Singapore Airlines offers multiple long-haul routes to the United States, giving KrisFlyer members several options for redeeming their miles on some of the world’s longest flights. But when it comes to maximizing your miles, which US destination offers the best value?
By using Miles per Minute (MPM) as a key metric, we find that most US routes have similar MPM values, meaning you’re spending roughly the same amount of miles per minute of flight time. However, each airport has its own unique benefits, pros, and cons that might influence your decision. Let’s compare the five US routes served by Singapore Airlines.
1. New York (JFK) – 18.4 hours
Business:
| Category | Saver | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Required | 111,000 | 143,500 |
| MPM | 101 | 130 |
First/Suites:
| Category | Saver | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Required | 148,500 | 243,000 |
| MPM | 135 | 220 |
Pros:
✔️ One of the longest Singapore Airlines flights, giving maximum business class experience
✔️ Great connectivity to domestic and international flights
✔️ More departure and arrival time options compared to Newark (EWR)
✔️ Access to multiple lounges, including the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
Cons:
❌ Busy airport with long immigration queues
❌ Can be a chaotic experience during peak travel hours
Best For: If you want to maximize your time in business class and experience an ultra-long-haul flight, JFK is a fantastic choice.
2. Newark (EWR) – 18.2 hours
Business:
| Category | Saver | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Required | 111,000 | 143,500 |
| MPM | 102 | 132 |
First/Suites:
| Category | Saver | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Required | 148,500 | 243,000 |
| MPM | 136 | 223 |
Pros:
✔️ Same ultra-long-haul experience as JFK
✔️ Often has better award seat availability compared to JFK
✔️ Shorter transfer times for domestic United Airlines flights
✔️ Less crowded than JFK
Cons:
❌ Fewer international flight connections compared to JFK
❌ Not as many premium lounge options
Best For: If you’re connecting to a United Airlines domestic flight or want a quieter arrival experience in New York, EWR is a strong alternative to JFK.
3. Los Angeles (LAX) – 15.5 hours
Business:
| Category | Saver | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Required | 107,000 | 128,500 |
| MPM | 115 | 138 |
First/Suites:
| Category | Saver | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Required | 146,500 | 228,000 |
| MPM | 157 | 245 |
Pros:
✔️ Shorter flight time than JFK/EWR while still offering excellent long-haul value
✔️ Multiple daily flight options, including the Fifth Freedom route from Tokyo
✔️ Good availability of award seats
✔️ Well-connected to West Coast destinations and international flights
Cons:
❌ Extremely crowded airport with long security lines
❌ High traffic congestion in and around the airport
Best For: If you prefer a slightly shorter flight than JFK/EWR and want better connections to the West Coast or Asia, LAX is a solid choice.
4. San Francisco (SFO) – 15.1 hours
Business:
| Category | Saver | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Required | 107,000 | 128,500 |
| MPM | 118 | 142 |
First/Suites:
| Category | Saver | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Required | 146,500 | 228,000 |
| MPM | 162 | 252 |
Pros:
✔️ Shorter flight time than other US routes while maintaining good MPM value
✔️ Smaller airport with easier transit than LAX
✔️ Good connectivity to Silicon Valley and the Pacific Northwest
✔️ Access to United’s Polaris Lounge
Cons:
❌ Fewer direct international flight connections than JFK/LAX
❌ Fog-related weather delays are common
Best For: If you’re heading to Northern California or want to avoid the chaos of LAX while still getting great MPM value, SFO is an excellent choice.
5. Seattle (SEA) – 14.5 hours
Business:
| Category | Saver | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Required | 107,000 | 128,500 |
| MPM | 123 | 148 |
First/Suites:
| Category | Saver | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Required | 146,500 | 228,000 |
| MPM | 148 | 262 |
Pros:
✔️ Generally better award availability than other US routes
✔️ Less crowded airport with faster immigration processing
✔️ Convenient connections to Alaska Airlines flights
✔️ Beautiful approach views over the Pacific Northwest
Cons:
❌ Shortest US route on Singapore Airlines, meaning lower total flight time
❌ Limited international flight connections
Best For: If you want an easier airport experience and better award seat availability, SEA is a great option, though it has the shortest long-haul flight time.
Final Verdict: Which US Route Should You Choose?
Since Singapore Airlines’ MPM values are roughly the same across all US routes, the choice comes down to personal preference and travel needs:
- Want the longest possible flight? Fly to JFK or EWR (18.5 hours)
- Need the best West Coast connections? Choose LAX
- Prefer a smaller airport with easy transit? SFO is a great option
- Looking for better award availability? Try SEA
Ultimately, your choice should depend on where you’re connecting, your tolerance for airport congestion, and whether maximizing flight time is your top priority.
At MilageHunter, we’re committed to helping you make the most of your miles. Stay tuned for more in-depth redemption analysis and strategies!
