Rewards Updates: How to Maximise KrisFlyer Miles: Ranking the Best to Worst Redemptions

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https://blog.moneysmart.sg/travel/krisflyer-miles-redemption-guide/

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KrisFlyer miles can be easy for many Singaporeans to accumulate through credit cards, sign-up bonuses, and everyday spending. However, deciding how to redeem those miles effectively is often more challenging. The key issue is that not all redemption options deliver the same value. Some provide excellent returns per mile, while others offer little more than a small discount.

A useful way to evaluate redemptions is by calculating value per mile (VPM)—the dollar value received for each mile spent. As a rule of thumb, below 1 cent per mile is poor value, 1.5–2 cents is reasonable, and above 2–3 cents is considered excellent.

The best value redemptions typically involve premium flights. Business class or long-haul premium cabin tickets often cost several thousand dollars in cash but require far fewer miles than their equivalent price suggests. For example, a return business class flight from Singapore to London with Singapore Airlines can cost $4,000–$6,000 in cash but about 184,000 miles as a Saver award, giving strong value per mile. Many travellers therefore save their miles specifically for premium cabins they might not otherwise pay for.

Good value can also be found in premium economy on long routes or economy flights on expensive routes, especially during peak travel seasons when ticket prices surge. Because award charts remain fixed, miles can deliver higher value during holidays or last-minute bookings.

At the other end of the spectrum, some options deliver poor returns. Cheap short-haul economy flights, shopping or merchandise rewards, and conversions to KrisPay usually yield about 1 cent per mile or less.

Timing also matters. Saver awards, which require fewer miles but have limited availability, generally provide the best value compared to Advantage awards.

Overall, travellers can maximise their miles by targeting expensive flights—especially premium cabins—and checking the value per mile before redeeming. ✈️

Comments:

Good information on valuing miles.