Korean Air SKYPASS
Estimated value: 1.6¢ per miles
Korean Air SKYPASS is the loyalty program of Korean Air, a SkyTeam alliance member. SKYPASS is known for its fixed award chart and the ability to book first class awards on partner airlines at reasonable rates. Key strengths: - Fixed award chart (not dynamic) with predictable pricing - One of the few programs still offering partner first class awards at reasonable rates - SkyTeam alliance access plus partners like Delta and China Airlines - Korean Air first class (Kosmo Suites 2.0) is an excellent hard product - Miles can be earned through Delta SkyMiles partnership activities - Award chart sweet spots especially for Asia-Pacific routes
Co-Branded Credit Cards
SKYPASS SkyBlue Visa Card
U.S. Bank
10,000 miles bonus
SKYPASS Visa Signature Card
U.S. Bank
40,000 miles bonus
SKYPASS Visa Signature Business Card
U.S. Bank
50,000 miles bonus
SKYPASS Select Visa Signature Card
U.S. Bank
60,000 miles bonus
1.6¢
per miles (baseline)
Inbound transfers: - Marriott Bonvoy: 3:1 (60K → 25K with bonus) - No major credit card transfer partners in US Earning through partners: - Credit Delta flights to SKYPASS (SkyTeam partnership) - Credit other SkyTeam flights to SKYPASS when earn rates are favorable Strategy tips: - SKYPASS is harder to earn through transfers; primarily earned through flying - Marriott 3:1 ratio is not great but can help top off an account - The fixed award chart is the main appeal — use for partner first class
Best redemption values: Partner first class (key differentiator): - Delta One business class to Europe: 80,000 miles one-way - Korean Air first class to Asia: 80,000 miles one-way - Partner first class awards still bookable at fixed chart rates Korean Air metal sweet spots: - Economy to Asia: 40,000-50,000 miles round-trip (from certain gateways) - Business class to Asia: 75,000-80,000 miles one-way - First class (Kosmo Suites 2.0): 80,000 miles one-way to Asia SkyTeam partners: - Delta flights bookable through SKYPASS - Air France/KLM business class to Europe - China Airlines business class to Taiwan/SE Asia Important notes: - SKYPASS requires round-trip bookings for most awards - Fuel surcharges on some partners (check before booking) - Award availability can be limited; book well in advance Avoid: - Short-haul economy awards where cash fares are cheap - One-way bookings (most awards require round-trip) - High-surcharge partner routes
Earning strategy: Credit cards: - SKYPASS Visa (US Bank): 1 mile per $1, bonus on Korean Air; limited availability - Korean Air co-brand cards in other markets Flights: - Korean Air flights earn based on distance and fare class - SkyTeam partner flights credit to SKYPASS - Earning is generous on Korean Air metal premium cabins Key tips: - Credit Delta and other SkyTeam flights to SKYPASS when the earn rate is favorable - Korean Air runs promotions for bonus miles on certain routes - SKYPASS Shopping portal for online purchases - Family miles pooling is available (Korean Air Family Plan)