Won Hee-ryong "Difficult to Agree with Korean Air Mileage Reform Plan"

"Couldn't Even Dare to Spend for the Past 3 Years Due to Corona"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] Regarding Korean Air's mileage reform plan, Won Hee-ryong, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, "It seems that Korean Air, despite achieving record-breaking performance, is neglecting its customers."

Won Hee-ryong, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is delivering opening remarks at the first phase new town local government heads meeting held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 9th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Minister Won wrote on Facebook on the 16th, "They intend to drastically reduce the value of the mileage that customers have painstakingly accumulated."

He also wrote, "For the public, airline mileage is a so-called 'glossy disappointment'?hard to accumulate and with nowhere to use," adding, "Due to COVID-19, people haven't even dared to use it over the past three years."

He continued, "As the minister in charge of aviation, I find it difficult to agree with this reform plan," emphasizing, "I feel like launching a special flight for mileage holders." He added, "A rational review and genuine improvement of the mileage usage criteria are necessary," and "Routes and seats that meet usage demand must also be supplemented."

Minister Won said, "As air travel demand is expected to increase significantly this year, the Yoon Seok-yeol administration will fulfill its necessary role from the public's perspective, prioritizing citizens' safety and addressing inconveniences in air travel."

Korean Air will implement a reform plan starting in April that changes the mileage deduction criteria for bonus tickets and seat upgrades from 'region' to 'flight distance.'

With the application of the reform plan, mileage deductions will increase on some routes compared to before, leading to criticism that user benefits have been reduced.