Entertainment Updates: Car rental company in Thailand promises ‘no questions, no judgment, just comfort’ in controversial ad

Source:

https://mustsharenews.com/car-rental-ad-thailand/

ChatGPT:

A Bangkok-based luxury car rental company, MIIV Car Rental, has gone viral with a controversial advertisementpromising clients absolute privacy and discretion. Shared on Instagram on Oct 5, the ad features a seemingly AI-generated image of a well-dressed man and woman sitting closely in the backseat of a luxury car, with the bold tagline: “NOT MY WIFE.” Beneath it reads, “We didn’t see. We don’t know. We just drive.”

The caption reinforces the company’s message of confidentiality: “Our chauffeurs deliver silence, discretion, and seamless service — no questions, no judgment, just comfort.” MIIV promotes itself as a premium chauffeured service, boasting a fleet of luxury vehicles, personal security options, and private bookings via WhatsApp.

The advertisement sparked mixed reactions online. Some netizens praised the company’s “next level marketing” and clever branding for standing out in a competitive market. Others found the ad “wild” or “morally questionable,” interpreting it as a wink at extramarital affairs or secret liaisons. One commenter joked that the company’s service ensures there will be no repeat of the infamous “Coldplay affair” scandal in Thailand.

Though the ad never explicitly mentions infidelity, its provocative tone and imagery have ignited discussions about the line between bold marketing and poor taste. Still, marketing experts noted that the campaign achieved its main goal — massive publicity and brand recognition.

By blending humor, controversy, and luxury, MIIV Car Rental has positioned itself as a symbol of discretion and exclusivity in Thailand’s high-end transport scene — one that promises “no questions, no judgment, just comfort.”

Opinion:

😂

Rewards Updates: Commentary: SIA is introducing dynamic pricing to KrisFlyer. Should members be worried?

 

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/sia-krisflyer-update-mile-redeem-dynamic-pricing-5384061

ChatGPT:

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will introduce Access awards under KrisFlyer from Nov 1, shifting towards dynamic award pricing. Unlike Saver and Advantage awards, which follow a published chart, Access awards will have variable mileage costs based on demand, route, and seasonality. While framed as offering more options, frequent flyers fear this marks the start of a major devaluation.

Dynamic pricing is not new. Carriers such as Delta, United, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic have already adopted it, often justifying the change as delivering greater flexibility, more availability, and no blackout dates. In practice, however, it has led to loss of transparency, stealthy price hikes, and diminished value for members. With no fixed chart, redemption prices can be changed overnight without notice, leaving customers uncertain whether to save or spend miles. Many may instead shift to flexible bank rewards points, weakening airline loyalty.

Another consequence is the removal of sweet spots—redemptions where fixed-mileage awards deliver exceptional value compared to cash fares. For instance, a Business Class ticket from Singapore to Cape Town currently costs 56,500 miles, far below its cash equivalent of S$4,000. Under dynamic pricing, such outsized value disappears as mileage requirements track market fares more closely. Airlines also tend to impose floors, meaning members don’t benefit proportionally when cash prices fall.

Dynamic pricing risks alienating loyal customers. Frequent flyer miles, accumulated slowly over years of travel, may lose predictability and reliability. Although SIA insists Access awards will supplement rather than replace Saver and Advantage awards, history elsewhere suggests gradual expansion of dynamic pricing. Competitors in the region may follow suit, potentially reshaping the frequent flyer landscape in Asia.

Rewards Updates: How does Scoot’s Cancel Your Trip feature work?

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/10/05/how-does-scoots-cancel-your-trip-feature-work/

ChatGPT:

Scoot’s Cancel Your Trip add-on, introduced in 2024, gives passengers flexibility to cancel flights for any reason up to four hours before departure, provided they haven’t checked in. Instead of a cash refund, customers receive Scoot vouchers equal to the full booking value (including add-ons like seats, meals, and baggage), excluding the add-on fee itself, insurance, and payment processing charges. Vouchers are issued within 24 hours, valid for one year, and must be used in a single transaction. Partial cancellations aren’t allowed—the entire booking and all passengers must be cancelled together.

