Complete guide to How to use Asiana miles, Asiana miles usage, Asiana mileage redemption, Asiana Airlines miles guide with tips

Learn How to Use Asiana Airlines Mileage with a Weekend Trip to Taipei

If you’re looking for a city that you can easily visit over a weekend of 2-3 days to enjoy its cuisine, culture, and nightlife, then Taipei is your ideal choice. Especially if you want to save on airline tickets, simply understanding “How to Use Asiana Airlines Mileage” can make a significant difference in your perceived cost. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to use Asiana Airlines mileage to plan a trip to Taipei, along with tips on airport transfers, choosing accommodations, budgeting for local transport and meals, and booking activities. By reading through to the end, you’ll find all the necessary links to make your reservation today.

Preparation

It’s best to keep your travel preparations light and precise. Make sure your passport is valid (generally recommended to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry), have a card that’s usable for overseas payments, carry some basic medication, a multi-adapter (Taiwan has type A sockets, similar to Korea), and consider getting an eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi. For clothing, it’s advisable to take a light jacket to cope with indoor-outdoor temperature differences.

It’s convenient to quickly check essentials like a multi-adapter, travel pouches, and waterproof bags through the travel essentials preparation link.

Tip

Taiwan has an efficient public transport system, so the less luggage you have, the quicker and easier you’ll travel. Stick to a lightweight suitcase between 20-24 inches and organize toiletries and medication in a transparent pouch.

Transportation

Taipei offers frequent flights to and from Incheon–Taoyuan, with both morning and evening options available. There are two approaches to booking your flight tickets. First, finding the lowest cash price. Second, using “How to Use Asiana Airlines Mileage” to book a bonus award ticket.

  • Cash Purchase: By avoiding peak seasons, round trip tickets are often available in the 250,000 to 450,000 KRW range. Prices are volatile, so ongoing monitoring is important. For quick comparison searches, use the link below.
    Book the lowest airfare
  • Mileage: Securing seats at the time they become available can be more cost-effective compared to cash fares. This is especially crucial for short weekend trips to ensure you get good, time-efficient seats.

Recommendation

A departure on Friday evening with a return on Sunday night or Monday morning offers a compact yet fulfilling itinerary and is quite popular. Since there is stiff competition for mileage seats during peak seasons or weekends, flexibility in moving your departure date forward or backward by a day can greatly enhance your chances of success.

How to Use Asiana Airlines Mileage

Below is the basic flow using the Taipei route as an example, which applies to most routes.

  • Step 1 – Member Login: Log in with your Asiana Club account.
  • Step 2 – Search for Bonus Award Tickets: Use the ‘Bonus Award Tickets’ menu to enter your departure (Incheon/Busan), destination (Taipei Taoyuan), date, and itinerary. If possible, use ±3-day calendar search to find dates with more seat availability.
  • Step 3 – Choose Seat Class: Select your preferred class, Economy or Business. Availability of seats varies by period, and taxes and fuel surcharges must be paid separately.
  • Step 4 – Issue Ticket and Pay: Confirm your itinerary and pay taxes and fuel surcharges with a card to issue your ticket. An e-ticket will be sent to your email.
  • Step 5 – Family Use: Pre-registration for family members allows you to book bonus tickets in their name. Preparing family verification documents and considering approval periods in advance can be convenient.
  • Step 6 – Partner Utilization: When seats aren’t available, look for seats with Star Alliance partners (e.g., EVA Air). Their schedules and frequencies might differ even on the same route, which offers more choices.

This is the framework for the practical use of Asiana Airlines mileage. The key point is to find dates with more seats and adjust your schedule accordingly, which is a reverse planning strategy. Especially for popular weekend slots, mileage seats quickly run out, so setting up alerts and frequent checking can help.

Precautions

Be aware that taxes and surcharges vary based on the time of year and exchange rates. Always check the total amount before issuing your ticket, and review refund and change policies as well. Additionally, make sure to check the expiry date of your mileage if one applies.

Course Day 1: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall – Yongkang Street – Shilin Night Market

The first day covers a light tour of Taipei’s history, cuisine, and night market. After arriving at the airport, you can drop off your luggage at the hotel and head straight to the MRT, making the itinerary simple.

  • Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall: Directly connected via the Taipei MRT station ‘C.K.S. Memorial Hall,’ this large commemorative space features an expansive plaza and a solemn main hall. The hourly changing of the guard ceremony is a great way to start your journey. There’s no entrance fee, and surrounding walking paths and ponds are well-maintained, making them great for photography.
  • Yongkang Street: Located near MRT ‘Dongmen’ station, this alleyway shopping area is dense with food hotspots like xiao long bao, beef noodles, and mango shaved ice. The cost per person is generally between 10,000 to 25,000 KRW. To avoid long waiting times at popular eateries, try eating outside of standard meal times.
  • Shilin Night Market: Easily accessible from MRT ‘Jiantan’ station, this night market offers a variety of street foods such as Taiwanese sausage, cheese potatoes, skewer hot pot, and bubble tea. With snacks being the focus, you can try a diverse range of items for approximately 10,000 to 15,000 KRW per person.

