FTraveler
Sep 9, 01, 9:40 pm
I booked a round-trip for my wife, toddler and I in Korean Air's Prestige Business Class from Honolulu to Incheon. The aircraft used on my flight was a new 777-200. Although the aircraft is outfitted with three classes, KE sells only two classes on the HNL-ICN route - business and economy. Those lucky enough to snag a seat in row 1 or 2 are seated in first class. Thanks to FTers over at the KE board, I called in advance and was able to get two seats upfront, which is set in a 2-2-2 configuration, compared with Prestige Business Class which is 2-3-2. 12 seats in the first class cabin were served by three dedicated FAs, for a hard to beat PAX/FA ratio of 4-1.
Anyway, when checking in at HNL, we received a lounge pass for the KE Morning Calm lounge. It was very small, capable of seating maybe 20 people at the most, and had a staff of one who acted as receptionist, and waitress for the only beverages available - coffee, tea, juice, and water. After taking some macadamia nuts we left for the much more impressive DL Crown Room a few doors away, which accepts SkyTeam business class ticketed passengers, with its free flowing alcohol and lots of tfung's gingerale.
Boarding was quick and we were offered a variety of fruit juices or water in glasses, not plastic cups. No champagne. The seats, while not true sleeper seats, as Eidetec mentioned, were nevertheless as flat as seats can get without being actually flat. When fully extended, the leg and footrest were even with the seat. All seat controls, including lumbar support, were electronic. Each seat, and the ones in Prestige Class, were equipped with PTVs, with two sets of controls - one on the console and another tucked away in the console and also served as an onboard phone.
Shortly after take-off, the male purser went into the lavatory and reappeared in a black tuxedo. Hot towels were thick cotton towels, not the flimsy throwaways you find in most business classes. The appetizers included scallops and pate de fois gras. A healthy salad. Entrees included a choice of beef tenderloin steak with mushrooms, string beans and potatoes. Bi Bimp Bap, a Korean dish with meat, vegetables and rice was also offered as well as a seafood casserole with shrimps, scallops, clams and crab in a cream sauce.
I chose the beef, and was pleasantly surprised when the FA asked how I wanted it - rare, medium rare, medium, or well done. I had mine rare and it was cooked to perfection. Now the last time I was asked how I wanted my meat prepared was onboard a LHR-SFO flight in first on PA in the early 80s. After I received my perfectly cooked steak, the FA came around with a basket full of condiments - A1 steak sauce, ketchup, tabasco sauce, soy sauce.
After dinner, pineapple cheescake was offered. I passed on that and waited for the cheese and fruit. An assortment of cheeses was offered with biscuits and crackers. Fruits included sliced melons, grapes and apples. My wife chose an apple and they promptly peeled it, sliced it and served it in a plate.
After dinner drinks. I chose the Remy Martin XO - my favorite. They offered a choice of gifts - a scarf, can't remember if it was Hermes or Chanel, or an amenity kit. As an avid collector, I chose the amenity kit. It didn't have eyeshades, socks, earplugs, kleenex, moutwash or all of the typical goodies I have received onboard UA and DL. It did have a unique set of fingernail clippers, folding toothbrush, folding hairbrush, comb, tweezers, toothpick case, scissors, and nail file - interesting. They also passed out mineral water spray moisturizers which was definitely refreshing. Earlier in the flight, the FAs gave my daughter a kit with stickers, crayons, pens, a notebook and some toys. This kept her occupied when she wasn't sleeping.
After a few more cognacs, I reclined my seat and footrest and slept like a baby for several hours. Seat comfort, albeit in the first class section, far surpasses anything I have experienced on DL and UA in business. When I awoke, I was hungry and asked for the ramen. Within ten minutes, a large bowl of piping hot ramen was served with pickled vegetables and hot rice on the side.
The PTV was great, although the video selections weren't nearly as extensive as offerings on UA and DL. I strolled through the economy cabin. I noticed that all lavs were outfitted with disposable toothbrushes and toothpaste, disposable razors and shaving cream, shoe horns, and combs. Snack carts were available in all cabins and came with candy, cookies and rice crackers.
Two hours out, over western Japan, the second meal was served. A caesars salad, followed by an entree - chicken and noodles with oyster sauce, or kalbi - Korean barbecued shortribs. I chose the chicken and my wife had the kalbi. Excellent! Well rested and full, we arrived at Incheon Airport. Beautiful, clean, efficient and a million times nicer than the old Kimpo. Immigration, baggage claim, and customs were a breeze. The only problem is the distance from Seoul. It's not that expensive, even by taxi. But the traffic can be hell. Atleast 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the Namdaemun area in central Seoul.
