Most people only think about upgrades when it’s too late and no, flashing a smile at check in just won’t cut it, especially when we’re talking about a business class experience featuring Dom Perignon and “Book the Cook” dining. Oh, and you get a bed too. Without breaking the savings or mileage bank, you’ll be happy to know there’s now a really easy way to turn a reasonably priced ticket into an upgrade to business class, one of the best in the world in fact…
The Basics…
The biggest complaint about Singapore Airlines business class is that it’s TOO spacious. Seriously. The problem for most of us is that business class is really expensive and that makes experiencing all that spaciousness a tough battle. Fortunately, Singapore just announced new changes, allowing passengers to upgrade using miles from paid premium economy to business class. Believe it or not, premium economy is very very reasonably priced, sometimes lower than other airlines charge for economy. You care because you can now pay borderline economy prices and a very reasonable amount of miles to experience a total luxury flight in business.
Ok, Let’s Talk Numbers…
On many desirable routes where Singapore operates it’s A380, offering the most spacious business class, you can find premium economy fares going for roughly $1099 (£755) round trip. Between New York and Frankfurt (and vice versa) you’ll only need 17,850 miles to upgrade one way, and space is excellent, available on almost every flight. Going to Asia, you’ll find higher upgrade rates, but still quite good deals going for 35,700 miles each way. The delight here is that there is no cash co pay, so to fly business class round trip between the US and Europe, you could do so for just $1099 and 35,700 miles. For Asia just $1200 and 70,000 miles round trip.
Great, But I Don’t Have Singapore Miles…
No problem. Of all the airline miles in the world, Singapore miles are among the easiest to create instantly out of thin air. You can transfer Amex, Chase, Citi and Starwood points into Singapore Airlines miles instantly, allowing you to upgrade with the click of a button. Ok, maybe a few clicks, but still…
This Is Brilliant, How Do I Find Upgrade Space And BOOK?
Ok so most importantly, before you book your premium economy tickets, confirm upgrade space by calling using numbers found here or by searching online by logging in to Singapore’s website and searching “using miles”. If there’s space at the “saver” or “standard” level for a seat using all miles, it’s available as an upgrade (which is what you want). Singapore is very good at releasing upgrade space and that’s partly because they have “back up” space requiring just a few miles in the event that the “saver” level isn’t available. Once you confirm that there’s space, book your tickets and then upgrade online to save 15% on the amount of miles you need per person! Enjoy the lobster (and the Dom Perignon).
HT: ViewFromTheWing
