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15 Best Ways To Earn Lots of Korean Air SKYPASS Miles [2024]

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15 Best Ways To Earn Lots of Korean Air SKYPASS Miles [2024]

Table of Contents

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Key Takeaways

  • SKYPASS miles can be earned through flights with Korean Air, SkyTeam partners, and Korean Air-affiliated carriers such as Alaska Airlines and American Airlines.
  • Miles can be earned by using a U.S.-issued Korean Air credit card from U.S. Bank.
  • Points can also be transferred from Marriott Bonvoy. Additional miles can be earned via hotel stays and car rentals.

Korean Air is a founding member of the SkyTeam Alliance which includes Delta Air Lines, KLM, Air France, and other well-known airlines. It serves ~50 countries with its fleet of 160+ aircraft and has a hub at Incheon International Airport (ICN).

SKYPASS, Korean Air’s frequent flyer loyalty program, provides members with many opportunities to earn SKYPASS miles, other benefits, and discounts.

This guide will detail the many ways to earn SKYPASS miles. When you finish reading, you’ll be prepared to accrue SKYPASS miles as quickly as possible. Then it’s simply a matter of redeeming them for award travel!

Korean Air SKYPASS Loyalty Program

1. Join Korean Air SKYPASS

Sign up for Korean Air SKYPASS to begin earning miles based on the following factors: route flown, booking class, and cabin. It’s important that the name you use for your account matches the name on your passport.

Unlike some airline loyalty programs, you can’t claim miles for flights you took before enrolling in SKYPASS. In addition, miles aren’t earned for award flights, discounted flights, and infant tickets.

Korean Air SKYPASS has elite membership tiers, but they don’t earn bonus miles. However, if you think you’d enjoy perks like lounge access, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling, you’ll want to qualify.

Plus, members who have elite status with any SkyTeam carrier (including Korean Air) are eligible for a SkyTeam elite membership without meeting any other requirements.

2. Book a Korean Air Flight

A great reason to fly Korean Air is its first class award availability. However, with cash tickets, you can still earn points for travel on Korean Air and its partner airlines.

Miles earned are determined by the route and booking class of each ticket. Here is the mileage accrual chart for North America to give you an idea of the mileage earned by route (based on one-way economy class):

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Route

Mileage

Route

Mileage

Incheon – Atlanta

7,132

Incheon – New York

6,879

Incheon – Boston

7,047

Incheon – San Francisco

5,636

Incheon – Chicago

6,538

Incheon – Seattle

5,196

Incheon – Dallas

6,824

Incheon – Toronto

6,602

Incheon – Honolulu

4,560

Incheon – Vancouver

5,088

Incheon – Las Vegas

6,009

Incheon – Washington, D.C.

6,944

Incheon – Los Angeles

5,973

Tokyo – Honolulu

3,831

The table below shows the accrual rates for each fare class from January 1 to March 31, 2023:

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Domestic Within Korea

International

Accrual Rates

First Class

–

F

200%

–

A

No accrual¹

Prestige Class

–

J

135%

C, D

C, D, I, R

125%

Z

Z

100%

O

O

No accrual

Economy Class

Y, B, M, S, H, E

W, Y, B, M, S, H, E, K, L, U

100%

G

G

80%

Q, T²

Q,  T

70%

K, L, W U, X, V

X, V

No accrual

The table below shows the accrual rates for each fare class as of April 1, 2023:

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Domestic Within Korea

International

Accrual Rates

First Class

–

F

300%

–

A

No accrual¹

Prestige Class

–

J

200%

C

C

175%

D

D

150%

–

I, R

125%

Z

Z

100%

O

O

No accrual

Economy Class

Y, B, M, S, H, E

W, Y, B, M, S, H, E

100%

K, L, U

K, L, U

75%

G

G

50%

Q, W, T, V

Q, T

25%

X

V, X

No accrual

Earn SKYPASS Miles With Credit Cards

3. Korean Air Credit Cards

While there is no shortage of Korean Air co-branded credit cards, most of them are from Korean and Japanese banks, so they aren’t available in the U.S.

