Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club membership represent the pinnacle of the KrisFlyer loyalty programme, and Singapore Airlines guards the gates zealously- you could fly a million miles in Economy and be nowhere closer to joining!
But the few who do qualify, whether through personal affluence or company largesse, will find that membership indeed has its privileges.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look the benefits โ both published and unpublished โ of Singapore Airlines’ highest status tier.
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| โ Solitaire PPS Club & PPS Club Guide | |
If you’re looking for the benefits of KrisFlyer Elite Gold or KrisFlyer Elite Silver, you can refer to the comprehensive guides below.
| โ KrisFlyer Elite Gold Guide | โ KrisFlyer Elite Silver Guide |
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| Details | Details |
At a glance: Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club benefits
Here’s an overall summary of Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club benefits.
| โ๏ธ Overview: Solitaire PPS Club & PPS Club | ||
 PPS |
 Solitaire PPS |
|
| PPS Value Req. (in 12-mth period) |
25,000 | 50,000* |
| Star Alliance Status | Gold | Gold |
| Mileage Bonus | 25% | 25% |
| Non-Expiring Miles | โ | โ |
| Priority Award Redemptions | โ | โ |
| Priority Waitlist | โ | โ |
| Free Seat Selection | โ | โ |
| Birthday Bonus | โ
(2,000 miles) |
โ
(2,000 miles) |
| Discounted Service Fees | โ | โ |
| Priority Check-in | โ
Business Class |
โ
First Class |
| Extra Baggage | โ | โ |
| Priority Baggage | โ | โ |
| Priority Boarding | โ | โ |
| Lounge Access | โ
SKL Business Class |
โ
SKL First Class |
| Shangri-La Jade Fast Track | โ | โ |
| Heathrow Express Upgrade | โ | โ |
| Supp. Solitaire PPS Club Card | โ | |
| APEC Card Reimbursement | โ | |
| *25,000 if status attained before 1 June 2018 | ||
Qualification
Unlike KrisFlyer Elite Gold and KrisFlyer Elite Silver, qualification for Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club is based on money spent, not miles flown.
More specifically, you qualify for Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club status based on PPS Value:
- Solitaire PPS Club qualification/requalification: 50,000 PPS Value within a 12-month period
- PPS Club qualification/requalification: 25,000 PPS Value within a 12-month period
| ๐ด Grandfather Clause |
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Members who earned Solitaire PPS Club status before 1 June 2018 (and have maintained it since then) will only require 25,000 PPS Value in a 12-month period to requalify. This grandfather clause was created after SIA’s 2017 PPS Club shakeup. |
Life membership
Singapore Airlines used to offer Solitaire Life PPS Club status to members who accrued at least 1,875,000 miles or 1,000 PPS sectors, but stopped accepting new members on 1 September 2007. Existing members retained their status (though I have to wonder how the airline will know when they, um, expire).
Needless to say, the decision to withdraw life status wasn’t popular, and the airline found itself on the receiving end of a lawsuit (which was ultimately dismissed).
PPS Value
PPS Value is awarded at a rate of 1 PPS Value per S$1 of base fare in Suites, First or Business Class on Singapore Airlines only.
Here’s the main points to note about PPS Value.
- PPS Value includes surcharges, but excludes airport taxes
- PPS Value is tracked in Singapore dollars. If the ticket was purchased in another currency, it will be converted to Singapore dollars at IATA’s monthly exchange rates to determine the PPS Value awarded
- No PPS Value is awarded for redemption flights using KrisFlyer or any other frequent flyer programme miles
- If you choose to pay for a ticket with Miles + Cash, PPS Value will only be accrued for the portion paid with cash
- Only the person whose name is on the ticket can accrue PPS Value
- PPS Value is a “non-redeemable” currency, although accumulation does grant PPS Rewards (more on that later)
For avoidance of doubt, PPS Value is earned alongside Elite miles and KrisFlyer miles. For example, a regular KrisFlyer member who buys the following S$7,983.70 Business Class round-trip ticket between Singapore and San Francisco (actual distance: 8,440 miles each way) will earn:
- 7,827 PPS Value (based on fare only)
- 21,100 Elite Miles (fare classes U and D earn 125% of actual miles flown)
- 21,100 KrisFlyer miles (fare classes U and D earn 125% of actual miles flown)
Earn on the ground
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| Details |
Elite miles can normally only be earned by flying, but from 5 March to 4 June 2024, Singapore Airlines is running a special campaign that allows PPS Club and KrisFlyer members to earn PPS Value and Elite miles respectively for on-ground spending made at:
- Kris+ (both in Singapore and Australia)
- KrisShop
- Pelago
Earn rates for PPS Club and KrisFlyer members are as follows:
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| PPS Club | KrisFlyer | |
| Earn Rate | 1 PPS Value per S$3 spent* | 1 Elite mile per S$1 spent** |
| Cap | 2,500 PPS Value | 5,000 Elite miles |
| *Or 1 PPS Value per A$3 spent via Kris+ in Australia **Or 1 Elite mile per A$1 spent via Kris+ in Australia |
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PPS Club members will earn 1 PPS Value per S$3 spent, with an overall cap of 2,500 PPS Value, while KrisFlyer members will earn 1 Elite mile per S$1 spent, with an overall cap of 5,000 Elite miles. Caps apply for the entire campaign period.
You will only earn PPS Value or Elite miles for cash spending, excluding any amount paid for taxes and delivery charges where applicable. Should you choose to redeem KrisFlyer miles on Kris+, KrisShop or Pelago (not a great idea in the first place), that dollar value will not be eligible to earn status credits.
Under this promotion, PPS Value can only be earned by PPS Club members, and Elite miles can only be earned by KrisFlyer members.
