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 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.
Currently, you can book select promo award flights with a 30% discount if you reserve by Oct. 31 and travel between Nov. 1 and 30. This month, you’ll find flights from the U.S. in economy, premium economy and business class.
Here’s how you can maximize this iteration of Singapore KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes.
The deal
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Routes: New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and FRA to JFK; Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO); LAX to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) and NRT to LAX
Cost: From 17,500 miles (FRA to JFK) or 29,400 miles (SIN to U.S. airports) in economy; 36,400 miles (JFK to FRA and FRA to JFK), 51,100 miles (LAX to NRT or NRT to LAX) or 52,500 (SIN to SFO) in premium economy; 56,700 miles (JFK to FRA and FRA to JFK) in business class
Travel dates: Nov. 1-30
Book by: Oct. 31
Pay taxes and fees with: The Platinum Card® from American Express for 5 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 spent per calendar year), the Chase Sapphire Reserve for 3 points per dollar spent on travel, the American Express® Gold Card for 3 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly with the airline or on amextravel.com, or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for 2 points per dollar spent on travel
Related: Footrests and fine dining: Manchester to Houston in Singapore Airlines A350 premium economy
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.
Here’s a look at the Spontaneous Escapes pricing this month on U.S. routes:
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| Origin | Destination | Discounted award rate |
|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | Frankfurt | 36,400 miles in premium economy and 56,700 miles in business class on Flight SQ25 |
| Frankfurt | New York (JFK) | 17,500 miles in economy; 36,400 miles in premium economy; and 56,700 miles in business class on Flight SQ26 |
| Singapore | San Francisco | 29,400 miles in economy on Flight SQ32 |
| Singapore | Los Angeles | 29,400 miles in economy on Flight SQ36 and Flight SQ38 |
| Los Angeles | Tokyo | 51,100 miles in premium economy on Flight SQ11 |
| Tokyo | Los Angeles | 51,100 miles in premium economy on Flight SQ12 |
| Singapore | San Francisco | 52,500 miles in premium economy on Flight SQ34 |
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.
Additionally, all of the flights on your itinerary must qualify for the promotion to access the discounted pricing. So, it might be best to book two one-way flights if there’s a promo reward available for just one direction of your flight.
Here are sample search results for some of the Asia routes. The first screenshot is in economy class, while the second and third are in premium economy.
Here are some options for the Europe flight in economy, premium economy and business class.
Be aware that a flight departing Europe would be subject to higher taxes and fees than a flight from the U.S. Plan to spend 122.41 euros (around $130) on one-way taxes and fees on westbound transatlantic flights per person. Conversely, eastbound transatlantic flights are only subject to $5.60 in taxes and fees.
Check the Spontaneous Escapes homepage for more details.
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, with 5,000 bonus miles offered for every 60,000 points you transfer.
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 $18) or 2,500 miles to hold award seats.
Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable points
Bottom line
Singapore Airlines is offering a transatlantic economy-class award for just 17,500 miles and several transpacific premium economy options from just 51,100 miles for its October Spontaneous Escapes promotion. Additionally, you can book flights between New York and Frankfurt for as little as 56,700 miles in business class.
These flights can be a great use of transferable credit card points.
