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After finalizing its joint venture with Korean Air, Delta has published its new earning chart for Korean Air and a host of other benefits. Effective May 1, 2018, SkyMiles members flying with Korean Air will benefit from the following:
- Improved earning rates when flying Korean Air
- Earn MQM and MQD’s when flying Korean Air marketed flights
- Diamond Medallion Members can use their Global Upgrade Certificates on Delta-marketed Korean Air operated flights.
Earning SkyMiles (RDMs), MQMs, and MQDs
Looking at the award chart below, the earnings are quite generous across the board. Flying First or pricier Business class tickets will earn you 300% or 200% miles respectively, and both will earn you 200% MQM’s. The MQD earning rates are also pretty good, with First class fares earning 60% and Business class fares earning 40%.
On the Economy side, things are a still a little generous on the SkyMiles and MQD front, although deeply discounted Economy fares still earn 100% MQMs.
Global Upgrades
Delta Diamond Medallion Members can now use their Global Upgrade Certificates subject to the following restrictions:
- You can not use your certificate to upgrade to Korean Air First class
- You can only upgrade Y, B, and M class Economy fares to Business class
The potential to use global certificates is a nice perk, but a costly one. Full Fare Economy ticket fares are often very expensive, and in some cases are more expensive than a deeply discounted Business class fares. The best value here is for a business traveler who's company will only purchase economy fares, regardless of the price/fare class.
Our Take
By far the biggest positive out of the new relationship is the MQM and miles earning rates, especially on the cheaper fares. The MQD earning is a welcome addition, and if you fly First or Business you can earn a substantial amount of MQD’s. The ability to use Global Upgrade Certificates is a welcome bonus, although considering the restrictions using them on Korean Air would in most cases represent a poor value.
Source: Rapid Travel Chai
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I wish there were some way to figure out global upgrade award space before booking…calling and asking DL agents takes forever; can anyone decipher any clues from their experiences? I really appreciate that AA makes SWU use very clear through Expert Flyer, at least.
So good to see Delta giving points for even the lowest economy fares with Korean Air. Unfortunately American Airlines does not do the same with Cathay Pacific!
I was wondering the same thing. Maybe Delta’s limited service to the area served by KAL?
I wonder why Delta has suddenly warmed up to Korean Air after distancing itself for a few years.
this is a huge plus
Definitely a positive. No complaints from me…which is rare. 😉
Looks like a good deal.
Thanks. Any change to SKYPASS earning rates when flying Delta?
Yes! https://www.koreanair.com/global/en/skypass/earn/partner-ailrlines/delta-airlines/