Therefore, for PPS Club members:
- A current PPS Club member can requalify for PPS Club, or upgrade to Solitaire PPS Club
- A current Solitaire PPS Club member can requalify for Solitaire PPS Club
And for KrisFlyer members:
- A current entry-level KrisFlyer member can qualify for either KrisFlyer Elite Silver, or KrisFlyer Elite Gold
- A current KrisFlyer Elite Silver can requalify for KrisFlyer Elite Silver, or upgrade to KrisFlyer Elite Gold
- A current KrisFlyer Elite Gold can requalify for KrisFlyer Elite Gold
In other words, if you’re currently a KrisFlyer Elite Gold member in the midst of racking up PPS Value through flying to upgrade to PPS Club, you won’t be able to earn extra PPS Value on the ground via this promotion.
Reserve Value
Any PPS Value earned in excess of requalification will be credited as Reserve Value, which can be drawn down in future years should you fall short of the necessary amount to requalify.
PPS Reserve value is valid for:
- PPS Club: 3 years
- Solitaire PPS Club (qualified from 1 June 2018): 3 years
- Solitaire PPS Club (qualified before 1 June 2018): 6 years
To maximise the validity of your Reserve Value, your membership will always be renewed using your Reserve Value (from oldest to newest) before adding the PPS Value youโve earned in your current membership year.
Here’s an example from Singapore Airlines of how the system works:
One key thing to note: if you’re a Solitaire PPS Club member, you cannot request that only 25,000 Reserve Value be drawn down to requalify for PPS Club status.
When the time comes for renewal, the full 50,000 Reserve Value will be drawn down, if available, for requalification for Solitaire PPS Club membership. In other words, you’re locked into the scheme you’re already on!
This isn’t an issue for those who qualified for Solitaire PPS Club membership prior to 1 June 2018, since their draw down for requalification is only 25,000 Reserve Value, but it will affect all those who qualified subsequently.
PPS Rewards
To reward Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members who go above and beyond requalification, SIA offers the PPS Rewards programme.
This awards you various gifts as you progress towards requalification and beyond, with 5 different PPS Rewards on offer up to 100,000 PPS Value.
| ๐ PPS Rewards | |
| PPS Value | PPS Reward |
| 25,000: Qualify/Requalify for PPS Club | |
| 30,000 | 2x Double KrisFlyer miles voucher |
| 40,000 | 50,000 KrisFlyer miles redemption discount |
| 50,000: Qualify/Requalify for Solitaire PPS Club | |
| 60,000 | Advance upgrade award |
| 75,000 | Advance upgrade award |
| 100,000 | Advance upgrade award |
Two important things to note here:
- PPS Rewards are awarded based on PPS Value accumulated with a given membership year (unlike KrisFlyer Milestone Rewards, which are based on Elite miles accumulated within a given calendar year)
- PPS Rewards are valid for 12 months from the date of issue
I’ve written a full article just on this subject alone, but you can find a brief summary below.
PPS Rewards
Double KrisFlyer miles voucher
At 30,000 PPS Value, 2x double KrisFlyer miles vouchers are unlocked, which allows for twice the mileage accrual on a single flight segment.
For example, if the PPS member books a ‘C’ fare SIN-SFO itinerary in Business Class and applies the voucher to the outbound leg, he will earn:
- 12,660 KrisFlyer miles (actual distance flown + 50% cabin bonus)
- 2,110 KrisFlyer miles (25% tier bonus for PPS members)
- 12,660 KrisFlyer miles (double KrisFlyer miles voucher)
Note that the double KrisFlyer miles reward is applied after including the cabin bonus, but before the tier bonus.
Interestingly enough, this reward can be applied to an upcoming booking or a past booking up to seven days ago. For retrospective reward application on past bookings, the reward must be awarded to you before the flight date.
50,000 KrisFlyer miles redemption discount
At 40,000 PPS Value, a 50,000 KrisFlyer miles redemption discount voucher is unlocked. This can be used for the PPS member or a redemption nominee, for an award flight or redemption upgrade.
The 50,000 miles will be offset at the time of booking. If there’s more than one passenger in the booking, the reward will be applied to the first eligible passenger only.
For example, if you’re booking 2x award tickets that cost 25,000 miles each, your total cost will be 25,000 miles, since the 50,000 miles voucher offsets the first passenger’s 25,000 miles ticket only. In other words, you should be redeeming miles for a destination that costs at least 50,000 miles per person before considering using this reward.
Advance upgrade
At 60,000, 75,000 and 100,000 PPS Value, an Advance upgrade award is unlocked.
This is valid for a one-cabin upgrade on one flight segment, which can be:
- Economy > Premium Economy
- Economy > Business (where Premium Economy is not available)
- Premium Economy > Business
- Business > First
Assuming you’re booking an Economy ticket, you’ll want to pick a flight that doesn’t have a Premium Economy cabin so you can hop right to Business Class. In other words, try and book flights on the following aircraft:
- A350-900 Regional
- B737-800 (do note this aircraft has very old recliner-style Business Class seats)
- B737 Max 8
- B787-10
I suppose you could also book regional flights on long-haul A350-900s where the Premium Economy cabin isn’t sold, but that seems like a waste of this reward!
Your original booking must be a commercial ticket (i.e. no redemptions) in the following classes:
- Economy Class: Y, B, E, M, H, W
- Premium Economy Class: S, T, P, L
- Business Class: Z, C, J, U
To redeem the reward online, you should have one Advance Upgrade reward for each passenger in your booking. All passengers in the booking will be upgraded for one flight segment.
If you wish to use the reward only for selected passengers in the booking, contact your PPS Club coordinator.
Welcome & renewal pack
Singapore Airlines no longer provides physical membership kits for KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Elite Silver members, but Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members continue to receive them.
The Solitaire PPS Club kit consists of two luggage tags, a membership card, plus a handsome leather zip pouch.
The PPS Club kit forgoes the leather zip pouch, but still contains the membership card and luggage tags.
