Being part of a good frequent flyer program is the key to a comfortable trip. By earning miles and moving up in tier, you can enjoy access to VIP lounges and business class seats without spending a penny more.
Now that travel is opening up again, choosing the best program is even more important. As airfare prices soar as airlines try to recoup their losses during the pandemic, it's even more important to maximize your travel spend to get the most bang for your buck.
But what is the best program out there? Which airline offers you the best deal with the most tier-by-tier benefits?
The best airline rewards plans available
Krisflyer: Best for Singapore Global
If you've flown with Singapore Airlines before, you're probably familiar with the Krisflyer rewards program.
Once you sign up, you'll have instant access to exclusive member offers and promotions and become an instant member of Star Alliance. This allows you to fly with other Star Alliance members and earn Krisflyer miles. Some Star Alliance airlines are Air New Zealand, Air India, Asiana Airlines, Thai Airways and United Airlines. Singapore Airlines also partners with Scoot, which is a great option for cheap short-haul flights if you're on a budget.
Singapore Airlines also has one of the most extensive lines in the world and could well become your one stop shop for all your travel needs. When you include SQ's Star Alliance members, this rewards program allows you to fly to over 1,200 destinations in 192 countries.
Plus, when you become a Krisflyer member, you can earn miles by shopping with over 3,300 of our non-airline partners, so your wants and needs can translate into more miles, even when you're not flying. You can earn up to 6% miles (approx. 9 miles) for every dollar you spend with your Singapore partners. These miles can be used to offset your everyday spending on dining, shopping, attractions, wellness, and more.
| membership level | application | Benefits | Star Alliance status |
|---|---|---|---|
| KrisFlyer | none |
| none |
| KrisFlyer Elite Plata | 25,000 miles |
| Star Alliance-Silber |
| KrisFlyer Elite Gold | 50,000 miles |
| Star Alliance-Oro |
The benefits of each level include those of the previous level.
| Star Alliance status | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Star Alliance-Silber |
|
| Star Alliance-Oro |
|
The benefits of each level include those of the previous level.
SkyTeam – Best in price and quality
SkyTeam is another big airline alliance with some big names like KLM, Delta Airlines, and Korean Air. When it comes to alliances, they are one of the newer boys, but with 20 partner airlines covering 1,088 destinations and 184 countries, they certainly pack a punch.
Earning miles with SkyTeam is similar to any other major alliance. Join one of our partner airline frequent flyer programs to earn or redeem miles on any flight through a SkyTeam alliance partner.
| SkyTeam alliance status | Benefits |
|---|---|
| SkyTeam Elite |
|
| Sky Team Elite Plus |
|
The benefits of each level include those of the previous level.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club: ideal for business class travel and luxury hotel stays
Most of you are familiar with Qatar Airways. The airline recently won Skytrax's World's Best Airline 2022 award for the sixth consecutive year, an achievement yet to be achieved by other airlines. If you want one of the best experiences the airline industry has to offer, put this rewards program at the top of your list.
Their frequent flyer program, Privilege Club, allows you to earn miles, or Avios as they're called, which can be spent on flight upgrades, hotels, and tax-free shopping.
Like most airlines, Qatar Airways is part of an airline alliance called Oneworld. With the addition of renowned airlines such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas, the Oneworld alliance connects customers to 900 destinations in 170 territories. With the Oneworld alliance, you can also unlock over 1,000 lounges and priority lanes, making your entire travel experience even more convenient.
If you like to travel in style and don't mind spending a little extra for a truly luxurious experience, Qatar Airways has partnered with hotel exchanges like Hilton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels and the well-known Waldorf Astoria Hotels, where customers can collect and spend Avios. .
| membership level | application | Benefits | Oneworld Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burgundy | none |
| none |
| plata | 150 Q points |
| scrub |
| Oro | 300 Q points |
| Sapphire |
| platinum | 600 Q-points |
| Esmeralda |
The benefits of each level include those of the previous level.
| Oneworld membership status | Benefits |
|---|---|
| scrub |
|
| Sapphire |
|
| Esmeralda |
|
The benefits of each level include those of the previous level.
Emirates Skywards: the best for European getaways
Last but not least on this list of the best rewards programs is Emirates with its Skywards membership. Emirates is considered the largest airline in the world, if not one of the best. With more than 3,600 weekly flights to 81 different countries on six continents around the world, there are no limits with Emirates.
Their rewards program is also one of the best out there. For one thing, points aren't earned per dollar spent, but rather for distance traveled. So by planning ahead and booking smart, you can save money on your flight without compromising your earned miles.
One big downside to flying with the Emirates rewards plan compared to the others mentioned above is that Emirates is currently not part of any alliance. This means that its reach is not very wide in terms of flights, price offers and VIP rooms.
