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Best Ways To Book Korean Air Business Class Using Points [Step-by-Step]

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Flyers have plenty of options for great airlines to take them across the Pacific, including All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and more.

Among these is Korean Air, a major carrier based in Seoul, South Korea’s capital. It offers flyers a great business class product, which it calls Prestige class, along with plenty of flights to gateways across the U.S.

Here’s everything to know about the product and how to book it for yourself on your next trip to Asia.

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Korean Air Business Class — The Basics

As with Korean Air first class, your business class experience with this airline is largely dependent on the aircraft you’re flying on, as products are fairly inconsistent across the fleet.

Between the U.S. and Incheon International Airport (ICN) near Seoul, Korean Air flies several aircraft: the Boeing 777-300ER, the Boeing 747-8, the Boeing 787-9 and -10, and the Airbus A380. For the best business class experience, pay close attention to which aircraft is operating the route you’re flying on.

Korean Air 747 8 Business Class Upper Deck
Business class on the upper deck of Korean Air’s Boeing 747-8. Image Credit: Nick Ellis

If Korean Air is flying a Boeing 787-9, -10, or Boeing 747-8 on your flight, you’re in a Prestige Suite. These are also commonly referred to as Apex Suites.

Each suite provides direct aisle access and a lie-flat seat to make long-haul flights more comfortable, as you can rest easier when you’re fully flat, and you don’t have to worry about seatmates stepping over you to get to the aisle.

If you’re looking at the seatmap for the 787-9 and 747-8, you’ll see a 2-2-2 configuration. However, Apex Suites are staggered, which provides direct aisle access for every seat.

Meanwhile, on the Airbus A380 and some Boeing 777s, you’ll find an outdated configuration, either 2-2-2 with no direct aisle access for every seat, or even 2-3-2. Note, however, that most, if not all, of the 777s operating intercontinental routes now have updated business class cabins with lie-flat seats and direct aisle access for all passengers.

Fortunately, regardless of the aircraft, you can expect the same excellent service that Korean Air provides all business class passengers. Additionally, you get access to Korean Air’s business class lounges and other SkyTeam lounges.

Korean Air Prestige West business class lounge at Seoul Incheon ICN
One of Korean Air’s refreshed lounges at its Seoul hub. Image Credit: Korean Air

How To Fly Korean Air Business Class Using Miles

Korean Air is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, which means you can use partner airline programs to book award seats on Korean Air flights, opening up more options for using points and miles for tickets.

Korean Air SKYPASS

First, let’s start with Korean Air’s own program, SKYPASS. Although the program has undergone major changes over the years, it’s likely the best way to book Korean Air premium cabins. Its rates are better than what partners charge, and it releases more award inventory.

Many popular SkyTeam programs, such as Delta SkyMiles and Air France-KLM Flying Blue, use dynamic pricing for award tickets, meaning fares can vary significantly.

Fortunately, Korean Air still uses an award chart for mileage redemptions. You can find the full Korean Air award chart on its website. For Korean awards, pricing is based on seasonality.

Here is the one-way pricing for Korean Air awards between the U.S. and Korea:

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Economy Class

Prestige Class

First Class

Off-Peak Season

35,000

62,500

80,000

Peak-Season

52,500

92,500

120,000

For example, here is an award between San Francisco (SFO) and Seoul that can be booked for 62,500 miles during the low season.

sfo icn korean air skypass J
Screenshot: Korean Air website

Occasionally, you can also find discounts on certain routes. For example, here is an award between Chicago (ORD) and Seoul. Instead of the 62,500-mile pricing, this award can be booked for 57,500 miles.

ORD ICN Korean air skypass
Screenshot: Korean Air website

Korean Air SKYPASS seasonal pricing does come with conditions:

  • Peak-season redemptions require more miles than off-peak redemptions.
  • If the departure and return dates are in different seasons, mileage depends on the corresponding season for each segment.
  • For itineraries to and from South Korea, peak season applies based on the boarding date for each segment.
  • For international itineraries with a connection in South Korea, peak season applies based on the boarding dates for each segment of the itinerary.

To book a Korean Air award, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Korean Air’s website and select Mileage Booking.
  2. Log in with your User ID or SKYPASS number.
  3. Select your origin, destination, and travel dates.
  4. Select Prestige Class.
  5. Select your flights.
  6. Click Continue to enter your information and complete the booking.
Hot Tip:

Korean Air partner availability is very tough to come by. You can get around this by booking through Korean Air SKYPASS.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue

It’s also worth considering the Air France-KLM Flying Blue program for Korean Air award flights. When it comes to award pricing, Flying Blue uses a dynamic pricing model. This means that award ticket prices fluctuate based on several different factors. Unfortunately, the fluctuations can be dramatic.

For example, here’s an overview of a month’s worth of Flying Blue award pricing for flights from Paris (CDG) to Seoul for January 2027. A one-way award can be booked for as few as 85,000 miles or as many as 622,000 miles — that’s quite a staggering range.

Flying Blue awards CDG ICN Jan 2027
Screenshot: Air France-KLM Flying Blue website

Korean Air also has blackout dates where you cannot use your Flying Blue miles to book an award seat. You can find more information on the Korean Air blackout travel dates here.