The add-on must be purchased either during booking or within 24 hours, and applies to all passengers on the reservation. Prices start from S$20 for regional routes (e.g., Kuala Lumpur) and go up to S$104 for long-haul destinations like Athens; round-trip tickets double the cost. Cancel Your Trip isn’t available for flights to or from India and South Korea, KrisFlyer portal bookings, or award tickets. Ineligible passengers (e.g., KrisFlyer Elite tiers booking via the KrisFlyer portal) instead see an option to expand a one-time flexibility waiver.

In contrast, Scoot’s Change Your Flight add-on, from S$15, allows unlimited date and time changes but locks passengers into the same route. Cancel Your Trip is more flexible since vouchers can be applied to any destination, effectively giving travelers freedom to switch trips altogether.

The add-on is best for passengers who want maximum flexibility, especially if uncertain about both travel dates and destinations. However, for those committed to flying a specific route but needing only date flexibility, Change Your Flight is the cheaper and more practical option.

Travel Updates: No escape: Scoot adds payment processing fees for Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/09/27/no-escape-scoot-adds-payment-processing-fees-for-apple-pay-google-pay-and-paypal/

ChatGPT:

Scoot has expanded its controversial payment processing fees, now applying a 2.2% charge to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. This closes a loophole passengers previously used to avoid the fee, which Scoot reinstated in February 2025 after scrapping it in 2019. While rates were slightly adjusted—Visa and Mastercard fell from 2.26% to 2.2%, while Amex and JCB rose—UnionPay was removed altogether. The surcharge applies to both revenue and award bookings, calculated at checkout.

Currently, only payments via Alipay, PayNow, Scoot vouchers, or full KrisFlyer miles redemption avoid the fee. Malaysia flights are uniquely exempt, with Scoot confirming this is intentional. Elsewhere, including Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, the charge applies.

This update resolves a quirk affecting KrisFlyer UOB Credit Cardholders: they previously had to choose between booking via the Scoot-UOB portal (to enjoy perks but incur fees) or the public site (to avoid fees but lose benefits). With the loophole closed, card perks are “free” again, though still wrapped in extra costs.

The move contradicts Scoot’s 2019 promise that advancing payment technology allowed global removal of such charges. Instead, Scoot now aligns with rivals like AirAsia and Jetstar by reintroducing drip pricing tactics—showing lower upfront fares, then adding fees later.

For customers, the surcharge means paying extra to earn credit card miles. With 4 mpd cards and a valuation of 1.5¢ per mile, the math can still work out, though benefits shrink. Credit cards also provide cashflow flexibility, chargeback rights, and complimentary travel insurance—advantages not available with PayNow.

Ultimately, Scoot’s U-turn reduces fare transparency, leaving travelers to weigh between absorbing the 2.2% fee or switching to the few remaining no-fee payment options.

Travel Updates: ComfortDelGro to start hotline bookings, doorstep pick-ups for cross-border taxi rides from Sept 25

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/comfortdelgro-launches-hotline-bookings-doorstep-pick-ups-for-cross-border-taxi-rides-from-sept-25

ChatGPT:

From Sept 25, travellers heading to Johor Bahru can book cross-border taxi rides from anywhere in Singapore through ComfortDelGro’s (CDG) hotline. The move expands travel options beyond the long-standing pick-up point at Ban San Street, in line with efforts to enhance cross-border transport services.

CDG announced on Sept 18 that bookings can be made by calling 6552-1111, either for immediate trips or up to 24 hours in advance. All 90 of its cabbies holding valid cross-border taxi licences will participate. Passengers will still be dropped off at Larkin Sentral Terminal in Johor Bahru, the official designated drop-off for Singapore taxis under the reciprocal cross-border arrangement.

Fares are fixed: S$60 from Ban San Street, S$80 from most other pick-up locations across Singapore, and S$120 for airport departures. CDG said the scheme caters to strong demand for convenient cross-border transport, while creating more earning opportunities for cabbies.

