Airline Profile: Korean Air

The Facts:

Analysis:

What to Avoid:

Prestige Sleeper (Business Class Seat): Korean Air labels one of their older business class seat models as the Prestige Sleeper. Korean Air says that this business class seat is a 180-degree flat bed seat, but in truth, it is slightly angled at an (approximately) 177-178 degree angle. They are basically on the borderline between flatbed and angle flat-bed seats. It is in a 2-2-2 configuration (on the A380/A330) or in a 2-3-2 configuration (on the 777). To make this clear: this is not a terrible business class seat; it’s just not up to par with most good business class seats today. It is used on many ultra long haul flights, and to not have fully flatbed seats on long-haul flights in business class is unacceptable in 2019.

This seat is featured in business class on:

• All Airbus A330-200s
• 276 Seat Airbus A330-300s
• All Airbus A380s
• 248 Seat Boeing 777-200ERs
• All Boeing 777-300s
• 291 Seat Boeing 777-300ERs

Airbus A330/777-300/787 First Class: You are probably confused right now while I am saying that you should avoid first class on some planes on Korean Air. Because the seats really aren’t first class: the seats would qualify as business class seats. Why? Because they are the exact same seats that Korean Air has in business class on the exact same planes! On Airbus A330s 777-300s 787s, business class (and first class) is in a 2-2-2 configuration: not even all seats have aisle access! Ok, that’s not entirely true: the seats on the 787 are in a staggered 2-2-2 configuration, so the window seats do have access to the aisle, but that’s beside the point that first class on these aircraft really have no storage, privacy, and luxury. Yes, the seats are a bit longer and do have better bedding and service, but please stick to business class (where you will get the same seat) if traveling on A330s, 777-300s (the non ER version) or 787s on Korean Air! Luckily, Korean Air is in the process of ridding the planes with its sub-par first class seats and replacing them with business class.

What to Fly:

Prestige Suites (Business Class Seat): The Prestige Suite on Korean Air features the Apex Suite seat model. It is also the same seat found in first class on the 787 on Korean Air. The Prestige Suites are Korean Air’s latest business class seat model, and are in a 2-2-2 configuration on all aircraft which feature the seat. While it is in a 2-2-2 configuration, all seats do have aisle access due to the fact that the seats are staggered. Also, due to a portion between the window and aisle seat, the window seats actually do have a ton of privacy if the portion is closed. While this seat is definitely not the best first class seat, it is a top-notch business class seat.

Travel Classes:

Economy Class: 

In economy class on Korean Air, personal seat back TVs are featured on all wide body aircraft and on some Boeing 737s which feature movies, TV shows, audio books, and more. Economy class either in a 2-3 configuration (Airbus A220), 3-3 configuration (737), 2-4-2 configuration (Airbus A330), 3-3-3 configuration (Boeing 787, 777), or in a 3-4-3 configuration (Boeing 747 and A380). On longer flights, there are both Korean and western dishes available for free for economy class passengers. On all aircraft except for some Boeing 737s and Airbus A220s, power outlets are available at every seat. On most intercontinental flights (such as from Seoul to New York), amenity kits with toothpaste, a toothbrush, and slippers are available for all economy passengers. 

Prestige Class: 

Prestige class (business class) is featured on all 737s, 747s, 777s, 787s, A330s, and A380s. On the 737, business class features recliner seats in a 2-2 configuration with leg rests (please note that not all 737s have personal on demand entertainment, even in business). On the 747-400 and on some Boeing 777-200s, business class features angle flat seats in a 2-3-2 configuration (2-2 configuration on the upper deck of the 747). However, I do not hold that against them too much as these aircraft are mostly used on domestic and short haul international flights. For descriptions of all the other different types of business class seats on Korean Air, please see the What to Fly/What to Avoid sections.

All passengers on Korean Air have access to the Korean Air premium lounge, priority baggage handling, and priority boarding before the flight. On board, passengers have access to premium food (both Korean and western options), amenity kits, and power outlets (on select aircraft). Korean Air features a lounge area/bar (called the Celestial Bar) on board the A380 available for first and business class passengers where there are multiple couches and a buffet (don’t get me wrong, it is better than nothing, but is nothing compared to like on the Emirates/Qatar A380s). Overall, Korean offers a solid soft product, and the quality of the hard product entirely depends on the type of aircraft that you are flying on.

First Class: 

On the A330/787/747-400/777-300s in first class, the seat is nearly identical to the one found in business class (for more on that, see the What to Avoid section). On 777-200s, some 777-300ERs, and on the Airbus A380, first class features open suites in a 1-2-1 configuration (labeled as the Kosmo Sleeper or Cosmo Suites). On the 747-8 and on most 777-300ERs, first class features closed suites in a 1-2-1 configuration (labeled as Kosmo Suites 2.0). Try and fly on the 777-300ER or 747-8 in first class if possible, as for the amount of money/miles you pay for it, the least the airline can provide is a closed suite. Passengers have access to premium boarding, the Korean Air premium lounge, and priority check in.

Also, there is a dedicated check in area for first class passengers which features a lounge like area. Amenity kits, inflight loungewear/PJs, premium meals, in seat power, and duvets (ultra long haul flights only) are available for first class passengers. Would I say that you should spend extra money/miles for first class? Probably not. Korean Air doesn’t have the best first class seats in the world (they even use some business class seats and label them first class!), and while the soft product is good, it is definitely not the best. 

Have you ever flown on Korean Air? Share about your experience below!