While Delta SkyMiles are the mileage currency we like to make fun of, I actually think they're sort of undervalued (at least for now). No, you can't redeem SkyMiles for international first class, and yes, SkyMiles award rates for travel on Delta flights are ridiculous. But there are some really good options for business class…
Continue reading: Korean Air Greatly Limiting Partner Award Availability
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
However, booking KE award using DL miles doesn't incur fuel surcharge while their own currency does.
Did you know that KE doesn't allow any first class awards at all for booking through their only USA SkyTeam partner!? AF does the same to their only USA ST partner. It's like a conspiracy.
@ Owen:
KE and AF make exactly the same number of three-class F seats on their airlines available to DL elites as DL makes available to DL or other ST elites: zero. It's because DL doesn't have three-class F...
Good for KE. Too bad they don't make zero seats available to DL members. In fact, it would be great if no partners made seats available using DL miles.
Maybe DL is protecting their FF from having to endure a business class experience that is sub-par to the one delivered in their own metal. 🙂
KE has impeccably trained crews, but serving the same bibimbap in economy and business doesn't send the message the airline understands product differentiation. F class is full of upscale touches and good intentions. However, if a VIP is flying all one gets is a ring side seat to how the airline reserves their best pampering and attentiveness to their selected favorites. It leaves a sour taste in the mouth to see the FA's devoting two hours to the VIP and all one gets is:" I don't speak English. Point at what you want." 🙁
It's interesting I just checked Flying Blue and couldn't find any nonstop reward flights available JFK-ICN on KE. I have seen KE flights in the flying blue award calendar in the past.
Thx for the tip. Each of the 3 major alliances have their own quirks yet I feel with skyteam, unequal partner airline award space is quite the norm. Of course, this can be a pro and con depending on the perspective.
The KLM 787 inaugural is next month and sadly I don't see any award space avialable using Delta Skymiles, but of course I see award space on flying blue (though at a hefty price.)
Flying on KE0082 tomorrow - 2 award seats in business class. I guess I got them before they go stingy!
Hey Mike Palmer! Congrats on the 2 seats-- may I ask when you booked? I just booked 1 business ticket and am holding out hope that by next october when we travel, they will release another business ticket for my husband. Do you think that is a waste of a hope? thanks all!
YES - Mike Palmer, how did you get 2 tickets? have been checking constantly and am not seeing 2 award tickets ever.
Lucky,
I'm trying to book KE BKK-ORD on 2/27/16 and finding no availability for the last 4 weeks. I am seeing all F seats available for revenue booking and also seeing reward availability on dates all around 2/27/16. Any idea if/when they will release these seats? Trying to book with KE Skypass Miles which I already transferred as I was going to travel on another available day.
Since DLT stopped service to BKK, i am hosed for comfort+ type of seating. On Korean air, i heard next to impossible to use delta miles to upgrade but easier to use China southern/ Eastern, this travel from IAD to BKK,
in past travel from ORF,RIC or PHF,, virginia to BKK was more convenient, any ideas??