The online selling of flight miles has existed for nearly ten years and has become more common recently, drawing attention from both consumers and the airline industry.
Singapore Airlines emphasizes that selling or exchanging KrisFlyer miles is strictly forbidden under its terms and conditions.
Growing Market for Miles Trading
According to Shin Min Daily News, many locals accumulate Singapore Airlines flight miles (KrisFlyer Miles) through flying and credit card spending, then redeem them for free flights.
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This loyalty program allows members to enjoy travel perks based on their accumulated miles.
However, some people don’t accumulate miles themselves but instead purchase them from others on shopping platforms to redeem tickets.
When reporters searched “Singapore Airlines flight miles (KrisFlyer Miles)” on Carousell, 79 results appeared.
But is buying and selling flight miles online legal? This question has sparked discussions among frequent flyers and loyalty program members.
Aaron Wong, founder of flight miles website MileLion, told Shin Min Daily News that buying and selling flight miles isn’t illegal, but it violates airline regulations.
Singapore Airlines’ terms specifically prohibit the sale or exchange of flight miles.
Based on his observations, online buying and selling of flight miles has been happening since 2016, possibly even earlier.
“Some people may have too many flight miles they can’t use and want to convert them to cash,” Wong explained. This practice has created an unofficial marketplace for unused miles.
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He also points out that more people are buying and selling flight miles online now.
This could be because after the pandemic, more people are traveling abroad, ticket prices have increased, and in high-demand situations, people look for alternative ways to buy tickets.
Consequences for Violations
Mr Aaron says if an airline discovers someone buying or selling flight miles, their account might be closed, and their miles could be confiscated.
These penalties can represent a significant loss for frequent travelers who have spent years building up their miles balance.
In response to inquiries from Shin Min Daily News, Singapore Airlines said the terms of the KrisFlyer miles program strictly prohibit the sale or exchange of miles, elite miles, PPS value, rewards, award tickets, or other benefits.
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The airline maintains clear rules against such transactions in its membership agreement.
A spokesperson said transferring miles for monetary compensation also violates the terms.
Members involved in such activities may have their benefits canceled and could face consequences for violating the terms. The airline takes these violations seriously as they affect the integrity of the loyalty program.
“Singapore Airlines works closely with relevant departments to monitor these platforms and will take decisive action against members who break the rules,” the spokesperson added.
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