Deal: Singapore Airlines flights from US to UK for 17,500 miles, plus economy and premium economy deals from Singapore

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

While Singapore Airlines has a reputation for offering an exceptional product, booking long-haul premium-cabin awards isn’t easy. You’ll find some award availability using Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Air Canada Aeroplan, but you’ll usually find more availability through Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.

KrisFlyer generally charges more miles than other loyalty programs, even on saver dates. However, the program offers discounts on select award flights each month through its KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes promotion.

This month, you can book select “promo” award flights with a 30% discount if you reserve by Sept. 30 and travel between Oct. 1 and 31. And this month, there are flights from the U.S. to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) in economy and premium economy.

Here’s how you can maximize this iteration of Singapore KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes.

The deal

Singapore Airlines premium economy — Premium economy seats on Singapore Airlines. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Airline: Singapore Airlines
Routes: SIN to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO); Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to and from Manchester Airport (MAN)
Cost: From 17,500 miles (IAH-MAN) or 29,400 miles (SIN to U.S. airports) and $5.60 in economy; from 52,500 miles and 86 Singapore dollars (around $63) in premium economy
Travel dates: Oct. 1-31
Book by: Sept. 30
Pay taxes/fees with: The Platinum Card® from American Express for 5 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 spent per calendar year), the Chase Sapphire Reserve for 3 points per dollar spent on travel, the American Express® Gold Card for 3 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly with the airline, or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for 2 points per dollar spent on travel

Sample itineraries

Singapore KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes offers discounted award flights on select routes Singapore Airlines operates. However, only select flight numbers are discounted each month, so you’ll often only get the discount for travel in one direction.

Here’s a look at the Spontaneous Escapes pricing this month on U.S. routes:

Origin	Destination	Discounted award rate
Singapore	Los Angeles	29,400 miles in economy on flights SQ36 and SQ38
Singapore	San Francisco	29,400 miles in economy on Flight SQ32
Singapore	San Francisco	52,500 miles in premium economy on Flight SQ34
Singapore	New York	56,350 miles in premium economy on Flight SQ24
Houston	Manchester, England	17,500 miles in economy on Flight SQ51
Manchester, England	Houston	17,500 miles in economy on Flight SQ52

Remember, you must still find award availability on the KrisFlyer website. “Promo” awards may not be available on select dates, even ones not listed as blackout dates. When you search, you’ll see the discounted awards listed as “promo” if available.

In addition, all of the flights on your itinerary must qualify for the promotion to access the discounted pricing. Since the Asia routes are only available in one direction (Singapore to the U.S.), you must book them as one-way itineraries. The same holds true for booking an eligible outbound flight during the promotional period (Oct. 1-31) and a return flight afterward. Split those into separate reservations to ensure you get the discounted award rate.

Here are sample search results for the routes to the U.S. from Singapore:

Here are some options for Houston to Manchester (and back):

A promo award flight from Houston to Manchester on Singapore Airlines

A promotional award on Singapore Airlines from Manchester to Houston

Be aware that a flight departing Manchester would be subject to the U.K.’s government-imposed taxes and fees, which will add 128.27 British pounds (about $159) to your ticket.

Check the Spontaneous Escapes homepage for more details and the promo awards that don’t arrive or depart from U.S. cities.

Earning miles to book this award

It’s relatively easy to earn Singapore KrisFlyer miles. The program is a 1:1 transfer partner with American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards. KrisFlyer is also a 3:1 transfer partner with Marriott Bonvoy, with 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points you transfer.

If you transfer points and they don’t immediately appear in your KrisFlyer account, consider calling KrisFlyer to hold award seats until the points post. Doing so will lock in your award seats, so you won’t have to worry about the availability disappearing. KrisFlyer generally charges 25 Singapore dollars (about $18) or 2,500 miles to hold award seats.

Bottom line

Singapore Airlines is offering an economy-class option for under 30,000 miles to Singapore and several premium economy options from just 52,500 miles for its September Spontaneous Escapes promotion. You can also access discounted economy award flights on the carrier’s fifth-freedom route from Houston to Manchester (and back).

These flights can be a great use of transferable credit card points.