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Krisflyer has just announced a new offer – 50% off redemption seats for the Singapore Airlines subsidiary SilkAir.

Economy flights start at 3,750 miles and Business Class from 8,750 miles (one way). This could be particularly useful to anyone planning Asia trips to parts of Malaysia/China/Indonesia/Philippines and beyond. Especially if you are going to destinations ‘off the beaten path’ such Changsha/Coimbatore/Manado etc.

Remember, the easiest way to generate Krisflyer miles is from American Express Membership Reward points, or SPG Starpoints.

The flights can be booked between now and 11^th July and the offer is only available online. Travel must take place between 1^st July and 31^st October (inclusive). Changes are not permitted if booked under the offer.

The shortest flights of around an hour (Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur etc) are at the aforementioned price. However, even longer flights such as Singapore to Lombok, which is scheduled at 2h 45 hours, can also be as little as 3,750 (Economy) and 8,750 (Business).

Longer flights such as Singapore to Cebu only cost 6,750 in Economy and even better, 10,000 in Business – a real bargain in my opinion for a flight of 3h 45. Even better, at this cost you can fly to Luang Prabang which is 4h 30 away.

Silk Air even fly to Australia (Darwin and Cairns) on their newest 737-800s, although these are a bit steeper and not as good value, in my opinion. Darwin is 10,000 miles in Economy and 16,250 in Business. Cairns is 14,000 in Economy and 29,000 in Business – that’s still not bad for a 7h flight! The full list of destinations and prices can be found here.

This could be a good time to book some interesting routes around Asia without spending lots of Miles, by combining different programmes. One could fly to India on Virgin Atlantic (17,500 miles in premium economy, 32,500 in upper class one way, off peak), then to Singapore (17,500 in Business, 9,250 in Economy on way) and then onto the Phillipines (10,000 in business one way).

Alternatively, American Airlines AAdvantage has an excellent value redemption chart from Europe to the Indian Subcontinent. You could fly to India, Sri Lanka or the Maldives on British Airways / Qatar / Etihad for 20,000 miles in Economy, 42,500 in Business, or 62,500 in First (one way).

Is SilkAir any good?

SilkAir operates a fleet of Boeing 737-800s, Airbus A320-200s and A319-100s and claims to be the most awarded regional airline in Asia. All aircrafts operate in two classes – Economy & Business and it is a full- service airline.

That means meals, a 30kg luggage allowance as standard, as well as interlining of said luggage if you are flying SQ. They also have mobile entertainment streaming to use on your own device. Flights (but not award redemptions) are also eligible to earn Krisflyer miles. However, unlike its older sibling, SilkAir is not a member of Star Alliance.

SilkAir’s Business Class is hardly groundbreaking. Seats are in a 2-2 arrangement with up to 40 inches of pitch. They certainly look comfortable enough though. It reminds me of most American domestic First Class cabins and is certainly a significant upgrade on intra-Europe Business Class. It’s a decent product for short to medium haul flights.

 

Bottom Line

This award sale is a good chance to snag some cheap redemption tickets for any trips around Asia (and beyond) that you may have planned before November. With Krisflyer Miles relatively easy to generate here in the UK (thanks to Amex), this could be worth jumping on whilst you can. If you fancy being a bit creative using other programmes, you could build up quite a very interesting itinerary for yourself!

Anyone planning on taking advantage of this offer or flown SilkAir in the past? let us know in the comments below.