Tip

Single-trip MRT tickets start around 1,000 KRW, but purchasing an EasyCard makes transfers and payments straightforward. You can recharge it at vending machines within the station.

Recommendation

In Yongkang Street, try the ‘trio combo’ of xiao long bao, beef noodles, and mango shaved ice all at once. If waiting times are long, smaller less-known shops within the alleys are also excellent options.

Precautions

Night markets usually require cash payments. Preparing some small cash in advance is convenient, and choosing stalls where food is prepared hygienically is advisable.

Course Day 2: Jiufen – Shifen – Tamsui (Optional)

On the second day, expand your view to the suburbs of Taipei. Jiufen is famous for its narrow alleyways and scenic hillside views, while Shifen is known for its sky lantern releases. If you find it difficult to widen your itinerary, a coastal walk in Tamsui serves as a good alternative.

  • Jiufen: Accessible by bus or tour vehicle from Taipei city, Jiufen’s narrow streets feature many tea houses and snack shops, and it offers charming sea views from hilltop vantage points. A basic tea set is priced from 10,000 to 20,000 KRW, while souvenir snacks range from 5,000 to 15,000 KRW.
  • Shifen: Known for writing wishes on sky lanterns and releasing them into the sky along the railway-adjacent village. Lantern prices generally start in the early 10,000 KRW range, with different colors denoting various meanings.
  • Tamsui: Located near MRT Tamsui Station, it’s a place where you can enjoy walks along the riverbank and beautiful sunsets. Snacks like fish ball soup, ice cream, and sunset view cafes offer small joys here.

For those looking to reduce transit complexity or save time, consider using a local tour. Popular group tour packages offer pick-up, transport, and commentary, which is efficient for first-timers. On book travel activities, you can select and tailor your itinerary with Jiufen and Shifen combined tours, night market culinary tours, and tickets to the Taipei 101 Observation Deck.

Tip

The alleys in Jiufen are steep and filled with stairs. Comfortable sneakers and a backpack that frees up your hands are recommended. For Shifen, bring a raincoat if rain is forecasted, as it can affect the experience.

Precautions

Jiufen can be crowded on weekend afternoons. Arriving early in the morning or visiting on weekdays ensures a more relaxed exploration.

Course Day 3: Beitou Hot Springs – Taipei 101 – Martyrs’ Shrine

The final day combines relaxation with iconic landmarks.

  • Beitou Hot Springs: A locale rich in hot spring culture dating back to the Japanese colonial period. Easily accessible via MRT, public hot springs start around 10,000 KRW, and private rooms range between 30,000 to 70,000 KRW depending on the facility.
  • Taipei 101: An icon of Taipei. Booking observation deck tickets in advance can save you from waiting at the ticket counter. The basement food court is extensive, making it an excellent place for your final meal.
  • Martyrs’ Shrine: A solemn shrine with a tranquil garden. Timing your visit to coincide with the ceremonial changing of the guard enhances the experience considerably.

Recommendation

Try visiting the Taipei 101 Observation Deck near sundown for views that transform as day turns into night. It’s convenient to check stock for various times in advance through the activity booking link. Book travel activities

Local Transport

Taipei’s MRT is intuitive and clean. English signage and guides within the stations make it easy even for first-time visitors. For 3-6 trips a day, budgeting 4,000 to 10,000 KRW should be sufficient. Google Maps gives precise transit directions for city buses. Taxi charges start lower than in Korea but consider extra time during rush hours.

Tip

EasyCard can be used for MRT, buses, and convenience store payments, ensuring smooth transitions in your itinerary. You can purchase and top it up at airport and city MRT stations as well as convenience stores.

Budget and Savvy Tips

Here is a rough estimate of a 2-night, 3-day solo budget. (Subject to change based on season, exchange rates, preferences)

  • Airfare: Cash payment 250,000 to 450,000 KRW range, or book bonus ticket with Asiana mileage + taxes and surcharges
  • Accommodations: Per night 80,000 to 200,000 KRW (based on Zhongshan, Ximending, Daan areas). Prices increase during peak seasons
  • Meals: Night markets and snacks cost 5,000 to 15,000 KRW per meal, restaurants 15,000 to 30,000 KRW range
  • Transport: MRT and bus-centric 20,000 to 30,000 KRW range
  • Entry/Tour: Optional (Taipei 101, tours for Jiufen and Shifen, etc.) 10,000 to 70,000 KRW range

Booking external activities or entry tickets during promotional periods can save you considerably. Frequently check Klook’s monthly discount codes for Taipei-related coupons. If considering Korean-guided tours or exclusive experiences, check discounts at MyRealTrip as well.

Tip

When applying how to use Asiana AirlinesMileage, yielding your fixed travel dates for those with ‘more seats available’ can better enhance your success rate. If a round-trip mileage seat isn’t available, mixing a one-way mileage ticket with a low cash fare for the opposite leg is sensible.

