KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes for August 2022 announced

Spontaneous Escapes have been announced for August 2022, with 30% off redemptions for selected Singapore Airlines routes in Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class.

Spontaneous Escapes

This is the first Spontaneous Escapes since the KrisFlyer award chart devaluation on 5 July 2022, which saw Saver prices increasing by 8-16%. A 30% discount helps to offset some of that pain, though obviously the prices now will be higher than before. 

Do note that Spontaneous Escapes awards can only be booked via the Singapore Airlines website at the moment; for whatever reason, they’re not appearing on the mobile app.

Spontaneous Escapes: Ground Rules

All Spontaneous Escape awards must be booked and ticketed by 31 July 2022 and are for travel between 1-31 August 2022 (blackout dates may apply).

Singapore Airlines has rejigged its booking interface to show Spontaneous Escapes awards under a special Promo category. This is the one you should select when making your booking.

You might recall that prior to COVID, Spontaneous Escapes were a subset of Saver awards. This created some unique problems, namely that if you wanted to book a regular Saver award (because it came with added flexibility, unlike Spontaneous Escapes awards), you couldn’t actually do it!

Now that Spontaneous Escapes are a separate Promo category unto themselves, you have the freedom to choose to pay the regular Saver prices if you so wish.

Spontaneous Escapes veterans should also know that awards are strictly non-cancellable and non-changeable. How does that translate in a post-COVID world? Singapore Airlines has made the following concession:

For (i) any flights cancelled by SIA, or (ii) if a SQ-operated flight was removed from a Participant’s booking due to Covid-19 and governmental regulatory changes, the miles redeemed in the unused portion of the ticket will be refunded into the relevant Participant’s KrisFlyer account with no additional fees charged.

However, requests to change any booking details, or to retain the ticket for future use will not be granted. Participants may submit their request via the Assistance Request form.

-Spontaneous Escapes T&Cs

I need to make something clear: the above applies to regulatory changes, not conditions as they exist at the time of booking. For example, Japan is currently closed to the world. If you book a speculative Spontaneous Escapes booking for Japan this month and Japan doesn’t open by the time you travel, you have no basis to go to Singapore Airlines asking for a refund. 

In contrast, Bali is currently open to visitors. If you book a Spontaneous Escapes booking for Bali, and Bali subsequently closes, then yes, you will have grounds for a refund. 

Do note that the complimentary rebooking policy (recently extended to 31 July 2022) does not apply to Spontaneous Escapes awards! Therefore, it’s crucial that you purchase travel insurance that covers miles & points bookings.

Which travel insurance policies covers miles and points bookings?

Here’s the other things you should know about Spontaneous Escapes deals.

What if you have an existing award?

If you’ve already holding on to a confirmed award on a flight that is now under Spontaneous Escapes, you will need to:

1. Book the Spontaneous Escapes rate
2. Cancel the existing booking and pay the redeposit fee

I strongly recommend doing it in this order, in case the Spontaneous Escapes award space disappears in the meantime. It does mean you’ll need sufficient miles on hand, of course. 

On average, miles take up to a week to be re-credited to your account, but you can ask the CSO to put in a request to expedite the process. I’ve had miles returned as soon as immediately after a cancellation, but YMMV. 

My picks for this month

June and July have been rather sparse months for Spontaneous Escapes, and unfortunately August continues the trend. 

Europe and North America are completely absent, and the furthest place you can fly in Business Class is Adelaide (47,950 miles). 

Also note that the National Day weekend is a blackout date for the vast majority of destinations. Manila, Mumbai, New Delhi, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Darwin are a handful of exceptions, but not traditional National Day getaways, really!

Most of Australia (including Sydney and Melbourne) is available in Economy Class (15,050/21,350 miles), if you don’t mind the winter conditions. 

Closer to home, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are both available at 9,450/16,800 miles for Economy/Business. Vietnam has also scrapped all COVID-19 testing, and travel there is practically identical to pre-COVID days now. 

Sadly, Bangkok and Bali are missing this month, so you’ll have to pay full price (assuming you can even find awards!).

Full list of Spontaneous Escapes

Business & Economy Class

South East Asia

North Asia

West Asia & Africa

Australia

Premium Economy Class

Premium Economy awards are also available, but honestly, I think you’re better off avoiding these. The comfort gap between Premium Economy and Business Class is wide (a recliner seat, no matter how good it is, will never beat a full flat bed), whereas the comfort gap between Economy and Premium Economy is marginal.

Therefore, I’d prefer to look for a destination offering 30% off Business Class awards. 

Australia

North Asia

West Asia & Africa

Conclusion

Spontaneous Escapes have been announced for August 2022, though the selection is slim indeed. Those hoping for a quick getaway over National Day will be disappointed too, unless perhaps they fancy a trip to India or Australia. 

Do remember to ticket your awards by 31 July 2022 (waitlists don’t count!), and purchase travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage should the worst happen. 

What will you be booking for Spontaneous Escapes?