COVID-19 Impact... Korean Air, Asiana, and Jeju Extend Elite Membership Periods

Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic, the sense of crisis in the aviation industry is growing, and on the 8th, Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport is quiet. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] As the skies have been closed due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), national airlines have consecutively adjusted their Frequent Flyer Programs (FFP).

According to the industry on the 18th, Korean Air recently extended the qualification period and requalification review period for Morning Calm members by six months. To maintain Morning Calm status, members must meet the conditions of either flying over 30,000 miles or taking more than 20 flights within the valid two-year period.

However, with the massive suspension of international flights due to the COVID-19 situation, it has become difficult to meet these requirements. Therefore, Korean Air decided to extend the qualification and requalification periods.

Asiana Airlines also decided to extend the qualification and upgrade assessment period by six months for all Asiana Club members. Additionally, as of the 13th, for elite members and those whose membership grade was downgraded after March 1, the elite membership qualification maintenance period will be extended by six months.

Jeju Air will extend the elite membership grade assessment period from three years to three years and six months. Jeju Air’s membership grades are classified based on the number of flights during the assessment period as ▲VIP (50 or more flights), ▲GOLD (20 or more flights), and ▲SILVER+ (10 or more flights). Also, the validity period of paid membership services provided by Jeju Air, such as J-Pass and Sports Membership, will be uniformly extended by 180 days.

A Jeju Air official said, "Considering the current situation where air travel is practically difficult due to the spread of COVID-19, we have decided to operate a flexible membership policy prioritizing customer convenience and minimizing disadvantages. We hope this will help customers plan their journeys even a little."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.