Although the Korean approach may be a bit too extreme.

One of the most vexing problems for frequent flyers is that the programs they belong to change the rules and redemption requirements seemingly at will. Customers save miles for awards and suddenly their miles are worth less, with higher mileage required for the flight they’ve been saving up for. It can seem like mileage programs are like Lucy from the Peanuts comic strip, pulling the football away at the last moment.

Admirably, Korean carriers Korean Air and Asiana are seeking to make changes to their frequent flyer programs with a year’s notice and still they are facing legal hurdles from the Korean government.

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines have been warned not to change their mileage policies.


The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) on Monday issued the warning to the two airliners as they are moving to reduce mileage benefits at the risk of shortchanging passengers.



The FTC said it will adjust the standard contract for mileage benefits before the end of this month in such a way as not to cost passengers.



The two airliners are moving to scrap or reduce the mileage benefits after a grace period of one year, which the FTC opposes.