Help needed!Singapore Airlines -- how easy to upgrade?

[Cathyb]

Need your advice We currently have confirmed (paid cash) seats for two on Singapore Airlines in Coach and wondered if it is very easy to upgrade to Business on our flght to Singapore and Thailand in Jan/Feb. We could transfer either Starwood or Marriott points to either American or United as Partners if that is the advice.

I think Singapore Airlines is a partner in both airlines (am I right Tuggers?). How is this done? Do we call SIN or the main airline?

We are not seasoned travelers so baby steps is greatly appreciated in the venture! Thank you in advance

[Dave M]

Singapore Airlines ("SQ") is part of the Star Alliance ("*A") program and is, thus, a partner with UA. However, SQ is not a partner with AA.

Currently it isn't possible to use UA FF miles to upgrade on SQ. However, UA announced recently that it expects such upgrades will be possible later this year. If that happens, you might be able to upgrade your early 2007 SQ flights.

The best way to determine when and if there is a change is by following discussions on the UA or *A forum at Flyertalk. Those discussions, once the change is implemented, will also have info on hoe easy the upgrade process is.

[BocaBum99]

Cathy,

I used to travel First Class on SQ from Singapore to Beijing once per quarter. I paid cash to upgrade from Business Class to First Class. It was the single best experience I've ever had on an airline.

The food is unbelievable. The first class lounge at Changi International Airport always had great Indian food that I had to have before getting on the plane.

Then, they always had roast duck, beluga caviar, finlandia vodka (I think) and dom perignon champagne.

The service is so good that all you need to do is look up and make eye contact with someone. They rush to ask you what you need and they are anticipating it before they even get to you. That experience was truly amazing.

I don't know how difficult it is to upgrade from coach to business class. But, I'd definitely do it if you can. It's an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lives.

[Cathyb]

Thank you both for the information! You both should get together with your Travel knowledge and write a Timeshare Handbook

[skim118]

My husband has upgraded to Business Class from economy class and it takes 50,000 Krisflyer miles(40,000 Starpoints) each way between SFO & Singapore.

In general you are better off transfering Starpoints to Krisflyer than to United and suffer a devaluation.

The main catch is the type of economy class ticket you have purchased; If they are V,Q, G, N, or T then they are not unfortunately eligible for upgrades.

Sara

[dennisokey]

The other thing to consider is that “Business Class” on Singapore airlines makes United first class seem like a cattle car. Singapore business class is very, very nice.

[Cathyb]

Sara: Will Singapore Airlines let you know if upgrade openings are available before I transfer Starpoints We probably will never use Singapore Airlines again and if I transfer first to them and then no openings -- what then. Am I missing something here? Thank you for your replies!

[skim118]

Originally Posted by Cathyb

Sara: Will Singapore Airlines let you know if upgrade openings are available before I transfer Starpoints We probably will never use Singapore Airlines again and if I transfer first to them and then no openings -- what then. Am I missing something here? Thank you for your replies!

You can check with Singapore Air first about availability, but you still have to wait for the Starpoints to transfer(1-4 weeks). SQ treats people with Krisflyer miles very well. Also I will not worry about being stranded with Krisflyer miles; it is a popular currency and you can redeem it in Delta, Mexicana & Virgin.

To me the bigger issue is for you to check the type of economy ticket you purchase & see if it is upgradeable ? Is your SQ ticket eligible for frequent-flier miles accrual even ? If not I doubt you can even upgrade with Krisflyer miles.

Sara