As a renewal gift, Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members will receive 57,000 KrisPay miles (worth S$380) and 42,000 KrisPay miles (S$280) respectively, credited directly to their Kris+ account.
25% Mileage accrual bonus
Every time Solitaire PPS Club or PPS Club members fly with Singapore Airlines or Scoot, they’ll earn a 25% bonus KrisFlyer miles on all fare classes except:
- Economy Lite (V, K)
- Economy Value (Q, N)
This applies on top of the booking class bonus, as illustrated below:
| Cabin | Fare Class | Accrual Rate |
| Suites / First | A,F | 225% |
| Business |
Flexi: Z, C, J | 175% |
| Standard: U | 150% |
|
| Lite: D | 150% |
|
| Premium Economy |
Flexi: S, T | 150% |
| Standard: L, P | 125% |
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| Lite: R | 125% |
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| Economy | Flexi: B, E, Y | 125% |
| Standard: M, H, W | 100% |
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| Value & Lite: Q, N, V, K, G | 50% (no bonus) |
The 25% bonus applies to KrisFlyer miles only, not Elite miles or PPS Value.
When flying on Scoot, the 25% bonus is applied to the usual rate of 1 mile per S$1 of base fare and add-ons (excluding e-Visa, travel insurance or Scoot protect), i.e. 1.25 miles per S$1 spent.
For passengers travelling on a mixed itinerary containing both Scoot and Singapore Airlines sectors, you’ll earn KrisFlyer miles for the Singapore Airlines sectors based on the table above, and for the Scoot sectors based on a percentage of actual miles flown on Scoot with a 25% bonus.
Priority award redemptions
Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members are given higher priority to Saver award flight availability, and while this isn’t quantified exactly, it does check out in practice.
For example, here’s the Business Class award space a regular KrisFlyer member sees for flights from Singapore to Sydney:
And here’s the Business Class award space a Solitaire PPS Club member sees for the same dates:
Notice how the Solitaire PPS Club member has access to Business Saver awards on SQ221 and SQ231, whereas the KrisFlyer member can only see Business Advantage awards.
I can also confirm that Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members have preferential access to Spontaneous Escapes awards, as shown from the screenshots below.
In case you were wondering, there is a differentiation between PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club members; the latter always see the best possible award space. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be snapping up Suites Saver awards on flights to London, but all things equal, you have a much better chance!
Priority reservation waitlist
Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members who are waitlisted for a revenue or award ticket on Singapore Airlines theoretically receive priority.
However, it’s impossible to tell how much of a difference this actually makes in real life. In my personal experience as a Solitaire PPS Club member, I’ve not noticed a dramatic difference in how often my waitlist requests clear compared to KrisFlyer Elite Gold days.
I’d say it depends a lot more on the routes and cabin that you choose. After all, if the cabin is full, it’s full.
PPS Connect
Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members get access to the PPS Connect service, where instead of calling SIA, SIA calls you.
All you need to do is send the following SMS, and you’ll get a call back as soon as possible.
| ๐ฑ SMS to 9184 8888 |
| PPS<space>10-digit PPS Club number e.g. PPS 1234567890 |
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In my experience so far, the wait time has been anywhere from near instantaneous to a six-hour wait (during the peak of COVID). Either way, it’s better than waiting on the phone, and the agents assigned to PPS Club members are noticeably better at fulfilling requests.
Priority check-in
Singapore
Solitaire PPS Club members and their accompanying travellers are invited to use the First Class check-in reception at Changi Terminal 3, whenever they depart on a Singapore Airlines flight in any cabin.
This is open from 5 a.m to 2 a.m daily, and is accessed via a private driveway just before Door 1 on the departure level. It’s not a lounge as suchโ there’s no food or drinks here โ but you won’t be lingering for long anyway. It’s certainly a welcome relief from the bustle of the main terminal, especially during peak hours.
Regular PPS Club members are entitled to use the Business Class check-in desks, regardless of cabin of travel.
Overseas
When overseas, Solitaire PPS Club members may use the First Class check-in desks when departing on Singapore Airlines flights, regardless of actual cabin of travel. If First Class is not offered, they may use the Business Class check-in counters.
PPS Club members may use the Business Class check-in desks.
Priority immigration
After checking in at the First Class reception area, Solitaire PPS Club passengers departing from Changi Terminal 3 can proceed to a dedicated immigration counter (again, the benefit applies even if they’re not flying in First Class).
By virtue of their Star Gold status, Solitaire PPS Club members will also be eligible to use the expedited Gold Track Security lanes at selected airports overseas.
APEC Business Travel Card
Solitaire PPS Club members from participating countries under the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) scheme are eligible for reimbursement of the application costs for one card.
An ABTC allows you to skip the regular immigration lines in participating countries, which can either be a mild convenience or a complete lifesaver.
| ๐ Countries accepting ABTC | |
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| โ Can I bring a companion? | |
| The rules on companions are fuzzy, and it sometimes boils down to the immigration officer’s mood. Some places officially allow for a guest, others will insist on “one card one person”. |
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Having been an ABTC cardholder for a few years, I can tell you it’s amazing. Even if you’re a regular First or Business Class traveller, some airports don’t have priority lines for premium cabin passengers. But they will have a separate ABTC lane, which can save you hours at less efficient airports.
Solitaire PPS Club members must apply for the card directly with the relevant authority (for Singaporeans, it’s ICA), and then submit:
- a cheque or local bank transfer reimbursement form
- official application acknowledgement
- receipt for application fees (S$100 in Singapore)
Reimbursement will be paid within 6-8 weeks of submission.
Do note this benefit is only for the main cardholder; supplementary cardholders are not eligible.
Full guide: Applying for an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) in Singapore
Priority boarding
Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members may board the aircraft at their convenience, since they’re pretty much at the head of the boarding queue.
