Korean Air Announces Major 2020 SkyPass Changes

Korean Air is making a number of changes to its frequent flyer program, SkyPass. According to their Korean-language website and a popular Korean frequent flyer blog, the changes include allowing passengers to purchase tickets with a combination of instruments, as well as change how flyers earn status.

Korean Air will make changes to how frequent flyers earn status and pay for tickets in 2020. According to two Korean-language sources found by FlyerTalkers, the changes include allowing more flexibility in purchasing tickets through Korean Air SkyPass and how flyers earn their status next year.

A sSmmary of Korean Air SkyPass Changes

According to the official Korean Air website, flyers can expect to see three major changes to their SkyPass accounts. The first is the introduction of purchasing airfare using both SkyPass miles and cash.

“For customers who want to use their valuable mileage valuable, we introduce a mileage complex payment service,” the translated website reads. “You can use some of your mileage as a payment method when purchasing a regular ticket on the Korean Air website.” The system is positioned to be up and running by November 2020.

The second major change reflects how travelers earn status when flying with Korean Air. Starting in 2020, SkyPass flyers can earn status in the “New Excellent Membership System” through the following methods:

• Silver: 10,000 qualifying miles or 10 qualifying flights
• Gold: 40,000 qualifying miles or 40 qualifying flights
• Platinum: 70,000 qualifying miles or 70 qualifying flights
• Diamond: 100,000 qualifying miles

“We want to give you superior memberships based on your annual performance to give you more immediate benefits to customers who have performed well,” the translated website reads. “By subdividing membership levels, you can enjoy the differentiated benefits of silver, gold, platinum, and diamond depending on Korean Air mileage and number of boardings.”

Finally, the number of miles to earn free flights aboard Korean Air has changed significantly. The full new award chart is available on the Korean Air website.

FlyerTalk’s take on the SkyPass changes

On the forums, FlyerTalkers are giving the changed program a mixed review. While they are disappointed about the changes to the award chart, making it easier to qualify for elite status is a welcome change.

“Overall it looks like miles will be worth less than before with the distance-based award system. On the other hand, changes to elite qualification look great. I’ll easily qualify for Gold under the new system (only a lowly Morning Calm now,) which means Sky Priority, lounge access, SkyTeam Elite Plus, etc.”

“Unless Korean Air rewords some, it appears that across all levels, only Korean Air flights matter when it comes to the annual evaluation of elite status,” notes another forum member. “I 100% agree with you that the new system works favorably for those living in Korea and to some extent, Koreans living abroad.”

What’s your take on the new system? Sound off on the FlyerTalk forums!