Partner number 34 for the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) loyalty program is SkyTeam member Korean Air. You can now transfer your SPG Starpoints into Korean Air SKYPASS miles at a ratio of 1 to 1.
The maximum transfer is 79,999 Starpoints, but there is a generous 5,000 Starpoints bonus for every 20,000 points transferred during the same transaction.
Depending on your elite status with SPG, there are minimum thresholds for points transfers:
- Platinum: No minimum
- Gold: Minimum of 1,500
- Preferred: Minimum of 2,500
You are only allowed one transaction every 24 hours, and you must use an identical name for both your SPG and SKYPASS memberships. All SKYPASS and SPG program rules also apply, so check out each program’s website to ensure that you are compliant.
Promotions
To celebrate the new partnershp, Korean Air and Starwood are both offering limited time promotions to members.
You can earn up to 2,000 bonus points when you stay at any Starwood Hotel or Resort in Asia Pacific. You must enroll using this website before November 12.
In addition, all SKYPASS members can save 15 percent at select bars and restaurants in Seoul and Incheon just by showing your membership card.
How to Transfer Points
Once you’ve accumulated enough Starpoints and wish to fly on Korean Airlines, head over to SPG’s website to book a flight.
Here is a sample itinerary from Los Angeles to the Maldives in first class on Korean Air:
To transfer Starpoints to Korean Air, click here, sign in to your SPG account and complete the transaction by following the on-screen instructions.
Stay at Starwood and Fly on Korean Air
While Starwood has properties worldwide, one of the places that Korean Air flies that everyone talks about is the stunning island country of the Maldives. The flight from Korean’s hub in Seoul-Incheon to the Maldives also stops in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is often overlooked, but the beaches are fantastic, plus there are unique train rides through the countryside and beautiful hotel properties. Sri Lanka is rapidly improving its infrastructure and tourist industry, so you won’t be disappointed if you take an extended stopover there.
Starwood has two new properties opening soon in Sri Lanka: The Sheraton Colombo Hotel on February 1, 2016 and the Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort on April 1, 2016. So keep those in mind if you’re making travel plans for 2016 and beyond.
In the Maldives, Starwood already has several spectacular properties, including the W Retreat & Spa–Maldives and the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort opens on April 1, 2016. The full list of Starwood locations in the Maldives is here.
You should also consider spending some time in South Korea. Starwood has eight properties there, including the new Four Points by Sheraton Seoul in Gangnam. As you plan your future trips, note that there are three more properties opening in South Korea through 2017. You can find all of the Starwood locations in South Korea here.