For a Flying Blue award redemption, you can search and book online through the Air France website. To book an award ticket with Flying Blue, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Air France’s website.
  2. Select Book with Miles.
  3. Sign in to your Flying Blue account.
  4. Select your origin and destination.
  5. Select your travel dates.
    • If your travel dates are flexible, leave the departure date box empty to show a monthly award availability.
  6. Select Business so the search shows Korean Air business class flights.
  7. Select the appropriate flight, then fill in the passenger information.
  8. To complete the booking, pay the necessary taxes and fees.

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How To Earn Enough Miles for Business Class

Korean Air SKYPASS doesn’t have any transfer partners, having ended its partnership with Marriott Bonvoy in 2025. There are credit cards for the U.S. market issued by U.S. Bank that earn Korean SKYPASS miles directly, such as the SKYPASS Select Visa Signature® Card.

While the redemption rates with Air France-KLM Flying Blue might not be as competitive as Korean Air when booking a business class award, it is significantly easier to earn Flying Blue miles than it is to earn Korean Air SKYPASS miles.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue is a partner of several transferable points programs, including American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, Rove Miles, and Wells Fargo Rewards.

All points programs, except Marriott Bonvoy, transfer at a 1:1 ratio. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points transferred.

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When Should You Search for Business Class Award Space?

As with any award booking, begin your search as soon as you know when you want to travel. Korean Air SKYPASS tends to release award seats 361 days before departure.

At times, you can also find business class availability just days prior to departure.

What Makes Korean Air Business Class a Great Redemption?

Korean Air doesn’t get the same level of attention as more high-profile Asian and Middle Eastern carriers, but it has a great business class product.

Korean Air 747 8 landing LAX
A Korean Air Boeing 747-8 in the airline’s new livery. Image Credit: Alberto Riva

It’s Great for Families

While it can be hard to find award seats through partner programs, Korean Air isn’t nearly as stingy when it comes to releasing award space to its own program, SKYPASS. This is particularly useful if you’re traveling as a family.

The next time you search for business class award space to Seoul on Korean Air’s site, you’ll notice they even let you know how many seats are available to be booked with Korean SKYPASS miles. This can make planning much easier.

Apex Suite

The Apex Suite is one of the nicest business class cabin layouts on the market. If you’re flying solo, you could be sitting next to the window with almost total privacy and still have direct aisle access.

If you’re traveling with a companion, you could sit next to each other in the middle section and enjoy the flight together.

You Can Expect Great Service

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The crews on Korean Air flights make sure that the business class experience is a special one. We’ve found that they are happy to do whatever they can to make it a trip to remember. If you have a request, just ask, and they’ll be able to help you.

Final Thoughts

Korean Air business class is often overlooked in favor of other Asian carriers. However, it’s a great way to cross the Pacific. The airline operates nonstop service to several airports across the U.S., which can be useful when it comes to award bookings.

Award space can be challenging to find when booking through partners, but the SKYPASS program releases much more inventory to its members.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to book Korean Air business class?

Korean SKYPASS is the best loyalty program for booking Korean Air business class awards. Korean Air releases more award space for those using its own program

You can also use the Air France-KLM Flying Blue program and a few other SkyTeam partner programs.

What points transfer to Korean Air SKYPASS?

Korean Air SKYPASS only has no transfer partners.

What do I get when flying Korean Air business class?

First, you can expect wonderful service from the Korean Air flight crews. You can tell they take great pride in their work and they’re happy to help you throughout your flight.

Second, if you follow the booking guidelines in the article above, you can get yourself a lie-flat seat with direct aisle access so you have very comfortable flight.

How much are Korean Air SKYPASS miles worth?

According to our valuations, Korean Air SKYPASS miles are worth 1.6 cents per point. This means that 50,000 miles are worth $800.

What is Korean Air Prestige Class?

Prestige Class is another name for Korean Air’s business class.

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About Spencer Howard

Always a fan of flying, it was only natural that Spencer was drawn to finding a way to improve the travel experience.

Like many, he started this journey searching for cheap flights to take him around the world. This was fun for a while, but Spencer was intrigued by the idea of flying in business and first class!

Throwing himself into what became an extensive research project, Spencer spent 3-4 hours per night learning everything he could about frequent flyer miles over the course of several months (he thinks this is normal). He runs Straight to the Points, an award-seat alert platform.

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Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

We Recommend

Platinum Card® from American Express

  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
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  • $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. Effective January 1, 2027, Fine Hotels + Resorts® bookings will require a minimum two-night stay to be eligible for the $600 Hotel Credit.
  • With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight, Priority Pass membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. *As of 08/2026.
  • $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
  • $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights™ by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card® Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants through Platinum Nights™ by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to book your reservation.
  • $219 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 60+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to The Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Whatever the occasion, choose from our two signature collections of premium hotels, curated to inspire and excite you when you book through Amex Travel™: Fine Hotels + Resorts® is a collection of over 1,900 luxury hotels that are destinations unto themselves and the Hotel Collection includes over 1,400 upscale hotels in desirable destinations.
  • $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to a $12.95* statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
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