Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Elite Silver: the unofficial guide

The mid-tier KrisFlyer Elite Silver is really just a stepping stone on the path to Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold status, but still offers travellers a few minor benefits and is the easiest status level to achieve with Singapore Airlines.

How to earn KrisFlyer Elite Silver status

KrisFlyer status is earned through Elite Miles, which in turn is based on the amount of distance you actually travel and what fare type you’re booked on.

Elite Silver status is yours after notching up 25,000 Elite Miles within a 12-month period, and it’s the same to retain the status year after year.

Here’s how the earning rate for Elite Miles is linked to your booking class.

For reference, Sydney to Singapore is 3,912 miles one-way and you would need to fly the route four times in first class, at least six times in business class or up to 13 times in Economy Lite to reach KrisFlyer Elite Silver.

Sydney to London via Singapore return is 21,152 miles, so a paid ticket in first class, business class or Premium Economy Flexi will easily net you Elite Silver after one trip.

KrisFlyer members travelling with Star Alliance and selected non-alliance partners - Including Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic and Vistara - can also pocket Elite Miles. However, every partner earns at a different rate, and these are usually less rewading than flying Singapore Airlines directly. 

Head to the KrisFlyer earning calculator to see how much your next trip could earn.

Lounge access for KrisFlyer Elite Silver status

Unfortunately Elite Silver status does not give any access to Singapore Airlines or partner lounges.

Priority Pass and other pay-per-use lounges become your friend here, with plenty to choose from in Singapore and most major Australian airports.

AusBT review: SATS T1 Premier Lounge (Priority Pass) 

Perks for KrisFlyer Elite Silver members

There’s nothing in the way of extra baggage allowance or priority ‘anything’ when it comes to check-in, security screening, boarding or baggage.

Elite Silver is equivalent to Star Alliance Silver, but that too doesn’t unlock much across the partner airlines except for higher priority with waitlisting and airport standby.

When flying Singapore Airlines, you’ll get the standard 25% tier bonus on KrisFlyer Miles for redemptions and upgrades (not the Elite Miles for retaining status).

Standard economy seating is free of charge, and you’ll also get higher processing priority for Singapore Airlines’ own waitlists and airport standby lists.

Finally, some KrisFlyer service fees are discounted or waived, such as 50% off the fee to change redemption nominees, which usually requires US$30 (AU$43) or 3,000 miles.

If you’re left feeling a bit empty from Elite Silver, then keep on flying until you reach 50,000 Elite Miles within 12 months to enjoy the brighter world of KrisFlyer Elite Gold.

Also read: The unofficial guide to Velocity Silver status

Brandon Loo

Based in Perth, Brandon enjoys tucking into local delicacies, discovering new cocktails, and making aeroplane food look good on camera.