Luckily, there are several credit cards to choose from in the U.S., shown in the table below:

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Korean Air U.S. Credit Card

Earned Miles

SKYPASS Visa® Business Card

1 mile for every eligible $1 spent

SKYPASS Select Visa Signature® Card

1 mile for every eligible $1 spent

SKYPASS Visa Signature® Card

1 mile for every eligible $1 spent

The U.S.-issued Korean Air credit cards are from U.S. Bank. For the vast majority of us, earning Korean Air SKYPASS miles via its transfer partner Marriott Bonvoy is much more viable.

Here are the co-branded Korean credit cards that can be used to earn Korean Air SKYPASS miles:

  • BC Card
  • Hyundai Card
  • Jeju Bank Card
  • KB Card
  • KEB
  • Hana Card
  • Korea Citibank Card
  • Lotte Card
  • NH Card
  • Samsung Card
  • Shinhan Card
  • Suhyup Bank Card

Here are the co-branded Japanese credit cards that can be used to earn Korean Air SKYPASS miles:

  • DC Card
  • Diners Club International
  • JCB Card
  • MUFG/AMEX Card

There is even a credit card option available in Vietnam with Shinhan Bank Vietnam.

4. Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points and transfer those points to Korean Air at a transfer rate of 3:1. The time it takes to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Korean Air can vary wildly from 1 business day up to 3 weeks!

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Free Night valued at 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.
60,000 points + 1 Free Night Award
$770
$0
20.99% - 27.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Pros
  • Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
  • 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
  • 5 Elite Night Credits each year
Cons
  • Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
  • Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
Read Full Review
  • Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Free Night valued at 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase®!
  • Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card.
  • New! Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
  • 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • New! Travel now, pay later - Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
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Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.
Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
125,000 points
$875
$95
20.99% - 27.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros
  • Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
  • Automatic Silver Elite Status
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier
Read Full Review
  • Earn 125,000 bonus points after qualifying purchases - our best points offer!
  • Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
  • Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
  • 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
  • Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
  • Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.
Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
85,000 points
$595
$250
20.49%-29.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros
  • 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
  • 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
Read Full Review
  • Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
  • Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
  • Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card.
  • Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
  • With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
  • Plan It® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49%-29.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
95,000 points
$665
$650
20.49%-29.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros
  • 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
Read Full Review
  • Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
  • With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
  • Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
  • $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
  • Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
  • With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49%-29.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Korean Air SKYPASS Travel Partners

5. Fly SkyTeam Carriers

SkyTeam Airline Alliance
There are loads of SkyTeam partner airlines. Partners can be used to earn miles in other partners’ loyalty programs, or for award travel. Image Credit: SkyTeam

Fly with carriers in the SkyTeam alliance and earn up to 150% in mileage bonuses! Each airline has its own earnings rate.

You must include your SKYPASS number when booking to receive mileage bonuses and show your SKYPASS card to receive discounts from SKYPASS partners.

The Mileage Accrual Chart per Route displays all domestic and international routes.

It’s a good idea to keep your ticket receipt and boarding pass until the miles are applied (typically 3 to 14 days from the date of travel). SKYPASS and SkyTeam miles expire 10 years from accrual.

Code-share flights must be issued on a KA flight number to earn miles if serviced by a partner carrier. Also, you cannot transfer miles between carriers.

Hot Tip: Need help finding award space? Check out our guide to searching for SkyTeam award availability.

6. Fly Other Partner Airlines

Korean Air non-alliance partners
Korean Air non-alliance partners. Image Credit: Korean Air

Other Korean Air-affiliated carriers also offer up to 150% in mileage bonuses:

  • Alaska Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • China Southern
  • Emirates
  • Etihad
  • GOL
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • Japan Airlines

Mileage can only be credited to one frequent flyer program at a time. Miles are not earned on complimentary tickets, award tickets, any tickets discounted 50% or more, or other special discounts.

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Marketing Airline

Operating Airline

Mileage Accrual

Alaska Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, GOL, Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines

Korean Air

Eligible

Non-Korean Air

Ineligible

Hot Tip: For more information, check out our in-depth guide to help you know where to credit your airline miles.

7. SKYPASS Car Rental Partners

Choose from a variety of rental car partners to earn additional SKYPASS miles, including Alamo, Avis, Hertz, National, and Rentalcars.com.

