Infinite Journeys with Singapore Airlines and Shangri-La - Status Match, Convert Points and Double Dip

Five days ago, I wrote about the new arrangement between Singapore Airlines and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts - the interesting bit is finally out! This brand new partnership will see opportunities in status matching, points and miles conversions as well as double-dipping in both programs every time you make an eligible stay at any participating Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts property around the world. Here's a summary of five things you need to know about this partnership!

Infinite Journeys with Singapore Airlines and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

1. Instant KrisFlyer Elite Silver (+Fast Track to KrisFlyer Elite Gold)

If you are a Golden Circle member and you currently hold Jade or Diamond status, you will be eligible for a fast track to KrisFlyer Elite Gold (Star Alliance Gold). In fact, just upon registration, your account will automatically be upgraded into KrisFlyer Elite Silver. 

Golden Circle
Jade Member

1. Link Golden Circle and KrisFlyer Account
2. Obtain KrisFlyer Elite Silver (Star Alliance Silver)
3. Fly Three Times (3X) on Singapore Airlines or SilkAir in ANY Booking Class (except 'G') within four months of registration
4. Upgrade to KrisFlyer Elite Gold (Star Alliance Gold)

Golden Circle
Diamond Member

1. Link Golden Circle and KrisFlyer Account
2. Obtain KrisFlyer Elite Silver (Star Alliance Silver)
3. Fly Once (1X) on Singapore Airlines or SilkAir in ANY Booking Class (except 'G') within four months of registration
4. Upgrade to KrisFlyer Elite Gold (Star Alliance Gold)

2. Status Match to Golden Circle Jade Status

If you currently do not hold any elite status with Golden Circle by Shangri-La and if you are part of the PPS Club or a KrisFlyer Elite Gold Member, you will be eligible for a status match to Golden Circle Jade (read about the benefits here!) with the completion of one qualifying paid night at any Shangri-La hotel and resort, Kerry hotel, Traders hotel or Hotel Jen worldwide.

Two-way Conversions with Infinite Journeys

3. Conversion of Golden Circle Points to KrisFlyer Miles (1 GC Point = 1.25 KF Miles)

Golden Circle Points are not terrible to have - especially with the global launch of The Table by Golden Circle recently. Just as a quick recap, as a non-elite member, you will earn 1 GC Point with every eligible USD 1 spent and apart from free stays, you may also use your GC Points to redeem for dining and spa credits at 10 GC Points = USD 1. Therefore, following this conversion, I value 1 GC Point to be USD 0.10. With the brand new Infinite Journeys partnership, you will be able to convert 1 GC Point to 1.25 KrisFlyer Miles - therefore, you need 800 GC Points for 1,000 KF Miles. Since I value 1 GC Point to be USD 0.10, 800 GC Points would be worth USD 80 which I personally see very little value in converting to KF Miles - you are much better off with your GC Points! If you do decide to do it however, the conversion should be instant and the miles should be reflected in your KrisFlyer account immediately. 

4. Conversion of KrisFlyer Miles to Golden Circle Points (12 KF Miles = 1 GC Point) 

No that isn't a typo error - 12 KrisFlyer Miles will convert to 1 GC Point with the Infinite Journeys arrangement. Following this conversion, 1,000 KF Miles will only give you 83 GC Points (rounded-down) which is equivalent to a value of USD 8.30 - absolutely terrible! A minimum of 20,000 KrisFlyer miles (up to a maximum of 180,000 KF Miles per calendar year) is also required for each conversion. Stay clear of this option - your miles are worth more in your KrisFlyer Account! 

Double Rewards with Infinite Journeys

5. Double Dip on Qualifying Stays Only (+500 KF Miles)

Apart from earning just 1 GC Award Point per USD of qualifying spend, you will also earn 500 KrisFlyer Miles per qualifying stay (perfect for those weekend staycations!). This is nothing fantastic as it does not allow you to earn GC Points on Singapore Airlines flights. 

For more information, kindly refer to Infinite Journeys.

Other Interesting Information

• The American Express Platinum (Charge) Card gives complimentary Golden Circle Jade Status