However, Emirates has built its own strong business partnerships. For airlines, they have partnered with Air Mauritius, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qantas, EasyJet, and more. This gives Emirates a similar range of flights and prices to other airlines in alliances.
Also, their hotel partners are very hard to beat. They range from affordable options like Holiday Inn and Crown hotels to luxury retreats offered by the St. Regis and JW Marriot. They also share a relationship with Standard Chartered Singapore, which allows customers to convert 3.5 Card Rewards points into 1 mile.
| membership level | application | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Azul | none |
|
| plata | 25,000 status miles or 25 flights |
|
| Oro | 50,000 status miles or 50 flights |
|
| platinum | 150,000 A status email |
|
The benefits of each level include those of the previous level.
Also read:Best Singapore Airline Rewards Programs 2022
The best credit cards for miles
One of the best ways to earn miles is with a credit card. At first glance, this may not seem very useful, but it really isn't. When you spend your travel expenses as you normally would, the miles will add up slowly and you'll receive a free upgrade to Business Class in no time.
Also read:The best airline credit card deals for travel now
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Consider this ifThey almost always fly SIA and tend to travel on a budget
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- Benefits
- 3 miles for S$1 at SIA, SilkAir, Scoot and KrisShop
- Up to 3 miles from restaurants, transportation, online shopping, and travel
- Expedited KF Elite Silver Status, Scoot Privileges
- 10,000 annual renewal bonus miles
- Disadvantages
- Just 1.2 miles for non-category spending abroad
- No benefit for lounge access
- No waiver of expense-based fee
Citi PremierMiles-Karte
Consider this ifAre you looking for a complete and affordable travel credit card?
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- Benefits
- Benefits for frequent travelers
- low rates
- Flexible mileage redemption
- Disadvantages
- There are no luxury perks.
- Not suitable for occasional trips.
PROMOTION: New DBS/POSB cardholders can spend up to S$150 with a minimum of $800
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Consider this ifAre you looking for great benefits without annual fees?
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- Benefits
- Ideal for online travel reservations
- Disadvantages
- Those willing to pay an annual fee to earn more bonus miles
- Wealthy travelers willing to pay a hefty fee for luxury travel perks
Also read:Best Air Miles Credit Cards in Singapore 2022
best travel insurance
Even if the place you are visiting does not require travel insurance, this is one of them.good idea.
Although the coronavirus already seems like a chapter in the history books, the possibility of catching the virus still exists and travel insurance protects you from exorbitant medical bills abroad, especially in countries where treatment can be quite expensive.
Also read:How to choose the best travel insurance
FWD travel insurance: The best offer of the moment
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FWD travel insuranceit's a good choice whether you're traveling solo, in a group, or with the family due to its strong benefits and attractive prices that will appeal to a broad consumer base. FWD's 20-25% discount promotions boost their already competitive prices, making any of their 3 travel insurance plans a great option. Regardless of destination or length of trip, FWD premiums are 15-30% below average while providing coverage beyond basic travel and medical issues. For example, it includes coverage for lost passport and money theft, travel agency bankruptcy and car rental overpayment, plus coverage of up to S$2,000 for your sports equipment for just an additional S$8. If you want other perks besides a discount, FWD sometimes has specials that include coupons for things like CapitaVouchers. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Consider this ifAre you looking for a quality rate that you can enjoy for any type of vacation? |
|
| Benefits | Should | extra costs | excess |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 semana Global Trip Premium | 36.29 | 46,66 | 63.07 |
| ASEAN Annual Award | 186,88 | 266,22 | 293,36 |
| trip cancellation | 7.500 $ | 10.000 $ | 15.000 $ |
| Loss/damage of baggage | 3.000 $ | 5.000 $ | 7.500 $ |
| medical expenses | 200.000 $ | 500.000 $ | 1.000.000 $ |
FWD travel insuranceit's a good choice whether you're traveling solo, in a group, or with the family due to its strong benefits and attractive prices that will appeal to a broad consumer base. FWD's 20-25% discount promotions boost their already competitive prices, making any of their 3 travel insurance plans a great option. Regardless of destination or length of trip, FWD premiums are 15-30% below average while providing coverage beyond basic travel and medical issues.
For example, it includes coverage for lost passport and money theft, travel agency bankruptcy and car rental overpayment, plus coverage of up to S$2,000 for your sports equipment for just an additional S$8. If you want other perks besides a discount, FWD sometimes has specials that include coupons for things like CapitaVouchers.