Here is the earning structure for all car rental partners with SKYPASS:

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Car Rental Company

Earning Structure

Car Rental Company

Earning Structure

Alamo

500 miles per rental

National

500 miles per rental

Avis

500 miles per rental and 250 miles for commercial contract rates

Rentalcars.com

500 miles per rental

Hertz

500 miles per rental, 250 miles per rental in some Asian countries (Bangladesh, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand), and 250 miles for commercial contract rates

SK Rent-a-Car

100 miles per 24 hours with a maximum of 1,000 miles per rental

Lotte rent-a-car

100 miles per 24 hours with a maximum of 1,000 miles per rental

 

 

As always, provide your SKYPASS membership number when making reservations and show it at pickup. Miles are credited to the renter (driver) only 2 to 4 weeks from the date of service. Again, hang onto your receipt or voucher until the miles are credited to your SKYPASS account.

8. SKYPASS Tour Partners

SKYPASS members can earn miles with a variety of tour partners.

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Tour Company

Earning Structure

JTB MyBus

1 mile per ¥100 spent

KLOOK

1 to 2 miles per $1 spent

Veltra

1 mile per ¥100 spent

9. SKYPASS Hotel Partners

Stay at SKYPASS partner hotels in the table below and receive miles! It takes 2 to 4 weeks for miles to be applied to your SKYPASS account.

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Hotel

Offer

Hotel

Offer

Agoda

1 mile per $1

Okura Nikko Hotels

250 to 500 miles per stay

Booking.com

2 miles per $1

Paradise City

500 miles per stay

Dusit Hotels & Resorts

300 to 500 miles per stay

Seogwipo KAL Hotel

500 miles per stay

Grand Hyatt Incheon

500 miles per stay

Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts

500 miles per stay

Hotels.com

1 mile per $1

The Shilla Seoul

500 miles per stay

Hyundai Card PRIVIA Travel

100 to 300 miles per night

TOURVIS

100 to 300 miles per night

IHG Hotels & Resorts

1 to 2 miles per $1

Trip.com

3 miles per $1

InterContinental LADT

2 miles per $1

Waikiki Resort Hotel

500 miles per stay

Lotte Hotels & Resorts

500 miles per stay

World of Hyatt

500 miles per stay

Marriott Bonvoy

1 to 2 miles per $1

 

 

You can also transfer miles from ALL – Accor Live Limitless at a rate of 2,000 miles per 4,000 ALL points (once a day).

Special SKYPASS Programs

10. Pool Family Points

With the SKYPASS Family Plan, up to 5 members (including the SKYPASS member) can pool miles and redeem awards. You must register your family before endorsing an award to them or redeeming an award through the Family Plan.

Members must be immediate family, including spouse, children, parents, siblings, parents-in-law, children-in-law, grandparents, or grandchildren.

Applications with family proof documents can be submitted through the website, fax, or a local office. The U.S. and Canada fax number is 310-417-5696 for reference.

11. Book International Services

If you are in Korea, there are several opportunities to earn SKYPASS miles.

Specifically, if you exchange or transfer money from these partners, you can also earn Korean Air SKYPASS miles:

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Money Exchange/Transfer Company

Offer

Money Exchange/Transfer Company

Offer

Citi Bank

  • Earn 1 mile for every $3 (cash) or $4 (traveler’s check) when buying U.S. dollars.
  • Earn 1 mile for every $15 when the 3-month balance is over $1,000 for money transfers (limited to $75,000 per quarter).

NongHyup Bank

  • Earn 1 mile for every $5 when exchanging over $500 and 1 mile for every $20 when transferring over $1,000.
  • Earn 1 mile per $10 through online money transfers or overseas automated transfers when transferring over $500.
    You are limited to 2,000 miles per transaction and 100,000 miles per year.

KB Kookmin Bank

Earn 1 to 3 miles for every $5 when exchanging over $500 and 1 to 3 miles for every $10 when transferring over $1,000 with a maximum of 30,000 miles per transaction

Shinhan Bank

  • Earn 1 mile for every $5 when exchanging over $500 and 1 mile for every $2 when exchanging over $300.
  • Also, earn 1 mile for every $3 and 1 mile for every $10 when the complimentary exchange rate is applied for internet money transfers.

12. SKYPASS Insurance Partners

SKYPASS also has 2 insurance partners you can earn miles with.