Currently, under the bilateral cross-border taxi scheme, up to 200 licensed taxis from each country can operate such trips. Singapore taxis may only drop off at Larkin Sentral, while Malaysian taxis are restricted to Ban San Street Terminal in Rochor. However, Singapore authorities have acknowledged the need to improve arrangements, with potential future additions of more designated pick-up and drop-off points.

The initiative complements ongoing efforts by the Land Transport Authority and Malaysian counterparts to streamline cross-border travel amid rising demand. CDG emphasised its commitment to expand passenger choices and improve convenience, especially for those seeking direct, doorstep-to-doorstep service instead of travelling to fixed taxi stands.

Opinion:

Fantastic news.

Now to improve the traffic and private car options at Larkin Sentral to make the journey seamless.

Rewards Updates: KrisFlyer devaluation: How the Saver vs Advantage gap will widen

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/09/05/krisflyer-devaluation-how-the-saver-vs-advantage-gap-will-widen/

ChatGPT:

Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer programme currently offers three award types — Saver, Advantage, and Promo — with Access awards launching on 1 November 2025. For most members, however, the real trade-off remains between Saver and Advantage. Saver awards cost fewer miles but are harder to secure, while Advantage offers better availability and flexibility at a premium.

The November 2025 devaluation significantly widens this premium. Saver awards will rise modestly (Economy: –5% to +5%, Business: +5%, First: +5%, except Zone 10 which sees up to +20%). Advantage awards, however, will climb by 10–15% across cabins. This contrasts with the July 2022 devaluation, which had narrowed the gap by raising Saver more steeply than Advantage.

From November 2025, the Advantage premium in Economy will average ~100% (double Saver), making it largely irrelevant except on monopoly routes or when cash fares spike. Business Class Advantage premiums will return to ~60% above Saver, similar to pre-2022 levels. For long-haul Europe and US routes, premiums jump from 20% to 30% — still tolerable for those seeking certainty, but harder to justify for two-person redemptions. First Class premiums revert to ~80%, with Suites on high-demand routes (e.g., London, Sydney, Frankfurt) virtually Saver-unavailable, making Advantage the only realistic choice for many.

Overall, the widening Saver–Advantage gap reverses recent trends. Travellers unwilling to pay higher premiums will need to be flexible with dates or explore partner programmes like Asia Miles, EVA Infinity MileageLands, or Qatar Privilege Club. For many, Advantage may shift from a reluctant compromise to an increasingly unattractive option.

Opinion:

Nice breakdown — it really shows how complex these changes can be. 

Airline partner programmes are like an art form, constantly shifting and evolving. 

For travellers, the challenge is keeping up with these developments and adjusting strategies accordingly. 

What worked last year may no longer be the best option today, which is why staying informed is just as important as collecting miles in the first place.

Rewards Updates : KrisFlyer devaluation: Should you book speculative awards now?

Source: 

https://milelion.com/2025/08/28/krisflyer-devaluation-should-you-book-speculative-awards-now/

ChatGPT: 

Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer programme will raise the cost of most awards and upgrades from 1 November 2025, prompting many to consider speculative bookings. Awards redeemed by 31 October 2025 follow the old chart, while waitlists clearing after 1 November use the new rates. Saver awards will rise about 5% on average (with Zone 10 hit hardest), while Advantage awards will jump 15–20%, making premium cabin redemptions pricier.

That said, the actual savings from early bookings are often modest. For instance, Business Saver to Japan rises just 2,500 miles, and Perth just 2,000 miles. The biggest hit is Zone 10 (Africa, Middle East, Turkey), where Singapore–Cape Town in Business jumps from 56,500 to 68,500 miles. Advantage awards see steeper increases: First Class to Europe costs 34,000 miles more, and Business Class to the US rises 19,500–21,500 miles.

However, speculative redemptions come with risks. Change and cancellation fees (US$25–75) can easily outweigh the few thousand miles saved. Expiring miles are another pitfall—once attached to a booking, they cannot be refunded after expiry, limiting flexibility to date changes only.

