Originally Posted by
Red259
I'd like to fly suite class on Singapore and am wondering the best options for a redemption flight. I am based in NYC. There seems to be a decent redemption from Los angeles to Tokyo. Does it make sense to try to get an award for the NY-LA leg of the journey as well or would I be better off looking for a cheap flight to get to LA and then start my award? I'm currently saving up citi TY points (little over 90k and I may pick up another card for another 50k) and I have some Amex MRs (a little north of 45k) that I was going to transfer into krisflyer.
If you book just LAX-NRT on SQ.com, you are eligible for a 15% discount on the number of miles quoted for that award, whereas if you involve a UA flight NY-LA you would have to call SQ and would not be eligible for the 15% discount (and would also have to use the Star Alliance award chart, which may cost a bit more).
You would also have to find UA award availability for the date you want, which may not be easy.
However, if you decide to book a cheap flight separately, keep in mind that you need to leave time to check in with SQ at LAX, and to claim and recheck baggage if you're traveling with bags, plus you may be SOL if your first flight is delayed and you miss the SQ check-in deadline. Whereas if you are all on one ticket and you miss the connection, SQ is obligated to reaccommodate you the next day or on another airline.
Personally given the SQ departure time and options for NY-LA flights I would probably choose a flight coming into LA the night before, in which case you have to pay for a hotel room ... so up to you how you feel about the extra hassle.