Can I Use Velocity Points to Upgrade on Singapore Airlines, is a question I get asked a lot. Fortunately, for Velocity Frequent Flyer members, the prospect of upgrading on Singapore Airlines is not just a possibility – it’s a reality.
I will tell you about the process of using Velocity Points to upgrade on Singapore Airlines and shed light on the benefits and reasons behind such a decision.
Getting Started
In order to use your velocity points to upgrade on Singapore Airlines, you need to transfer your Velocity Points to KrisFlyer. A minimum of 5,000 Velocity Points is required.
Transferring points between Virgin and Singapore is simple and is a unique relationship these two carriers have.
You cannot go onto the Singapore Airlines website and upgrade with Velocity Points. You need to transfer them to Kris Flyer Miles first. But it’s very easy.
Reasons to Transfer Points to Singapore Airlines from Velocity:
Individuals may choose to transfer points for various reasons, such as unavailability on Velocity for a Singapore Airlines flight or the desire to top up their KrisFlyer account for a reward ticket. Singapore airlines generally gives off more availability to their own members and more access to their Business and First Class Seats. There is also a waiting list you can put yourself on with Singapore Airlines.
Another reason to transfer points is to get access to Star Alliance Award Seats. Singapore is part of the Star Alliance which has 26 member airlines. I recently redeemed a ticket on Thai Airways and flew business class on the their A350 900. I did this for 80,000 KrisFlyer Miles.
Here’s another example: Being able to transfer Amex Points to Turkish Airlines directly from Australia is not currently possible. Transferring to Krisflyer and booking a flight on Turkish Airlines is the workaround.
Try and ensure you get bang for your bank when dealing with points. You can use my mile redemption calculator to figure out what good value is.
Transferring your points
If you are like me you have learnt to travel for free using points.
I will assume that you already have an active Velocity account with accumulated points.
Additionally, make sure to have an account with Kris Flyer, Singapore Airlines’ frequent flyer program. This can be easily set up, and it’s free.
Before you transfer your points ensure you have up to date information on the terms and conditions on your ticket. You don’t want to be moving over points only to find out you can’t upgrade or there is no availability.
Only Standard and Flexi Tickets are eligible for an upgrade on SQ. (See Below the Fare Class)
You cannot reverse the transfer – on the contrary you would have to undergo that same conversion to transfer them back to Velocity.
Another note to consider is that KrisFlyer points expire after 3 years.
How to transfer velocity points to Krisflyer
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to transfer Velocity Points to KrisFlyer so you can use the velocity points for an upgrade on Singapore Airlines:
1. Login to Velocity Site:
Head to the Velocity website and log in to your account.
2. Click Link and Transfer:
Navigate to the “Link and Transfer” section.
3. Click Airline Points Transfer:
Select “Airline Points Transfer” to initiate the process.
4. Connect to a Partner:
A message will prompt you if you haven’t connected to a partner. Click “Link Account.”
5. Enter KrisFlyer Membership Number:
Input your KrisFlyer Membership Number and complete the account linking process.
6. Transfer Points:
Once linked, you can transfer points at a rate of 1.55 Velocity Points for 1 KrisFlyer point. They generally get transferred almost immediately.
Now that you have transferred your points into your KrisFlyer Frequent Flyer Program you are set to either buy a reward ticket or upgrade your existing ticket based on the terms and conditions set out by Singapore Airlines.
This is how you can use velocity points to upgrade on Singapore Airlines.
Here’s an example of what you need and how to Use Velocity Points to Upgrade on Singapore Airlines:
Melbourne to Singapore (One Way)
Upgrade from Economy to Business Class
If your ticket is Economy Flexi (Y, B, E) and you are redeeming a Saver you would need 48,500 Kris Flyer Miles and for an advantage you would need 70,000 Kris Flyer Miles
If your ticket is Economy Standard (M, W, H) and you are redeeming a Saver you would need 58,500 Kris Flyer Miles and for an advantage you would need 85,000 Kris Flyer Miles
Is it worth it to upgrade?
In general terms no it’s not worth it to upgrade in this example. As you will see below the Business Saver Award Ticket is 68,500 miles. So, when deciding to use Velocity Points to upgrade on Singapore Airlines look at that difference. It’s probably worth more to redeem a full ticket rather than to upgrade.
Redeeming tickets on Singapore Airlines with KrisFlyer Miles
Much more bang for your buck than upgrading.
If you are redeeming a full ticket here’s how many miles you would need:
Melbourne to Singapore (One Way)
Economy Saver Award Ticket: 30,500 Kris Flyer Miles
Economy Advantage Award Ticket: 55,000 Kris Flyer Miles
Business Saver Award Ticket: 68,500 Kris Flyer Miles
Business Advantage Award Ticket: 90,000 Kris Flyer Miles
Suites / First Saver Award Ticket: 93,500 Kris Flyer Miles
Suites / First Advantage Award Ticket: 155,000 Kris Flyer Miles
Check the aircraft you are flying as some do not have the configuration you may expect. For example the Suites in Singapore Airlines are not available on all aircrafts and there is no first class on the Singapore Airlines A350-900 at all.
So how do you actually perform the Upgrade?
Simple. Follow these steps.
1. Go to your KrisFlyer Account
2. Choose your flight and hit “Manage Booking”
3. Select “Upgrade Flights”
4. Select “Redeem with Miles”
5. Check off the Flight you would like to Upgrade
6. Complete Your Upgrade (the number of miles to be paid will be shown)
Singapore Airlines: A World-Class Carrier:
Singapore Airlines has earned its reputation as a world-class carrier, consistently securing top positions in prestigious industry awards. In the latest Skytrax Awards, Singapore Airlines was voted the world number one, a testament to its commitment to excellence in service, comfort, and innovation.
Singapore Airlines Book the Cook
Book the cook is a service offered by Singapore Airlines. It allows passengers traveling in premium cabins (such as Business Class or First Class) to pre-order a specific meal from an extensive menu before their flight.
Passengers can choose from a selection of gourmet dishes like lobster thermidor, designed by renowned chefs, and the chosen meal is then prepared and served on board. This service enhances the dining experience for passengers by providing them with more options and the opportunity to enjoy a customized meal.
Additional Considerations:
While using virgin Points to upgrade on Singapore Airlines is a fantastic option, travellers should also be aware of other relevant factors. Keep an eye on promotions or special offers that might enhance the value of your points. Sometimes there are offers that boost your transfer rates. Additionally, staying informed about changes in redemption rates and any updates to the partnership between Velocity and Singapore Airlines is crucial for making the most of your rewards.
More importantly if you are just sick of searching the velocity site for rewards tickets and you want to move your points over for this reason, hold up! Click here and try this method of finding velocity reward seats and if this also fails, consider moving your points over to Kris Flyer as another option. Velocity make it very difficult to find reward seats.
Conclusion:
By “indirectly” using Velocity Points on Singapore Airlines you open up a world of luxury and comfort for your travels. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can seamlessly transfer points and enjoy the unparalleled experience offered by Singapore Airlines, a carrier celebrated for its exceptional service and outstanding in-flight amenities. Happy travels and don’t forget your packing list!
You’re welcome 😊.