Overall, I was truly impressed with this flight. The service onboard was unbelievable. I am hopeful that KE will improve its safety record and regain the confidence of the traveling public. The service and amenities were impeccable. If this is KE's version of Business Class, I can imagine what Morning Calm Premium First Class must be like. I will definitely fly them again.
Edited for grammar and more detail.
[This message has been edited by FTraveler (edited 09-10-2001).]
Anyway, when checking in at HNL, we received a lounge pass for the KE Morning Calm lounge. It was very small, capable of seating maybe 20 people at the most, and had a staff of one who acted as receptionist, and waitress for the only beverages available - coffee, tea, juice, and water. After taking some macadamia nuts we left for the much more impressive DL Crown Room a few doors away, which accepts SkyTeam business class ticketed passengers, with its free flowing alcohol and lots of tfung's gingerale.
Boarding was quick and we were offered a variety of fruit juices or water in glasses, not plastic cups. No champagne. The seats, while not true sleeper seats, as Eidetec mentioned, were nevertheless as flat as seats can get without being actually flat. When fully extended, the leg and footrest were even with the seat. All seat controls, including lumbar support, were electronic. Each seat, and the ones in Prestige Class, were equipped with PTVs, with two sets of controls - one on the console and another tucked away in the console and also served as an onboard phone.
Shortly after take-off, the male purser went into the lavatory and reappeared in a black tuxedo. Hot towels were thick cotton towels, not the flimsy throwaways you find in most business classes. The appetizers included scallops and pate de fois gras. A healthy salad. Entrees included a choice of beef tenderloin steak with mushrooms, string beans and potatoes. Bi Bimp Bap, a Korean dish with meat, vegetables and rice was also offered as well as a seafood casserole with shrimps, scallops, clams and crab in a cream sauce.
I chose the beef, and was pleasantly surprised when the FA asked how I wanted it - rare, medium rare, medium, or well done. I had mine rare and it was cooked to perfection. Now the last time I was asked how I wanted my meat prepared was onboard a LHR-SFO flight in first on PA in the early 80s. After I received my perfectly cooked steak, the FA came around with a basket full of condiments - A1 steak sauce, ketchup, tabasco sauce, soy sauce.
After dinner, pineapple cheescake was offered. I passed on that and waited for the cheese and fruit. An assortment of cheeses was offered with biscuits and crackers. Fruits included sliced melons, grapes and apples. My wife chose an apple and they promptly peeled it, sliced it and served it in a plate.
After dinner drinks. I chose the Remy Martin XO - my favorite. They offered a choice of gifts - a scarf, can't remember if it was Hermes or Chanel, or an amenity kit. As an avid collector, I chose the amenity kit. It didn't have eyeshades, socks, earplugs, kleenex, moutwash or all of the typical goodies I have received onboard UA and DL. It did have a unique set of fingernail clippers, folding toothbrush, folding hairbrush, comb, tweezers, toothpick case, scissors, and nail file - interesting. They also passed out mineral water spray moisturizers which was definitely refreshing. Earlier in the flight, the FAs gave my daughter a kit with stickers, crayons, pens, a notebook and some toys. This kept her occupied when she wasn't sleeping.
After a few more cognacs, I reclined my seat and footrest and slept like a baby for several hours. Seat comfort, albeit in the first class section, far surpasses anything I have experienced on DL and UA in business. When I awoke, I was hungry and asked for the ramen. Within ten minutes, a large bowl of piping hot ramen was served with pickled vegetables and hot rice on the side.
The PTV was great, although the video selections weren't nearly as extensive as offerings on UA and DL. I strolled through the economy cabin. I noticed that all lavs were outfitted with disposable toothbrushes and toothpaste, disposable razors and shaving cream, shoe horns, and combs. Snack carts were available in all cabins and came with candy, cookies and rice crackers.
Two hours out, over western Japan, the second meal was served. A caesars salad, followed by an entree - chicken and noodles with oyster sauce, or kalbi - Korean barbecued shortribs. I chose the chicken and my wife had the kalbi. Excellent! Well rested and full, we arrived at Incheon Airport. Beautiful, clean, efficient and a million times nicer than the old Kimpo. Immigration, baggage claim, and customs were a breeze. The only problem is the distance from Seoul. It's not that expensive, even by taxi. But the traffic can be hell. Atleast 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the Namdaemun area in central Seoul.
Overall, I was truly impressed with this flight. The service onboard was unbelievable. I am hopeful that KE will improve its safety record and regain the confidence of the traveling public. The service and amenities were impeccable. If this is KE's version of Business Class, I can imagine what Morning Calm Premium First Class must be like. I will definitely fly them again.
Edited for grammar and more detail.
[This message has been edited by FTraveler (edited 09-10-2001).]