A Quick Guide to Obtaining Elite Status on KrisFlyer/PPS Club (Singapore Airlines)
Singapore Airlines is one of the nation's pride and joy. Known for her superior service standards and impeccable in-flight experience, Singapore Airlines is also home to one of the most rewarding airline loyalty programs, KrisFlyer and PPS Club. Before we go any further, it is important to take note that Singapore Airlines run these two programs concurrently and separately - KrisFlyer and PPS are different programs and therefore, have different qualifying requirements.
Premium Economy | Photo Credit: Singapore Airlines
What is the Difference between KrisFlyer and PPS Club Qualification?
Qualification on KrisFlyer is done based on elite-qualifying miles travelled while PPS Club qualification takes only spend amount on premium classes (Business Class and higher) into account.
What are the Differences in Benefits?
Think about PPS Club as an upgraded KrisFlyer Elite Gold status (and Solitaire PPS Club as an upgraded PPS Club) - you get the same benefits but a range of other PPS-specific perks as well (refer to table below for a full summary of benefits).
How are Elite Miles different from KrisFlyer Miles?
You may earn KrisFlyer Miles by spending on your credit card (and converting the equivalent points) but you will never be able to earn Elite Miles by simply spending. The only way to earn Elite Miles is to get on a plane - think about the same way as your elite-qualifying points on your favourite hotel loyalty program. To put this into an example, imagine flying from Singapore Changi Airport to the Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport on Economy (Y) Class. Since the distance is approximately 3,908 miles (actual distance), you will earn approximately 3,908 Elite Miles and 3,908 KrisFlyer Miles. Elite Miles are used to attain and retain status only - they can never be utilised to redeem for actual flights.
Earning Miles on Singapore Airlines and SilkAir | Photo Credit: Singapore Airlines
How do I earn Elite and KrisFlyer Miles on Flights?
A common misconception is that a traveller will always earn the number of miles he or she has travelled - unfortunately (or fortunately for some), this is not true!
Depending on the relevant booking class fare, you will earn a certain percentage of the actual distance travelled. For example, taking our previous example of Singapore Changi Airport to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport into consideration, flying in Economy Class on B, E, H, L, M, W and Y class will indeed earn you approximately 3,908 Elite (and KrisFlyer) Miles. However, if you have gotten a heavily discounted ticket (Fare Class K or V), you will only earn 10% of this amount - approximately 390 Elite (and KrisFlyer) Miles. Therefore, if you are keen on obtaining or retaining status, it is extremely important for you to check the fare class prior to booking!
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