Big changes are coming to Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program! Get ready for new ways to redeem miles and earn status, but brace yourselves for some increases in award flight costs. Will these updates change how you plan your next trip?
Singapore Airlines is set to implement significant adjustments to its popular KrisFlyer award chart, requiring frequent flyers to re-evaluate their strategies for redeeming miles for flights and other travel benefits.
Commencing November 1, 2025, the national carrier will revise its KrisFlyer award charts, notably increasing the mileage requirements for select flights across Singapore Airlines, Star Alliance, and various partner airlines. These changes will impact both Saver and Advantage award categories, affecting a broad spectrum of business and leisure travellers.
The upcoming adjustments will see varying increases in mile requirements across different regions, with certain popular destinations, particularly in Europe and the U.S., experiencing a 5% rise for Saver awards. Furthermore, Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey are slated for a more substantial 10-20% increase, influencing the cost-effectiveness of travel to these areas.
To counter some of the increased costs and offer enhanced flexibility, Singapore Airlines is introducing a new redemption feature known as ‘Access redemption’. This innovative option allows KrisFlyer members to secure seats on preferred flights even when standard award seats are fully booked, offering an additional layer of availability for those with urgent or last-minute travel needs.
While the ‘Access redemption’ promises greater convenience, particularly for those seeking flexibility in their travel plans, the specific pricing structure and mileage requirements for these seats have yet to be fully disclosed. Travelers should anticipate that these premium availability options may demand a higher mileage outlay compared to conventional redemptions.
Beyond flight redemptions, the KrisFlyer program is also expanding avenues for members to earn status credits, which contribute towards tier upgrades and enhanced benefits. From September 1, 2025, members can accrue status credits through non-flight spending via the Kris+ app, KrisShop, and Pelago, encouraging loyalty across a wider range of lifestyle purchases within the KrisFlyer ecosystem.
Given these substantial KrisFlyer program changes, both business and leisure travellers are advised to plan strategically. Booking flights before November 2025 could leverage current rates, while exploring the new ‘Access redemption’ and utilizing non-flight spending opportunities through Kris+ and KrisShop will be crucial for optimizing mileage accrual and maximizing program benefits.
The overall impact of these adjustments means that both regular and infrequent flyers will need to adapt their travel planning. While increased mile requirements might necessitate more careful budgeting or earlier bookings, the new flexibility and earning opportunities present an evolved landscape for maximizing the value of Singapore Airlines’ prestigious mileage program.
