What’s the Best Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Redemption Per Minute?

In the realm of air travel rewards, Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program has always sparked curiosity, especially when it comes to calculating the value of miles based on flight duration. A fun analysis back in early 2018 revealed how many KrisFlyer miles you spend per minute during flights, and it quickly garnered significant attention. Fast forward to 2024, and it's time to update this analysis, taking into account recent changes in route availability and devaluations over the past six years.

The Method Behind the Madness

The fundamental premise of this analysis is straightforward: we determine how many KrisFlyer miles are needed for a round-trip Saver award flight from Singapore relative to the duration of the flight. An existing model by UK’s Head for Points inspired this approach, albeit modified to reflect Singapore Airlines’ specific offerings.

We’ve looked at round-trip times across various routes, understanding that flight durations can vary, particularly on long-haul flights. For example, flights from Singapore to Los Angeles take approximately 15 hours and 10 minutes, while the return leg is 17 hours and 40 minutes, necessitating careful consideration of total round-trip time.

We calculated designated routes individually, ensuring we grabbed the shortest scheduled flight times where they varied. And, for flights with stopovers, we omitted ground times to provide a clearer calculation based solely on flight minutes and not the legroom spent at the terminal.

Flight schedules were sourced from Singapore Airlines and other databases to ensure accuracy, providing you with insightful benchmarks for your future travel plans.

Economy Class – The Average Savings

In Economy Class, the average miles spent per minute for Saver round-trip redemptions sits at 66 miles per minute. Notably, long-haul routes, such as those to Houston and New York, offer better value at 31 to 35 miles per minute. In contrast, the shortest route to Kuala Lumpur clocks in a staggering 136 miles per minute. Those looking for value in closer destinations may find it disappointing; flights to nearby spots like Phuket and Siem Reap yield high mile costs relative to their short durations.

However, Bali shines through with a respectable 55 miles per minute, making it a decent choice for those wanting a quick getaway.

Premium Economy Gains Traction

Moving on to Premium Economy, the average redemption cost rises to 86 miles per minute. Here, Cape Town and Houston again lead the way, showcasing the best value, significantly better than many Economy Class options. Yet, routes to major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne require over 100 miles per minute, making them less appealing.

Business Class – The Cost Factor

In Business Class, the stakes rise further, with the average redemption nearing 139 miles per minute. The best value is found on the Cape Town route, where the expenditure is only 75 miles per minute. Travelers should note that shorter hops, like the one to Kuala Lumpur, skyrocket to 336 miles per minute, making them an unsuitable use of your precious miles. Instead, other regional destinations could offer a better return on investment and a more comfortable experience.

First Class & Suites – The Luxe Experience

Reaching the pinnacle of luxury, First Class and Suites yield an average of 180 miles per minute, with the New York route providing the best value at 118 miles per minute. Jakarta, on the flip side, is shockingly high at 290 miles per minute, prompting travelers to think twice before redeeming their hard-earned miles for such a short journey.

Final Thoughts

This analysis serves as an engaging look at how to maximize value in the KrisFlyer program, though it’s advisable not to lose sight of the overall experience. Sometimes, it’s not just about the miles; it’s about the journey and the memories you create along the way.

Remember, while these calculations provide a fun measure of value, your next travel destination shouldn’t be dictated solely by miles per minute! After all, a dream vacation in Rome might just outweigh the allure of a better deal to Cape Town. Happy travels!