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Old Jan 29, 2009, 8:44 pm
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KE ICN-TPE January 2009 in F with link

Korean Air First Class Trip Report:

In order to connect to some flights in Taipei, I recently flew Korean Air First from Seoul to Taipei. Since there was not much written about Korean Air regional service, I decided to write a short report. In general, I was rather sad to report my rather underwhelming service, considered that I was the only passenger in F (not to mention the whole F and J), the poor catering on board, and most importantly, I had a fairly good business class experience flying from Seoul to Seattle last year. If this flight is a good sample on what I will get on KE long haul service, I will not put flying KE as my priority. Asiana Airlines is undoubtedly the better airline in Korea here. However, for the price I paid, I think it is still relatively a good deal. This KE F flight costs me $50 more than CX or KE or OZ J, so price wise, it is still a good deal. Despite this being a short flight and non-flagship flight, Korean Air needs some work. My last KE F flight was quite a while ago and it was on a shorter segment from Seoul Incheon to Osaka Kansai, and the meal was more substantive and service more attentive than this current flight. I think I am just caught off guard after flying a couple good long haul and regional flights with Asiana Airlines.

Flight fact:
January 16, 2009
KE 691 ICN-TPE Lv0900 Arr1050+1 Airbus A330-300 HL7702

Photo link:
Korean Air F Lounge:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8QbNHDNy5bqMm4
Cabin & meals:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8QbNHDNy5bqMoA

Booking:
I booked the ticket using www.koreanair.com. The process was rather straightforward, but you cannot book the ticket without being a member of Korean Air’s Award/mileage program – Skypass. It was really bizarre and of course, I had no problem changing it back to my NW number at check-in. It was still a hassle and sky team elite members from non-KE carriers cannot be recognized immediately. It could be an annoyance to some of the higher elite members. It also required you bringing your credit card too, and if a third person is paying for the ticket, you can’t use koreanair.com. I will rate the purchase experience at www.koreanair.com as poor and there is still much work to do.

Check-in:
I arrived at the transit desk as the deserted Korean Air Transit Counter A at 5am. It was really quiet and I was surprised that an agent was already sitting there waiting for passengers. The agent immediately took my e-ticket receipt, passport, and credit card (verifying my koreanair.com reservation). She was very helpful but took her a while to unblock my reservation. She immediately printed out my boarding pass and a lounge invitation. The whole process was relatively fast and by the time it was done, the first KE flight had landed from Hong Kong I think, but the transit line was processed quickly. I was at the departure level quickly and the airport was very quiet with all the shops closed. I took a moment enjoying the surreal scene at the window – a beautiful snowy scene and it is a very serene picture despite being in the middle of a busy international airport. In a few hours, the place will be as busy as ever, but now it was a quiet moment and I saw HL7702 already parked at gate 26 before our flight to Taipei soon.

Lounge:
Korean Air First Class lounge was fairly quiet at this ungodly hour, and there was only one attendant working the lounge. I immediately headed to the shower. KE F lounge has two shower rooms and to my surprise, the first one was already occupied. The shower room was very spacious with ample room to clean up and to take a nice warm shower. Unfortunately, I had to track down the concierge to get a bathing towel. I took many pictures so you can see on your own. Catering is done by Hyatt Incheon, and the usual breakfast fare includes steamed dumplings, porridge, as well as the usual Western fare of egg, hash brown, and various breakfast meats, as well as assorted cereals, fruit plates, yogurts, and pastries. The lounge was larger than before and had lots of comfortable sofas and armchairs. The décor was rather stylish and the theme was the opposite from Asiana’s antique living room theme. Very modern and the magazine and newspaper stands had a neon color display. There was a television lounge (enclosed too), as well as business center. There was also a room filled with Panasonic message chairs. There was no escort service to the gate, as stated at the website.

