American Express for 5 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly with the airline (on up to $500,000 spent per calendar year), the Chase Sapphire Reserve for 3 points per dollar spent on travel or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for 2 points per dollar spent on travel.
Related: 7 takeaways from my 1st Singapore Airlines business-class experience
Sample itineraries
Singapore KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes offers discounted award flights on select routes Singapore Airlines operates. However, only select flight numbers are discounted each month, so you’ll often only get the discount for travel in one direction.
Unfortunately, the only U.S. route Singapore Airlines is currently offering its Spontaneous Escape award rate on is from Frankfurt to JFK. Only premium economy award rates have been discounted from 52,000 to 36,400 miles one-way.
| Origin | Destination | “Promo” awards |
|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt, Germany. | New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport). | 36,400 miles in premium economy on flight SQ26 (no award space on June 3, 4 and 22). |
Remember, you must still find award availability on the KrisFlyer website. “Promo” awards may not be available on select dates, even ones not listed as blackout dates. When you search, you’ll see the discounted awards listed as “promo” if available.
Check the Spontaneous Escapes homepage for more details and the “promo” awards that don’t arrive or depart from U.S. cities.
Related: You can now convert Singapore KrisFlyer miles to Marriott points — but should you?
Earning miles to book this award
It’s relatively easy to earn Singapore KrisFlyer miles. The program is a 1:1 transfer partner with American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards. KrisFlyer is also a 3:1 transfer partner with Marriott Bonvoy.
If you transfer points and they don’t immediately appear in your KrisFlyer account, consider calling KrisFlyer to hold award seats until the points post. Doing so will lock in your award seats, so you won’t have to worry about the availability disappearing. KrisFlyer generally charges 25 Singapore dollars (about $20) or 2,500 miles to hold award seats.
Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable points
Bottom line
Although the only discounted Singapore Airlines flight for June is its fifth freedom flight from Frankfurt to JFK, 36,400 miles can be a great use of transferable credit card points for a premium economy flight home from Europe — particularly since June is a peak time for European travel.
Additional reporting by JT Genter, Katie Genter, Ehsan Haque, Benji Stawski and Victoria Walker.