While most frequent fliers would be familiar with frequent flyer programmes like Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer, not all are familiar with HighFlyer, Singapore Airlines’ business travel programme.
Both KrisFlyer and HighFlyer reward travellers for their flights on Singapore Airlines (SIA). However, there are some significant and subtle differences between them. With the right understanding of both programmes, you (and your business) can gain the best of these rewards.
Read Also: Guide To HighFlyer – Singapore Airlines’ Business Travel Programme
KrisFlyer Is For Individuals And HighFlyer Is For Businesses
The key difference between KrisFlyer and HighFlyer is their intended target audience. KrisFlyer is targeted at individuals and available to anyone who applies for it. However, HighFlyer is targeted at businesses, and you must have a valid business registration to apply for it.
Consequently, the rewards and benefits of both programmes are geared differently even though the travellers who can maximise their benefits are likely to be the same: frequent fliers.
Mile redemption for KrisFlyer may be made for award flights on SIA’s website. This can be searched directly on SIA’s website and mobile app.
However, point redemption for HighFlyer may only be made on corporate flights on SIA’s online corporate booking platform or directly through Scoot’s HighFlyer portal.
The Value Of The Reward Is Different For KrisFlyer And HighFlyer
KrisFlyer rewards KrisFlyer miles for flights travelled (on top of other ways to earn miles) while HighFlyer rewards HighFlyer points for business flights travelled.
While the value of a KrisFlyer mile is subjective (as it depends on how you had earned the miles and what you redeem them for), the value of a HighFlyer point is pre-determined
HighFlyer points can be redeemed at 1,050 HighFlyer points for S$10 offset on eligible Singapore Airlines expenses. This works out to be 0.95 cents per point.
In contrast, KrisFlyer miles can be redeemed at a value of 2 to 8 cents per mile for award flights, according to MileLion’s calculations. The value of also differs for other types of redemptions.
HighFlyer Points Can Be Used To Pay Airport Tax And Surcharges
Both KrisFlyer miles and HighFlyer points can be used to redeem flights. However, KrisFlyer miles are limited to redemptions on reward flights, they cannot be used to pay for airport taxes and other charges.
HighFlyer points may be used to pay for ticket fares, airport taxes and government surcharges. It is possible to fully pay for the entire value of the ticket with HighFlyer points (and not use any cash).
Points may be used to pay for additional baggage, seat selection and cabin class upgrades or to redeem airline e-vouchers to fly on selected partner airlines (i.e. Scoot and Lufthansa).
Miles may also be used to upgrade flights, purchases on KrisShop, and converted to other loyalty programmes like Shangri-La’s Golden Circle and Virgin Australia’s Velocity.
More Avenues To Earn And Redeem Rewards With KrisFlyer
HighFlyer’s earning and redemption system is relatively straightforward. You may earn points by travelling on eligible corporate flights and redeem them for corporate flight ticket prices, airport taxes and government surcharges, additional baggage, seat selection and cabin class upgrades, airline e-vouchers to fly on selected partner airlines (i.e. Scoot and Lufthansa), or redeem Changi Airport lounge passes. You can also boost your HighFlyer points earnings by using the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card.
KrisFlyer has a myriad of ways to earn and redeem rewards. In fact, there are entire guides on how to hack KrisFlyer miles to optimise the maximum benefits. Miles may be earned by travelling on revenue flights (aka non-award flights), via generalised spending on associated credit cards, converted from other loyalty points or purchased. There are also more credit cards that can help you earn and convert miles into KrisFlyer. Miles can also be redeemed for purposes other than flights (though flights remain the most valuable way of redeeming miles.
Read Also: Guide To American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card
You Can Earn Both KrisFlyer And HighFlyer Rewards For The Same Flight
The best part of KrisFlyer and HighFlyer is that they are not mutually exclusive. You can earn both miles and points for the same flight, as long as they are eligible revenue corporate flights.
Additionally, the HighFlyer points earned can also be converted to KrisFlyer miles at a rate of 1 HighFlyer point to 1 KrisFlyer mile. This means that it is possible to maximise your HighFlyer points for KrisFlyer miles if intended.
For freelancers with valid business registration and small business owners, this can be a great way to optimise both your business and personal rewards.
Read Also: How To Choose The Right Legal Entity To Start A Business In Singapore
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