KrisFlyer for US-based flyer
May 3, 2018, 12:42 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Saipan, MP
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Alaska 75K, United Platinum
Posts: 203
KrisFlyer for US-based flyer
I do a lot of domestic travel in the USA mostly on United and Alaska but am slightly frustrated with both programs. I was wondering if there is any benefit to me 'crediting' all my flights to Singapore going forward as a way of consolidating miles and earning KrisFlyer Gold status? I also have mostly AMEX cards, so it would be nice to have a 'partner' airline that I can add to my mileage balance.
I can't seem to get a list on SQ of specific partner benefits for either AS or UA. Right now I'm UA Gold and AS75K and the only real benefits I truly appreciate are priority boarding and Economy+ seat assignment at booking. Would SQ grant me similar benefits?
I can't seem to get a list on SQ of specific partner benefits for either AS or UA. Right now I'm UA Gold and AS75K and the only real benefits I truly appreciate are priority boarding and Economy+ seat assignment at booking. Would SQ grant me similar benefits?
May 3, 2018, 1:56 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold, Marriott & SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, ShangriLa Jade, Enterprise Plat, Taj Gold
Posts: 3,340
No status benefits on AS. You can only credit your miles to SQ and redeem of course.
With UA once you are KF Elite Gold you’ll get the standard *G benefits on UA including Zone 2 boarding and lounge access.
You won’t get E+/PE seating.
With UA once you are KF Elite Gold you’ll get the standard *G benefits on UA including Zone 2 boarding and lounge access.
You won’t get E+/PE seating.
Last edited by PiperAtGatesofDawn; May 3, 2018 at 2:04 pm
May 3, 2018, 2:27 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 139
I'm answering this with the understanding that your flying is largely US domestic.
UA is giving you benefits as a UA Gold. As a Star Alliance Gold (through Turkish), I get priority boarding, but not seating when I fly on United. There is no Star Alliance benefit for seat upgrades. So, if you are doing domestic travel on United, the question isn't what Singapore would give. Instead, it is a question of what United would give (you would get priority boarding, one bag free, no seat upgrades but you'll be able to get into United lounges as an "international" passenger)
If you want domestic flying benefits for United, you can't get as many as a Star Alliance Gold through Singapore. United treats its own status passengers better.
UA is giving you benefits as a UA Gold. As a Star Alliance Gold (through Turkish), I get priority boarding, but not seating when I fly on United. There is no Star Alliance benefit for seat upgrades. So, if you are doing domestic travel on United, the question isn't what Singapore would give. Instead, it is a question of what United would give (you would get priority boarding, one bag free, no seat upgrades but you'll be able to get into United lounges as an "international" passenger)
If you want domestic flying benefits for United, you can't get as many as a Star Alliance Gold through Singapore. United treats its own status passengers better.
May 3, 2018, 8:55 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
KF is not really a program for U.S. based travelers, unless:
1. The traveler fly exclusively on SQ; or,
2. The traveler transfer credit card points to KF.
1. The traveler fly exclusively on SQ; or,
2. The traveler transfer credit card points to KF.
May 4, 2018, 10:07 am
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,455
The only benefit of KF Gold over UA Gold would be UC access on domestic flights. But you won't get E+ or even a chance at an upgrade, and you're probably going to accrue fewer redeemable miles (depending on the fares you fly, could be considerably fewer).
May 4, 2018, 12:25 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold, Marriott & SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, ShangriLa Jade, Enterprise Plat, Taj Gold
Posts: 3,340
It used to be a good program till late last year when they stopped crediting 100% miles from flying United. That used to be a pretty good deal since SQ generally has a better redemption chart, even in some cases on UA metal (West Coast - Hawaii for instance).
Today it depends on how you plan to redeem your miles for instance if you’re looking to redeem on SQ J/F etc. If not you might want to stick to UA.
That’s not necessarily true. I fly UA a lot and I get upgraded every 7-10 flights probably - that’s of course less than a UA elite. I’ve even got upgraded on international flights (BOM-EWR) a couple of times in about 20-25 flights.
With the current E+ nothing worth writing home about I’m fine taking UC over E+. Though UC isn’t anything to write home about either but a 2-3 glasses of Pinot Grigio and I’m ready to put up with UA.
Today it depends on how you plan to redeem your miles for instance if you’re looking to redeem on SQ J/F etc. If not you might want to stick to UA.
With the current E+ nothing worth writing home about I’m fine taking UC over E+. Though UC isn’t anything to write home about either but a 2-3 glasses of Pinot Grigio and I’m ready to put up with UA.
May 4, 2018, 1:38 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
As you talked about the past, I could also say UA was so good about its 100% bonus, even for mid-tier.
Talking to the past would be a never ending discussion.
May 4, 2018, 4:09 pm
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,455
1. UA has a rigorously structured, published upgrade system which is run by the computer. And there is no provision for upgrading *G. They are simply not upgrade eligible.
2. Most UA Golds don't get upgraded every 7-10 flights. Many 1Ks have CPU percentages of 25% or less, depending on the routes they fly.
3. In over 1.1 million UA miles, I have never received a complimentary upgrade on an international flight.
May 5, 2018, 12:27 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold, Marriott & SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, ShangriLa Jade, Enterprise Plat, Taj Gold
Posts: 3,340
Last edited by PiperAtGatesofDawn; May 5, 2018 at 7:38 am
May 5, 2018, 12:33 am
#11
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold, Marriott & SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, ShangriLa Jade, Enterprise Plat, Taj Gold
Posts: 3,340
It used to be a good program till late last year when they stopped crediting 100% miles from flying United. That used to be a pretty good deal since SQ generally has a better redemption chart, even in some cases on UA metal (West Coast - Hawaii for instance).
Today it depends on how you plan to redeem your miles for instance if you’re looking to redeem on SQ J/F etc. If not you might want to stick to UA.
