10 Years to Spend! Korean Air Unveils Final Mileage Plan for Asiana Merger: What Happens to Your Miles?
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – The long-awaited answer to what will happen to millions of Asiana Airlines frequent flyer miles is finally here. Korean Air has revealed its definitive plan for integrating Asiana’s mileage program ahead of their major merger, offering customers a generous 10-year grace period and clear conversion rates.
The plan, which was submitted to the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), is a crucial step in the regulatory process for the two carriers to fully unite, an integration that is currently expected to be completed by the end of December 2026.
A Decade of Flexibility
The core of the proposal is a powerful commitment to Asiana’s frequent flyers:
- 10-Year Use Period: Asiana Club miles will be managed separately and can be used as they are now for a full decade following the merger date. This ensures customers can redeem their existing balances without a rush or fear of immediate expiration.
- Expanded Redemption: During this 10-year period, Asiana miles will gain significant utility by becoming usable for award tickets and upgrades on the combined airline’s much larger network, which includes access to 59 new routes previously exclusive to Korean Air.
Conversion Rates: Flight vs. Affiliate Miles
While customers can hold onto their Asiana miles for a decade, they will have the option to voluntarily convert their entire balance into Korean Air’s SkyPass program at any point. The conversion ratio depends on how the miles were earned:
| Mileage Source | Conversion Ratio (Asiana to Korean Air) |
| Flight Miles (Miles earned from flying) | 1:1 (One Asiana mile equals one Korean Air mile) |
| Affiliate Miles (Miles from credit cards, hotels, etc.) | 1:0.82 (One Asiana mile equals 0.82 Korean Air miles) |
Export to Sheets
The distinction in the conversion rate addresses the difference in the two airlines’ accrual systems. For example, Asiana miles are typically easier to earn through credit card spending than Korean Air’s miles. This 0.82 rate is intended to balance the financial value between the two programs and satisfy competition regulators who rejected an earlier, less favorable proposal.
After the 10-year period concludes, any remaining Asiana miles will be automatically converted into the SkyPass program at the same established ratios.
Elite Status Protected
In addition to mileage, the plan includes a detailed transition for elite loyalty tiers:
- Existing Asiana Club members will be seamlessly moved into equivalent Korean Air SkyPass tiers.
- Korean Air will introduce a new tier, Morning Calm Select, to ensure a smooth match for Asiana’s Diamond and two-year Diamond Plus members.
- Crucially, the KFTC has stated that no customer will receive a lower membership tier than their current status.
The Alliance Shift
Once the full merger takes effect, Asiana Airlines will officially exit the global Star Alliance network. Customers will lose the ability to redeem miles and use elite benefits on Star Alliance carriers like United and Lufthansa. Instead, they will gain access to Korean Air’s SkyTeam partner benefits, including airlines like Delta Air Lines and Air France.
The KFTC is now reviewing the full proposal and will gather public opinions until October 13, 2025, before issuing its final ruling.
Conclusion
Korean Air’s latest mileage integration plan is a significant win for Asiana’s loyal customer base, providing a long window of flexibility and a fair conversion rate, especially for those with flight-earned miles. By guaranteeing the value of existing miles and elite status for a decade, the airline is clearly aiming to smooth the transition and satisfy regulatory demands, paving the way for the creation of a unified South Korean aviation giant.
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Disclaimer
The details in this report are based on the mileage integration plan submitted by Korean Air and disclosed by the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) as part of the regulatory approval process. Final terms, including the official merger date and full transition details, are subject to KFTC approval and subsequent announcements by Korean Air (https://www.koreanair.com/). Customers should consult the official airline website for the latest updates.
