Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles are considered some of the most sought-after and valuable airline loyalty currencies globally.
However, a notable drawback is that these miles come with a fixed expiration date, lapsing three years after they are earned. This policy contrasts with many other airline loyalty programs, which either never allow points to expire, like United Airlines, or keep them valid as long as there is some activity (earning or redeeming) within a specified period, such as Qantas’s 18-month rule.
So, what can you do to manage this?
How to Check Your KrisFlyer Miles Expiration Date
To find out when your KrisFlyer miles will expire, log into your KrisFlyer account via the Singapore Airlines website or app.
- On the Singapore Airlines website: Navigate to the Account Summary page and scroll down to the Expiring Miles section.
- On the Singapore Airlines app: Tap the Miles tab under your profile and then select Miles Validity.
Both options will display any KrisFlyer miles set to expire within the next six months, helping you understand the level of urgency for using them.
What is the Expiry Date for KrisFlyer Miles?
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles expire on the last day of the month, exactly three years after they are earned.
For instance, if you earn KrisFlyer miles in June 2024, they will expire on June 30, 2027.
To be precise, the expiration occurs at 12 AM Singapore time on the following day. Therefore, if you are trying to redeem your miles just before they expire, be aware of the time difference between your local timezone and Singapore time, as it could affect your ability to make a booking.
KrisFlyer Miles Don’t Expire for PPS Club Members
One of the benefits of being a member of Singapore Airlines’ PPS Club or Solitaire PPS Club is that your KrisFlyer miles do not follow the three-year expiry rule—they never expire.
However, membership in the PPS Club is reserved for the airline’s most premium travelers, requiring a minimum annual spending of S$25,000 on business or first-class flights with Singapore Airlines.
What to Do With Expiring KrisFlyer Miles
For most frequent flyers who aren’t members of the PPS Club, the best course of action when your KrisFlyer miles are nearing expiration is to book a flight.
You don’t have to fly with Singapore Airlines to utilize your KrisFlyer miles.
KrisFlyer miles can also be redeemed across the Star Alliance network, offering a wide range of options with airlines such as Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, Eva Air, Lufthansa, Swiss, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines. Booking can be done through the Singapore Airlines website, although availability will vary with each airline.
Additionally, keep an eye out for current promotions from Singapore Airlines, such as the regular Spontaneous Escapes offers, which reduce the number of KrisFlyer miles needed for specific routes. You can even book award flights that take place after your miles expire, as Singapore Airlines allows award bookings up to 355 days in advance, providing ample flexibility.
Just be aware that if you cancel an award flight booking after your miles have expired, you won’t receive those miles back—they will be lost permanently. However, you are permitted to make changes to award bookings without losing your miles.
If you have an upcoming Singapore Airlines trip booked on a Standard or Flexi fare, consider using your KrisFlyer miles to upgrade to a higher cabin class. For flights with premium economy, you have the option to upgrade from economy to either premium economy or business class.
Booking a Virgin Australia Flight with KrisFlyer Miles
Another option for Singapore Airlines flyers in Australia is to redeem KrisFlyer miles on domestic flights with Virgin Australia. This is particularly useful if you have a smaller number of miles nearing expiration; while 12,000 KrisFlyer miles won’t take you to Singapore, it’s enough for a one-way economy seat between any two destinations in most Australian states, except Western Australia. You can also transfer expiring KrisFlyer miles to Virgin Australia Velocity points, although the conversion rate is 1.55 KrisFlyer miles for every 1 Velocity point. While this means you will lose a third of their value, your Velocity points will remain valid as long as there is activity on your account every two years.
Other Ways to Use Expiring KrisFlyer Miles
If you don’t plan to fly, there are several alternative ways to use your expiring KrisFlyer miles. While these options may not provide the highest value, they are better than losing your miles altogether.
- Convert KrisFlyer miles to KrisPay miles: This currency is part of Singapore Airlines’ Kris+ program, which can be used for everyday purchases, including food, drinks, and shopping mainly in Singapore. The conversion rate is 1:1, meaning each KrisFlyer mile becomes one KrisPay mile, which must be used within six months.
- Book a hotel or car rental through KrisFlyer vRooms: This service allows for various flexible points-and-pay arrangements.
- Offset purchases on KrisShop.com: Use at least 1,000 KrisFlyer miles to offset purchases at the rate of 125 miles per S$1.
- Convert KrisFlyer miles to Shangri-La Circle points or Marriott Bonvoy points: This can be a way to cover future hotel stays.
Paying to Extend Your KrisFlyer Miles Expiry
Finally, you have the option to pay to extend the expiry date of your KrisFlyer miles by six months. If you find yourself with a considerable number of miles but lack the time to book a trip, this could be your best solution. The cost is US$12 or 1,200 KrisFlyer miles for every 10,000 miles you want to extend, and this can be done through the Singapore Airlines website or app.
As a bonus, KrisFlyer Elite Silver or Elite Gold members— including those with complementary status through the HSBC Star Alliance credit card—can extend their miles for an entire year at the same fee. However, this option is a one-time deal; you cannot pay for a second extension on expiring KrisFlyer miles, meaning it simply buys you extra time against the risk of losing your miles.
