Korean Air Skypass - Prestige Class vs. NWA World Business Class

I am going to Asia and from JFK and trying to figure out which has a better product Prestige Class Plus or NWA's Worldbusiness Class ?

Suggestions here?

Thanks!

This might depend on what your final destination is in Asia.

For the transpac I'd take KE over NW without a doubt. It will be a nonstop flight to ICN from JFK where on NW you'll have to connect in DTW or MSP. The service on KE is better than NW. The seats are about the same, both are angled lie flat. Both have AVOD. The food is better on KE in my opinion, but I enjoy Korean food. I don't know how their western meals compare.

If your final destination isn't NRT or ICN then you might also consider the next leg of your journey. NW will be on a 747 or 757. I've never been in WBC on a NW 757 in Asia but seatguru shows them being basically like domestic first. This is a turnoff for me. The 747 however is the same type of WBC used from the US, they are just fine. On KE, there is a huge range of C products out there for intra-asia. Most aren't they great but all seem to be better than NW's 757. Very few of the intra-asia flights have KE's new C seats yet. I would attempt to avoid the A330 at all costs as the seat pitch is only 42". The 773 and the 747s equiped with the old seats aren't bad, the seats are old style but very comfortable. They may or may not have IFE in your seat. Some of the 772s and 747s may have been upgraded to the new seats depending on the route, then they would be just like the plane coming from JFK.

There's no major difference between the two. I would probably pick KE for schedule convenience and superior service. Here's some prior discussion on the subject. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=764338)

This might depend on what your final destination is in Asia.

For the transpac I'd take KE over NW without a doubt. It will be a nonstop flight to ICN from JFK where on NW you'll have to connect in DTW or MSP. The service on KE is better than NW. The seats are about the same, both are angled lie flat. Both have AVOD. The food is better on KE in my opinion, but I enjoy Korean food. I don't know how their western meals compare.

If your final destination isn't NRT or ICN then you might also consider the next leg of your journey. NW will be on a 747 or 757. I've never been in WBC on a NW 757 in Asia but seatguru shows them being basically like domestic first. This is a turnoff for me. The 747 however is the same type of WBC used from the US, they are just fine. On KE, there is a huge range of C products out there for intra-asia. Most aren't they great but all seem to be better than NW's 757. Very few of the intra-asia flights have KE's new C seats yet. I would attempt to avoid the A330 at all costs as the seat pitch is only 42". The 773 and the 747s equiped with the old seats aren't bad, the seats are old style but very comfortable. They may or may not have IFE in your seat. Some of the 772s and 747s may have been upgraded to the new seats depending on the route, then they would be just like the plane coming from JFK.

Thanks! I was thinking about NWA's world business, but maybe I will try KE...
:-)

One thing to keep in mind is how many EQM's you'll earn for your trips. This depends who you plan on crediting your miles to (I see you're both a NW and DL member)

NW awards 150% EQM for WBC, but only 125% EQM for KE C and J classes.

DL awards 150% EQM for both NW WBC and KE C, J and F classes.

Either way, enjoy your flight. I'm taking my first KE C flight at the end of the month - I'm excited (despite the fact I'll be earning less EQM's than I would on NWA).

In Nov 2007, I flew KE BC from JFK to ICN, and NW WBC from NRT to DTW. Both in a 744.

I preferred the NW flight and the new NW seats over the new KE seats. The KE departure was the 1am flight - so not much food (supper) and the service was limited after the supper was served. Only plus for the KE flight was the large screen - both had AVOD. The KE daytime flight likely has better food. The KE western meal was a cold sandwich wrapped in cellophane.

The NW flight was the 2pm out of NRT in a 744. Since NW does not have a first class cabin - the nose of the 744 is BC - which is what I prefer. KE has first class - so BC is upstairs or in the main cabin in a 2-3-2 arrangement.

KE has a better lounge in ICN if you are connecting at ICN. ICN is one of the best airports - I have ever been in. So the airport and lounge is a plus for KE. NW lounges at NRT are good - but not the same food you get at the ICN lounges.

If I had to choose - I prefer the NW seat over the KE seat.

One thing to keep in mind is how many EQM's you'll earn for your trips. This depends who you plan on crediting your miles to (I see you're both a NW and DL member)

NW awards 150% EQM for WBC, but only 125% EQM for KE C and J classes.

DL awards 150% EQM for both NW WBC and KE C, J and F classes.

Either way, enjoy your flight. I'm taking my first KE C flight at the end of the month - I'm excited (despite the fact I'll be earning less EQM's than I would on NWA).

Which flight are you on?