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Insurance Company

Offer

Assist Card

  • 10 miles per ₩3,000 paid
  • Miles earned once a day from the coverage start date, up to 500 miles

DB Insurance

  • Car Insurance: 1,000 miles when ₩300,000 or more is paid
    • Applicable for new insurance purchases and first-year insurance renewals
  • Overseas Traveler’s Insurance: 10 miles per ₩3,000 paid
    • Miles earned once a day from the coverage start date, up to 500 miles
  • Application must be submitted through the links provided

13. Miscellaneous SKYPASS Partners

The miscellaneous shopping and points partners you can earn SKYPASS miles with are:

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Company

Earning Structure

Company

Earning Structure

BMW Korea

Transfer at a ratio of 1 mile:20 coins

Hyundai Department Store

  • 1 mile per $5 paid when $100 or more is paid (per receipt)
  • Applicable only to Republic of Korea passport holders
  • Applicable Branches: Trade Center, Dongdaemun, Incheon Int’l Airport (Terminal 1), Internet Duty Free

eMart

  • 1 mile per ₩3,000 paid when 70,000 or more is paid
  • Up to 1,000 miles per calendar month

Lotte Members L.POINT

Transfer at a ratio of 220:10 with a limit of 150,000 miles per year and 1 transaction every 24 hours

eMart24

  • 1 mile per ₩2,000 paid when ₩10,000 or more is paid
  • Up to 1,000 miles per calendar month

Naver Pay

Transfer at a ratio of 220:10 with a limit of 15,000 miles per month

e-Xanadu

Transfer at a ratio of 1:24

OK Cashbag

Transfer at a ratio of 22:1 with a limit of 120,000 miles per year and 1 transaction every 24 hours

H.Point

Transfer at a ratio of 22:1 with a limit of 1 transaction every 24 hours

S-oil

Transfer at a ratio of 20:1 with a limit of 10,000 miles per year

Hanjin Express

Earn 50 to 200 miles for delivery service (when paying over ₩50,000 or $50)

 

 

14. Ongoing SKYPASS Promotions

Participate in ongoing SKYPASS promotions to earn additional miles. Check the Korean Air website for updates.

Shopping for Miles

15. Korean Air e-SKYSHOP

Korean Air e-SkyShop
The e-SkyShop is accessible easily with Korean Air SKYPASS — earn miles for shopping online! Image Credit: Korean Air

Earn SkyPoints for duty-free purchases you make at the e-SKYSHOP, then transfer 1,000 points for 500 SKYPASS miles.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to earn Korean Air SKYPASS miles, whether booking travel with Korean Air and its partners or participating in non-travel partner opportunities.

Of course, one of the quickest ways to accumulate SKYPASS miles is by transferring points earned with credit cards. SKYPASS is transfer partners with Marriott Bonvoy, so that’s probably going to be the go-to method for many U.S.-based travelers. Happy earning!

The information regarding the SKYPASS Visa® Business Card, SKYPASS Select Visa Signature® Card, and SKYPASS Visa Signature® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.

Featured Image Credit: AAdam Moreira via Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean Air SKYPASS?

SKYPASS is the frequent flyer loyalty program of Korean Air. Members earn SKYPASS miles to redeem for travel rewards.

How do you earn Korean Air SKYPASS miles?

Earn Korean Air SKYPASS miles by booking flights on Korean Air and its partner carriers, including SkyTeam members. Other ways to earn miles include booking with travel partners (hotel, car rental, etc.) and shopping at the e-SKYSHOP.

How do you sign up for Korean Air SKYPASS?

What is the Korean Air SKYPASS Family Plan?

The Korean Air SKYPASS Family Plan is a program that allows up to 5 immediate family members to pool their miles. Members can also endorse awards to family members.

Does Korean Air SKYPASS offer a sign-up bonus?

There is no sign-up bonus for joining Korean Air SKYPASS.

How can I contact Korean Air SKYPASS?

Contact Korean Air SKYPASS customer service from the U.S. and Canada by calling 800-438-5000. Customer service is available in English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.

What are the Korean Air SKYPASS partner airlines?

The SkyTeam partner airlines can be found in our dedicated article on the alliance.

Other affiliated airlines include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, China Southern, Emirates, Etihad Airways, GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes, Hawaiian Airlines, and Japan Airlines.

Does Korean Air SKYPASS have transfer partners?

Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to SKYPASS miles.

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