By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: In 2019 Korean Air announced a steep SKYPASS devaluation, a distance-based chart that raised some first-class awards 50 to 70 percent. It postponed the change to 2021, then 2023, then suspended it indefinitely, so the old, generous chart still applies for now. But the threat is real and the Asiana merger adds uncertainty, so book high-value SKYPASS awards while the current chart lasts.
The 2019 devaluation announcement
In December 2019, Korean Air announced a new SKYPASS award structure that would replace its region-based chart with one priced by zones and flight distance, and the numbers were steep. First class from the western United States to Korea would rise from 80,000 miles to 120,000, a 50 percent increase, and from the East Coast it would jump from 80,000 to 135,000, nearly 70 percent. One-way first class between North America and Southeast Asia would climb from 95,000 miles to as much as 202,500. It was one of the harsher premium-cabin devaluations announced that year.
The devaluation that keeps getting postponed
Then something unusual happened: the cut kept getting delayed. It was first slated for 2021, then pushed to April 2023, then suspended with no new date. As of 2026 the old, more generous SKYPASS chart still applies, which makes Korean Air a rarity, a major program that announced a brutal devaluation and then sat on it for years. The reprieve is welcome, but holders should treat it as borrowed time, not a reversal.
The Asiana merger and what to do now
Korean Air is absorbing Asiana Airlines, a multi-year integration that will eventually merge the two loyalty programs and could bring the postponed devaluation, or a new one, with it. SKYPASS miles come mainly from co-branded cards and a few transfer partners, and the program still offers real value on Korean own metal in its excellent first and business cabins. The play is simple: if you are holding SKYPASS miles for a premium trip, book it on the current chart rather than waiting, because the next announcement could land at any time. See the devaluation overview.
Frequently asked questions
Did Korean Air actually devalue SKYPASS?
It announced a major devaluation in 2019 but has postponed it repeatedly, to 2021, then 2023, then indefinitely. As of 2026 the old chart still applies, so the threatened cut has not taken effect, but it could be implemented at any time.
How much would the SKYPASS devaluation raise prices?
The announced chart raised some first-class awards 50 to 70 percent, for example western US to Korea from 80,000 to 120,000 miles and the East Coast from 80,000 to 135,000, with some North America to Southeast Asia first-class awards more than doubling.
How does the Asiana merger affect SKYPASS?
Korean Air is merging with Asiana and will eventually combine the loyalty programs. The integration adds uncertainty and could be the moment the postponed devaluation finally arrives, so banking miles long term carries real risk.
Should I book SKYPASS awards now?
Yes, if you have a premium trip in mind. The current chart is still the old, generous one, but a devaluation has hung over the program since 2019 and could be implemented with little notice, so booking now locks in today value.
Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.