The boarding order for Singapore Airlines is:
- Passengers who require special assistance, as well as those with infants and toddlers
- Suites and First Class passengers
- Business Class passengers and Solitaire PPS/PPS Club members
- Premium Economy Class passengers, KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold members
- Economy Class passengers (further split into three zones depending on location)
Companions may board at the same time as the Solitaire PPS/PPS Club member, regardless of cabin.
When flying on other Star Alliance carriers, you will board along with other Star Gold members.
Additional baggage & priority handling
Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members enjoy double the usual baggage allowance when flying on Singapore Airlines, which works out to an extra 25-50kg depending on the cabin/fare.
When flying on Star Alliance partners, an additional 20kg is granted (the standard Star Gold entitlement).
| ๐งณ Weight Concept (Flights to/from all countries except Canada/USA) |
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| Singapore Airlines | Star Alliance Partners | |
| Suites & First Class | 50kg + 50kg | Normal Allowance +20kg |
| Business Class | 40kg + 40kg | |
| Premium Economy Class | 35kg + 35kg | |
| Economy Flexi | 30 kg + 30kg | |
| Economy Standard | 30kg + 30kg | |
| Economy Value | 25kg + 25kg | |
| Economy Lite | 25kg + 25kg | |
Where the piece concept is applied (i.e. on flights to and from Canada/USA), Solitaire PPS Club members enjoy two additional pieces if they’re flying on Singapore Airlines or one additional piece if they’re flying on Star Alliance partners.
| ๐งณ Piece Concept (Flights to/from Canada/USA) |
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| Singapore Airlines | Star Alliance Partners | |
| Suites & First Class | 2 + 2 pieces (max 32kg per piece) |
Normal Allowance + 1 extra piece (max 32kg per piece) |
| Business Class | 2 + 2 pieces (max 32kg per piece) |
Normal Allowance + 1 extra piece (max 32kg per piece) |
| Premium Economy Class | 2 + 2 pieces (max 23kg per piece) |
Normal Allowance + 1 extra piece (max 23 kg per piece) |
| Economy Class (all fare types) |
2 + 2 pieces (max 23kg per piece) |
Normal Allowance + 1 extra piece (max 23kg per piece) |
Where Virgin Australia is concerned, you will be permitted to check an extra bag of up to 32kg for Business Class passengers, and up to 23kg for Economy Class passengers, on domestic and short-haul international flights.
While the additional baggage allowance generally applies across all Star Alliance partners, it does not apply to:
- “Light” fares offered by Austrian, Lufthansa and SWISS
- “Check&Go” fares offered by Brussels Airlines
- “Go light” fares offered by SAS
- “Seat” fares offered by Air New Zealand
Solitaire PPS Club & PPS Club members receive priority baggage handling tags, and their bags are usually the first to pop off the belt- but not always!
Non-expiry of KrisFlyer miles
KrisFlyer miles normally expire at the end of three years. However, KrisFlyer miles earned by Solitaire PPS Club (excluding supplementary cardmembers) and PPS Club members never expire.
If a Solitaire PPS Club or PPS Club member subsequently fails to renew his or her membership, KrisFlyer miles will expire three years from the time PPS status is lost.
For example, if you are downgraded from PPS Club to KrisFlyer Elite Gold on 1 July 2023, all KrisFlyer miles in your account at that time will expire on 31 July 2026.
Guaranteed Economy Class seat
Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members are guaranteed an Economy Class seat on any Singapore Airlines flight, provided the request is made at least 24 hours before departure. While the benefit was previously suspended during COVID-19, it has since been restored.
The catch is that they have to pay the highest booking class available, which can be surprisingly expensive (close to S$1,000 for a round-trip to Bangkok). I suppose it helps if you’re desperate and really need to fly.
This benefit does not extend to award flights.
Complimentary seat selection
While seat selection is complimentary for all Singapore Airlines First/Suites, Business and Premium Economy Class passengers, Economy Class passengers flying on certain fare types are required to pay.
SIA Seat Selection Fees
| Fare Type | Fare Code | Seat Selection |
| Economy Lite | V, K | Chargeable |
| Economy Value | Q, N | Chargeable |
| Economy Standard | M, H, W | Complimentary (Standard) |
| Economy Flexi | Y, B, E | Complimentary (Forward Zone & Standard) |
| ๐บ Seat Selection Fees | |||
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| Standard | Forward Zone | Extra Legroom | |
| Band 1 | US$8 | US$15 | US$25 |
| Band 2 | US$10 | US$20 | US$60 |
| Band 3 | US$15 | US$25 | US$80 |
| Band 4 | US$20 | US$40 | US$100 |
| Band 5 | US$25 | US$50 | US$120 |
| Band 1: Singapore to/from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam; between Denmark and Italy, between Spain and Italy Band 2: Singapore to/from Bangladesh, Hong Kong, China, India. Japan, Korea, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and UAE Band 3: Singapore to/from Australia and New Zealand Band 4: Singapore to/from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom; between United States and Germany Band 5: Singapore to/from USA |
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Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members are exempt from all seat selection fees, whether for Extra Legroom, Forward Zone or Standard Seats. They may even select the Solo seats on the A350-900 ULR flights to the USA for free.
Companions travelling on the same booking will enjoy complimentary Forward Zone or Standard seats (so you can’t pick Extra Legroom seats for your whole party- though calling up and asking nicely may sometimes prove successful; YMMV).
Don’t forget that all Singapore Airlines seats can be selected for free by any passenger at the T-48 hours mark, i.e. when online check-in opens.
Complimentary seat selection does not apply when flying on other Star Alliance carriers.