Boarding:
There was a separate first, business and skyteam elite passenger line, but with the light load, boarding was fairly efficient. It started at 8:32am, and once I was onboard, the first class F/A immediately escorted me to my seat, 2A, and offered me newspapers, as well as taking my pre-takeoff beverage order. The purser also dropped by and said “hi,” as well as providing me with the flight time. The initial impression was fairly nice, and I was actually surprised on how quick boarding was finished, and the loading in first and business class was dismal. There was only one passenger in the whole first and business class cabin, and that was I. Yes, I was not only the sole passenger in first class, but also the whole first and business class. BTW, a pack of macadamia nuts was offered with my orange juice, and the Koreans really love Macadamia nuts, and on all my past KE flights in F and J, macadamia nut is a must served item. Door was closed early at 8:53am. Looking out the window, the snow was still falling pretty hard, and the F/A and purser immediately notified me that there would be weather-related delay. Both had problems describing the “de-icing” experience for me, but coming from New York, I knew the drill and the possibly delay effect. With the morning rush, I had anticipated delays.

Flight fact:
Plane-spotting – Korean Air Boeing 777-300 HL7533 to Shanghai PVG, Korean Air Boeing 747-400 HL7465 to HKG, Asiana Boeing 747-400 combi (the dark one with old livery and old seats) HL7417 heading to Narita, after arriving from Hong Kong at 5am, and Japan Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER JA736J heading to Narita

We pushed back at 9:21am, as we were waiting our turn to the de-icing platform. The F/A asked me if I want another beverage. Then we slowly headed towards the de-icing stand, and interestingly, both KE and OZ agents de-iced at opposite platforms. But giving the tough snowing situation, things were fairly orderly, and de-icing began at 9:48am, and took almost thirty minutes. Now the interesting part – the F/As all the sudden congregated in the first class galley and started to perhaps having their breakfasts and chatting. That actually bothered me a bit – not the eating part, but the chatting part. They were obviously having a blast, and for an Asian airline, which I held them in a higher standard, that was actually borderline unprofessional. I don’t mind the mingling, but having a party was different. I just could not imagine the Asiana F/As having a blast in the front galley.

We finally took off at 10:27am from R/W15R. Flying time this afternoon was two hours and thirty-five minutes. Our routing took us towards South at 36,000feet, and after passing Jeju, we climbed up to 40,000feet, before descending towards back to 36,000feet as we hit some turbulence, and then further down to 28,000feet.

Taipei was an hour behind from Seoul. Descent began at 11:20am, and we stayed at 28,000feet till 11:33am. We landed on R/W06 at 12:02pm, and parked at gate A5, in Terminal One, at 12:08am, next to a much delayed China Airlines’ Airbus A340-300 B-18801 heading to Kuala Lumpur.

Seats:
Well I took many pictures from both first and business class. As expected, Airbus A330-300s are used primarily on regional flights, and the longest flight was to Jakarta, and the seats were the older generation sleeper seats. Both first and business class feature a six abreast arrangement and the seat designs were basically the same. The differences are the legroom/seat pitch and the legrest position. First class has 60 inches of legroom and the legrest will come all the way up, and the seat will go down further. Business class has a much smaller legroom at 40 inches. They both have personal television system, which features movies and short subjects shown in a loop/cycle. The seats have fairly good lumbar support, and the legroom was very nice for a three hours flight. I was able to have a nice nap. The décor was “blue” and they both use yellow colored pillows. The color scheme is nice, and I really think it is sufficient, but I am sure if I am flying to Jakarta, my comment will be a bit different.

Catering:
That is my major issue with this flight. A light meal is served on this three hours flight, and the portions are really small. Fortunately, I ate a little bit in the lounge and also was not too hungry. The meal was served in three courses, first a small appetizer, and then a main course, and then a fruit plate. The fruit plate was the most substantial part. I had the noodle entrée, and the size of the noodle bowl was pathetic – not even a full bowl of noodles using any Asian measurement. The side dishes were two spicy marinated vegetable dishes – one cucumber and one ginger. After the main course, I had to request a wheat scone to go with my fruit. The scone was thankfully delicious. Another major issue was the lack of a proper wine list, and not to mention, no champagne was served. Yes, no champagne on a first class flight in Asia! That is just simply unacceptable. Even major US airlines were able to serve some sparkling wines, and I don’t expect Dom Perignon, but at least a nice glass of Piper Heidsieck or Veuve Cliqueot. Also the F/As seemed to rush through the meal for no reason – they were not busy and the business class crew had no one to serve. They did not offer a proper pre-meal beverage – at least some more macadamia nuts and beverage prior to the small meal. Hot towel was offered only once – before meal! A really un-premium experience!