In Nov 2007, I flew KE BC from JFK to ICN, and NW WBC from NRT to DTW. Both in a 744.

I preferred the NW flight and the new NW seats over the new KE seats. The KE departure was the 1am flight - so not much food (supper) and the service was limited after the supper was served. Only plus for the KE flight was the large screen - both had AVOD. The KE daytime flight likely has better food. The KE western meal was a cold sandwich wrapped in cellophane.

The NW flight was the 2pm out of NRT in a 744. Since NW does not have a first class cabin - the nose of the 744 is BC - which is what I prefer. KE has first class - so BC is upstairs or in the main cabin in a 2-3-2 arrangement.

KE has a better lounge in ICN if you are connecting at ICN. ICN is one of the best airports - I have ever been in. So the airport and lounge is a plus for KE. NW lounges at NRT are good - but not the same food you get at the ICN lounges.

If I had to choose - I prefer the NW seat over the KE seat.


The food sounds poor. I will only fly KE if I can get the upper deck.

From what I have been reading, it seems that NWA's product and Koreans product are simmiar (minor differences) so that leaves it is schedule and I think KE is the one I will try this time.

As a general rule I would always pick an Asian airline over a US one. If you still get miles and there's little difference in cost the Asian choice is always the better one (for me at least).

Does anyone know what other amenities are given i.e. noise canceling headphones, service amenities, meals, etc??

Thanks

Does anyone know what other amenities are given i.e. noise canceling headphones, service amenities, meals, etc??

Thanks

Well, KE does give you slippers which are incredibly useful to avoid putting shoes back on to go to the lav in the middle of the night.

Otherwise I think amenities are nearly the same between the two.

Which flight are you on?

KE 82 JFK-ICN.

I´d second you on that! Look up my TR´s that I wrote..

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=771131
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=772891
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=783496

KE has excellent Service !!!


This might depend on what your final destination is in Asia.

For the transpac I'd take KE over NW without a doubt. It will be a nonstop flight to ICN from JFK where on NW you'll have to connect in DTW or MSP. The service on KE is better than NW. The seats are about the same, both are angled lie flat. Both have AVOD. The food is better on KE in my opinion, but I enjoy Korean food. I don't know how their western meals compare.

If your final destination isn't NRT or ICN then you might also consider the next leg of your journey. NW will be on a 747 or 757. I've never been in WBC on a NW 757 in Asia but seatguru shows them being basically like domestic first. This is a turnoff for me. The 747 however is the same type of WBC used from the US, they are just fine. On KE, there is a huge range of C products out there for intra-asia. Most aren't they great but all seem to be better than NW's 757. Very few of the intra-asia flights have KE's new C seats yet. I would attempt to avoid the A330 at all costs as the seat pitch is only 42". The 773 and the 747s equiped with the old seats aren't bad, the seats are old style but very comfortable. They may or may not have IFE in your seat. Some of the 772s and 747s may have been upgraded to the new seats depending on the route, then they would be just like the plane coming from JFK.

Well, KE does give you slippers which are incredibly useful to avoid putting shoes back on to go to the lav in the middle of the night.

Otherwise I think amenities are nearly the same between the two.

NW used to give slippers in WBC. Did they stop doing this??

without a shadow of a doubt the KE is far better than NW services, with nicer and friendlier FAs in asian airlines/KE over NW FAs. in ICN lounges, there are 2 (for FC and BC) i have been to the BC one, they have 2 shower stalls for free and you just need to register and get the key from a GA in that lounge. ICN terminal has 2 public showers for $10 for 30 mins while in NRT it cost about $7 (its been awhile i have gone thru NRT and NW lounges do not have showers, this helps especially on transpacific flights when you arrive very early in the morning as opposed to NW when you arrive late pm.) also KE lounges serve foods (salads, sandwiches, congees and other korean foods, finger foods). save you some bucks there. i have stopped flying NW and havent returned since i heard from friends the FAs' attitudes havent changed whether BC or economy/coach.
i dont understand why US airlines' (to asia) FAs have attitudes unlike the asian airlines, why???

Why? Why not! Because we don't have a choice. If KE flew out of DTW, alot of people will choose KE over NW.

in ICN lounges, there are 2 (for FC and BC) i have been to the BC one, they have 2 shower stalls for free and you just need to register and get the key from a GA in that lounge. ICN terminal has 2 public showers for $10 for 30 mins while in NRT it cost about $7 (its been awhile i have gone thru NRT and NW lounges do not have showers...

NW does have shower stalls in the new NRT lounge, I believe there were 3 of them. I also understand the AF lounge has showers but I've never used them there.

The new NW lounge at NRT is equally as nice as the KE biz lounge at ICN.

