Embark on a voyage like no other as we unveil the gateway to an elevated travel experience that will redefine the way you explore the world. At Korean Air, we believe that every journey should be a celebration, and what better way to celebrate than by upgrading your seat to a realm of unparalleled comfort, sophistication, and indulgence? Step into a world where the boundaries between ordinary and extraordinary blur, where your seat becomes your sanctuary, and where every moment of your flight is a testament to opulence and luxury.
In an era where travel has become more than just a means to reach a destination, we understand that your journey is an integral part of the adventure. That’s why we’ve meticulously crafted our seat upgrade offerings to cater to your every desire and exceed your every expectation. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter, a business traveler seeking productivity, or a family in search of unforgettable moments, Korean Air seat upgrade options are designed to cater to your unique needs and preferences.
All About Korean Seat Upgrade Policy
The airline offers various upgrade options to its valuable passengers. Let’s check out the details below;
SkyTeam Upgrade Award
You can use SkyTeam Upgrade Award only when the SkyTeam Airlines issues an e-ticket on regular flights operated by them. The validation of this award will be till the original paid ticket date.
Eligible Passengers for SkyTeam Upgrade Award
- If you purchased a ticket at non-discounted normal fare, only then you will be able to upgrade your cabin from economy class to business class.
- This upgrade can be applicable for only one or more international flights. If you have a domestic flight, then you cannot explore this facility.
- U.S., Canada, Mexico and Hawaii flights are not eligible for this facility.
- This award is eligible for both round-trip and one-way trip. However, one-way trips/journeys require 50% of the round-trip miles.
Steps to Issue SkyTeam Upgrade Award
Some informative details that you must know are;
- You can book or issue this award at Korean Air Service Center, branch offices or airport offices.
- Make sure to complete booking confirmation and ticket re-issue procedure within 3 days before your flight takes off.
- Your award can be issued only if all the reservation bookings are confirmed. Along with that, keep in mind that the tickets should be used in the same order they were issued.
Eligibility for Seat Upgrade
If you want to upgrade your international flight seat, then you must have an Economy Flex or Prestige Plus/Flex Fare ticket. And if you want to upgrade your domestic flight seat, then you should have an Economy Flex ticket.
Ways to Upgrade Korean Seat
You can upgrade your seat during and after ticket purchase by following any of the below-given methods;
Upgrade Your Seat Online
To upgrade your Korean Air seat online, follow these steps;
- Visit the Korean Air Website: Open your web browser and go to the official Korean Air website at www.koreanair.com.
- Log In: If you have a Korean Air frequent flyer account, log in with your credentials. If you don’t have an account, you may need to create one.
- Enter Booking Details: Locate the “Manage Booking” or “My Trips” section on the website. Enter your booking reference (PNR) and the last name of the passenger.
- Access Your Booking: After entering the required information, you should be able to access your booking.
- Check Seat Availability: Once you have accessed your booking, look for the option to view or change your seat. It may be labeled as “Seat Selection” or “Choose Seats.”
- Select Your Preferred Seat: Browse through the available seats on the seat map and select the one you prefer. Seats are typically categorized as Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. Choose the class you want to upgrade to and pick a specific seat from the available options.
- Confirm and Pay: After selecting your preferred seat, you will usually be prompted to confirm your selection and make any necessary payment for the seat upgrade. Payment methods may include credit cards or frequent flyer miles, depending on your eligibility and the airline’s policies.
- Review and Complete: Carefully review your seat selection and payment details before finalizing the upgrade. Make sure all the information is correct, and then proceed to complete the transaction.
- Receive Confirmation: Once the upgrade is confirmed and payment is processed, you should receive a confirmation email or a new e-ticket reflecting your upgraded seat.
Call the Airline Representative for Seat Upgrade on Korean Air
You can also call the airline agent to assist you with the seat upgrade procedure;
- Locate the customer service or reservation phone number for Korean Air. You can usually find this number on the airline’s official website or on your booking confirmation.
- Before calling, gather all the necessary information related to your booking. This typically includes your booking reference (PNR) and the last name of the passenger. Having this information readily available will help expedite the process.
- Use your phone to dial the Korean Air customer service number. Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during busy periods.
- Once you connect with a representative, introduce yourself and provide your booking information, including the booking reference and passenger’s last name. This will help the representative locate your reservation quickly.
- Politely inform the airline representative that you would like to inquire about upgrading your seat. Specify the class of service you are interested in upgrading to (e.g., Premium Economy, Business Class, or First Class).
- Inquire about seat availability in the desired class and ask about the cost of the upgrade. Airlines often have different upgrade options with varying prices, so make sure to understand your choices.
- If you decide to proceed with the seat upgrade, be prepared to provide payment information, such as credit card details. The representative will guide you through the payment process.
- Carefully review the upgrade details, including the cost and the new seat assignment. Once you are satisfied, confirm the upgrade with the airline representative. They will process the payment and issue a new e-ticket or confirmation.
- After completing the upgrade over the phone, you should receive a confirmation email or a new e-ticket reflecting your upgraded seat.
- Review the confirmation email to ensure that all the information is correct, including your upgraded seat assignment, flight details, and payment details.
Upgrade Your Seat at the Airport
To upgrade your seat at the airport on the day of your flight boarding, you will have to reach the airport early. After that, you may follow the steps written below;
- Proceed to the Korean Air check-in counter or kiosk at the airport. You will need to check in for your flight if you haven’t already done so online.
- When you reach the check-in counter, politely inquire about the possibility of upgrading your seat. Speak with the airline representative and let them know the class of service you are interested in upgrading to (e.g., Premium Economy, Business Class, or First Class).
- Ask the airline representative about seat availability in the desired class and inquire about the cost of the upgrade. Airlines may offer different upgrade options with varying prices, so make sure to understand your choices.
- If you decide to proceed with the seat upgrade and there is availability, be prepared to provide payment. The airline representative will guide you through the payment process, which may involve credit card payment or other accepted methods.
- Once the upgrade is confirmed and payment is processed, the airline representative will issue a new boarding pass reflecting your upgraded seat.
- Before leaving the check-in counter, carefully review the new boarding pass to ensure that all the information is correct, including your upgraded seat assignment, flight details, and payment details.
- After upgrading your seat, proceed through security and immigration as usual, following the airport’s procedures.
- Once on board the aircraft, you can enjoy the enhanced comfort and amenities of your upgraded seat.
Korean Air Fees for Seat Upgrades
To upgrade your Korean seat, you will have to spend your miles rewards. Let’s discuss this in details;
For Domestic Flights;
- Off-peak season: From Economy to Prestige and from Prestige to First Class, 5,000 miles will be charged.
- Peak season: From Economy to Prestige and from Prestige to First Class, 7,500 miles will be charged.
For International Flights;
The approximate miles that will be charged are given in the table below;
| Zone | Season | Economy to Prestige | Prestige to First Class |
| South Korea – Japan/Maldives | Off-peak season | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Peak season | 15,000 | 15,000 | |
| South Korea – Japan/Shanghai/Beijing/Wuha/Osaka | Off-peak season | 12,500 | 12,500 |
| Peak season | 20,000 | 20,000 | |
| South Korea – Manila/Cebu/Kunming/Clark/Hanoi | Off-peak season | 22,500 | 22,500 |
| Peak season | 35,000 | 35,000 |
