NYC-ICN worth the extra stop to fly DL A350 in J vs. KE A380?
Aug 9, 2018, 8:52 am
#1
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NYC-ICN worth the extra stop to fly DL A350 in J vs. KE A380?
Hi all,
Planning an upcoming trip to ICN next month and need to decide between the non-stop KE A380, or a 1-stop (ATL) DL A350?
Is the A350 delta one "suite" worth the hassle of a stop? Seatguru does make the A350 look better on all fronts, but not sure if it's as good in reality as on paper?
Timing wise I obviously lose ~5hrs, but that may be ok. Miles wise I can book the KE flight as a DL codeshare, 006 ticket, so that shouldn't make a difference either.
Thanks!
Planning an upcoming trip to ICN next month and need to decide between the non-stop KE A380, or a 1-stop (ATL) DL A350?
Is the A350 delta one "suite" worth the hassle of a stop? Seatguru does make the A350 look better on all fronts, but not sure if it's as good in reality as on paper?
Timing wise I obviously lose ~5hrs, but that may be ok. Miles wise I can book the KE flight as a DL codeshare, 006 ticket, so that shouldn't make a difference either.
Thanks!
Aug 9, 2018, 9:28 am
#2
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Aug 9, 2018, 10:06 am
#3
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I can't comment on the experience, but you can earn on KE flights now since the JV, so it might be worth checking out the pop up chart on the partner earnings page -- depending on the ticket costs and the relative importance to you of MQDs vs RDMs etc you might actually want to book the native KE flight number.
Aug 9, 2018, 10:43 am
#4
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I do not think KE 380 has Apex suites, so it will be regular 2+2+2 lie flat, so DL 350 would have much better seat, which is important for a long flight.
On the other hand I find that food and service on KE to be much better compared to DL (I know some may diasgree about food). I also like the bar area upstairs and duty free area downstairs on KE 380 --- cool places to hang around, have a drink and chat.
On the other hand I find that food and service on KE to be much better compared to DL (I know some may diasgree about food). I also like the bar area upstairs and duty free area downstairs on KE 380 --- cool places to hang around, have a drink and chat.
Aug 9, 2018, 10:18 pm
#6
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When I was rebooked in IROPs onto the KE A380 JFK-ICN that leaves around midnight, it was 2-2-2 seating in business class with seats that didn't quite recline far enough to be a true flat bed. I was not impressed, but it would have been far worse if the cabin had been full. [Moreover, the cabin had a bar, but a FA told me that I could NOT have a glass of wine there, only one of their cocktails, even though the only other person using it was just sitting there with a laptop and NO drink at all. If this doesn't make sense to you, it didn't make sense either to me.]
Aug 10, 2018, 8:27 am
#7
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[Moreover, the cabin had a bar, but a FA told me that I could NOT have a glass of wine there, only one of their cocktails, even though the only other person using it was just sitting there with a laptop and NO drink at all. If this doesn't make sense to you, it didn't make sense either to me.]
Aug 10, 2018, 8:39 am
#8
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And it's not a true lie-flat. I'd make the extra stop to avoid the 380. Note you could also route via DTW (350) or take KE via ATL (748).
Aug 10, 2018, 8:43 am
#9
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Also if heat intolerant or even just like it normal temperature take DL. KE is well known for keeping cabins very toasty.
Aug 10, 2018, 9:52 am
#10
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When I was rebooked in IROPs onto the KE A380 JFK-ICN that leaves around midnight, it was 2-2-2 seating in business class with seats that didn't quite recline far enough to be a true flat bed. I was not impressed, but it would have been far worse if the cabin had been full. [Moreover, the cabin had a bar, but a FA told me that I could NOT have a glass of wine there, only one of their cocktails, even though the only other person using it was just sitting there with a laptop and NO drink at all. If this doesn't make sense to you, it didn't make sense either to me.]
On the plus side for KE, some of the bathrooms on the A380 are huge.
Aug 10, 2018, 7:07 pm
#11
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What? I loved the KE bar. I met a lot of interesting people and chatted for hours, it was a perfect way to pass the time. The drinks were good (ok, the menu was limited, but I never got bored) and the bartender was funny. Made a friend at the bar and we still keep in touch.
That said, the DL A350 seat is much better. If your goal is to socialize, go with KE. If you goal is to sleep or watch movies, definitely DL.
That said, the DL A350 seat is much better. If your goal is to socialize, go with KE. If you goal is to sleep or watch movies, definitely DL.
Aug 10, 2018, 9:03 pm
#12
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Aug 13, 2018, 2:25 pm
#13
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Will keep the 748 KE as a backup in mind in case something changes. I saw it also flies to SFO, so a JFK-SFO-ICN is an option (although that one is less efficient).
Aug 13, 2018, 2:38 pm
#14
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connecting in SFO will require a terminal change and re-clearing security. Also the skyteam lounge situation in the SFO international terminal is... bad. It definitely can be a good option for IRROPS, though.
Aug 13, 2018, 7:30 pm
#15
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Thanks! I'll be going over DTW indeed, adding not even 2hrs to the total journey. I am a bit surprised that they allow a minimum connection of just 44 minutes.
Will keep the 748 KE as a backup in mind in case something changes. I saw it also flies to SFO, so a JFK-SFO-ICN is an option (although that one is less efficient).
Will keep the 748 KE as a backup in mind in case something changes. I saw it also flies to SFO, so a JFK-SFO-ICN is an option (although that one is less efficient).