Korean Air Mileage Usability Increases... Actively Expanding Usage

Not Only Multiple Payments but Also Hotel Reservations Available

Korean Air is making efforts to help customers use their mileage more easily. The airline is increasing the allocation of bonus seats and expanding the range of options available.

Considering the rising demand for bonus seats after the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has been continuously expanding the operation of these seats. Comparing the first half of 2019 with the first half of this year, seat supply decreased by 33%. Nevertheless, bonus transportation increased by 21%. This can be interpreted as an increase in mileage passengers despite the reduced seat supply. In other words, the allocation of mileage seats has increased. As of the cumulative total for the third quarter of this year, overall mileage usage has increased by 74% compared to 2019.

Korean Air also offers a ‘Bonus Hot Pick’ service, which provides mileage discounts when purchasing bonus tickets through its website or mobile application (app). Routes eligible for this service are selected based on departure periods and are regularly updated. Currently, this applies to domestic routes, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas. Discounts of up to 10,000 miles are available.

‘Cash and Miles’ is a hybrid payment service that allows customers to pay part of the airfare with mileage when purchasing tickets. This is useful for customers who have a small amount of mileage. The advantage is that there are no restrictions on departure dates or seat availability. When purchasing tickets, customers can use a minimum of 500 miles up to 30% of the fare (excluding taxes and fuel surcharges). Transit through Korea, codeshare flights, and multi-segment itinerary payments are excluded.

Mileage can also be used to purchase various Korean Air goods. In the ‘Mileage Mall,’ customers can buy items such as carry-on suitcases, ready bags, golf balls, and Jeju Black Cattle beef with mileage. Hotel reservations are also possible. Not only rooms but also additional services such as meals and alcoholic beverages can be used. Mileage can be converted to Marriott Bonvoy points to stay at Marriott-affiliated hotels worldwide. Additionally, customers can purchase E-Mart discount coupons, Kyobo Bookstore vouchers, and in-flight duty-free products.