More SIA KrisFlyer miles needed to redeem flights or upgrade seats from July 5

Travellers will need to spend more air miles in order to redeem flights under Singapore Airlines' frequent flier programme from July 5. The airline announced on Tuesday that it will increase the air miles needed to redeem the rewards after taking into account higher costs. The move is a result of SIA's ongoing review of the KrisFlyer programme. "We seek your understanding that these changes were made after very careful deliberation, taking into account higher costs, and are necessary to ensure the KrisFlyer programme remains sustainable," said SIA. It said in an e-mail to customers that it will increase the cost of redemption for flights by an average of 10 per cent. This will apply to award and upgrade levels on flights operated by SIA, Star Alliance member carriers and SIA's partner airlines. SIA also said that stopovers for eligible redemption bookings ticketed on or after Aug 1 will be limited to a maximum of 30 days. Complimentary stopovers exceeding 30 days, as well as the paid stopover option, will no longer be available for tickets issued on or after Aug 1. The existing policy had allowed travellers to effectively redeem flights using fewer miles.<br/>