Historically, using KrisFlyer miles to purchase or upgrade Star Alliance flights has been tricky. Searching for space had to be done through other engines, such as United Airlines, whilst booking would have to be completed over the phone.

In an email sent out to KrisFlyer members, the airline announced that come December 7, Star Alliance redemptions and upgrades can be processed entirely online (or through the SingaporeAir App), meaning booking over the phone or with other offline services will net a USD25/ 2,500 Miles fee.

So, great news, right? Not entirely. Although this makes things easier and more convenient, the Star Alliance chart has now been devalued, meaning awards are more expensive – this is an expected move in line with the earlier devaluation of the Singapore Airlines redemption chart.

Click here to view the old chart (valid till December 6)

Click here to view the new chart (valid from December 7)

The changes vary from no miles at all up to tens of thousands of miles increases. A round-trip Business Class ticket from the South West Pacific to North America for example, will cost 39,000 miles more at 234,000 as opposed to 195,000 – a 20% increase.

As with the changes to the Singapore Airlines charts, upgrade charges remain the same.

What hasn’t changed is the fares for Star Alliance Round-The-World journeys, which continue to provide spectacular value. At just 180000, 240000 and 360000 miles for Economy, Business and First Class respectively, passengers can make use of up to 16 segments and 35,000 miles in distance over 12 months. This is great considering it can cost just 6,000 miles more than a single round-trip journey to the US.

The changes to the award chart close up sweet spots and loopholes, but are of course in keeping with the economic goals of an airline. It doesn’t look like it’ll be long before the RTW journeys are devalued to, so book something now!