Lounge access
Solitaire PPS Club
Solitaire PPS Club members enjoy lounge access when travelling on the following airlines.
| Solitaire PPS Club Lounge Access |
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| Flying On | Access | Guest? |
| Singapore Airlines | SilverKris Lounge (F) | +1 guest1 |
| Scoot | SilverKris Lounge (F)^ | +1 guest2 |
| Star Alliance | Star Alliance Gold Lounge | +1 guest3 |
| Virgin Australia | Virgin Australia Lounge | +1 guest4 |
| Virgin Atlantic | Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse* | No guest |
| 1. Must be departing on same flight 2. Must be departing on same flight 3. Must be departing on same flight 4. Must be departing on same-day Virgin Australia flight *Except when departing from London Heathrow, where access is granted to the Club Aspire Lounge T3 ^When flying out of Singapore, only the Terminal 2 SKL may be used |
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When flying on Singapore Airlines or Scoot, Solitaire PPS Club members get access to the First Class section of the SilverKris Lounge wherever available, regardless of cabin of travel.
Review: Singapore Airlines SilverKris First Class Lounge, Changi Terminal 3
The following SilverKris Lounges have a separate First Class section:
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- London
- Melbourne
- Sydney
Do note that when flying on Scoot out of Singapore, Solitaire PPS Club members may only access the SilverKris Lounge at Changi Terminal 2.
| ๐จ๏ธ Fun Fact |
| Once upon a time, Solitaire PPS Club members were allowed to use the First Class Lounge even if they weren’t flying on Singapore Airlines! Needless to say, that was a bit too generous, and got nerfed eventually… |
Solitaire PPS Club members travelling on Singapore Airlines are also allowed to visit the First Class Lounge on arrival in Singapore, along with a guest travelling on the same flight. All they need to present is their inbound boarding pass.
When flying on Star Alliance, Virgin Australia or Virgin Atlantic, Solitaire PPS Club members generally enjoy the same lounge entitlements as a regular Business Class passenger, with some exceptions if they are in Premium Economy or Economy.
| Airport | Business Class | Solitaire PPS Club (in PY/Y) |
| Frankfurt | LH Business Lounge or AC Maple Leaf Lounge | LH Senator Lounge or AC Maple Leaf Lounge |
| Houston | Polaris Lounge | United Club |
| Istanbul | TK Business Lounge | TK Miles&Smiles Lounge |
| Manchester | 1903 Lounge | Escape Lounge |
| Mumbai | Adani Lounge | Loyalty Lounge |
| Munich | LH Business Lounge | LH Senator Lounge |
| San Francisco | Polaris Lounge | United Club |
| Zurich | LX Business Lounge | LX Senator Lounge |
On the flip side, Solitaire PPS Club members are eligible to use the ANA Suite Lounges at Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita whenever travelling on Singapore Airlines or a Star Alliance partner in any cabin.
PPS Club
PPS Club members enjoy lounge access when travelling on the following airlines.
| PPS Club Lounge Access |
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| Flying On | Access* | Guest? |
| Singapore Airlines | SilverKris Lounge (J)* | +1 guest1 |
| Star Alliance | Star Alliance Gold Lounge * | +1 guest2 |
| Virgin Australia | Virgin Australia Lounge* | +1 guest3 |
| Virgin Atlantic | Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse* | No guest |
| 1. Must be departing on same flight 2. Must be departing on same flight 3. Must be departing on same-day Virgin Australia flight *Or partner lounge where available |
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When flying on Singapore Airlines, PPS Club members get access to the Business Class section of the SilverKris Lounge wherever available, regardless of cabin of travel (obviously they can access the First Class section if they are in First/Suites).
Review: Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Class Lounge, Changi T3
Unlike Solitaire PPS Club members, they do not enjoy any lounge access on arrival in Singapore.
When flying on Star Alliance, Virgin Australia or Virgin Atlantic, Solitaire PPS Club members generally enjoy the same lounge entitlements as a regular Business Class passenger, with some exceptions if they are in Premium Economy or Economy.
| Airport | Business Class | PPS Club (in PY/Y) |
| Frankfurt | LH Business Lounge or AC Maple Leaf Lounge | LH Senator Lounge or AC Maple Leaf Lounge |
| Houston | Polaris Lounge | United Club |
| Istanbul | TK Business Lounge | TK Miles&Smiles Lounge |
| Manchester | 1903 Lounge | Escape Lounge |
| Mumbai | Adani Lounge | Loyalty Lounge |
| Munich | LH Business Lounge | LH Senator Lounge |
| San Francisco | Polaris Lounge | United Club |
| Zurich | LX Business Lounge | LX Senator Lounge |
Waived service fees
Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members will receive a waiver of the usual fees required to change redemption nominees for KrisFlyer awards.
| Tier |
Change of Redemption Nominee | |
| Online | Offline | |
| KrisFlyer | US$30 or 3,000 miles | US$55 or 5,500 miles |
| KrisFlyer Elite Silver | US$15 or 1,500 miles | US$40 or 4,000 miles |
| KrisFlyer Elite Gold | Waived | US$25 or 2,5000 miles |
| PPS Club, Solitaire PPS Club | Waived | Waived |
| Can only be done six months after a nominee is added | ||
Anecdotally, it is also easier for Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members to request a waiver of change/refund fees on redemption award tickets.
Do note that this is not a guaranteed benefit; it doesn’t hurt to ask, but you should not insist if the answer is no.
Supplementary Solitaire PPS card
Solitaire PPS Club members may nominate one individual (who need not be a family relation) for a supplementary card.
Supplementary cardholders enjoy identical benefits to the main cardholder, with the following exceptions:
- KrisFlyer miles still expire after three years
- No ABTC reimbursement
- No birthday upgrade
If the supplementary cardholder already has KrisFlyer Elite Gold/Silver status with Singapore, he/she will have two statuses.
For example, here’s what it looks like for a supplementary cardholder with KrisFlyer Elite Gold status.
This member enjoys the status benefits of a Solitaire PPS Club member, but continues to accrue Elite miles towards his/her KrisFlyer Elite Gold requalification or PPS Value towards his/her PPS qualification.
Scoot perks
Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members enjoy the following benefits on Scoot:
- Complimentary 5kg baggage upgrade with minimum purchase of 20kg baggage, made at least 24 hours before departure
- Automatic assignment of the “best available standard seat” (but beware, this may not always be a perk!)