No wine list, but here is the menu:
Light Meal
Appetizer
Chinese style five spice beef

Main Course
Szechuan style Chinese seafood noodle soup served with side dishes
Or
Roasted chicken breast topped with grilled eggplant served with mixed vegetables and celery cream sauce

Seasonal Fresh Fruit
Bread Selection
Whole wheat scone, herb roll

Coffee/Tea/Green Tea/Ginseng Tea

KE691-2009/01/06
F691-D

Flight Attendants:
I have really mixed feelings about the crew. Both the F/A and the purser tired to be personable and were apologetic about the delays and other matters. They would give me anything I asked, and they looked professional. However, I felt Asiana Airlines F/As were more successful in giving you warmer feelings. I was really bothered by de-icing breakfast party, and the noise level could be down a notch. They should do a pre-meal beverage. I think they were fine, but were just not at the same level as Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, and Singapore Airlines.

Entertainment:
There was sky show, as well as news shown on the main screen television. There were ample choices of newspapers and magazines, both in English and Korean.

Amenities:
A pair of slippers was offered!

Conclusion:
I think I am a bit disappointed with Korean Air, which has spent much money in advertising their new brand and promoting their new services. I chose KE because of the price different between F and J was $50 and KE was the only airline with a first class cabin on this route, and second, I wanted to see what the new KE F lounge at ICN was like. The catering on this flight was simply unacceptable, and the lack of champagne just added more insults. The Airbus A330-300 turned out to be better than expected and KE had maintained its cabin well and the seats were comfortable. Flight attendants were courteous and friendly, but lacked the additional five star touches. Judging from the dismal premium load, I am sure I am not the only one who feels that KE regional premium service lacks many elements and needed some major improvements. ICN to TPE was sure not a premium business route, but if the airline chooses to offer F and J service, certain standards should be met and at least offered a proper brunch service. The flight was short and I could not expect a five course extensive service, but the portion of the meals was just small. If you chose to serve a noodle soup, please at least offer a full bowl, not half a bowl. Compared to Asiana Airlines, Korean Air has lots to do in order to catch up in terms of lounge service, meet and greet service, flight attendant service, and wine and dine. I am sure KE long haul service was different, as I flew KE J from Seattle to Incheon last year, and the service was definitely much better and catering was better too. Regional service was just disappointing at best.

Thanks for reading!

Carfield
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Old Jan 30, 2009, 8:55 pm
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I did the ICN TPE flight and they use the same seats in C and F class, it was nothing special and rather cramped, price was good I recall but thats about it. The lounge they have at ICN was really nice and the food there was really great
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Old Jan 30, 2009, 8:58 pm
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you arrived at 5am for a 10 30 am flight WOW
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Old Jan 30, 2009, 9:53 pm
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Thank you for your report.
It's hard to believe that those were the first class meals.....
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Old Jan 30, 2009, 10:30 pm
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The macadamia nuts remind me of AQ. I am sure you remember.

Thanks for the report.
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Old Mar 2, 2009, 5:07 pm
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Thanks for the great photo coverage of the cabin(s). It looks like my family and I are sentenced to this aircraft for a 10:45 SYD-ICN slog in J this July... the A330-300 substitutes for the -200 July 1-August 30. We had been looking forward to the 777 but they switched. I've just learned of this, seen your tour of circa-1984 business class seating, and I'm very disappointed. I can't believe KE would assign their worst widebody to a flight that takes nearly 12 hours of BIS time.
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Old Mar 2, 2009, 5:35 pm
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Originally Posted by BearX220
Thanks for the great photo coverage of the cabin(s). It looks like my family and I are sentenced to this aircraft for a 10:45 SYD-ICN slog in J this July... the A330-300 substitutes for the -200 July 1-August 30. We had been looking forward to the 777 but they switched. I've just learned of this, seen your tour of circa-1984 business class seating, and I'm very disappointed. I can't believe KE would assign their worst widebody to a flight that takes nearly 12 hours of BIS time.
I did 11+ hours AKL-ICN on a 744 with the ancient biz seats. It was a dayflight with a low load, and I had the exit row in the bubble, so it didn't feel that bad, but still quite a poor hard product...

