Frequent flyer programmes have long been marketed as the ultimate travel hack, promising free flights, luxurious upgrades, and VIP treatment for loyal customers. Yet for many Singaporeans, the reality is far less rewarding. Behind the glossy marketing lies a stark truth: banking miles often locks travellers into airline loyalty without truly delivering on convenience or savings.
While amassing air miles can feel satisfying, redeeming them is another story. Many flights available for redemption come with significant blackout dates, inconvenient schedules, or hefty surcharges. Worse still, airlines frequently limit the number of award seats per flight, forcing travellers to choose less desirable times or routes.
In an era of budget carriers and constant promotions, paying cash for the best flight option can often be cheaper and far more flexible than navigating the restrictions of frequent flyer miles.
Overbooked Flights Mean Miles Don’t Guarantee a Seat
One of the biggest myths surrounding airline loyalty programmes is the belief that being a miles member ensures priority boarding or a confirmed seat. The truth is, airlines routinely overbook flights, and being a miles holder does not exempt travellers from being bumped.
If a flight is full, passengers who redeemed tickets with miles are often the first to be rescheduled. Instead of flying at the planned time, these travellers might be placed on the next available flight — which could mean hours or even days of delay, depending on the airline’s schedule. This reality defeats the purpose of miles for those who need reliable travel, especially for urgent business trips or time-sensitive family events.
For many, the experience of being stranded despite having a “reward” ticket highlights the risks of relying on miles instead of booking with flexible cash fares.
Loyalty Traps Cost More in the Long Run
Experts warn that airline loyalty can become a trap, tying travellers to one airline’s pricing and routes, even when competitors offer better deals. Frequent flyer programmes thrive on this loyalty inertia, keeping passengers coming back despite mounting frustrations.
A growing number of savvy travellers are rejecting mileage schemes altogether. Instead, they focus on booking flights based on schedule, price, and convenience — often using cashback or points-earning credit cards that offer flexible rewards redeemable for various airlines, hotels, or even statement credits.
By prioritising flexibility and comparing fares across airlines, travellers can avoid the hidden costs and disappointments that come with banking miles. As travel rebounds post-pandemic, it’s a good time to rethink old loyalty strategies and embrace options that truly suit one’s travel needs.