The new NW lounge at NRT is equally as nice as the KE biz lounge at ICN.

Really? Wow. IMO, the KE Prestige Class lounge at ICN is among the best in the world, up there with the Wing and the Pier at HKG. I'm surprised a US airline's overseas lounge, even in a focus city, would be that good.

Really? Wow. IMO, the KE Prestige Class lounge at ICN is among the best in the world, up there with the Wing and the Pier at HKG. I'm surprised a US airline's overseas lounge, even in a focus city, would be that good.

Well in all fairness the NW lounge in NRT is also a BA lounge, which may explain why its a bit better than would normally be expected from a domestic carrier.

I don't recall which of the prestige class lounges I've used in ICN, but I know there are at least 2. Don't know if they're all the same or not as I usually don't have time to use it. The one I was in last December was just like another international hub airport lounge to me, reminded me a lot of the IAH P. Club actually. Now having said that I've seen some pretty ratty KE lounges in outposts, so in comparison yea this place was really good. :D

without a shadow of a doubt the KE is far better than NW services, with nicer and friendlier FAs in asian airlines/KE over NW FAs. in ICN lounges, there are 2 (for FC and BC) i have been to the BC one, they have 2 shower stalls for free and you just need to register and get the key from a GA in that lounge. ICN terminal has 2 public showers for $10 for 30 mins while in NRT it cost about $7 (its been awhile i have gone thru NRT and NW lounges do not have showers, this helps especially on transpacific flights when you arrive very early in the morning as opposed to NW when you arrive late pm.) also KE lounges serve foods (salads, sandwiches, congees and other korean foods, finger foods). save you some bucks there. i have stopped flying NW and havent returned since i heard from friends the FAs' attitudes havent changed whether BC or economy/coach.
i dont understand why US airlines' (to asia) FAs have attitudes unlike the asian airlines, why???

Do you know what time the lounge opens? The showers sounds good for the early AM transpac flight.

I don't recall which of the prestige class lounges I've used in ICN, but I know there are at least 2. Don't know if they're all the same or not as I usually don't have time to use it. The one I was in last December was just like another international hub airport lounge to me, reminded me a lot of the IAH P. Club actually. Now having said that I've seen some pretty ratty KE lounges in outposts, so in comparison yea this place was really good. :D

I've only been to one of the KE lounges at ICN too, the one above gates 11-13 with the nice view of the airfield and runways. That's the one I consider world-class. Based on posts others have made on FT, the other lounge near the other pier (40's) isn't as good.

If KE starts operating at Concourse A, I would expect a new KE lounge there in addition to the existing ones. No word yet on which airlines will use Concourse A, though.

In Nov 2007, I flew KE BC from JFK to ICN, and NW WBC from NRT to DTW. Both in a 744.

I preferred the NW flight and the new NW seats over the new KE seats. The KE departure was the 1am flight - so not much food (supper) and the service was limited after the supper was served. Only plus for the KE flight was the large screen - both had AVOD. The KE daytime flight likely has better food. The KE western meal was a cold sandwich wrapped in cellophane.

The NW flight was the 2pm out of NRT in a 744. Since NW does not have a first class cabin - the nose of the 744 is BC - which is what I prefer. KE has first class - so BC is upstairs or in the main cabin in a 2-3-2 arrangement.

KE has a better lounge in ICN if you are connecting at ICN. ICN is one of the best airports - I have ever been in. So the airport and lounge is a plus for KE. NW lounges at NRT are good - but not the same food you get at the ICN lounges.

If I had to choose - I prefer the NW seat over the KE seat.


A cold sandwich wrapped in cellophane? Are you sure that was a meal, not a snack? Been on KE overnight westbound xPacific in Y twice, and they did serve hot meals for supper and breakfast in Y. Although it's been a long time since the last time I flew KE, I doubt if meal service has changed.



without a shadow of a doubt the KE is far better than NW services, with nicer and friendlier FAs in asian airlines/KE over NW FAs. in ICN lounges, there are 2 (for FC and BC) i have been to the BC one, they have 2 shower stalls for free and you just need to register and get the key from a GA in that lounge. ICN terminal has 2 public showers for $10 for 30 mins while in NRT it cost about $7 (its been awhile i have gone thru NRT and NW lounges do not have showers, this helps especially on transpacific flights when you arrive very early in the morning as opposed to NW when you arrive late pm.) also KE lounges serve foods (salads, sandwiches, congees and other korean foods, finger foods). save you some bucks there. i have stopped flying NW and havent returned since i heard from friends the FAs' attitudes havent changed whether BC or economy/coach.
i dont understand why US airlines' (to asia) FAs have attitudes unlike the asian airlines, why???


