Hi Guys,

I will be departing for the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign on 8 Jan 2013 for my undergraduate studies and am currently figuring out how to get there. Nearest airport is in Champaign (code CMI).

I'm a Krisflyer Silver member with 100,000 miles available.

To my knowledge, Chicago doesn't appear on the list of options in the mileage calculator on the Krisflyer website; does this mean SQ doesn't fly there on their own routes?

If that is so, I am considering flying to JFK first, since using my miles on partner airlines would be more costly.

I would then either take a domestic flight (likely on American Airlines) to Chicago (around S$87) and then take a 4-hour bus ride to Champaign (S$40) or fly from JFK to Champaign with a stopover in Chicago ($260).

What do you guys think? How is your experience with small, interstate airlines in the US; are they fraught with delays? I am slightly worried as I'll be flying in early Jan what it's still Winter and the weather can be unpredictable.

All advice is appreciated, thank you!