Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is the program serious points collectors gravitate toward. The Saver award chart is region-pair based and fixed, Singapore Airlines runs one of the best premium products in the sky, and KrisFlyer is a transfer partner of nearly every flexible bank currency — making it one of the easiest premium currencies to build from Australia.

How to earn KrisFlyer miles

KrisFlyer miles are a transfer destination for a wide range of Australian and global bank rewards programs, which is the main way locals accumulate them. You also earn flying Singapore Airlines and Star Alliance carriers, and through KrisFlyer's own shopping and dining partners.

How to use KrisFlyer miles

Saver awards use the fixed region-pair chart and are where the value lives; Advantage awards open more seats but cost materially more miles. Singapore reserves some of its best Suites and First Class award space for its own members, so KrisFlyer is often the only way to book those cabins on points at all.

Sweet spots

• Singapore Airlines Business, First and Suites Saver awards — frequently the only route to these cabins on points, and strong value off the fixed chart.
• Star Alliance partner awards across the network, bookable with KrisFlyer miles.
• Adding a stopover in Singapore on a round-trip award to effectively get two destinations.
• Premium economy Saver redemptions, which offer a comfortable step up for a modest mileage premium.

What to watch

• Miles expire three years after they're earned — a hard expiry that can't be reset by activity, unlike most Australian programs.
• Saver business and first space on the most popular routes (and dates) can be genuinely scarce.
• Fuel and carrier surcharges apply on some partner redemptions.
• Advantage award pricing is much higher than Saver — don't mistake one for the other when you see availability.

Alliance & partners

The largest alliance — reachable from Australia via Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand, plus United, Air Canada, ANA, Lufthansa and Turkish.

Frequently asked

Why do so many points guides recommend KrisFlyer?

Because it's a transfer partner of almost every flexible bank currency, the Saver chart is fixed and reasonable, and Singapore Airlines releases its premium Suites and First Class award seats primarily to its own members. That combination makes KrisFlyer both easy to earn and uniquely valuable to spend.

What's the catch with KrisFlyer miles expiring?

KrisFlyer miles expire three years after the month they were earned, regardless of account activity. Plan to earn and redeem within that window rather than stockpiling indefinitely.

Saver vs Advantage awards — which should I book?

Saver, almost always. Saver awards use the fixed chart and represent the program's real value. Advantage awards unlock more availability but at a significantly higher mileage cost.