Korean Air–Asiana Merger Approaching... How Should You Use Your Mileage?

Asiana Mileage Can Be Used Separately for 10 Years After Integration
Star Alliance Benefits End December 16 – Use Miles Promptly if You Have Plans for Award Flights

With the planned merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines scheduled for December 17, consumer interest is rising regarding how best to use their mileage. Initially, there was speculation that Asiana Club mileage should be used up quickly prior to the merger, but the situation has changed with the final merger plan now confirmed. Asiana Club mileage can be used separately for 10 years after the integration.

Airbus 321-neo aircraft. Korean Air

The first thing to check is where Asiana mileage can be used. From the merger date of December 17, Asiana mileage will be maintained separately as “Asiana Mileage” within Korean Air, retaining existing balances and validity periods. These miles can be used for bonus tickets and seat upgrades on all Korean Air-operated routes, following the existing Asiana Airlines redemption rules. The “Cash and Miles” program, which allows customers to pay part of their ticket with mileage, will also remain available.

Therefore, there is no need to use up all Asiana mileage within this year just because you hold it. In particular, if you do not have any plans for long-distance travel, you can retain your mileage after the integration and use it on Korean Air routes when needed. However, since existing validity periods continue to apply, miles scheduled to expire will need to be checked separately.

On the other hand, if you hold Asiana mileage and wish to use it for Star Alliance flights, you need to check the relevant schedules. Asiana will withdraw from Star Alliance as of December 16. After this, using Asiana mileage to book Star Alliance partner airline tickets or upgrades will be restricted, according to each airline’s end date. After the merger, Asiana mileage cannot be used for bonus flights with SkyTeam or other partner airlines—usage will be limited to Korean Air-operated routes only.

If you already have travel plans, the key is to check Star Alliance flights first. Until the integration date, Asiana will continue to offer mileage ticket and seat upgrade services with Star Alliance member airlines. However, all travel segments must be completed by the day before the integration.

There is also the option to pre-convert mileage to Korean Air’s Skypass. In this case, holding Asiana mileage as a separate balance will no longer be possible. Asiana miles accumulated through flights can be converted at a 1:1 ratio to Skypass, while miles accumulated through partner activity will be converted at a rate of 82 Skypass miles for every 100 Asiana miles. Mileage that has been converted cannot be switched back to Asiana mileage.

Ultimately, the best way to use your mileage depends on the type of mileage you hold and your travel plans. If you plan to use Star Alliance airlines, you should first check whether to use your miles before the integration. If you do not need to use them for a specific purpose, holding onto your Asiana mileage remains a valid option. Since a separate 10-year usage period will apply after the merger, it is important to check for expiring miles and compare the mileage requirement for your desired ticket in order to determine the best time for usage.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.