Don't quote me for saying this...but SQ is about $1000 cheaper sometimes than a direct Sydney-Jo'burg on SAA or Qantas. And that's how they can convince some folks to fly the extra longer hours. Or maybe it's the enticing offer to stopover enroute in Mauritius? Or their combination fare offer to fly them through to Europe on Swissair? Or could it even be their inflight service?

Some people are williing to forgo points for cheaper fares. As most fares on SQ are in Q or X class, these fares cannot earn points on any programme. Yet - people still take them.