While instant refunds now reduce the problem of tying up miles, the main takeaway is caution. Unless you’re certain of your travel plans, speculative bookings may not be worth it. For Saver awards, the increases are minor, and FOMO shouldn’t drive decisions. But for Advantage awards or Zone 10 routes, locking in now may make sense.

Bottom line: Book if your plans are firm or involve high-cost routes, but don’t waste cash and flexibility chasing small mileage savings.

Opinion:

Nice article.

Thinking if someone can make a miles tracker app that notifies you on expiry, fees, etc.

Might not be easy to work with the banks on integrations though.

Rewards Updates : Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer devaluation coming on 1 November 2025

Source :

https://milelion.com/2025/08/25/singapore-airlines-krisflyer-devaluation-coming-on-1-november-2025/

ChatGPT : 

Singapore Airlines has announced a KrisFlyer devaluation effective 1 November 2025, its first since 2022. The changes are relatively modest compared to other frequent flyer programmes, where redemptions often rise 30–50%.

Saver awards see small adjustments: most First and Business Class routes increase by about 5%, while Economy within Asia and South West Pacific actually drops up to 6%. However, flights to Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey (Zone 10) face sharp hikes—10% in Economy, 20% in Business, and 10% in First, removing one of KrisFlyer’s best sweet spots. Routes to Europe and the U.S. increase by around 5%.

Advantage awards rise more steeply, with 10–15% increases across most regions, and up to 18% for Zone 10 Business Class. While these are higher, they remain far below the severe devaluations seen elsewhere.

A new Access award type will also be introduced, adding dynamically priced redemptions on top of Saver and Advantage inventory. These won’t replace current buckets but effectively mark the start of dynamic pricing, with cost tied to demand.

Importantly, members have over two months’ notice. Awards ticketed by 31 October 2025 will retain old pricing, regardless of travel date, and can be booked up to 355 days ahead (with an extra 10-day extension possible through date changes). Waitlists not ticketed before 1 November will be charged new rates.

While no one welcomes a devaluation, this one is comparatively mild. The biggest loss is the Zone 10 bargain, long considered exceptional value. Members are advised to lock in bookings early to avoid higher costs, particularly for long-haul premium cabins.

Opinion : 

Bad news but not too bad.

In the earlier news, the addition of Scoot redemptions is great. 

Particularly for large families like mine that finds it hard to achieve business class for all members.

LifeStyle Updates : Travel agencies in Johor hit hard after Singapore bars premium tour vehicles, call for cross-border fix

Source : 

https://theindependent.sg/travel-agencies-in-johor-hit-hard-after-singapore-bars-premium-tour-vehicles-call-for-cross-border-fix/

ChatGPT : 

Since 2023, Johor’s travel agencies have been hit hard after Singapore stopped approving Vehicle Entry Permits (VEP) for premium MPVs like the Toyota Alphard, Vellfire, Hyundai Staria, and Starex. Over 400 agencies report their business has halved, with rows of once-busy vehicles now idle. These MPVs were a preferred choice for Singaporean tourists, especially elderly, disabled passengers, and corporate clients who needed direct and comfortable cross-border transport.

Operators argue the clampdown is unfair, as their vehicles meet strict safety standards, undergo biannual inspections, carry passenger insurance, and are driven by PSV-licensed drivers. Yet, despite being regulated by Malaysia’s Transport and Tourism Ministries, they are barred. This has created a gap now exploited by unlicensed private operators, raising safety and insurance concerns.

The impact is severe: 119 premium vehicles have already been seized by Singapore’s LTA, leaving owners saddled with unpaid loans. Beyond hurting livelihoods, the ban affects Singaporeans too, who now face fewer safe, direct travel options into Johor. Discussions on cross-border e-hailing may offer a way forward, but for now, both travellers and agencies remain in limbo.

Opinion : 

I'm one of those using the illegal services from Johor car companies 😅

With young children, it's a more convenient solution than the rest.

Hope there can be something arranged for families soon.

Rewards Updates : How much does it cost to change a Scoot award flight?

