Redeeming SkyMiles on Korean Airlines

Old Nov 25, 2011, 4:49 pm
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,449
Redeeming SkyMiles on Korean Airlines

I'm thinking about using my DL miles to fly business class on the new A380 LAX-ICN on KE and was wondering what website (flying blue, delta.com) would show online availability for Korean Airlines so when I call DL to book I'll be sure those flights have space?

I tried Delta.com since I know it lists AF/KL flights using miles but it doesn't show any KE services. Is that right?
kinglobjaw is offline  
Old Nov 25, 2011, 6:04 pm
  #2  
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,397
You won't get it on DL.com that's for sure. Not sure about other services. Watch out for blackout dates, there are many and DLis more restrictive about KE blackout dates than KE is with its own customers.
nfg05 is offline  
Old Nov 25, 2011, 6:57 pm
  #3  
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 28
Very difficult to do this and even calling DL is hit a miss. Some agents are more clued in than others.
Bambangan is offline  
Old Nov 25, 2011, 7:00 pm
  #4  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,488
I had no problem getting it. Wasn't even know about the KE A380, and was pleased to find that I had seats on it.

Just watch the blackout periods, and it's not that hard to get, in my experience.
Jaimito Cartero is offline  
Old Nov 25, 2011, 7:01 pm
  #5  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,461
You need to call DL. KE website shows availability using KE miles. It can be a reference but not always correct for using DL miles.
TerryK is offline  
Old Nov 25, 2011, 7:06 pm
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Delta Kryptonium-Platinum Medallion, Hyatt/Hilton Diamond
Posts: 365
Like what people have already said, booking KE on DL is really hit or miss. I got lucky and the first agent I talked to found the availability that I saw for Feb 2012 on LAX-ICN.

Like always with Delta, try and try again and you'll eventually get a capable agent.
AirForceFlyer is offline  
Old Nov 25, 2011, 7:09 pm
  #7  
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: on the path to perdition
Programs: Delta, United
Posts: 4,777
In a chat with a Delta CSA they noted that KE was on par with AF in terms of getting awards. Neither were great. Also one issue was that often on would get an award but then two week later is was canceled because it was a black out period.
FlyingUnderTheRadar is offline  
Old Nov 25, 2011, 10:13 pm
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,449
Where are the blackout periods listed?
kinglobjaw is offline  
Old Nov 25, 2011, 10:59 pm
  #9  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,461
Originally Posted by kinglobjaw
Where are the blackout periods listed?
Check www.koreanair.com. The peak season for KE members are blacked out for DL members. KE members pay 50% surcharge during peak season, no such option for DL members.
TerryK is offline  
Old Nov 26, 2011, 12:42 am
  #10  
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,412
Originally Posted by kinglobjaw
Where are the blackout periods listed?
Lots of threads here in the DL forum on this, search is your friend.
mnredfox is offline  
Old Nov 26, 2011, 4:49 am
  #11  
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,438
Be VERY clear with the agent that you intend on flying Korean Air- if possible, quote the flight numbers that you want him/her to look up availability for. Often agents will quote you 360K miles, then tell you that's DL metal.
belfordrocks is offline  
Old Nov 26, 2011, 6:05 am
  #12  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
Originally Posted by belfordrocks
Be VERY clear with the agent that you intend on flying Korean Air- if possible, quote the flight numbers that you want him/her to look up availability for. Often agents will quote you 360K miles, then tell you that's DL metal.
Often? How many times have you had this experience directly?
3Cforme is offline  
Old Nov 26, 2011, 6:47 am
  #13  
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,397
I've had that experience just last night. Maybe 10 percent overall.
nfg05 is offline  
Old Nov 26, 2011, 7:11 am
  #14  
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: JAX / MUC / BER
Programs: DL DM, LH SEN, Mariott Titanium
Posts: 368
check the blackout dates and then use EF to look up availability. Call DL and tell the agent dates and flight numbers. DL inventory is more restrictive than KE so you can get a head start on what to look at. Hang up and call back if the DL agent is incompetent.
KP2006 is offline  
Old Nov 26, 2011, 8:09 am
  #15  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Connecticut
Programs: Delta Platinum Medallion, Crown Room Club Member, United Mileage Plus, HiltonHonors
Posts: 453
I've redeemed Skymiles twice for flights on Korean Air to New Zealand. I never had a problem, but made it a practice to call Korean first to find out availability before talking to Delta. I found it easier to have the information to simply give to the Delta agent rather than them trying to piece my itinerary together. Enjoy the trip as Korean offers a wonderful product.
jmscsc is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.