I checked JFK–SIN (via Frankfurt) availability for the next April and May and found at least 8 dates each month, with 2 seats available for most flights. Some other months are available too, but only 2-3 dates. I also checked LAX—SIN (via Tokyo) albeit cursory and found some sporadic availability, too. As a reminder, these are the only routes served by A380 where you can find these legendary Singapore first class suites.

That’s great news why? Because there was no suites availability from the U.S for quite a while. I could stop there, of course, but I didn’t. I went above and beyond the call of duty (like totally, LOL) and checked some non-A380 routes too. I don’t know what got into me, probably the fact that Hong Kong outlawed fuel surcharges some time ago, so I wanted to make sure it holds true for every airline.

I’m happy to report that it does.

So, if you don’t mind flying (one way perhaps?) in a “regular” first class seat on a 777 between San Francisco and Hong Kong, you can save about $250 in fuel surcharges (the first screenshot shows YQ for 2 people) and still have 4 hours to play in a suite between Hong Kong and Singapore, because that route is served by A380. Why waste this gem of a plane on such a short route — well, I’m sure they have a perfectly good reason.

Don’t forget stopovers

I’m a big proponent of booking one-way flights, except when there are free stopovers. Singapore does allow a free stopover on a saver round-trip award, and it also allows up to 3 additional stopovers for $100 each. Basically, you can add a free stopover in Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Seoul, depending on which route you take.

What’s the big deal? Can’t I just “waitlist” the date I want?

You can. Have you tried? Waitlisting is a lottery. You may clear 3, 4, 5 months before your flight or within 48 hours. Or not clear at all, as Singapore doesn’t have any qualms about flying a half-empty first class cabin while leaving you in the dust. Read this Flyertalk thread to learn how waitlisitng works (or doesn’t).

What about that rant against wasting miles on first-class redemptions?

I did kind of rant about it, didn’t I? Well, 2 things.

1. I’ve already flown (or booked) the world’s best firsts, so It’s easy for me to pull the plug.
2. Nowadays, 93,500 miles for spending 20 hours in one of the best first class seat in the world doesn’t sound all that bad considering what everyone else is charging.
3. Who told you to take me seriously?

Yes, that’s two things. The third one is a bonus.

Are Singapore First Class Suites on A380 available on Star partners awards? 

No.

How to Get Singapore Miles

Beetljuice, Beetlejuice, Beetle… sorry.

Credit cards, credit cards, credit cards!

Singapore Airlines is a proud transfer partner of AMEX Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou, and SPG (1 SPG point = 1.25 miles after transferring 20,000 or more). Although, truth be told, I made it up about “proud.”

Lots of cards, such as Amex Gold and Platinum, Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Plus, Citi Prestige and Premier, Amex SPG Personal and Business can get you these coveted Singapore miles. Imagine how many fat, juicy links I could’ve inserted here if only I’d had a big enough incentive to do so. Instead, you can find the best offers here or here.

Note that miles from these programs won’t transfer instantly, except from Chase UR AFAIR, so it is entirely possible that by the time the miles have appeared in your account, that coveted award seat will be gone. And you can’t hold an award, either. That’s the risk you must be willing to take. A good thing is that Singapore has a few sweet spots, so if the push comes to shove, you will find a way to spend your miles. Well, probably.

Top Photo By: Viaggio Routard