- BoardMeFirst (with Priority check-in)
- Booking flexibility waiver (one-time flight/date change fee waiver)
- SilverKris Lounge access with one guest (Solitaire PPS Club members only)
Benefits (except baggage upgrade) are also extended to companions on the same booking reference.
Shangri-La Circle Jade fast track
Thanks to the Infinite Journeys partnership between Singapore Airlines and Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members can register and earn Jade status with one single night at any Shangri-La Hotel and Resort, Kerry Hotel, Traders Hotel or Hotel Jen worldwide. This status normally requires 20 nights or 6,000 tier points a year to qualify.
The tier upgrade will take place within 6-8 weeks after meeting the upgrade criteria.
Shangri-La Jade members enjoy perks including free breakfast, room upgrades, and priority for early check-in (11 a.m) and late check-out (4 p.m), subject to availability.
Heathrow Express upgrade
Star Alliance has a partnership with Heathrow Express, that provides Solitaire PPS Club, PPS Club and KrisFlyer Elite Gold members with a free upgrade to Business First Class by virtue of their Star Gold tier.
According to the T&Cs, Star Gold members must purchase a full fare standard class ticket, and show their Star Gold frequent flyer card when prompted by the conductor. In practice, however, there’s no need to purchase full fare; I’ve received this benefit many times when riding on a discounted ticket as well (which can cost as little as ยฃ5.50 one way, if purchased 90 days ahead).
Frankly, it’s a modest little upgrade, since the ride is a grand total of 15 minutes. But hey, why not?
Unpublished benefits
And finally, we’ll cover some unpublished benefits of Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club membership. As the term suggests, these are not officially offered, so Singapore Airlines may withdraw them at any time without notice (and you can’t insist on them if you don’t get it!).
Soft landing
| Fail to requalify for… | …soft landing to |
| Solitaire PPS Club |
PPS Club |
| PPS Club (member for โฅ2 years) |
 KF Elite Gold |
| PPS Club (member for 1 year) |
 KF Elite Silver |
If you fail to requalify for Solitaire PPS Club status, you will receive a so-called “soft landing” to PPS Club in the following membership year.
If you fail to requalify for PPS Club status:
- those who have been a PPS Club member for two or more years will be soft landed to KrisFlyer Elite Gold
- those who have been a PPS Club member for only one year will be soft landed to KrisFlyer Elite Silver (unless they have accrued sufficient Elite miles to achieve KrisFlyer Elite Gold in their own right)
You can read a few accounts of soft landings on SQTalk and FlyerTalk.
Birthday upgrade
Principal Solitaire PPS Club members receive a complimentary one-cabin upgrade when travelling on Singapore Airlines on their birthday (or +/- one calendar day). This is subject to availability at the point of check-in.
Some important points to note:
- The free upgrade is valid for both award and commercial tickets
- The upgrade is only for the Solitaire PPS Club member, and not for companions in the same booking
- Only principal Solitaire PPS Club members are entitled to birthday upgrades, and not supplementary cardholders
- Upgrades are based on seat availability at the time of airport check-in. There is no point calling up SIA ahead of time to request your upgrade
- If you are on a multi-legged journey (e.g. SIN-FRA-JFK), the upgrade may only be for one of the legs due to seat availability
For more details about this perk, refer to the post below.
How the Solitaire PPS Club’s secret birthday upgrade perk works
Onboard perks
For what it’s worth, it’s clear that Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members are treated better when flying Singapore Airlines, regardless of cabin.
For example, it’s not uncommon to have your meal order taken first, or receive a glass of First or Business Class champagne (if you’re in Premium Economy or Economy they’ll serve it in a plastic cup to avoid arousing suspicion!).
The lead cabin attendant will almost always come around to introduce him or herself before departure, which is a great opportunity to ask for some creature comforts that may be missing in Economy (e.g. a full bottle of water).
Conclusion
Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club are exclusively reserved for those willing and able to pay for for Singapore Airlines Suites, First and Business Class cabins. While you’re technically “only” a Star Gold member, you do get extra special treatment when flying on SIA, regardless of cabin. My personal favourite perks would be PPS Connect, additional award space, and First Class lounge access- even on arrival.
A common criticism of Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club membership is that Singapore Airlines isn’t anywhere near as generous as competing programmes when it comes to things like upgrades.
I suppose I can see where they’re coming from, but if upgrades are something you value, then PPS Club isn’t the right programme for you. Singapore Airlines just doesn’t do upgrades, barring an operational requirement, and it’s not like this is a particularly recent phenomenon. Even back in 1985, the Straits Times had to publish a correction after it mistakenly said that PPS members were given upgrades!
Assuming that’s not a deal-breaker for you, then I think you’ll find this a worthy club to be part of. Especially if someone else is picking up the tab.
Any other Solitaire PPS or PPS Club benefits worth highlighting?
Obviously 50k is a lot to fly. Besides being a consultant or businessman who flies every week, any tips on how to get to the tier quickly in a smarter way?
In the past when qualifications were by sectors, maybe. But now that it’s based on $ spend, there really are no shortcuts.
Previously, it used to be 25k a year and hold PPS for 5 years consecutive before you get solitaire. Theyโve upped the ante in some way, but also not. You could get solitaire in a year now versus 5 years in previous lifetime
Technically it was $250K within 5 years for Solitaire. Thus, you could qualify sooner than 5 years.
During Covid I bought my company laptops via krisshop and when we moved office I purchased a number of items there. Racked up almost 120K PPS$ during that period and now I got TPPS till 2026. That was one rare moment you could pick up PPS$ without flying
Dank! Was that a one off promo? Should have done that too! Argh
Iโm a Solitaire PPS member. Two of the Solitaire benefits donโt actually apply to supplementary members
(1) makes sense- that’s why I still see expiry for my miles
But for (2), I’ve used the First Class check-in a few times already without issue. I don’t see any wording on the site that suggests it’s limited to principal members
edit: for (2), i suppose it doesn’t mention First Class check-in here, but neither does it mention First Class lounge access for that matter (https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/ppsclub-krisflyer/ppsclub/privileges-at-a-glance/). Maybe it’s a YMMV thing.
