Korean Air SKYPASS
Fly farther with every trip.
At a Glance
Korean Air SKYPASS is a SkyTeam airline loyalty program offering exceptional value for award travel, particularly to Hawaii, Mexico, and transpacific routes. Operating since the 1960s, Korean Air now serves 120 destinations across 43 countries with 159 aircraft. The program features generous hold policies (6+ months for Korean-operated flights), family pooling for up to 5 members, and access to both SkyTeam partners and non-alliance airlines like Alaska, Emirates, and Etihad. While earning miles can be challenging (Marriott Bonvoy is the only transferable points partner after Chase dropped the partnership in 2018), redemption rates are highly competitive with standout sweet spots like 25,000 miles round-trip to Hawaii in economy or 45,000 in first class.
Sweet Spots — Best Redemptions
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US/Canada to Hawaii in Economy on SkyTeam | 25,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US/Canada to Hawaii in First on SkyTeam | 45,000 | — | first | united_states |
| US to Hawaii in Economy on Alaska/Hawaiian | 30,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Hawaii in First on Alaska/Hawaiian | 60,000 | — | first | united_states |
| US to Europe in Business on SkyTeam | 80,000 | — | business | europe |
| UAE to Europe in First on Etihad | 120,000 | — | first | europe |
| US to Europe in Business on Emirates | 125,000 | — | business | europe |
| US to Central America in Economy on Alaska | 30,000 | — | economy | central_america |
Cards That Earn Korean Air SKYPASS (4)
FAQs
Can I hold award tickets before transferring miles?
Yes, Korean Air has an incredibly generous hold policy. For Korean-operated flights, you can hold awards for months (6+ months reported) with zero miles in your account. For partner airline flights, holds are typically 5 days.
Who can I book award tickets for?
Awards can only be booked for immediate family members (spouse, children, parents, siblings, parents-in-law, sons/daughters-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren). You must register family members through the SkyPass Family Plan with documentation proving relationship.
How long does family registration take?
Family registration through the online form takes 1-2 weeks to process. You'll need to upload scans of relationship documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc.) that show birthdates.
Can I book one-way awards?
No, all SkyTeam and non-alliance partner awards must be booked as round-trip itineraries. Only Korean Air-operated flights can be booked one-way.
Are stopovers allowed?
Yes, for SkyTeam awards booked online you can add 1 stopover and 1 surface transfer (open jaw) at no additional cost. Up to 2 connections allowed on each leg.
What are the carrier-imposed surcharges like?
SkyTeam partner awards, especially to/from Europe, can have significant carrier-imposed surcharges (~$500 for transatlantic). However, some routes and partners outside Europe have lower fees (couple hundred dollars).
Can I transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards?
No, Korean Air was dropped as a Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partner in August 2018. The only transferable points partner is now Marriott Bonvoy (3:1 ratio with 5,000 bonus per 60,000 transferred).
How do I earn miles with Korean Air SKYPASS?
You can earn by flying Korean Air or partner airlines (earning based on distance and fare class), using Korean Air co-branded credit cards from US Bank, transferring Marriott Bonvoy points (3:1), or through partner hotels and car rental companies.