KE has three lounges at ICN; First lounge, Prestige lounge, and KAL lounge. I've been to Prestige lounge twice, and have taken a shower both times. They got three shower rooms there. Been to KAL lounge once, but never taken a shower there. It seemed like they had maybe one or two shower rooms there.



Well in all fairness the NW lounge in NRT is also a BA lounge, which may explain why its a bit better than would normally be expected from a domestic carrier.

I don't recall which of the prestige class lounges I've used in ICN, but I know there are at least 2. Don't know if they're all the same or not as I usually don't have time to use it. The one I was in last December was just like another international hub airport lounge to me, reminded me a lot of the IAH P. Club actually. Now having said that I've seen some pretty ratty KE lounges in outposts, so in comparison yea this place was really good. :D


They are NOT the same at all. Prestige lounge is designated for ST C pax and STE+ pax. KAL lounge is designated for the pax of KE's contract carrier. Obviously, Prestige lounge is better than KAL lounge.



I've only been to one of the KE lounges at ICN too, the one above gates 11-13 with the nice view of the airfield and runways. That's the one I consider world-class. Based on posts others have made on FT, the other lounge near the other pier (40's) isn't as good.

If KE starts operating at Concourse A, I would expect a new KE lounge there in addition to the existing ones. No word yet on which airlines will use Concourse A, though.


Yes, one above gate 10s, which is Prestige, is better than one at gate 40s, which is KAL.

FWIW: I read on the Wikipedia entry for ICN that KE and OZ will continue to use the main terminal building while non-Korean carriers will be moved to Concourse A. That sort of makes sense and sort of doesn't. You would expect KE and OZ to have the greatest volume of O&D pax at Incheon. But you would also expect KE and OZ to have the greatest volume of connecting pax (simply because they offer so many connecting options), while foreign-flagged carriers flying a deadheading route probably have a lot of O&D pax too. Maybe it comes down to home cooking: existing terminal perceived as better for local flyers, so KE and OZ made sure to get it.

All that said, it's a Wikipedia entry, and I don't recall what authority was cited for the carrier-assignment assertion. No reason to doubt it, but haven't verified it.

The night flight from JFK-ICN (departs at 1am) - while the night meal is considered Supper they do serve a nice breakfast. The supper does include the Korean meal - which is very good and likely the one to get. The western meal was just a sandwich.

There are three showers at the ICN BC lounge. While the lounge says it opens at 6am - it actually opens at 5am - so when you arrive from JFK and the flight arrives early - you can go direct to the lounge to get a shower. The food may not be set up that early - but by the time you get your shower it will be set up - it is supplied by the Hyatt hotel.

I agree - no comparison - the ICN lounge is much better than the NW NRT lounge.

KE has slippers but no amenity kit. NW has an amenity kit but no slippers. Both KE and NW are good flights - I give KE lounge the edge at ICN. The KE lounge at JFK is good - but nothing special - for the evening flight.

By comparison - a 5:30pm KE flight from ICN to BKK had better meal service on a 773 aircraft with old seats - than a supper flight at 1am from JFK. It is likely due to the fact that the shorter flight operated at dinner time.

Sorry, let me correct you.. it. was
a BA Lounge. Its the old BA lounge. I believe BA recently opened a new one.


Well in all fairness the NW lounge in NRT is also a BA lounge, which may explain why its a bit better than would normally be expected from a domestic carrier.

I don't recall which of the prestige class lounges I've used in ICN, but I know there are at least 2. Don't know if they're all the same or not as I usually don't have time to use it. The one I was in last December was just like another international hub airport lounge to me, reminded me a lot of the IAH P. Club actually. Now having said that I've seen some pretty ratty KE lounges in outposts, so in comparison yea this place was really good. :D

KE has slippers but no amenity kit. NW has an amenity kit but no slippers.

Well in all fairness with the amenity kit issue, KE has most of the items normally in an amenity kit inside the restroom already.

Sorry, let me correct you.. it. was
a BA Lounge. Its the old BA lounge. I believe BA recently opened a new one.

I haven't been in there since mid-December, but it still had the BA as well as the Skyteam signs up then. They called for a BA flight while I was inside also so it was still being used as a BA lounge then.

I haven't been in there since mid-December, but it still had the BA as well as the Skyteam signs up then. They called for a BA flight while I was inside also so it was still being used as a BA lounge then.

Yeah, I believe BA is sharing w/ NW on that lounge on a permanent basis...or at least until they would *finally* join the rest of their OW comrades in T2. ;)

It's nice to have something else in the displays, once in a while. (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=71361&id=506753907) :D