When you go for your flight, see where the app tells you to go to check-in. If I remember correctly, for principal members they were always told to go to the First Class terminal but I canโt remember what it was for supp members.
In any case, I think in practice if a supp member shows up at the first class terminal, nobody is going to ask them to leaveโฆ
2) first class check in also allowed to supp solitaire members. Been there done that for years
Weโve done for years on PPS SOL Supp – check in at first class terminal, first class lounge – for couple of years now. No one has ever stopped us or denied us of any services or benefits.
yup done that for 14 years now as a supp
Item 1) makes senses so Supp Card is meant for people with no status aspiration. In my case I use my miles to book flights for my wife and because she is always on redemption she never earns any qualifying miles and has no expiration to worry but gets the perks
I think thatโs SQ strategy for item 1. to keep PPS members happy and keep spending $$$
Just a note that PPS Solitaire Supp can “only” check-in using Biz Class counters instead of First Class counters. Not that it makes that much of a difference… LOL.
Really? Never encountered that before. Whether itโs the dedicated first class terminal at T3, or counters, never got told supp holders canโt use
Congratulations, Aaron! I’d love to hear about your experiences as a Solitaire PPS member! I have a question – I qualified for KF-G until Nov 2023 by virtue of the KF promotions that were running last year. I have concurrently been travelling (for work) and have been accumulating PPS miles. If I qualify for PPS this year in my own right, what will happen to my KF-G status (which auto-renews on 1 Dec 2022)?
if you qualify for PPS I believe that replaces your KFG status. I don’t think it’s possible to hold KFG and PPS status at the same time unless one is supplementary, but this is unchartered territory for me.
Yup Aaron is right. Back in 2015 I had this dilemma too and itโs not worth arguing with SQ on โlugiโ your gold perks or having it on hold until u lose pps.
On the bright side there is a soft landing so it gracefully put u back to gold if u fail to qualify for PPS
Thanks very much for the info, Alian!
Thereโs also annual gifts for renewal, some vouchers etc. And flying on economy also has some very small perks.
when I flew Economy the inflight supervisor came over to say hi to all PPS members. was also offered champagne (in a plastic cup, probably to minimise suspicion and all the other passengers asking for one)
I got offered in economy before; champagne in plastic cup, Bak kut teh from biz class in paper cups ๐๐
Hi Aaron, as a regular PPS member (non Solitaire), Iโm seeing the same Saver availability to Sydney as you are. Hope this is a helpful data point.
Thanks! Not conclusive obviously but every bit helps.
Your dad could have extended his PPS Solitaire membership for a number of additional years by transferring credit card points the same way you did to become KFG.
One PPS Solitaire benefits that is “suspended” right now is the guaranteed reservation when booking Y class. You can no longer use this benefit while it would be very handy.
yes- but that would require a good number of miles. pity i couldn’t have transferred some of mine…
My wife recently had to change an award Y ticket due to Covid in Seoul, this was in March. When rebooking, they said no available award seats available for the next 3 weeks. She pulled the PPS Sol switch, and immediately got rebooked seats on the next flight right after her quarantine ended.
Sorry for the incredibly noob question – do you earn PPS Value when buying tickets for someone else? If purchased a business class ticket for my father from my account, to whose account would the PPS Value for my father’s ticket accrue?
Only the person whose name is on the ticket can earn pps value
Thank you always for your posts and information. I always love reading this blog. I am generally able to max out the 8,000 miles/month on the DBS WWC and 4,000/month on the HSBC Rev., plus another 1,000 here or there on Kris+, but seeing that you have 300,000 miles expiring in Nov (which is probably a fraction of your total miles in Kris Flyer and credit cards), helped to realize what a different level you are at. I wonder if you might sometime do a post about how many miles you earn per month on average and how you earn… Read more »
He earns hundreds of thousands from the referral links la. Each referral gives him 10-20k and the plat charge gives him 40-50k.
A couple other Solitaire perks: 1) Access to ANA suite lounge at NRT and HND. This is one of the few Solitaire perks that is provided by another airline. 2) Escort through TSA at JFK. As it’s a non-published benefit I don’t know how frequently this is offered but I have received it several times. 3) Meet and Greet upon arrival. This seems to be hit or miss…but I have been met at the gate upon disembarking at JFK, LAX and LHR quite a few times. I don’t understand the point of this service and I have refused it more… Read more »
Re, meet and greet: It can make a difference in places like JFK. I came off a Suites flight the other day and helpful agent waiting for me at the jet bridge escorted me through the diplomatic channel (apparently not a given) as opposed to the main esta line for immigration, resulting in a 1h+ saving — all in: 20 mins from aircraft door to being in car on my way to Manhattan (incl. waiting for checked bags)! I am close to hitting the TPPS threshold for the first time and it is interesting to see your thoughts on differentiation… Read more »
Good point re meet and greet. You are right to highlight that depending on one’s citizenship this service can make a difference.
Personally, I would love for SQ to explore more reciprocal benefits…for example, Lufthansa F class lounge access in Frankfurt (and in return HON Circle get F lounge access at Changi). *G has been so diluted that the *G airlines should look at connecting bilaterally a few things at their highest internal tiers.
Re the boarding priority, SQ needs to rethink this on the ULR flights where 3/4 of the flight is “priority.”
Congrats on soon becoming TPPS!
