Program recognized for four straight years since 2023; mileage redemption partners to keep expanding

Korean Air's customer membership program SkyPass won the aviation membership category at the 2026 National Service Awards. [Korean Air]
Korean Air's customer membership program SkyPass won the aviation membership category at the 2026 National Service Awards. [Korean Air]

Korean Air announced Wednesday that its customer membership program SkyPass has won the aviation membership category at the 2026 National Service Awards.

The awards ceremony, hosted by the Institute for Industrial Policy Studies and sponsored by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Dong-A Ilbo and Seoul School of Integrated Sciences and Technologies (aSSIST), was held Wednesday morning at the L Tower in Seocho-gu, Seoul.

The recognition marks the fourth consecutive year since 2023 that SkyPass has been named the most popular aviation membership program among consumers. The program earned high marks in service quality and customer satisfaction for its tiered benefits for elite members, a broad range of mileage redemption options with competitive promotions, and a combined cash-and-mileage payment service — all reflecting a customer-first operating policy.

SkyPass, now in its 42nd year, is Korean Air's frequent-flyer program. Members earn mileage through Korean Air and its partners and receive elite status tiers based on their accumulated mileage.

Elite members enjoy a range of exclusive benefits on Korean Air and fellow SkyTeam alliance carriers. Accumulated mileage can be redeemed for flights — including award tickets, seat upgrade bonuses and the Cash & Miles option — as well as access to Korean Air-operated Prestige lounges, partner hotel bookings, and purchases at the Mileage Mall.

Korean Air has steadily expanded its mileage redemption channels to improve customer convenience. Two flagship services stand out: Bonus HotPick, which offers mileage discounts to customers purchasing award tickets through the Korean Air website or mobile app, and Cash & Miles, a combined payment service that lets customers pay part of a regular airfare with mileage.

Bonus HotPick is widely regarded as a customer-centric service because it lets users see at a glance which routes are available for award ticket redemption.

In addition, Korean Air's Mileage Mall allows members to purchase a variety of Korean Air merchandise using mileage. The airline has also expanded its mileage partner network across hotels, tours, financial services, shopping and culture to broaden customer choices.

As of this month, SkyPass has 81 mileage-earning partners — including Naver, Kyobo Book Centre and in-flight duty-free — and 35 redemption partners. A "Hidden Mileage Search" feature is also available year-round, making it easier for customers with multiple membership numbers or long-unchanged contact details to update their personal information.

"We will continue to introduce new products and services and run various promotions so that customers can use their mileage conveniently," a Korean Air official said.

Meanwhile, Korean Air is stepping up efforts to deliver differentiated services. On June 18, the airline, together with Hanjin KAL — the holding company of Hanjin Group — and Hanjin Group aviation affiliates Asiana Airlines and Jin Air, signed a memorandum of understanding with Samsung Financial Networks — comprising Samsung Life, Samsung Fire, Samsung Card, Samsung Securities and Samsung Asset Management — to establish a strategic partnership.


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