Questions and Answers

I’ve flown with Delta for years. I’m a Diamond member who barely makes the 125k miles required each year to qualify. However, next year I’ll be transferring to Seoul, and expect to live there for the next five years. My guess is that I’ll travel between 80 and 120k miles a year. As you’ve pointed out, airlines are making it increasingly difficult to obtain and redeem FF miles, especially Delta. An initial query led me to believe I’d have to start from zero with Korean Air once I move to Seoul in hopes to get to a decent FF status. My Delta status won’t transfer. Unfortunately, it’s not like I can continue with Delta once living in Korea, since they don’t have much to offer from there. So, should I try switching to Korean Air ASAP after Jan 1? Any tips on moving up the FF ranks with Korean Air?

Ron, Have you tried contacting KE to explain the situation and request a status match? Even if they don’t give you one it’s not like you won’t have status right? For next year you’ll still carry your SkyTeam Elite Plus privileges and with the flying you credit to KE next year you’ll get their status for the following year?

Matches within an alliance might be problematic even though DL and KE tend to be frenemies. Might have better luck requesting a match through Asiana?