Singapore Airlines Returns to JFK!
It's official, Singapore Air is coming back to JFK. While travel to Singapore is still tough for Americans, this news means we have access to a fun fifth freedom route to Frankfurt once again.
Starting in November, you'll find tons of space through the end of the schedule. If you're considering a trip to see the Christmas markets in Germany, this could be a fun way to get there!
Now, let's get into the award space!
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New Business Class Seat on Singapore Air's A380 - Image courtesy of OMAAT
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Straight To The Points:
Routes: JFK-FRA
Operating airline: Singapore Airlines
Class of service: Business class
Dates: November 2021 - September 2022
Seats available: 4
Cabin layout: 1-2-1
Book with (per person, one-way):
- Singapore KrisFlyer: 72,000 miles
Taxes/fees (per person):
- One-way: $5.60
- Round-trip: ~$142
Bank transfer partners:
- Singapore: Amex, Brex, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Marriott
Drop me an email if you book!
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the COVID-19 situation and the resulting travel restrictions could prevent you from traveling. Additionally, please make sure you understand the cancellation, redeposit, and change fees required before booking with a particular program.
Flight Experience
When Singapore Air restarts flights between JFK and Frankfurt on November 1, this flight will be operated by a Boeing 777-300. The business class cabin is arranged in a 1-2-1 layout. The seat is known for one of the widest you'll find on an aircraft so you'll have tons of space to get comfy.
One thing to keep in mind is that the first row will have much more room for your feet. The other rows have a smaller space for your feet which some find annoying when sleeping. However, you'll want to consider whether being close to the galley will disturb you while sleeping.
The A380 is scheduled to return to this route on March 28, 2022. Assuming, this sticks and one of the retrofitted A380s is on the route, the cabin will be nicer but the layout will be similar. Each seat will still have plenty of space!
The crews are known for being proactive and friendly. Some would say they're among the best in the air. Similarly, the inflight catering gets high marks. Currently, the "Book the Cook" feature, which allows you to pre-order meals, is not available on this route.
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Bilt Cardholders: Trick To Get 5,000 Bonus Points
Let's keep this one between us. :)
The Bilt Card comes in a fancy little package displaying some art. When you open it, you'll see the card and a little pouch containing the card benefits. However, if you flip the package over, there's a QR code. It might not be obvious with a quick glance but it's there!
Using that QR code will take you to Bilt where you can enter your email address. Just like that, you'll have 5,000 Bilt Rewards points in your account. You can also earn 100 points for every airline and hotel transfer partner you link to Bilt.
If you want to apply, you can skip the waitlist with the access code STTP4BILT when you apply. I don't get anything if you use my code but I do think the card is worth it for renters who are over (or don't care about) the 5/24 rule.
For more info on the Bilt Card, check out my post.
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Available Dates
The following dates have award space for 4 people.
JFK-FRA
November: 2-12, 14-19, 22-25, 27-30
December: 1-7, 9-16, 18-20, 22-26, 28-31
January: 1-4, 5-7, 11-14, 16, 17, 19-26, 29-31
February: 1-10, 12-14, 16-22, 24-28
March: 1-10, 12-14, 16-26, 28-31
April: 2-6, 8-17, 19-22, 24-29
May: 1-23, 25, 26, 28, 31
June: 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 16, 19-21, 25, 27-29
July: 2-4, 6-9.11-13, 15-18, 20-31
August: 2, 3, 5-10, 12-24, 26-31
September: 1-3, 5-15, 18-20
FRA-JFK
November: 3-6, 8-24, 26-30
December: 1-4, 7-11, 13-26, 28-31
January: 1, 3, 5, 7-20, 22, 23, 25-31
February: 1, 2, 4-28
March: 1-9, 11-16, 18, 19, 21-31
April: 1-7, 10-12, 14, 16-24, 26-30
May: 1-3, 5-8, 10-14, 16, 17, 19-23, 25-29, 30, 31
June: 1, 2, 4-19, 21, 24, 25, 27-30
July: 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13-23, 25-31
August: 1-19, 21-26, 28-31
September: 1-18
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Best Ways To Book
Unfortunately, only Singapore KrisFlyer members can book premium cabin awards on Singapore Airlines (minus a few rare instances). Fortunately, 72,000 miles one-way is a solid award for biz class and there aren't any surcharges.
If you need an additional seat or two, Singapore does have Advantage space for 85,000 miles one-way. It's steep but might be useful if you have a big group.
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How To Book
You'll need to use Singapore Air to search for award space.
- Select redeem miles
- You'll be prompted to log into your account
- Enter the origin & destination
- Select your dates
- Select the class of service
- Select the number of people
- Run the search
- Select the flight
- Complete the booking
Transfers from bank partners (and Marriott) are not instant. Newer accounts have seen slower transfer times in the past. Plan on transfers taking up to 48 hours. Maybe, you'll get lucky and it'll take less than 12 hours!
If you're concerned about the delay when transferring points, you can call Singapore Airlines (800-742-3333) and see if they'll hold the award space. This really depends on the phone agent so be ready to hang up, call again (HUCA). If they refuse, stay friendly and don't argue.
Bottom Line
Personally, I love fifth freedom flights and its great to see this one return to service. If you're looking for a fun trip to Germany or just a way to get to Europe is definitely a fun way to get there.
Happy booking!
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