As part of the new alliance between Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines will be launching daily, nonstop A380 service between Singapore and Auckland as of October 27, 2014.
Per airlineroute.net, the schedule for the new service will be as follows:
SQ285 Singapore to Auckland departing 8:50PM arriving 11:45AM (+1 day)
SQ286 Auckland to Singapore departing 1:30PM arriving 7:00PM
With Singapore Airlines, the benefit of A380 service isn’t just more capacity, but also that the plane features Suites Class rather than First Class. The flight is currently operated by a 777-300ER, which features their nice standard first class product.
Meanwhile the A380 doesn’t have a first class cabin, but rather has Suites Class, featuring the famous “double bed.”
I’ve written in the past how Australia is one of the toughest destinations in the world to get to on miles, and that redeeming Singapore KrisFlyer miles for travel there can be a great value. New Zealand is an even tougher destination to get to on miles, so you really can’t beat flying there in Singapore A380 Suites Class the entire way from the US.
As a refresher, per Singapore’s award chart, here are the redemption rates for travel between the US and New Zealand using KrisFlyer miles in premium cabins (factoring in the 15% discount for booking online):
Business Class (one-way) | First Class (one-way) | |
|---|---|---|
Los Angeles/San Francisco to New Zealand | 85,000 | 119,000 |
New York/Houston to New Zealand | 91,375 | 116,875 |
Singapore to New Zealand | 46,750 | 63,750 |
I should also note that if you’re into “maximizing” experiences, Singapore to Auckland is more than 1,000 miles further than Singapore to Sydney, so should allow you to get more rest and enjoy the onboard experience more (the flight is blocked at 9hr55min eastbound and 10hr30min westbound).
Best of all, since this flight has just been loaded, award availability is spectacular. I see two Suites Class saver level seats available most dates, even over peak dates around the New Year. Space is usually almost impossible to find to New Zealand that time of year.
Bottom line
I don’t expect this will last, so if you’re interested I’d recommend booking something ASAP. Keep in mind that Singapore KrisFlyer has really reasonable change and cancellation fees, and partners with American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou, and Starwood Preferred Guest.
This might just be what it takes to put me over the edge for planning another trip to one of my favorite places in the world.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Excellent, my SIN-AKL trip in First later this year has now become Suites in both directions :)
Hey Lucky,
How do you get the website to search LAX-AKL availability? I keep getting messages they don't fly that route. Do you use the multi-city search? Thanks!
@ DP81 -- Hmmm, I had no problem searching that space. Are you searching on the front page of Singapore's website? Works fine for me.
Once they invent teleportation devices, travel to Australia and New Zealand from the US will increase exponentially since it takes such a long time to get there. For example Houston to Auckland on SQ is three segments (IAH-DME-SIN & SIN-AKL): 36+ hours to get there (48 if you want to be on A380 instead of 772) and 37+ to get back (44.5 for a A380 flight).
Seriously need more vacation time *sigh* :(
Which route are they pulling a current a380 from to service the AKL route?
@ Jeremy -- I think they have enough A380s so that there's not a single route, necessarily. For example, a while ago they announced they were pulling an A380 from Singapore to Melbourne, so I think there are enough seasonal adjustments so that it's not directly coming off another route.
@Frequent Miler @Julie - A380 is southern summer peak season only. Given the big uplift in capacity on the route (SQ 77W -> A380 daily and SQ 772 5 per week -> NZ 777 7 per week) I can't see A380 being used for off peak season, at least for a year or two.
Is the A380 only for a certain period of time only .? I noticed it was a 777 plane after March 2015
@ Julie -- Looks like as of now it's only in the schedule through March, though I wouldn't be surprised if it's extended beyond that eventually.
I was getting ready to book this for next spring but found that they switch the flight (from Singapore to Auckland) back to the 777 as of March 29 2015. Bummer.
@ Frequent Miler -- It could just be that they haven't updated the summer schedule for next year.
Nice... and I agree, Queenstown (and the area nearby such as Milford Sound) is one of the most amazing places to go.
In for 2.
@ Ben
Well that sucks. Why do they advertise it then? SFO to SIN for 130K round trip in first class.
I booked BKK to SIN in business for 7500 miles earlier this year. Great deal and had no issues.
Matt
@ Matt -- Agree they shouldn't advertise it. It's misleading.
Hi Ben,
Do you know of any way to check SQ award availability online when using VX miles? I have 100K+ VX miles and figure I could use those to get to SIN on SQ1, then book SIN to AKL separately. Saves me some UR points and makes use of my VX miles.
Your thoughts? Thanks,
Matt
@ Matt -- Unfortunately in my experience Virgin America doesn't have access to longhaul premium cabin award space on Singapore.
Got it! thanks! Star Alliance is HUGE that I thought some of its members are starting its own alliance ;)
New alliance? I thought Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines have been members of star alliance for a number of years now?
Did SQ get a new A380 for this route or is one of their other routes being 'downgraded' from the A380 to 77W?
@ Joey -- Sorry, to clarify I didn't mean they're forming a new alliance like the "big three," but rather that it's an alliance (as in, partnership) between the two airlines.
It is high time they deploy a A380 to SFO, at least on one of their 2 daily flights...
Why is first class cheaper from NY/Houston than LA/SF if business is more expensive?
@ Denis -- It makes no sense, but is just one of those pricing oddities.
wow, this is fantastic... as is NZ!
i wish i had more vacation...
The Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa awaits...book fast!
Ben- Which do you like better Singapore Suites Cl on the A380 or Qantas First Cl on the A380? Seat & food.
@ John -- They're both fantastic products, really depends on the route. Can't go wrong with either, though.