Flying Singapore First Class to Hong Kong!

I've written about "gardening" award redemptions (both flights and hotels) several times in the past.  As a trip approaches, I'll usually spend a few minutes every few days checking award space on itineraries that would make the trip "better" as airlines typically release unsold space close to departure.

We have limited time for this trip so getting to Hong Kong quickly (vs. a more circuitous routing) is definitely a priority.  There are only a handful of options that would be better than our original routing on United Global First from San Francisco to Hong Kong.  So either Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines direct from San Francisco to Hong Kong were really our best options.  I had struck out finding space in first on Cathay and Singapore until Sunday.  Two first class seats were available at the saver level on SQ1 which is a pretty cool Singapore Airlines fifth freedom route.

Singapore Airlines 777-300 ER First Class

I quickly transferred the additional miles required (from Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi Thank You points, and American Express Membership Rewards) to my Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer account.  By Monday morning, the points were in my account.  Five minutes later, I had us booked.  While not Singapore Suites, I'm not complaining.  This route is operated by a 777-300ER and will be a huge upgrade over United Global First!

Total cost was 140,250 miles and $207 USD.  We will definitely get our money's worth in Dom and Krug.  I was also able to drop our United long-haul segment from the reservation (online) so we could keep the DEN - SFO segment.  That resulted in a net $38 cost and a refund of 125,000 United MileagePlus miles.

A few key takeaways:

1)  If you can, be flexible
2)  Diversify your miles and points currency
3)  Invest in "transferable" currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards

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Happy Holidays!