Korean Air made an announcement on August 4, stating that it will no longer provide flight award tickets (including upgrade awards) to passengers waiting at the airport, effective from August 21.
According to the airline’s website, international flight award tickets (including upgrade awards) will now be available only under the condition of prior reservation and ticketing. Stand-by reservations for awards will be confirmed in advance, taking seat availability into account. The airline urged its customers to complete their international award ticket reservations and purchases in advance to ensure a smooth boarding experience.
Prior to this announcement, Korean Air’s bonus mileage international flight award tickets and seat upgrade policies already stated that “reservations and ticket purchases for international award flights must be completed in advance, and waiting at the airport is not accepted.”
Nevertheless, the airline had allowed some mileage international flight award tickets and seat upgrades at the airport counter on the day of departure, considering international flight seats and local conditions.
With the new policy, Korean Air’s boarding counters at LAX will also cease issuing award tickets and processing seat upgrades on-site starting August 21.
A representative from KAL America regional office stated, “While our award ticket issuance rules have never allowed same-day waiting, we had made exceptions in some cases for customer convenience. However, on-site ticketing and upgrade processing can impact other passengers, leading to departure delays. Thus, we are implementing this change to provide stable and efficient services to all customers.”
Additionally, it has been reported that Asiana Airlines also does not offer on-site award ticketing and seat upgrades at airports.
An official from Asiana Airlines U.S. regional office explained, “We used to allow on-site ticketing services, but we have discontinued this practice due to its significant impact on the on-time operation of aircraft, causing inconvenience to passengers, and challenges in preparing business class meals in advance.”
BY NAKI PARK [park.naki@koreadaily.com]
