Korean Air to Extend Air Mileage Validity

Frequent-flyer miles earned with Korean Air will soon remain valid for 10 years instead of five.

The Fair Trade Commission said that following a year of consultations with Korean Air on improving its frequent-flyer program, the airline decided to extend the validity period of mileage points accumulated after July 2008. Those earned earlier will have no expiration date.

Korean Air plans to announce the measures in detail this month, which will also include doubling the portion of seats available for booking with mileage points. The carrier's main domestic rival, Asiana Airlines, is expected to follow suit.