Koreans living in the states are raising their voices of dissatisfaction as Korean Air, which is set to implement mileage reform, was found to have achieved an all-time high result last year.
Korean Air recorded its highest annual performance last year thanks to strong cargo and a recovery in passenger demand.
The company announced on the 1st that last year’s sales rose 53% year-on-year to 10.97342 billion dollars (13.4127 trillion won) and operating profit rose 97% to 2.35917 billion dollars (2.8836 trillion won).
Sales and operating profit almost doubled to 1.45595 billion dollars (1.7796 trillion won) last year, surpassing 2018 highs and 2021 highs, respectively. Nevertheless, Korean Air has been implementing changes to the flyer mileage program Sky Pass that seriously hurts Korean Air’s frequent users, specifically the ones living overseas, since April, which has been the source of customers’ disappointment and anger.
Korean Air made changes in the the mileage deduction system’s standard from region to distance, which caused Koreans in the states traveling to Korea to experience a large deduction in their mileage benefits than Korean consumers.
This issue has also been a controversy over equality.
K, who works at LA Koreatown, said, “How is reducing mileage benefits for Koreans living overseas who consistently fly Korean Air for home visits and travel as well as frequent international package deliveries from Korea that greatly benefit Korean Air any different than betraying their most beloved and frequent customers?” “I don’t think this is right, considering that mileage usage is limited for us unlike customers in Korea,” he criticized.
C, who is self-employed in Fullerton, also said, “Korean Air is just really cruel. Since it is my first visit to Korea in a few years, I have collected mileage by using the Sky Pass card. Do you know how many years you have to save to get a bonus ticket? The mileage collected over the past five years has now become completely useless. I can’t believe I have to collect more for the same benefits I used to enjoy.”
The sad truth is that even apart from the mileage benefit changes, it is practically difficult for Koreans living overseas to take any kind of benefits from Korean Air other than free ticket issuance, promotion and excess baggage costs, bonus ticket issuance for affiliated airlines, and designated hotel accommodation.
Meanwhile, Korean Air has started a mileage partnership with E-Mart 24, a convenience store chain in Korea, since the 31st.
If you purchase more than 10,000 won at E-Mart 24 stores, 1 mile will be accumulated per 2,000 won based on the total payment amount, and up to 1,000 miles can be accumulated per month. In addition, it is said that starting this month, if you accumulate mileage after purchasing wine at E-Mart 24 stores, you will be able to accumulate up to 2,000 miles.
BY PARK NAK-HEE
