What will change in the Korean Air mileage usage reform and deduction table?
Did you know that the Korean Air mileage system will change starting April 1? In this article, we will inform you about the Korean Air mileage usage reform and deduction table.
When you travel, you accumulate mileage, which allows you to upgrade seats or purchase airline tickets. If you go to Europe or the US once, you will accumulate a lot of mileage.
It is said that there will be changes regarding mileage accumulation due to this reorganization. I’ll explain in detail below.
index
What will change in the Korean Air mileage usage reform and deduction table?
1. Changes in boarding mileage accumulation rate
2. Korean Air mileage deduction table (change by region -> distance)
2-1. award ticket
2-2. Seat Upgrade Bonus
3. Subdivision of excellent membership system (from February 1, 2024)
4. TIP for using mileage
1. Changes in boarding mileage accumulation rate
Korean Air-Mileage-Accumulation Rate-Change
Korean Air-Mileage-Accumulation Rate-Change
Considering the level of air fares and the accumulation rates of other airlines, the accumulation rates for first class and prestige class reservation classes will be adjusted upward. The part painted in red has been changed.
Previous first class F 165% changed to F 300%. Prestige stones have been adjusted upward considerably, as J 135%, C, D 125% has been changed to J 200%, C 175%, D 150%.
People who frequently fly first and prestige seats can benefit from the increased mileage accrual rate.
However, for economy class seats, the accrual rate will be adjusted downward only for certain promotional/promotional reservation levels. K, L, U from 100% to 75%. G 80% to 50%. Q and T change to 70% and 25%.
This is a bit of disappointing news for people, including myself, who often use economy class tickets that were offered at low prices at events.
2. Korean Air mileage deduction table (change by region -> distance)
Mileage deducted from award tickets and seat upgrade bonuses also varies depending on the flight distance. Previously, it was divided into regions or continents such as China, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
From April 1, mileage accumulation and use will vary depending on the flight distance, even within the same country. Those who mainly use first class or prestige seats will have an increased chance of getting a bonus ticket even if they take fewer flights thanks to the increased accrual rate.
▶︎ Existing bonus region classification
Existing-Bonus-Regional classification
Bonus Region
▶︎ Regional classification by changed flight distance (section)
By flight distance-region-category
By flight distance – regional classification
2-1. award ticket
This is the existing award ticket mileage deduction table. The mileage deduction for economy class, prestige class, and first class during the off-season and peak season is listed by arrival region.
▶︎ Existing award ticket mileage deduction table
Existing-Korean Air-Mileage-Deduction Table
Existing-Bonus-Ticket-Mileage-Deduction Table
Below are mileage deductions for economy class, prestige class, and first class seats that apply depending on the section (segment based on travel distance). You can see that domestic flights have become a little more detailed as they are divided into sections 1 to 10.
Accordingly, Bali, which many people used to visit with award tickets, is seeing a big change. Previously, it was tied to Southeast Asia, so 40,000 mileage was required for “economy class” and 70,000 mileage for “prestige class”.
However, when the changed regulations are applied, the flight distance increases, and 55,000 mileage is required for economy class and 110,000 mileage for prestige class.
In addition, economy class bonus tickets to Tokyo, Osaka, Cebu, and Hanoi, which are frequent destinations, have also been reduced by 5,000 miles. However, it is unfortunate that additional mileage is required for prestige seats (business seats) after the reorganization.
▶︎ Korean Air mileage deduction table by flight distance (section)
By section-Korean Air-Mileage-Use-Deduction Table
By flight distance – mileage – deduction table
This is an example of mileage deduction that changes by region and flight distance. This is based on regular season economy class seating. Even within the same country, you can see that it is segmented according to driving distance.
Mileage-Accumulation Rate-Change-Example
Changed-mileage-deduction-method-example
2-2. Seat Upgrade Bonus
Seat upgrade bonuses are also divided by flight route. Previously, the mileage required to upgrade from economy class to prestige class or from prestige class to first class was divided by country.
▶︎ Existing seat upgrade bonus mileage
Existing-seat-upgrade bonus
existing-seat-upgrade-bonus
The seat upgrade bonus also changes for each section, creating a difference from before.
▶︎ Changed seat upgrade bonus deduction mileage
Changed-Seat-Upgrade-Bonus-Deduction-Mileage
Changed-Seat-Upgrade-Bonus-Deduction-Mileage
Tickets issued before March 31, 2023 will follow the existing details, while tickets issued after April 1, 2023 will follow the changed details.
Check Korean Air mileage deduction table
3. Subdivision of excellent membership system (from February 1, 2024)
According to the newly revamped SKYPASS, the premium membership system is also further divided. However, this will apply from February 1, 2024.
According to the changing excellent membership system, you will be given a Silver/Gold/Platinum/Diamond level the following year based on the previous year’s performance. Unlike before, there is no need to wait until cumulative performance is achieved.
Even if you fly frequently for just one year, you can reach the highest level and enjoy the benefits. I think this would be a good system if you frequently travel abroad or on business trips.
Premium Member – Case Study
Premium Member – Case Study
If you are curious about additional examples to help you understand and additional benefits for each level, please refer to the site below.
Excellent membership system examples and benefits
4. TIP for using mileage
There are also new changes regarding mileage usage. It would be a good idea to make good use of this and use your mileage.
▶︎ Low minimum usage limit
Korean Air has a lower minimum mileage usage limit compared to other companies. You can use mileage from a minimum of 500 miles, so you can use it economically even with low mileage.
▶︎ Select freely available miles
You can use mileage up to 20% of the total fare. If the fare cost is 1,150,000 won, you can use the miles you want up to a maximum of 230,000 won.
▶︎ Mileage usage is also accumulated in the same way.
When purchasing a flight ticket, mileage is accumulated for both the portion paid in cash and the portion paid with mileage. I am satisfied with the fact that mileage is accumulated even when using mileage.
▶︎ Various mileage product services
You can use mileage not only for award flights and seat upgrades, but also for lounge use, hotels, and excess baggage fees.
▶︎ Bonus ticket issuance time
I said above that mileage deductions for each flight distance will change starting April 1, 2023, right? It is recommended that travelers purchase airline tickets at slightly different times depending on the country.
Based on economy class, if you plan to travel long distances such as Europe or the United States, purchase a bonus ticket before March 31, 2023.
Countries where mileage deductions will be reduced after the reform, such as Fukuoka, Manila, Cebu, and Beijing, will be advised to issue tickets on April 1, 2023.