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
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)