LAX/HKG

I just completed my very first flights in international long haul in F with KE. Our family of 4 flew LAX-ICN (KE 12 on A380)-NRT (KE 703 on 748) and KIX-ICN (KE 724 on 773)-LAX (KE 11 on A380). They were award tickets redeemed with Chase UR points. I had flown a lot in long haul J so I was looking forward to this F experience. However, the overall experience was underwhelming...

Check-in/Lounge at LAX
There was a dedicated check-in line for F. It was fast and efficient. I asked about being escorted to the F lounge during our transit in ICN and was told it was not available. We arrived at the LAX KE F lounge and were very disappointed, especially comparing to the *A lounge which we visited frequently. The lounge had minimal food and drink offerings. There were a few chairs at a "terrace" overlooking the concourse and a few more chairs in a glass enclosed room. Space was very tight and the decor was bland. There were a few "suites" available, though one has to reserve it 24 hrs in advance.

Boarding at LAX
It was total chaos. There was no separate line for F customers. We had to line up along with the J and Sky Priority passengers. Since it was an A380 the line was very, very long. Fortunately when a staff was checking our passports she realized we were in F and led us to the front of the line.

In-cabin seat/service/amenity/meal LAX-ICN
The seat was certainly spacious and comfortable. There were many different compartments for storage. Since there was only one other passenger in F the service was rather personal; it almost felt like we were in a private jet. The crew tried hard and paid lots of attention to us, especially my 5 year old daughter. I love water with lots of ice; it was offered without asking throughout the flight. Pajamas were given and very comfortable. Caviar was served but no cheese course since it was a “night flight”. Food and drinks were otherwise just OK; I had better meals in BR J, SQJ, and NH J. My biggest complaint is the bathroom. It was really small and tight. I ended up using the upstairs one to change my clothes or to help my little one to go potty since it was much more spacious. There were a few bars in various areas of the plane and one of them was staffed with a bartender. The drink menu was very limited though.

F lounge in ICN
Even though it had opened for just a few months there was already stains on the seats. There was only one men's toilet, one women's toilet, and one shower room available. I saw people lining up to use the women’s bathrooms. That just does not seem right if you are flying F. Food was very good, especially the dishes that we ordered off a menu. Luggage tags were offered only on our ICN-LAX flight. The lounge was also far from the departure gates.

ICN-NRT; KIX-ICN
We were fortunate they were flying 748 and 773 for those flights respectively. We got to try out the new F suites. The space was about the same as the F suites in A380 but felt much more private because of the doors. Service was good but otherwise unremarkable on those short flights.

F ground service in ICN
We took a transit tour before our ICN-LAX segment. After the tour we had a chance to visit the premium check-in area at ICN. It was nicely set up with a First Class "check-in lounge". We saw other F passengers being escorted by a ground staff member from the check in lounge all the way to the F lounge. However, maybe because our flights did not originate in ICN, this service was not offered to us. I feel they should have been more proactive and offered us the same service since we were also F customers.

In-cabin seat/service/amenity/meal ICN-LAX
This was really the most disappointing segment. Again there was only one other passenger in the F cabin besides our family so I expected at least the same level of service as our LAX-ICN flight. How naïve I was! After boarding no pre-departure drinks (not even water) was offered until we asked. My daughter and I were offered nuts but not to my wife. (At least the nuts were properly served in a dish.) Neither caviar nor foie gras was available. During meal service they served me a heavy red wine before a light white wine. At the end of the meal they forgot the glass of Sauternes that I had pre-ordered. No bottled water was offered; I had to ask for iced water throughout the flight. No smiles or greetings as I was taking a walk around the plane.