FTC approves revised mileage integration plan for Korean Air, Asiana

Asiana Airlines passengers will retain their existing mileage and be able to use it on Korean Air-operated flights for a decade following the two airlines' merger, as approved by Korea's antitrust regulator. The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) approved Korean Air's revised mileage integration plan, which includes conditions to maintain customer benefits and increase opportunities to redeem mileage following the Dec.

17 merger. Under the plan, Asiana mileage will be managed separately from Korean Air's program for 10 years after the merger date, even after Asiana ceases to exist as a separate entity. Customers do not have to immediately convert their Asiana mileage to Korean Air's program during this period. Asiana customers will maintain the airline's current redemption standards and expiration rules for the 10-year period.

They will also be able to use their mileage on all Korean Air-operated routes for award tickets, seat upgrades, mileage-and-cash payments, and shopping. Customers who wish to convert their Asiana mileage to Korean Air's program can do so at any time within the 10-year period. As-flight earned mileage is earned.