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Fly Smarter in Asia: Unlocking the Power of Miles

  • travel

Smart strategies to fly farther, better, and for less.

The Most Popular Airlines and Alliances in Asia:

Star Alliance – The Giant of Asia

  • Singapore Airlines — consistently ranked among the world’s best
  • Thai Airways
  • ANA (All Nippon Airways)
  • Asiana Airlines
  • EVA Air

Oneworld – The Global Connector

  • Japan Airlines (JAL)
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • SriLankan Airlines
  • Qatar Airways (via Doha hub)

SkyTeam – Smaller but Reliable

  • Korean Air
  • China Eastern
  • Garuda Indonesia
  • Vietnam Airlines

Highlight Box: Why Alliances Matter

Choosing an alliance means your miles stretch further. You’re not just tied to one airline — you can redeem and earn across the entire network.

The Most Convenient Mileage Programs for Asia

KrisFlyer (Singapore Airlines)
A flexible powerhouse with transfer options from Amex, Citi, and Chase. Strong network across Southeast Asia.

Asia Miles (Cathay Pacific)
Perfect for frequent travelers between Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and China. Miles usable across all Oneworld partners.

ANA Mileage Club (Japan)
Beloved by seasoned “mile hunters” for excellent long-haul redemption rates, especially in business and first class.

“KrisFlyer and Asia Miles are the two must-have programs for anyone flying regularly across Asia.”

Where to Earn Miles

  • Fly within one program or alliance — consistency pays off
  • Credit cards — valuable in hubs like Singapore, Japan, or Hong Kong
  • Flexible points (Amex, Chase, Citi) — best for those in the US/Europe who fly to Asia

Sidebar: Extra Earning Avenues

  • Hotels: KrisFlyer Hotels, Asia Miles hotel partners
  • Shopping portals: KrisFlyer Spree, Asia Miles iShop
  • Duty-Free bonuses: Especially popular in Japan
  • Car rentals: Avis and Sixt partnerships

Why Collect Miles in Asia

  • Free or discounted flights — e.g., Singapore to Bali or Hong Kong to Taiwan
  • Premium upgrades — Asia’s carriers have some of the world’s best business cabins
  • Long-haul value — miles shine on Asia–Europe or Asia–US routes

! Caution Box: Mile Management

  • Best value = premium or long-haul flights
  • Avoid spending on goods or souvenirs
  • Watch for expiration rules (KrisFlyer miles expire in 3 years)

The Ideal Strategy for Asia

  1. Register with KrisFlyer or Asia Miles
  2. Collect via flights, credit cards, or partners
  3. Stick to one alliance (Star Alliance or Oneworld)
  4. Save for long-haul or business class redemptions

Example Journey:

Flying often between Bangkok – Singapore – Tokyo?

  • Choose Singapore Airlines (Star Alliance) or JAL (Oneworld)
  • Collect KrisFlyer or Asia Miles
  • Add hotel bookings and shopping portals to boost balance
  • Redeem for a free Europe ticket or upgrade to business class

“Miles in Asia aren’t just about saving money — they’re about elevating the way you travel.”