Asiana Airlines to exit from Star Alliance on December 16

Asiana Airlines will officially exit from Star Alliance on December 16.

Star Alliance accrual, mileage ticket redemption, and Elite benefits for Asiana Club members will end. For those flying on or before October 15, customers can still enter their Asiana Club membership number during booking, ticketing, and check-in. Missing mileage claims for flights departing that day must be submitted by October 31.

Asiana Club members traveling between October 16 and December 16 will need to make a separate request after the flight as automatic accrual will not be available. Details on how to make such requests will be announced in a future notice.

Award flights booked on other Star Alliance member airlines using Asiana miles for travel on or after December 17 will no longer be valid. Customers are advised to contact the Asiana Airlines Reservation Center to review and discuss cancellation or alternate itinerary options. Affected tickets will be fully refunded and miles reinstated without penalty.

Customers enrolled in any Star Alliance member airline’s frequent flier program may continue to earn points on Asiana-operated flights on or before October 15, and redeem miles for award tickets and upgrades on Asiana for travel to be completed on or before December 16. Mileage redemption will be subject to policies and timelines of the other alliance member airlines.

In a statement, Star Alliance said: “Since joining Star Alliance in 2003, Asiana Airlines has played a valued role in delivering seamless customer experiences across the network. On behalf of all member airlines, Star Alliance thanks Asiana Airlines and its employees for contributing to the exceptional customer experience that the Alliance is known for worldwide.”

Following Asiana’s departure from Star Alliance, the alliance will have 25 member airlines. 14 member airlines will continue to operate to and from Incheon International Airport.

The integration plan of Asiana Airlines and Korean Air’s frequent flier programs are currently under review by the Korea Fair Trade Commission. Existing Asiana Club mileage will be maintained as “former Asiana Mileage” for 10 years from the date of integration. All newly accrued flight and/or partner miles will be credit as Korean Air SKYPASS miles, and Asiana Club members have the option to convert their Asiana Club miles into SKYPASS miles within the 10-year period.