The MileLion’s 2025 Christmas Wishlist

It’d be a massive quality-of-life improvement if it were possible to consolidate different Priority Pass memberships under the same login, or if more cards were to start using the AoPC (Access on Payment Card) feature, which makes it unambiguous which Priority Pass membership is associated with which card. 

Until then…

How I keep track of multiple Priority Pass memberships

(4) A Max Miles-earning credit card

Max Miles are undoubtedly the most valuable rewards currency in Singapore, given their wide range of transfer partners and 1:1 conversion ratios (for all the programmes that are worth converting to, anyway).

The problem is that they’re not that easy to earn. You could scrape Max Miles together by buying gift cards, shopping through the HeyMax website, converting Atome points, or the occasional card-linked offers, but what would really take things to the next level would be a card that earns Max Miles.

The closest we got to this was the Chocolate Visa, though its 2 mpd earn rate didn’t last very long, and cardholders are now effectively capped at earning 1,000 Max Miles per month (unless you want to dip into 0.4 mpd territory).

And if a Max Mile-earning card is a bridge too far, then I’d happily settle for a workaround. For example, adding the ability to convert yuu Points into Max Miles would effectively turn the DBS yuu Cards into Max Miles-earning ones.

(5) Easier ways of spending yuu Points

Speaking of yuu Points, the options for cashing them out are actually somewhat restrictive, assuming you’re not interested in KrisFlyer miles.

The only places which allow members to pay directly with yuu Points are:

• 7-Eleven (in-store)
• Cold Storage & CS Fresh (in-store)
• foodpanda (via app)
• Giant (in-store)
• Guardian (in-store)

For all other yuu merchants, such as Charge+, CHAGEE, gojek and Singtel, you’ll need to redeem a voucher in the yuu app store and apply it to your purchase. This adds friction to the process, not to mention the denominations available might not always match those you need. 

My hope is that more merchants add direct payments, which will make yuu Points easier to use and more liquid. 

(6) Better contract lounges at Changi

Changi may have some very nice airline lounges, but the contract lounge situation is dire.

Whether it’s Ambassador, Marhaba, Plaza Premium or SATS, you can usually expect chronic overcrowding during peak hours, dated design, a mediocre buffet spread (I will concede that the SATS chicken rice is actually not bad), and limited amenities. And yet, if you’re not flying with oneworld or Star Alliance, or accessing the lounge through a membership programme, they’re really all you’ve got. 

The only possible exception to this rule might be the newly-renovated SATS Premier Lounge at Terminal 3, which based on the reviews seems to be a cut above the other contract lounges (though keep in mind, a very low bar has been set!).

So I’m hoping to see some major renovations done to the rest of the contract lounges, hopefully with upgraded furniture, improved Wi-Fi speeds and nicer showers. A Plaza Premium First lounge would be lovely, but I’m struggling to see where they could build it.

(7) A worthy new JetQuay CIP terminal

I’ve always had a nagging feeling that the JetQuay CIP terminal was basically the aviation equivalent of The Emperor’s New Clothes. Billed as an ultra-luxury experience for the super rich, this exclusive facility served nothing but instant noodles for the first few years of operation. I wish I were making that up. 

When I visited in 2019, the buffet options had expanded, though it was far from impressive: mass-produced pastries and sandwiches, cheap wines and cheap carbs, basically the stuff found in a contract lounge. The lounge itself was also dated, with tired, depressing-looking interiors.

But then in 2023, Changi Airport Group announced plans to transform the JetQuay CIP Terminal into a “premium travel hub”, complete with a refreshed interior, 20% more lounge space and new private suites. Renovations got underway in September this year, with the completion date yet to be revealed.

In the meantime, JetQuay is operating out of a temporary facility at Changi Terminal 2, which is basically a converted holding area. Aesthetically speaking, I’d consider this an improvement, as it’s more in line with the contemporary styling of Changi.

But the F&B? That’s another matter altogether. There continues to be a jarring disconnect between the way JetQuay markets itself, and what it actually delivers. Aesop handwash, Devialet speakers and Moutai liquor are plonked alongside Marigold juice, Vitasoy, Farmpride fish nuggets, cheap snacks, shrink-wrapped sandwiches, and bargain bin wines. Tell me what’s wrong with this picture? 

Put it another way: you’ll need to pay at least S$490.50 per person to visit the JetQuay CIP Lounge. Based on the current offering, that is a terrible, terrible use of money.

But I’m willing to tell myself that all this is just temporary, and the renovated CIP Terminal will be something that’s worthy of Changi Airport’s stellar reputation. 

Conclusion

So that’s my hopes and dreams for the miles and points game in 2025! Do share your own wishlists (Spontaneous Escapes for Suites?), and whether you think there’s a snowball’s chance of mine happening.

What’s on your miles and points wishlist for 2025?