Must I start completely from scratch ?
 

Sorry for the very naive questions-- having moved to Singapore about a year ago I've decided that it is time for me to start flying SA. I am Platinum with Flying Blue (AF/KLM), where I have done most of my flying, I'm virtually a Million Miler on American Airlines, and have gold type of status on a bunch of other airlines.

Having read some early posts I learned that SA tens not to offer status matches or even status challenges unlike most other airlines. I've Is that indeed the case?

If I do have to start from scrtach (seems very painful) is there at least SOME signup bonus or something that can make joining SIA seem less painful (i.e., not starting completely from scratch)? Any interesting promotion that could help? Something? Anyone?

Any suggestions will be highly appreciated!!

Yes.
Sorry, none. You can try getting UA to match your AA status (if Plat or ExPlat). This way you can have (some) *G privileges right away. But this won't work if you've already used up your once-in-a-lifetime status match.

Signup bonus etc - yes, you can get bonus miles through occasional credit card offers, but these never count towards status if that's what you are aiming for.

With SQ, there is no easy way to earn status - which is probably what makes it so valued. SQ values KF/PPS elites, and PPS members just lurve SQ in return. Okay, KF *Gs do have choice words for being the red-headed stepchild, but oh well.

SQ will not give you miles for joining but there's another way to jumpstart your accumulation.

If you're living in Singapore, then you're probably eligible to apply for the Krisflyer Gold Amex. This gives you a 5,000 mile welcome bonus on your first spend. Mileage accumulation is at 1 mile per S$1.60 spent, with a 50% bonus if you spend more than S$5,000 in a year. So in effect, 1 mile per S$1.07 spent.

Maybe that will get your appetite whetted for more miles.

Good suggestion for earning miles, but remember that, as fimo pointed out, these miles don't count toward status.

DJZC - if you dont already have *G status then I suggest you try for a status match with United (probably the easiest). That way you'll get the *G benefits straight away while you work on requalifying, and if flying SQ in paid first or business also earning PPS status at the same time.

PS - SA is airline code for South African (future *A member), Singapore Airlines code is SQ and on Flyer Talk *A is shorthand for Star Alliance (*G shorthand for Star Alliance Gold).

:D

Go for status match with either UA or US. That will be worth a little status with SQ.

I would recommend doing a status match on UA or even BD. Accumulate miles with those carriers while flying SQ may be better because for me the mileage awards on BD (and sometimes on UA) is better than KF (KrisFlyer). Also, if you travel C or F then you'll get PPS points anyway.

Do others see a benefit of getting KF Gold over UA or BD Gold?

What's KH? Canadian regional airline? Are they in *A?
Edited to say I misread.... see posts below

Where do you see KH? That's not even in the quote that you have in your post.

If you mean KF, that's KrisFlyer, the SQ FFP.

Ooops I misread :) I have fever right now... not sure it explains my double vision, but I'll take that as an excuse for misreading :D

Fever, schmever. I suggest you... step away from Krug.

;)

It's not Krug... fever from watching the babies I am sure... :p :D