However, I found the KE longhaul C food and beverage offerings to be excellent- the food was tasty and plentiful, and the 18 y.o. Chivas Regal is a great whisky (unlike the Johnny Black I got somewhere else), so I would happily choose KE on a plane with lieflat seats.

Last edited by graraps; Mar 2, 2009 at 5:44 pm
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Old Mar 2, 2009, 7:14 pm
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It seems like the only difference between F and C were the seat pitches?

The food was definitely unacceptable for First Class. Did you pay much for the First Class service? Maybe it's time to switch to another carrier for this leg.
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Old Mar 3, 2009, 8:53 am
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Originally Posted by graraps
I did 11+ hours AKL-ICN on a 744 with the ancient biz seats. It was a dayflight with a low load, and I had the exit row in the bubble, so it didn't feel that bad, but still quite a poor hard product... However, I found the KE longhaul C food and beverage offerings to be excellent...
Thank you for the insight. I guess I will eat and drink my way north in this bad seat while my wife and son recoil. Do you by any chance recall what your IFE/PTV arrangements were?
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Old Mar 3, 2009, 12:10 pm
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Originally Posted by Carfield
Korean Air First Class Trip Report:
Korean Air First Class lounge was fairly quiet at this ungodly hour, and there was only one attendant working the lounge. I immediately headed to the shower. KE F lounge has two shower rooms and to my surprise, the first one was already occupied. BTW, a pack of macadamia nuts was offered with my orange juice, and the Koreans really love Macadamia nuts, and on all my past KE flights in F and J, macadamia nut is a must served item.
Wow, there are only two showers in the KE F lounge ? I think OZ F lounge has 4 or 5 showers. From your photos, it looks like OZ did better in their F lounge, seating area, and the showers at least use The Body Shop products, rather than Dove.

Are koreans love macadamia nuts ? Or just a KE thing ? You know OZ does not serve any macadamia nuts at all.

Originally Posted by Carfield
Plane-spotting – Korean Air Boeing 777-300 HL7533 to Shanghai PVG, Korean Air Boeing 747-400 HL7465 to HKG, Asiana Boeing 747-400 combi (the dark one with old livery and old seats) HL7417 heading to Narita, after arriving from Hong Kong at 5am, and Japan Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER JA736J heading to Narita
There is also another OZ 744 in old livery, HL7418, don't be confuse thinking the old livery one must be HL7417.

Originally Posted by Carfield
I think I am a bit disappointed with Korean Air, which has spent much money in advertising their new brand and promoting their new services. I chose KE because of the price different between F and J was $50 and KE was the only airline with a first class cabin on this route, and second, I wanted to see what the new KE F lounge at ICN was like. The catering on this flight was simply unacceptable, and the lack of champagne just added more insults.
Carfield
What they called seafood noodle soup is definately unacceptable, it appeared from your photo, there is only two tiny shrimps and a small piece of squid. That is just like the mid-flight snack for OZ long haul F. Catering on OZ ICN-HKG is not much better, it is still a tiny portion, from your previous report and my recent report, it is just simply a snack, very unfulfiling. I think the only difference is at least OZ still have 3 chocies for ICN-NRT, with the korean bi bim bap still served like a long haul meal, western options just as bad as KE.

Last edited by ORDnHKG; Mar 3, 2009 at 12:30 pm
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Old Mar 3, 2009, 1:43 pm
  #11  
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Originally Posted by BearX220
Thank you for the insight. I guess I will eat and drink my way north in this bad seat while my wife and son recoil. Do you by any chance recall what your IFE/PTV arrangements were?
I don't think there was AVOD, but I can't tell you for sure. I was too absorbed reading Taleb's Black Swan diatribe, which easily beats any IFE I've ever watched.
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Old Mar 3, 2009, 4:24 pm
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Originally Posted by graraps
I was too absorbed reading Taleb's Black Swan diatribe...
In my case the Black Swan is the appearance of the unloved KE 333 itself.
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