I love sharing niche redemptions like this. Credit card influencers always like to dog on Delta SkyMiles, but (if you look hard enough) there are pockets of values that are fun to redeem with the program. Last year we got a bottle of Dom Pérignon at its lounge. This year, we redeemed 6000 SkyMiles for Korean Air Business Class. Here’s how we did it.
Booking
On domestic flights, it is true that Delta SkyMiles are quite worthless. For example, a simple flight from Los Angeles to Las Vegas robs you costs 11,000 miles for Basic Economy.
But if you look internationally, the pricing scheme for partner airline changes drastically to your favor. For the exact same distance, a flight from Seoul to Jeju Island costs just 6000 miles for Business Class.
Korean Air Prestige Class
To Jeju Island, you can even fly on its Airbus A330 which is the same aircraft we flew internationally back in 2019 at a fraction of its price!
We decided to try out its new Korean Air A321neo that flies exclusively for intra-Asia routes. For 6000 points, you can even access its Business Class lounges, but we recommend skipping it and get the famous Jeju ice cream dessert instead.
The Business Class cabin for the A321neo is 2×2 config for the first two rows.
The seats are equipped with ports and wireless charging plus a lie-flat bed if you choose to beauty nap before your K-drama photoshoot at Jeju Island.
Overall, this niche redemption is a great example if you are stuck in using your Delta SkyMiles at its optimal value. For 6000 points, it is an absolute steal to fly a lie-flat seat on Korean Air Prestige Class. The only thing missing is a bottle of Dom Perignon 😜
Chai Bear World 