Bad News – Singapore Airlines Is Now Charging To Hold Award Space

Singapore Airlines Hold Fee – They Now Charge To Hold Award Flights

Singapore Airlines’ hold fee looks like a new practice. I ran into it this week and asked around and no one seemed to know about it. Because of that I have to think this is something new, so let’s look at this new practice from Singapore Airlines.

Singapore Airlines Award Policies

I’ve mentioned several times that I really like Singapore Airlines because of their friendly fees. Canceling is pretty cheap and refunds can be quick and cheap too. They’re definitely on the better end of airlines in terms of fees for changes and cancelations. However, it looks like there’s a new fee for putting tickets on hold.

Singapore Airlines Hold Fee

Singapore Airlines is notable for not having instant points transfers. Once you find that award booking, you can send basically any points to them. The problem is that this can take up to 2 days (see transfer times in this FlyerTalk thread). Those seats can disappear in 2 days. The solution always was calling to ask the agent to put the award on hold while you transfer in points.

That was until now! Now, the agent told me that putting an award on hold has a fee. If there’s no computer error, if the award is bookable as a normal award, there’s a fee. Basically, if you’re choosing (and not some external factors) to not book immediately, there’s a fee. Needing to send in points isn’t a good enough reason anymore. I hung up and called again to be sure. The 2nd agent said exactly the same thing. Welcome to the Singapore Airlines hold fee.

Secure My Fare

I’ve seen this Singapore Airlines hold fee online as ‘secure my fare‘ but that seemed different. It was ‘time to think’. I’ve talked to and read tons of reports about calling to put bookings on hold while transferring points. I found no data points on this new fee for “hold while transferring points”. This looks like a new policy.

For reference: I was given until June 1, 2020 (more than 4 months) to transfer my points and complete the booking. Putting the award on hold costs $25 US per person. These were for Singapore Airlines flights (not partners) for first class Singapore Suites.

Final Thoughts

Putting an award on hold while you transfer points is golden. You’re sure the seats won’t disappear, but you’re not transferring points without a confirmed booking. It’s the best of both worlds. For now, it looks like this win-win situation will cost you $25 per passenger. Welcome to the Singapore Airlines hold fee. It’s not ideal, but it’s worth it to not lose seats while waiting 2 days for points to transfer in.

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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