Singapore Airlines: Singapore-Yangon-Singapore Business Class Award Redemption
One day, I received an email from Singapore Airlines Krisflyer indicating that 20,000 miles of mine will be expired by the end of the year. I was deciding if I wanted to visit Vietnam for the second time or to backpack in Myanmar and spend Christmas over there.
As I search for an award ticket, there was no luck for Vietnam with Singapore Airlines, surprisingly there were plenty Business Saver award flights to Yangon, Myanmar.
For a better Business Class experience between Singapore – Yangon – Singapore, I booked SQ998 and SQ997. These are the only A330 flights between Singapre and Myanmar. Whenever you search for a booking in Singapore Airline’s website, it will show both Silk Air and Singapore Airline’s flight availability. SilkAir is the regional wing of Singapore Airlines and currently operates to 49 destinations across 13 countries in Asia. Most flights are Boeing 737. It is fairly easy to differentiate though, just see if it says it is operated by Silk Air.
Singapore to Yangon (SIN-RGN) Business Class SQ998
SQ998 is an early flight departing from Singapore around 7.55am. Once I’ve check-in and got rid of my Kelty RedWing 50 backpack, I went to the Krisflyer Silver Lounge for breakfast.
After going through the last security check swiftly, as usual in Changi Airport, Singapore, I boarded the plane. Once I have settled down on my seat, a flight attendant quickly came and offered me something to drink. I opter for a glass of water.
The Business Class area was quite empty when I boarded the plane therefore I wasn’t expecting anyone to sit beside me. When the plane door shut, I was sitting by myself and I like it. That means Window view and easy access to the washroom throughout the flight!
I ordered eggs with potatoes and mushrooms for breakfast. While I enjoyed the way my table was set, I think my main course could look better in terms of organization. It tasted alright in case you are wondering.
I was too tired to turn on the inflight entertainment system for a movie, I took a nap.
Immigration in Yangon upon arrival was easy. You could apply for an electronic Visa online. I filled up the custom form which was distributed during the flight and as business class passengers get to get off the plane first, I was at at the belt grabbing my backpack in less than 10 minutes. My backpack was already there waiting for me. Yeah, for priority baggage handling!
One note to Yangon travellers, it is OK to exchange your USD at the airport’s arrival hall, the story about “Only crisps USD notes are accepted” is kind of overrated in my opinion.
Yangon to Singapore (RGN-SIN) Business Class SQ998
My return flight from Yangon to Singapore departs at 10.25am. Again, opted for an Airbus A330 instead of Boeing 737 by SilkAir. I was curious about the lounge therefore I arrived early at the airport. I was also unsure about the traffic from city centre to the airport, so better be safe than sorry.
As usual check-in process was brief and off I go for a simple breakfast.
There is no Krisflyer lounge in this small airport, I was directed to the Royal Jade Lounge. This is a shared lounge with major airlines. It is a simple lounge providing snacks and drinks very similar to the SATS lounges in Change Airport. The lounge’s internet was working well, allowing me to send a few photos.
Walking to the gate was easy, I was surprised by the amount of people who are flying from Yangon to Singapore. The elderly and family with kids were allowed to board first.
We left Yangon on time, once again, I am all by myself, enjoying the flight back to Singapore.
Lunch was served almost immediately when the seat belt sign was turned off. I was indecisive of what to order, the Flight Attendant recommended Nasi Briyani, I took it. They served garlic bread as well and it was as good as it could be on a plane!
I liked my Nasi Briyani, sponge cake and single shot espresso, definitely skipping the hot mocha, just doesn’t taste as great for me personally. Looked out the window and took some snaps before taking a short nap.
The Singapore Airlines A330’s leather seat which converts to a flat bed never fails impress me!
The plane landed smoothy and on time. Took the last shot as I particular like the Christmas decoration on the plane. It was December after all!
Redemption Value
I paid 34,000 miles and SGD 203.80 Singapore – Yangon – Singapore Business Class flight. This flight happened a while ago, I decided to check if it is still the same redemption value now (June 2016).
Here’s the breakdown:
- It cost around SGD1765.10 to purchase this ticket with cash today or 34,000 miles + SGD205.10 to redeem a full award Business Saver ticket.
- SGD1765.10 (Current Fare) – SGD205.10 (Redemption Tax and Fuel Surcharge) = SGD1560.00
- SGD1560.00 is technically equivalent to 34,000 miles
- 34,000 miles/SGD1560.50 = 21.79 miles/ Singapore Dollar OR SGD 0.046/1 Krisflyer Miles
A simpler way to put it – If you owns the Singapore Citibank Premier Miles card, assuming you pay for the card’s annual fee of SGD192 and be rewarded with 10,000 miles 4 years consecutively, it should still translates to half the value of SGD1560.00.
Bottom Line
My experiences with Singapore Airlines Business Class are always pleasant. SQ998 and SQ997’s experience were great!
In Myanmar, I stayed in Yangon and rode the circular train, went to Bagan to witness its magnificent sunrise with hot air balloon and Inle Lake for its boat ride.
I am interested to know how is your recent Singapore Airlines Business Class experience.