(3) sounds interesting. haven’t encountered that yet. flew into LAX with my dad in march and we didn’t get any escort. maybe there’s a sub-tiering within TPPS
Itโs only if u fly suites then u get meet n greet not in J. Same thing happen for my when I flew from IAD to LHR to SIN. As my LHR to SIN was in suite I got meet n greet too n a buggy
Nope, that’s not true. I had meet and greet and was in J every time. As I mentioned it has been hit or miss …about 3x at LHR, 2x at JFK and 1x at LAX. For example, I’ve flown to LAX twice in the last 6 months in J, one time I received meet and greet and one time I didn’t. As I usually refuse the escort, I suspect I may not receive it much anymore as SQ is pretty good at recording preferences.
I’ve been TPPS for quite a few years.
Nice to know. Iโll take note too and see how this pans out as my TPPS only been a year. Need a trip to JFK this with connection to BOS so hopefully it helps. Thanks
Hi Aaron, does the extra baggage allowance extend to all passengers on the same booking as the main cardholder? I asked the question to a service consultant at the PPS CONNECT center and they werenโt sure but I seem to recall pre-pandemic that the extra baggage allowance was available (on SQ-operated flights only) to all pax on same booking – do you have any insights here? Thanks!
Yes it did extend to all pax individually and no reason to have changed post covid – none of the other benefits have (except specifically stated as suspended ). traveled pre covid with 90kgs + as PPS in J class and no one raised an eyebrow โฆ Whether you need to max allowance, over 2-3 pax ie 150-200 kgs is rare but possible โฆ
Does the redemptions via the voyage card in travel$ quantify as full fare tickets which give PPS?
yup
Well done Aaron. Enjoy.
Question about crediting PPS value: if booking on the Lufthansa website for a flight that is partly operated by SQ (via either FRA or MUC to SIN) the PPS value should be credited for the sector flown on SQ metal. Is this assumption correct and confirmed in practice?
Wait, your dad could have given you PPS for all those years but he prefered reading about his son grinding it out from the far distance of his ivory tower?
Sounds painfully familiar.
it…built character.
Baggage coming out first is a legendary myth. My bags are never the first. Not even the first batch as a TPPS from my last 5 flights.
But when I check in at the very last minute in Y with no status it used to come out really fast (no lounge access no status no point going airport early when as a student)
1. You see KFEG and TPPS separately because one is based on your own accumulation. This applies to all supp card holders. Regular QPPS and TPPS don’t have a separate KFEG tracker (even though they would likely have earned more than 50k elite miles in the process of qualifying for PPS).
2. The guaranteed economy class seat is suspended? ๐ No wonder they refused when I was struggling to get on a Friday CGK flight recently…
Been a SPPS for a few years, now adays, the PPS Connect service will take a few hours to call you back…
These perks are nice to have but the fact that SQ does not ever upgrade anyone has always made me feel that the incredibly high threshold to get to PPS is simply not worth it – you can get equivilent status much more easily on other carriers and then get upgraded.
When I lived in Dubai and was EK Platinum (equivilent of Solitare) I used to get upgraded all the time (once even from economy to first). It made you very loyal.
SQ does upgrade – Iโve been upgraded from J to F and Suites but they are rare. Maybe once every couple of years.
Does other frequent flyer club have such supplementary card/membership? Can share what club, if any?
Hi,
How did your Dad do the name change from your Mum to you?
Contact sq customer service. There’s a form you need to fil
Hi Aaron, how long do you receive the welcome pack? I’ve upgraded for PPS Club close to two months soon, but yet to receive the pack. Thanks
HND Perk: priority security screening is still closed due to COVID but upon request a check-in ANA employee will bring you to the crew lane.
The miles you see expiring are based on your own tier KFEG. Non expiry of miles for PPS members are only for the principle members.
Hi Aaron, I am a couple of thousand (2k there the whereabouts) to qualify for PPS, and I would have another flight in 3 months, is it possible to get an extension for the time to qualify for PPS?
just following up on this question?
Hi Aaron, I hold a supplementary PPS Solitaire card too and on my SQ app, it seems I only need 25k a year to attain PPS solitaire status in my own right. I assume the 25k is based off the principal cardholderโs status, but curious now whether I just need 25k to attain and thereafter renew? Might you know?
nope, you need 50k to earn pps solitaire, period.
Hi Aaron, I just received my PPS membership, but was just 4k miles shy of requalifying for KEG. What happens to my status if I do not requalify for PPS within the next year?
I’ve recently attained PPS status and I think I read somewhere there’s travel insurance benefits? I note you haven’t mentioned that in your summary – am I correct and if so what are the insurance benefits please?
no longer available.
Am I right to think besides non-expiring miles and access to SKL when flying Y on SQ, there are no additional benefits to PPS (non-Solitaire) from KF Gold? Is the spend of SG$25,000 solely on SQ metal worth what would appear to be very little in return? I know there is some cachet sporting a PPS luggage tag, but is it just form over substance?
I tend too agree.
Hi, does anyone know if PPS$ reserve value can be extended beyond the 3 years (assuming one already requalifed for PPS with the min $25k spend)?
I sometimes am seated close to what I presume are Solitaires that get a more dedicated service that I do as one. I notice this often with older, I presume Singaporeans, or with passengers that clearly know the crew from previous flights, however often I notice caucasians that get a more attentive service despite not being previously known by the crew. For example on my current flight, my neighbor had earplugs waiting for him, the lead steward knelt down (when he greeted me he was standing) and asked if his there was anything he could do for him. He came… Read more »
HI Aaron – my PPS Club membership is about to renew. I assume that the Kris+ renewal gift can be redeemed for KrisFlyer Miles in the usual timeframes?
PPS renewal gift can only be spent via Kris+. no xfer to krisflyer.
Hi Aaron,
FYI I received Krisshop vouchers as opposed to Kris+ points for my renewal gift.
Perhaps because I reside outside of Singapore?
yes, since Kris+ can only be used in Australia and SG, I imagine PPS members elsewhere wouldn’t be too pleased!