KE's program must have designed only for Koreans because their lack of benefits just does NOT justify someone like me who actually compare and shop to join them. (OK I do have their membership but I signed up BEFORE I realized how bad it was)
Having said that, you are right on the money that KE really doesnt have to improve their benefits because the sad truth is
1, the Koreans like to use korean-based airlines and since there are only 2 KE and OZ, they assumes both are "similar" and therefore, does not realize how bad KE's elite program is compare to OZ or any other programs.
2, KE is the preferred airline for majority of corporate and gov. businesses. Because of that, it has locked-in customer base whose main focus is time, and safty and NOT the airline program and bennies. (God, bless their souls) Unfortunately, busy travellers do not complain about "silly" things like airline benefits.
I dont know how much of their biz comes from foreigners but if they want to attract more foreign biz, they must enhance, at least make it in par with other programs to be competitive and be the true international airlines. Plus, I would love to START using KE again as I LOVE their product. ARE YOU LISTENING KE?
Originally Posted by
A_Lee
As much as I agree with you, I doubt KE management will. The vast majority of Koreans still prefer KE and if KE should follow in OZ's footsteps it would be a big blow to KE's pride. It's always been the other way around where OZ followed in KE's footsteps and this time OZ clearly showed the initiative and leapfrogged way over KE in creating a decent FFP. Maybe if KE started losing lots of customers to OZ they'd rethink, but I doubt there will be any mass exodus in the short term. OZ is still very limited in the number of planes and routes they own and it will take them a long time to come anywhere near to matching KE in size.
KE I don't think really cares what foreigners think of their FFP. It's designed for Koreans and they really only provide foreigner access to the program by translating everything into English. AFAIK, they don't do anything special to customize their program to attract foreigners.