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/08/18/how-much-does-it-cost-to-change-a-scoot-award-flight/

ChatGPT : 

Scoot award flights are non-refundable, but dates/times can be changed for a fee from S$60 per passenger (miles top-up may apply depending on Saver/Advantage availability). Route changes aren’t allowed. Unlike Singapore Airlines, both Saver and Advantage awards incur the same fee.

Ways to avoid the fee:

- Solitaire PPS, PPS Club & KrisFlyer Elite Gold: one free change.

- Buy a Flex bundle or Change Your Flight add-on (unlimited changes up to 4h before departure).

- UOB KrisFlyer Thailand World Elite cardholders: one free change.

By comparison, Singapore Airlines award date/time changes cost US$25 (≈S$32) or free for Advantage awards.

Opinion : 

KrisFlyer programme is superrrrrrrrrr now! 😁

Travel Updates : UOB PRVI Miles nerfs Expedia flight bookings to 3 mpd, buffs hotels to 8 mpd

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/08/16/uob-prvi-miles-nerfs-expedia-flight-bookings-to-3-mpd-buffs-hotels-to-8-mpd/

Apple Intelligence : 

From 15 September 2025, the UOB PRVI Miles Card will offer 8 miles per dollar (mpd) on Expedia hotel bookings, but reduce the earn rate for flights to 3 mpd. While the earn rate for hotels will increase, the earn rate for airlines will decrease. The new earn rates will apply until 31 March 2026.

Opinion : 

Interesting development.

I might try using Expedia to book next time.

I don't mind the mark-ups by Agoda, Expedia for better platform features.

Travel Updates : New Scoot award chart: Redeem flights from just 1,500 KrisFlyer miles

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/08/13/new-scoot-award-chart-redeem-flights-from-just-1500-krisflyer-miles/

Apple Intelligence : 

Scoot has introduced a new award chart for KrisFlyer members, allowing fixed-price redemptions starting from 1,500 miles each way. The chart offers two award types: Saver and Advantage, with Saver requiring fewer miles but having limited availability. Award tickets are non-refundable, but date changes are permitted with additional fees.

Scoot has introduced a new award chart for KrisFlyer members, allowing them to redeem flights at fixed rates. This new option complements the existing Miles + Cash system, where the number of miles required varies with the airfare. While the award chart offers better value, availability is limited to a subset of seat inventory.

Excited to redeem KrisFlyer miles for Koh Samui flights again, especially for budget travellers who prefer Scoot.

Opinion : 

The killer for me is still the limited selection of available seats.

Need to sit together for practical reasons with a family of 6 people (3 adults, 3 young kids)

Rewards Updates : Terrible Twos: What now for family travel?

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/08/10/terrible-twos-what-now-for-family-travel/

ChatGPT : 

When a child turns two, they must have their own airline seat, ending the cheap 10% infant fare. Child fares are much higher—often 75–80% of adult prices—and full miles are needed for award seats, with few exceptions (Air France-KLM, TAP Portugal). Aaron Wong outlines four travel options:

1. All in Business Class – costly, rarely worth it for toddlers.

2. All in Economy – cheaper, but harder on long-hauls.

3. Split family seating – one parent in Business, others in Economy.

4. Avoid flying – opt for cruises or regional trips instead.

Opinion : 

Didn't know Milelion guy had a kid.

1 kid is easy to manage. 3 kids are when the real challenge is 😜

I've to opt economy for family of 6 travellers (3 adults, 3 kids). 

Just makes sense financially.

It's not so much about the airline experiences anymore, but the memories you create with your loved ones.

Technology Updates : Apple Maps Debuts First Southeast Asia Detailed City Experience In Singapore

Source : 

https://geekculture.co/apple-maps-debuts-first-southeast-asia-detailed-city-experience-in-singapore/

ChatGPT : 

Apple Maps has launched its Detailed City Experience in Singapore, the first country in Southeast Asia to receive the update. The new features include custom 3D landmarks like Gardens by the Bay and Lau Pa Sat, enhanced road markings, clearer navigation aids for drivers and public transport users, and windshield views for complex interchanges. The update also introduces night mode with dynamic lighting. These improvements aim to enhance navigation, safety, and visual clarity for locals and tourists alike.