Precautions

While exchanging currency, city exchange spots might offer better rates than the airport, but their operating hours are limited during weekends and late arrivals. Many places accept card payments, so keep cash minimal, reserving small amounts for night markets or small vendors.

Accommodations

The choice of area greatly influences the efficiency of your itinerary.

  • Ximending: A vibrant area rich in night market ambiance, shopping, and eateries. Good for walking late into the evening, suitable for Days 1-2.
  • Zhongshan: Dense with cafes and restaurants, convenient airport and city MRT transfers. Many clean business hotels are located here.
  • Daan/Zhongxiao Dunhua: A chic shopping and dining district, perfect for those enjoying both retail therapy and fine dining.

Prices widely vary by season, so comparison bookings are advisable. Check location, cancellation policy, and whether breakfast is included all at once via the hotel price comparison booking link.

Tip

If you have early morning schedules, accommodations within a 5-minute walk to an MRT station can ease itinerary stress. Also, check if they offer luggage storage services.

Airport Transfers

The three main transfer methods between Taoyuan International Airport and the city:

  • Airport MRT: Takes approximately 35-50 minutes to the city, fare approximately 6,000 to 8,000 KRW. It’s practical when you have less luggage and are staying downtown.
  • Bus: Cheaper fares by route and comfortable seating. Some routes operate late into the night.
  • Taxi/Private Transfers: Convenient for late arrivals or when traveling with family and/or lots of luggage. Costs vary by distance and time, starting approximately from the mid-30,000 KRW range and potentially more.

Especially for late-night arrivals, traveling with kids, or if you have more than two large suitcases, pre-booking a pickup provides a comfortable experience. Choose from various options that match vehicle type, number of passengers, and luggage through airport pickup booking.

Precautions

Late at night, the Airport MRT’s wait time may increase, and some bus routes are less frequent. It’s recommended to confirm your transportation one day before your flight to align with your schedule.

Practical Local Information

  • Communication: Immediately activating an eSIM/USIM at the airport resolves navigation, translation, and payments in one go. Various plans are available from 10,000 KRW for 3-5 days.
  • Language: Tourist spots and commercial facilities often have adequate English support. Knowing simple Chinese greetings can lead to more pleasant interactions.
  • Payment: Card payments are widely accepted, but prepare some cash for night markets and small stores.
  • Safety: Generally safe, but in busy areas and night markets, it’s wise to carry your belongings in front of your body.

A Second Look at How to Use Asiana Airlines Mileage within the Itinerary

Asiana Airlines mileage can be effectively used for significant savings on airfare, which is often a large chunk of travel expenses. The key takeaways are:

  • Prioritize Seat Availability: Instead of setting travel dates first and fitting flights into it, adjust your itinerary based on bonus seat availability.
  • Split Your Strategy: If round-trip seats are not open simultaneously, use mileage for one leg and find the lowest cash fare for the other to optimize efficiency.
  • Check Partners: Look into Star Alliance partner airlines for additional frequencies and timings.

If you keep these three points in mind, they will be beneficial not only for nearby weekend destinations like Taipei but also for future travels. To summarize, the essence of “How to Use Asiana Airlines Mileage” is schedule flexibility, setting seat alerts and frequent checks, and executing a split-leg strategy.

Alternative Plans

If you can’t find a bonus seat for your desired travel dates, don’t hesitate to compare cash prices immediately. Mileage and cash bookings complement rather than compete. When you spot days with low airfares, sometimes paying in cash rather than using mileage can make more sense. In such cases, saving mileage points for future travels is a wise choice. Continuously alternate between checking lowest airfare bookings and bonus seats to find the most sensible combination. This process also becomes practice in effectively using Asiana Airlines mileage.

Summary and Action Guide

We walked through the following itinerary together: Day 1 Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall–Yongkang Street–Shilin Night Market, Day 2 Jiufen–Shifen (or Tamsui), Day 3 Beitou Hot Springs–Taipei 101–Martyrs’ Shrine. Transportation centered around MRT and buses, supplemented by tours and taxis for certain segments. Accommodations focused on Ximending, Zhongshan, and Daan areas. Budgets vary by preference and season, keeping a close eye on activity and hotel promotions. For airfares, review both cash lowest prices and pursue bonus tickets using “How to Use Asiana Airlines Mileage.”

We’ve gathered all necessary links to help prepare for your trip today.

The success of your journey lies in executing plans seamlessly right to the final click. Organize airfares, accommodations, airport transfers, and activities in one go today. Note that stocks for popular weekend time slots vary quickly. For those pursuing bonus tickets with “How to Use Asiana Airlines Mileage,” start with checking seat availability, and consider mixing and matching with the lowest cash fares as needed.

Now you are all set to embark. Booking flights, hotels, airport transfers, and activities in advance is recommended. Feel free to review the links provided below at your leisure.