Deal: Singapore Airlines economy flights from US to Tokyo for just 26,950 miles, or premium economy for 51,100 miles
While Singapore Airlines has a reputation for offering an exceptional product, booking long-haul, premium-cabin awards with the airline isn't easy. You can sometimes find award availability using Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan or Air Canada Aeroplan, but you'll usually find more availability through Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
KrisFlyer generally charges more miles than other loyalty programs, even on dates with Saver award availability. However, the program offers discounts on select award flights each month through its KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes promotion.
Currently, you can book select promo award flights with a 30% discount if you reserve by Nov. 30 and travel between Dec. 1 and Dec. 31. This month, you'll find discounts on Saver award tickets to select destinations in the Singapore Airlines network.
Here's how you can maximize this iteration of Singapore KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes.
Deal basics
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Routes: From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT) and from Tokyo to Los Angeles
Cost: Starts at 26,950 miles in economy and 51,100 miles in premium economy
Travel dates: Between Dec. 1 and Dec. 31 (with some blackout dates)
Book by: Nov. 30
Related: Is Singapore Airlines premium economy worth it on the Airbus A350?
Sample KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes itineraries
Singapore KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes offers discounted award flights on select routes Singapore Airlines operates. However, only select flight numbers are discounted each month.
Here's a look at the Spontaneous Escapes pricing this month on U.S. routes:
| Origin | Destination | Discounted award rate | Blackout dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Toyko |
| Economy: Dec. 5, Dec. 13-31
Premium economy: Dec. 12-26
|
| Toyko | Los Angeles |
| Economy: Dec. 1-5, Dec. 7-10, Dec. 14, Dec. 23-31
Premium economy: Dec. 1-6, Dec. 27-31 |
Remember, you must still find award availability on the KrisFlyer website. Promo awards may not be available on select dates — even ones not listed as blackout dates. When you search, you'll see the discounted awards listed as "promo" if available.
Additionally, all the flights on your itinerary must qualify for the promotion to access the discounted pricing. So, if there's a promo reward available for just one direction of your flight, it might be best to book two one-way flights.
Be aware that flights departing Europe are subject to higher taxes and fees than flights leaving the U.S. Plan to spend about 125 euros (about $136) per person in one-way taxes and fees on westbound transatlantic flights.
Check the Spontaneous Escapes homepage for more details.
Earning miles to book this award
It's easy to earn Singapore KrisFlyer miles. The program is a 1:1 transfer partner with American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards. KrisFlyer is also a 3:1 transfer partner with Marriott Bonvoy, with 5,000 bonus miles offered for every 60,000 points you transfer.
Note that it may take up to 24 hours for the transferred rewards to hit your KrisFlyer account. If they don't immediately appear, consider calling KrisFlyer to hold award seats until the miles post. Doing so will lock in your award seats, so you won't have to worry about the availability disappearing. KrisFlyer generally charges a service fee of $25 or 2,500 miles to hold award seats.
Related: How to book Singapore Airlines first-class Suites with points and miles
How to pay taxes and fees
Use The Platinum Card® from American Express to earn 5 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 spent per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar); the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for 3 points per dollar spent on travel (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchase annually); the American Express® Gold Card for 3 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly with the airline or on amextravel.com; or the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for 2 points per dollar spent on travel.
Bottom line
Singapore Airlines is offering economy flights between Los Angeles and Tokyo starting at just 26,950 miles in economy and as low as 51,100 miles in premium economy.
These flights can be a great use of transferable credit card points.