Suggestions for your first miles redemption

“I have X amount of miles after using one credit card over the years. Where can I go? Have I been using the right card?”.

Those are probably the most common questions that I get almost every day. If you are new to the Miles Game, click here for easy guides to get started.

If you are reading this, you should already know that you cannot earn miles fast and efficiently by using only one credit card. In today’s article, I’ll offer some suggestions on your first miles redemption. These redemptions are beginner-friendly and easily bookable on singaporeair.com.

Economy Class

If you do not have enough miles to fly your family of 4 in Business Class, it is totally fine to take them on vacation in high value routes on Economy Class. However, I personally feel that there are no high value routes in Economy departing Singapore. For this reason, you will need to wait for a monthly Spontaneous Escapes deal to redeem your miles for travel on the following month.

1) Singapore – Bali: 5,250 Krisflyer miles + $49.80 one way (SE)

This Spontaneous Escapes deal is the cheapest way to redeem your miles while still getting excellent value out of it. This redemption usually require 7,500 miles.

2) Singapore – Istanbul: 17,500 Krisflyer miles + $49.80 one way (SE)

This Spontaneous Escapes deal is a great way to get into Europe when flights are expensive. This redemption usually require 25,000 miles.

Business Class

I should start off by saying that I do not recommend redeeming your miles for Business Class flights to Bali. 19,000 miles + $49.80 one way for a 2.5 hours flight is not good value and it is way too short to truly enjoy your first Business Class experience. I see a lot of people doing this to “get rid” of their expiring miles after spending on their card for 3-4 years. Like I often say, there is nothing wrong with the above redemption if you just want to splurge. But that’s not why you are here. Let’s look at how to get maximum value out of your precious miles.

1) Singapore – Istanbul: 49,000 Krisflyer miles + $49.80 one way

I have mentioned in the past about the excellent value of this redemption with over 11 hours of flying time. Istanbul is like the front door of Europe for 47% lesser miles. Yes, flying directly into Europe (just 1-2 hours further) will cost you 92,000 miles, almost twice as much! This route regularly appear as a Spontaneous Escape, requiring only 34,300 miles. That is incredible value to experience Singapore Airlines 2013 Business Class seat.

2) Singapore – Johannesburg: 49,000 Krisflyer miles + $49.80 one way

This redemption is similar to the one above except that it has 1 hour less of flying time. Still an excellent value especially if you can get it down to 34,300 miles as a Spontaneous Escape.

First Class

If you are going to splurge, do it right.

1) Singapore – Hong Kong: 40,500 Krisflyer miles + $49.80 one way

This is the cheapest way to experience Singapore Airlines First Class lounge, The Private Room and fly in one of the best First Class suites in the world, albeit for only 4 hours of flying time.

Uhm, how do I return to Singapore if the flights are one-way?

I get this question way more than I should! You can redeem more miles for the return journey or purchase a one-way flight home. Singapore Airlines Krisflyer do not require you to book round trip flights. This means that you can fly in a premium cabin on the outbound flight and Economy inbound.

Get 15,000 Krisflyer miles easily

1. Sign up for American Express Krisflyer card and receive 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in 3 months. Apply for supplementary cards for two family members for an extra 1,500 miles each. Existing customers qualify too!

2. Use RocketMiles or Kaligo to book your hotel stays. You’ll get an easy 1,000 miles each by using my referral links above.