Etiqa Tiq Travel Insurance: Best for Budget Travelers
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Etiqa's Tiq travel insurance plans are an excellent option for those on a tight budget who are willing to sacrifice some, but not all, affordability benefits. Without discounts, Etiqa's prices are not necessarily competitive; in fact, the top-tier business plan costs even more than the industry average. However, Etiqa's generous promotions of 45% off (with an additional 10% off every Friday) and 35% off annual travel plans create plans that are among the cheapest on the market (about a 35% below average). In terms of coverage, you get standard cancellation, delay, continuation and trip cutoff insurance, as well as flight overbooking, personal effects and travel agent bankruptcy. While travel inconvenience and personal accident insurance is below average until you get to the business plan option, health insurance, hospital allowance, hospital visits and emergency evacuation are above average for Etiqa may appeal to consumers looking for a budget plan with a medical focus. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Consider this ifYou choose travel insurance based on affordability |
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| entry time | smart plane | Luxusplan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 semana Global Trip Premium | 39,00 $ | 51,00 $ | 63,60€ |
| ASEAN Annual Award | 206,00 $ | 292,00 $ | 323,00 $ |
| trip cancellation | 5.000 $ | 5.000 $ | 10.000 $ |
| Loss/damage of baggage | 2.000 $ | 2.000 $ | 3.000 $ |
| medical expenses | 200.000 $ | 500.000 $ | 1.000.000 $ |
Etiqa's Tiq travel insurance plans are an excellent option for those on a tight budget who are willing to sacrifice some, but not all, affordability benefits. Without discounts, Etiqa's prices are not necessarily competitive; in fact, the top-tier business plan costs even more than the industry average. However, Etiqa's generous promotions of 45% off (with an additional 10% off every Friday) and 35% off annual travel plans create plans that are among the cheapest on the market (about a 35% below average).
In terms of coverage, you get standard cancellation, delay, continuation and trip cutoff insurance, as well as flight overbooking, personal effects and travel agent bankruptcy. While travel inconvenience and personal accident insurance is below average until you get to the business plan option, health insurance, hospital allowance, hospital visits and emergency evacuation are above average for Etiqa may appeal to consumers looking for a budget plan with a medical focus.
HL Assurance: Best Global Travel Insurance
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If you wish to travel outside the ASEAN region,HL-guaranteeTravel insurance plans are great for budget-conscious global travelers. The 60% discount on the individual travel plan and the 50% discount on the annual travel plan make HLAS Enhanced plan premiums 42% below the average for worldwide travel. While the coverage isn't the highest compared to more expensive competitors, it offers solid travel comfort and health insurance compared to plans in a similar price range. For example, lost items, trip interruption, postponement, cancellation, and delay, as well as the car rental deductible (the deductible you owe in the event of a car accident abroad), medical expenses, and Hospital benefits are insured abroad and in Singapore. Other promotional benefits that some consumers may find useful include the S$50 hotel reservation coupon for the individual travel plan (for the first 2,000 customers) and the 10% discount on car rental for the annual plan. You can redeem the coupon through the Changi Recommends website and the car rental discount can be redeemed through Hertz. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Consider this ifLooking for cheap global travel coverage and hotel or car rental benefits? |
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| Planta | improved plane | upper plane | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 semana Global Trip Premium | 46.40 Swiss francs | 61,60€ | 00,00€ |
| Annual Awards for Asia (incl. ASEAN). | 204,00 $ | 224,80 $ | 00,00€ |
| trip cancellation | 5.000 $ | 7.000 $ | 12.000 $ |
| Loss/damage of baggage | 3.000 $ | 5.000 $ | 7.000 $ |
| medical expenses abroad | 150.000 $ | 250.000 $ | 500.000 $ |
If you wish to travel outside the ASEAN region,HL-guaranteeTravel insurance plans are great for budget-conscious global travelers. The 60% discount on the individual travel plan and the 50% discount on the annual travel plan make HLAS Enhanced plan premiums 42% below the average for worldwide travel. While the coverage isn't the highest compared to more expensive competitors, it offers solid travel comfort and health insurance compared to plans in a similar price range. For example, lost items, trip interruption, postponement, cancellation, and delay, as well as the car rental deductible (the deductible you owe in the event of a car accident abroad), medical expenses, and Hospital benefits are insured abroad and in Singapore.
Other promotional benefits that some consumers may find useful include the S$50 hotel reservation coupon for the individual travel plan (for the first 2,000 customers) and the 10% discount on car rental for the annual plan. You can redeem the coupon through the Changi Recommends website and the car rental discount can be redeemed through Hertz.
Also read:4 ways to save on travel insurance
Diploma
When planning your next long-awaited vacation (or two or three), consider signing up for an airline rewards program based on your long-term wants and needs. Depending on where you live, where you'd like to travel, and how often you plan to travel, some plans may be worth more than others.
And as you think about your next vacation, be sure to take out a credit card with miles to maximize your rewards and travel insurance to give you the peace of mind you need when you're taken on a wonderful vacation.
additional resources
- The best credit card offers 2022
- Best Rewards Credit Cards in Singapore 2022