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Singapore Airlines Devalues Loyalty Programme
Singapore Airlines has announced a series of changes to KrisFlyer (branded as “enhancements”) that will roll out over the coming months. Singapore Airlines is popular among readers for its Airbus A380 Suites, and it is an airline we regularly keep an eye on.
As a reminder, status with KrisFlyer also gives you corresponding Star Alliance Tiers; KrisFlyer Elite Silver = Star Alliance Silver and KrisFlyer Elite Gold = Star Alliance Gold.
New Redemption and Upgrade Rates
From 1st November 2025, award charts will be updated across Singapore Airlines, Star Alliance and partner airlines.
Saver Awards
- A 5% reduction in Economy Saver award redemption rates in Asia and South West Pacific (Zones 1-9) – the only good news to come out of this!
- A 5% increase in Business and Suites/First Saver award redemptions in zones 1-9.
- Saver award rates will rise by 5% across all cabins on flights to and from Europe and the United States (Zones 11–13).
- For flights to/from Africa, the Middle East and Turkey (Zone 10), rates will rise by 10–20%.
Figures are in thousands across all these charts.
Advantage Rewards
Advantage awards will generally increase by 10–15%, except in Zone 10, where:
- Economy Advantage = +5%
- Business Advantage = +18%
- Suites/First Advantage = +15%
Here’s an example of an upgrade award chart from Business Standard/Flexi to First/Suites:
A New Star Alliance Award Chart
Suitesmile has done some great analysis on how much redemptions will cost from 1st November vs now. View here.
The reality of this devaluation is clear. Premium cabin redemptions (and most Economy) are getting more expensive. Bookings ticketed by 31st October 2025 will continue to be priced at the current, lower redemption levels. Tickets can be booked up to 355 days in advance, so you have a window of opportunity now before the changes take effect.
New Access Redemption
One of the biggest frustrations with KrisFlyer has always been finding award space, particularly on popular routes such as London–Singapore or Sydney–Singapore. Seats are technically released on every flight, but they’re often taken months in advance.
From 1st November 2025, the new Access Redemption option will allow you to book any available seat, not just those released as award inventory.
However, pricing will be dynamic, and the number of miles needed will change depending on demand and seasonality. This will mean these seats are often higher than saver awards. However, since these are in addition to existing award availability, you’ll have a fallback option if award availability is sold out.
More Ways to Earn Miles
At present, you’ll only earn Elite miles (the qualifying currency for status) from flights on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Star Alliance carriers and selected partners.
From 1st September, spending with the Singapore Airlines Group on things other than flights will count towards Elite tier status.
You will earn 1 Mile per 1 Singapore Dollar spent with Kris Shop or Pelago. PPS Club members will also be able to earn this way, but with different rates. This is an excellent addition if you’re just short of what’s needed for qualification or renewal.
This is capped at:
| Membership Tier | For Renewal of Tier | For Upgrade to Tier |
|---|---|---|
| KrisFlyer Elite Silver | 5,000 Elite miles | 5,000 Elite miles |
| KrisFlyer Elite Gold | 10,000 Elite miles | 10,000 Elite miles |
Singapore Airlines has not raised award fares since 2022, so we knew this would be coming sooner or later. This devaluation is bad news, but with inflation, the increases are not massive compared to the increases we’ve seen with many other airlines.
View more info + the award charts in bigger print here >>>
Virgin Holidays Flash Sale
Virgin Holidays has just launched a short offer of up to £300 extra off the Virgin Atlantic Holidays September Sale until Tuesday for trips departing until 30th June.
The amount you get off depends on how much you spend:
- £1,000-£2,499 – £50 off
- £2,500-£3,999 – £100 off
- £4,000-£5,499 – £150 off
- £5,500-£9,999 – £200 off
- £10,000+ – £300 off
To get the discount, input the code VAHSALE. Bookings must include flight + accommodation or flight + car.
Plenty of other offers and discounts are running alongside this one. If you were planning to book with Virgin Holidays soon, book before Tuesday for the best value.
Search Virgin Atlantic Holidays Here >>>
W Hotels’ First-Ever Adults-Only All-Inclusive
W Hotels has entered the Caribbean all-inclusive market with the launch of W Punta Cana, its first adults-only and all-inclusive resort, following a soft opening earlier this year.
Located on Punta Cana’s shoreline, the 340-room resort features W’s high-energy design and social atmosphere with the added benefit of being all-inclusive. Design incorporates Dominican heritage with larimar-inspired décor and a nod to the island’s colonial past and native plants. A low-density layout helps it stand apart from the often-crowded mega-resorts on the island.
Brian King, President of Marriott International, Caribbean and Latin America, said:
“W Hotels has been breaking the mold since 1998 – and we’re just getting started. Now, we’re dialing up the bold and bringing our iconic edge to the Dominican Republic with the debut of W Punta Cana.
“Tucked between lush jungle and the electric blues of the Caribbean Sea, W Punta Cana is everything W Hotels is known for – daring design, unexpected moments, and a totally new spin on all-inclusive luxury.”
All suites start from a generous 700 square feet and come with king beds, a bathtub, large TVs, floor-to-ceiling windows, in-room mini bars (including savoury and sweet snacks) and 24-hour dining. Nearly 50 of the suites feature private or swim-up pools (not a common feature of Punta Cana accommodation).
The resort also features an 80-metre infinity pool, a Chill Pool, and the signature WET Deck (the social hub).
Food and drink are a big part of the appeal. There are 13 restaurants, bars and lounges to choose from, ranging from an interactive street-food-inspired food hall to a Caribbean fine-dining concept. Highlights include Taproom, a modern beer hall, and the Taman Beach Club.
The W Punta Cana also features the AWAY Spa with 10 treatment rooms, a Himalayan salt room, and an indoor pool, alongside yoga and outdoor rituals inspired by local healing traditions. There is also a 24-hour FIT gym and a range of sunrise sessions by the sea.
W’s Whatever/Whenever team can arrange everything from private island tours and national park visits to yacht charters for diving and snorkelling.
The W Punta Cana marks Marriott’s eighth Dominican all-inclusive, with more Luxury Collection resorts already open and further W all-inclusive properties set for Mexico in 2028 and 2029.
Booking with Points Vs Cash
The cheapest room type is priced at £506-£659 in January, with rooms starting at £385 in November and £405 in December.
Points bookings average around 209,000 points:
If you’re planning to book a Marriott, check Marriott’s current 30-50% buy points offer before 17th September to see if purchasing points would lower the price compared to the cash rate. We covered this in our article here. Generally, the offer only works out better value with the 40% or 50% offer. However, most of the time, cash rates are a better value…
