In addition to all around lucrative redemption rates, Korean Air SkyPass is also one of the few SkyTeam frequent flyer programs to allow international first class redemptions. While international first class redemptions are fairly standardized in onewworld and Star Alliance, in SkyTeam they’re only available when an agreement is specifically negotiated between programs.
So historically you’ve been able to redeem Korean Air SkyPass miles for travel in first class on Korean Air, China Eastern, China Southern, and Saudia. The great news is since most members of SkyTeam programs don’t have access to this award availability, award space is plentiful. It doesn’t matter whether you’re trying to book way in advance or close to departure, finding SkyTeam first class award tickets is (almost) always a breeze.
Redeem Korean Air SkyPass miles for Saudia first class
However, unfortunately it looks like one negative change has been made to these redemption opportunities. As of November 1, 2017, it’s no longer possible to redeem Korean Air SkyPass miles for travel in China Southern’s international first class. The following notice shows up when doing a SkyTeam partner award chart on Korean Air’s website:
I’m not sure what exactly prompted this decision, though I’m sad to see this development. China Southern was the first airline I ever redeemed SkyPass miles for, as I flew their A380 in first class from Los Angeles to Guangzhou. While the experience was almost comically bad, it was nice to have access to a readily available first class award product between the US and China.
China Southern A380 first class
China Southern first class
Fortunately it’s still possible to redeem miles for China Eastern first class, and they have first class on all their 777-300ER aircraft.
(Tip of the hat to Richard Birnbaum)
So can we still book domestic 3 cabin first?
I just transferred miles to Delta to book an award ticket on China Southern. There were several flights from KIX to CAN. I tried booking both and neither will work. Somethings up with their award availability. I’m kicking myself now bc those miles are prob going to go to waste. I tried calling delta but with the snow storm their wait time is 2 hours. Ughhh Delta
@Daniel M
Any word on where they would be moving to? OW or Star Alliance? OW would be interesting. In spite of my comments on CZ First, I'm a FB Plat and BA Gold based in Asia who has a few upcoming bookings on CZ.
I am based in China and have heard from reliable sources that the decision has already been made for CZ to leave Skyteam. I suspect this is partially related to that.
Maybe because of American Airlines? I could see that being the case. Delta might have had something to say about this...
Well that's the last straw.
Another hint that China Southern may leave Skyteam for Oneworld soon?
This was a safety measure by KE apparently
Good riddance, China Southern F isn't anything aspirational lol.