New KrisFlyer Experience: “Points Plane” to Okinawa and resort stay

KrisFlyer Experiences has launched a new set of packages featuring a chartered flight to Okinawa for a 5D4N trip during the June school holidays, along with accommodation at the Loisir Hotel Naha or Hyatt Regency Hotel.

This “points plane” (and before the pedants point out that KrisFlyer uses miles not points, I challenge you to think of a better alliteration than “miles machine”), will be reserved exclusively for KrisFlyer miles redemptions. 

Discover the raw natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Okinawa’s beautiful island this summer – explore the vibrant history behind the castle ruins and heritage sites of the main island and uncover the hidden gems and magnificent beauty of the pristine beaches, vibrant reefs, and crystal-clear waters of the islands of Okinawa.

-KrisFlyer Experiences

You might recall that Singapore Airlines did a similar trip back in August 2022 to Langkawi, so it’s nice to see them stretching their horizons and going further afield this time. 

Experiences are now open for redemption on a first-come-first-serve basis, starting from 210,000 KrisFlyer miles for two people. 

❓ What are KrisFlyer Experiences?

KrisFlyer Experiences is SIA’s experience platform, allowing members to redeem KrisFlyer miles for money-can’t-buy activities like F1 Sky Suites, a chartered Points Plane to Langkawi, and a KrisFlyer-themed cruise to nowhere. KrisFlyer Experiences can be redeemed for the member or his/her friends and family.

KrisFlyer Experiences: Chartered plane to Okinawa

The KrisFlyer Experiences trip to Okinawa takes place from 18-22 June 2024, on a specially chartered Boeing 737-8 MAX where every seat is available for redemption. 

The following packages are available.

Loisir Hotel Naha

Hyatt Regency Naha

All packages are inclusive of:

• 40kg baggage allowance for Business Class and 30kg baggage allowance for Economy Class
• A curated goodie bag
• 4N accommodation at the hotel of your choice
• Complimentary daily breakfast
• Two-way airport transfer
• Complimentary data roaming coverage with 2GB of data daily, by Frewie and Pelago.
• Enjoy 30% off things-to-do in Okinawa with Pelago when purchased with a Mastercard credit or debit card. Browse more than 20 activities, from full day tours to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium entry tickets
• Early check-in at 12 p.m (for Loisir Hotel Naha only)

You will receive a follow-up email to fill in your personal details required to process your flight tickets, dietary requirements, as well as other information needed for fulfilment purposes.

Do note that you will have to pay airport taxes on top of the redemption mileage, with payment collected via the Kris+ app. This should add a further S$83.20 per person. 

All experiences are non-refundable once redeemed, and members can redeem as many of each item as they wish, subject to availability.

More information can be found in the links below.

• Factsheet
• FAQs

What aircraft will be used?

For this KrisFlyer Experience, Singapore Airlines has chartered one of its B737-8 MAX aircraft to serve as SQ8252 and SQ8253. 

✈ Okinawa Points Plane
SIN-OKA	OKA-SIN
SQ8252 Depart: 0205 Arrive: 0820 18 June 2024	SQ8253 Depart: 1930 Arrive: 2340 22 June 2024

A total of 154 seats are available on this plane.

Business Class seats has 10 seats in a 2-2, 1-1, 2-2 layout. Seats are up to 21 inches wide, with their own IFE display, in-seat power and reading lights. Seat assignments are on a first-come first-serve basis. I would assume they would seat four couples together in the A/C and H/K seats, while one lucky (unlucky?) couple gets the B/J throne seats. 

Economy Class has 144 seats in a 3-3 layout. Each seat is 18 inches wide with 30 inches of seat pitch, and has its own personal IFE display. Passengers will have the option to request a window-middle or aisle-aisle seat combination, but specific seats or rows cannot be selected.

I’ve flown the B737-8 in both Business and Economy Class, and you can check out the detailed reviews below:

• Review: Singapore Airlines B737-8 Business Class SIN-DAD
• Review: Singapore Airlines B737-8 Economy Class DAD-SIN

Passengers will receive lounge entitlements at Changi Airport based on the prevailing lounge access policy. That means the SilverKris Lounge for Business Class passengers and PPS Club members in Economy Class, and the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge for KrisFlyer Elite Golds and Star Golds in Economy Class. 

Singapore Airlines does not offer a lounge in Okinawa (since it does not operate scheduled flights to this airport), and there does not appear to be a contract option available unfortunately. 

Conclusion

The latest KrisFlyer Experiences feature a specially-chartered trip to Okinawa, with stays at either the Loisir Hotel Naha or Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Given that a pair of round-trip Business Class tickets to Japan would cost you 208,000 miles, you’re looking at a top-up of at least 197,000 miles for 4 nights of accommodation- which certainly seems on the steep side! 

Of course, it’s hard to put a value on the novelty of a points plane, and I imagine some might be keen on redeeming this for that reason alone. 

Who’s boarding the Points Plane?