Dreaming of a complimentary flight to an exotic destination or an opulent upgrade to Business Class? Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer programme can make those aspirations a reality. As the flagship frequent flyer programme of one of the world’s leading airlines, KrisFlyer is not just about flying—it’s about unlocking extraordinary travel experiences. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a savvy spender, this guide will help you understand how to earn KrisFlyer miles efficiently and redeem them wisely for free flights, upgrades, and more.

 

Cracking the Code – How to Earn KrisFlyer Miles Fast

Flying with Singapore Airlines and Partner Carriers

1. Singapore Airlines & Scoot
   The most straightforward way to accumulate KrisFlyer miles is through air travel with Singapore Airlines and its low-cost arm, Scoot. Your miles earned depend on the distance flown and fare class, with First, Business, and Premium Economy Class tickets earning more miles per mile flown than Economy.
2. Star Alliance Network
   Singapore Airlines is a proud member of Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance. This allows you to earn KrisFlyer miles when flying with any of the 25+ Star Alliance partner airlines—including Lufthansa, ANA, United Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Be sure to enter your KrisFlyer number when booking or checking in to ensure you get credited.
3. Additional Airline Partnerships
   Outside of Star Alliance, KrisFlyer also partners with non-alliance airlines such as Virgin Australia and Vistara. Check the KrisFlyer partner airlines list to explore earning rates and eligibility.

 

Credit Card Savvy – Supercharge Your Miles

1. Co-Branded Credit Cards
   Singapore Airlines has co-branded credit cards in collaboration with banks like American Express and UOB. These cards directly accumulate KrisFlyer miles from your spending. Many come with substantial sign-up bonuses, fast-track tier upgrades, and enhanced earning rates for travel and lifestyle spend.
2. Transferable Rewards Points
   Major banks allow you to convert your reward points into KrisFlyer miles. Programmes such as American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou, HSBC Rewards, and DBS Points are popular options in Singapore. Transfers are usually done at a 1:1 ratio and can be completed online.

Pro Tip: Maximise your card’s bonus spend categories—such as dining, travel, and overseas transactions—to optimise mile accrual.

 

Everyday Lifestyle Spending – Miles Without Flying

1. Hotel Loyalty Programmes
   Convert your hotel points to KrisFlyer miles through partners like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Accor Live Limitless, and Shangri-La Circle. Alternatively, book your hotel stay via Singapore Airlines’ hotel partners to earn miles directly.
2. Car Rentals
   Earn KrisFlyer miles when renting cars from partners such as Hertz, Avis, and Sixt. Book directly via KrisFlyer’s car rental portal or provide your membership number when reserving.

3. Shopping & Dining

• KrisShop – The airline’s duty-free and lifestyle online store allows you to earn and redeem miles on everything from fragrances to tech gadgets.
• KrisFlyer Spree – A global online mall where you can earn miles on purchases made through affiliated retailers.
• Kris+ App – Available in Singapore, Sydney, and Melbourne, Kris+ lets you earn and redeem miles instantly across a wide network of dining and retail merchants.
• Retail Partnerships – Look out for earning opportunities at places like petrol stations, supermarkets, and fashion outlets that participate in KrisFlyer promotions.

4. Activities & Experiences
   Earn miles when booking experiences with Pelago, Singapore Airlines’ travel experience platform. Whether it’s a cooking class in Bangkok or a wine tour in New Zealand, every adventure can bring you closer to your next redemption.

 

The Art of Redemption – Unlocking Free Flights and Upgrades

Award Flights – Fly for Free (Almost)

1. Redeem on Singapore Airlines
   Use your miles to book “Saver” or “Advantage” award tickets. Saver awards require fewer miles but have limited availability, whereas Advantage awards are easier to find but cost more. Use the KrisFlyer Miles Calculator to estimate the mileage needed for any route.
2. Redeem with Star Alliance & Partners
   Redeem your KrisFlyer miles for flights on Star Alliance and selected partner airlines. This opens the door to over 1,000 destinations worldwide—even on carriers you’ve never flown before.
3. One-Way & Open Jaw Bookings
   KrisFlyer allows one-way redemptions, giving you greater flexibility. You can even create open-jaw itineraries (e.g., fly to Paris and return from Rome) using a combination of miles and cash.

 

Flight Upgrades – Elevate Your Cabin Class

Upgrade Awards allow you to use KrisFlyer miles to upgrade from:

• Economy to Premium Economy
• Premium Economy to Business
• Business to First or Suites (subject to aircraft availability)

Eligible fare classes vary, so it’s crucial to check upgrade tables and availability before you book. Note that upgrades are only possible on specific fare types—usually not the lowest promotional fares.

 

Mix Miles and Cash – Flexible Booking

Singapore Airlines gives you the option to pay partially with miles and cash. This is ideal if you’re short on miles but still want to offset a portion of your fare or enjoy extra services like seat selection or additional baggage.

 

Beyond Flights – More Ways to Use Your Miles

• KrisShop Purchases – Use miles to buy luxury goods, travel accessories, and exclusive items.
• Kris+ App – Offset your daily purchases, from coffee to fine dining, using your miles.
• Pelago Experiences – Redeem miles for activities, tours, and attractions.
• Donate Miles – Support causes via KrisFlyer’s donation partners, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
• KrisFlyer Experiences – Gain access to members-only events like concerts, workshops, and private tours.

 

Maximising Your KrisFlyer Membership – Tips and Tricks

Tier Status & Elite Miles

1. Elite Silver & Elite Gold
   Earn Elite miles to climb the KrisFlyer tier ladder. Higher tiers offer:

• Bonus KrisFlyer miles on flights
• Lounge access (Elite Gold and above)
• Additional baggage allowance
• Priority check-in and boarding

2. PPS Club
   For premium travellers, the PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club tiers offer enhanced privileges, including dedicated concierge services and priority upgrades.

 

General Tips for Success

• Track Promotions – Keep an eye on seasonal offers, credit card sign-up bonuses, and partner promotions to supercharge your earning.
• Stay Active – KrisFlyer miles typically expire after 36 months, so monitor your balance and use them before they lapse. Elite status can help extend or preserve mileage.
• Link Accounts – Ensure your KrisFlyer number is updated across all bookings and partner programmes to avoid missed miles.
• Family Pooling – If eligible, pool miles with family members to accelerate redemptions.

 

Conclusion

KrisFlyer isn’t just a frequent flyer programme—it’s a powerful travel companion for anyone looking to maximise the value of their spending and adventures. By understanding the best ways to earn and redeem miles, you’ll open up a world of travel rewards, whether that means relaxing in a luxury suite or scoring a spontaneous weekend getaway. Start earning today, and let your next dream destination be on Singapore Airlines’ wings.