Opinion : 

It looks nice.

If it could bring colours that match the household blocks, this would guide people to find their destinations.

Wonder if AI could do the colour mapping 🤔

Rewards Updates : PSA: Kris+ ends instant miles earning for Pelago

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/08/01/psa-kris-ends-instant-miles-earning-for-pelago/

ChatGPT : 

As of 1 August 2025, Kris+ no longer credits miles instantly for Pelago bookings. Instead, miles will be credited 1 day after the activity is completed, addressing abuse concerns from instant mile redemption and subsequent cancellations.

Key changes:

- Old system: Instant miles crediting via Kris+

- New system: 1-day post-activity crediting

- Pelago website/app: 7-day crediting remains unchanged

Kris+ vs Website/App:

Feature	Kris+	Pelago Website/App
Miles earn rate	Up to 6 mpd (promo-based)	3 mpd
Crediting time	1 day after activity	7 days after activity
Promo codes	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
HeyMax/ShopBack	❌ Not compatible	✅ Supported

Reminder: Transfer KrisPay miles to KrisFlyer within 21 days or risk them being stuck and devalued. Use the auto-transfer feature to avoid forgetting.

This change removes a popular fast-track method for redeeming KrisFlyer miles, though higher earn rates still make Kris+ a strong option—if used wisely.

Opinion :

Even more planning required for our already busy lives... 😥

Rewards Updates : Discover the Top Air Miles Credit Cards in Singapore for a Luxurious Travel Experience

Source : 

https://lobangsiah.sg/discover-the-top-air-miles-credit-cards-in-singapore-for-a-luxurious-travel-experience/

ChatGPT : 

✈️ Top Air Miles Credit Cards in Singapore (2025)

1. Citi PremierMiles

- ⭐ 1.2 mpd (local), 2 mpd (overseas), no expiry.

- ✅ Lounge access, travel insurance, flexible airline/hotel transfers.

- 🎁 Welcome gifts via SingSaver (e.g. $400 cash or Dyson Airwrap).

2. DBS Altitude

- ⭐ 1.3 mpd (local), 2.2 mpd (overseas), up to 3 mpd for flight/hotel bookings.

- ✅ No expiry, $1M travel insurance, 2 lounge visits/year.

- 🎁 Sign-up perks via SingSaver.

3. OCBC 90°N

- ⭐ 1.3 mpd (local), 2.1 mpd (foreign), bonus with Agoda.

- ✅ No expiry, flexible redemption in 1,000-mile blocks.

- ✅ DragonPass lounge, spa/dining perks.

4. Standard Chartered Journey

- ⭐ 1.2 mpd (local), 2 mpd (overseas), 3 mpd (online transport/food/groceries).

- ✅ Points don’t expire, 2 lounge visits/year, travel insurance.

- 💡 Good for Grab/Deliveroo/RedMart users.

5. Amex KrisFlyer

- ⭐ 1.1 mpd (local), 2 mpd (overseas), 3.1 mpd (Singapore Airlines/Scoot).

- ✅ Miles go directly to KrisFlyer with no manual conversion.

6. UOB PRVI Miles

- ⭐ 1.4 mpd (local), 2.4 mpd (overseas), 6 mpd (online flight/hotel bookings).

- ✅ Uncapped miles, travel insurance, valid for 2 years.

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🧠 What to Consider in a Miles Card:

- ✅ High earn rates (at least 1.2 mpd local).

- ✅ No expiry or long validity on miles.

- ✅ Bonus categories: travel, online, dining.

- ⚠️ Watch out for earn caps and foreign currency fees.

- 🎁 Use welcome bonuses to jumpstart your miles.

- ✈️ Look for perks: lounge access, insurance, easy redemptions.

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💡 Tip:

Use rewards cards as pseudo-miles cards by maximizing high-mpd categories and converting points to miles. Always pay full balances to avoid negating rewards.