Partner Mileage Conversion Ratio Set at "1 to 0.82"
Korean Air will maintain Asiana Airlines' mileage program separately for the next 10 years, ensuring that existing customers retain their options. If desired, flight miles can be converted at a 1:1 ratio, and partner miles at a 1:0.82 ratio.
On September 30, Korean Air announced this mileage integration plan as its main policy.
According to the integration plan, starting from the point when Korean Air and Asiana Airlines merge, for the next 10 years, members will be classified into two groups: those who retain their existing Asiana Club miles in the old Asiana mileage format, and those who hold only Korean Air Skypass miles (including those who convert their old Asiana miles to Korean Air Skypass miles). After 10 years, all miles will be unified as Korean Air Skypass miles.
Customers holding old Asiana miles can use their miles under the existing Asiana Airlines award chart to purchase Korean Air economy and prestige class bonus tickets or for seat upgrades. However, bonus tickets or seat upgrades for first class and other products not included in the Asiana Airlines award chart are not available.
In addition to the mixed payment service, which allows up to 30% of the fare for regular tickets to be paid with miles, mileage shopping is also available for brand merchandise, general products, and in-flight duty-free vouchers.
After the integration of the two airlines, all newly accrued flight or partner miles will be accumulated as Skypass miles, and Asiana mileage accrual will no longer be available.
Korean Air will automatically transfer existing Asiana Airlines elite members (Platinum, Diamond Plus [Lifetime], Diamond Plus [Term], Diamond, and Gold) to comparable Korean Air elite tiers. The qualification period from Asiana Airlines will be maintained. To accommodate this, Korean Air will add a new "Morning Calm Select" tier, which offers SkyTeam Elite Plus benefits, to its current three-tier elite system. Existing Morning Calm members will be divided between the new Morning Calm Select and Morning Calm tiers.
Customers holding Asiana miles can apply to convert their miles to Korean Air Skypass miles at any time after the integration. When converting, the entire balance must be transferred. After 10 years, any remaining Asiana miles will be automatically converted to Korean Air Skypass miles.
The conversion ratios reflect the similar accrual standards for flight miles between the two airlines, while the partner miles ratio accounts for the actual spending by consumers to accumulate those miles. Korean Air stated, "We consulted with the Fair Trade Commission in advance and set the ratios to be more favorable to consumers."
When Asiana mileage holders apply for conversion to Skypass miles, or when the 10-year separate mileage period ends, their elite membership status will be reassessed. The evaluation will combine their Asiana Airlines flight records with their Korean Air membership records. The higher tier between the current elite status and the reassessed status will be granted to the customer.
Korean Air explained that this policy expands the options for customers holding Asiana Club miles. In addition to Asiana Airlines' 69 routes, customers will now have access to 59 additional routes operated exclusively by Korean Air.
Korean Air submitted the mileage integration plan to the Fair Trade Commission on June 12, but received a request for revisions and supplements. The Fair Trade Commission will conduct a two-week public comment period, after which Korean Air plans to proceed with the necessary steps as soon as it receives approval from the Commission.
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