Business class flight review on Korean Air Prestige Class
This Asian carrier impresses with its service but the standout feature is by far the cuisine. Rarely does airline food leave you wanting to ask for more.
This Asian carrier impresses with its service but the standout feature is by far the cuisine.
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The seat
Korean Air is updating its business product and I experience the older style on the London to Seoul leg and the new look on the return to Sydney. While both are good, the newer product is a clear improvement. On the first leg, the 2-3-2 seat configuration means it’s mildly irritating when the middle passenger wants to use the (remarkably spacious) restrooms. The B787 configuration is 2-2-2. The seats on both are comfortable, with a pitch of 74 inches, and recline easily to fully flat. Seats are in shades of aqua with an oatmeal-coloured blanket and soft cushion. The airline has worked with French house Atelier Cologne to create its amenities kit, which is surprising given Korean skin products must come a close second behind K-pop as the country’s most popular export. The kit is lovely but a little basic. It lacks face cream and ear plugs (luckily I have some with me) but contains body and hand lotion, lip balm, brush, comb, shoe horn and dental pack.
Tech talk
South Korea is famed for its tech prowess yet internet access is not offered on either leg. A USB port is handily located just below elbow height, and the power outlet is near the large television screen.
The food
I’m calling it – the food on Korean Air is the best I’ve had on a plane. Rarely does airline food leave you wanting to ask for more. On my London to Seoul leg I start with a glass of Joseph Perrier Cuvee Royale Champagne, a grilled tuna salad as an appetiser, then an exceptionally good bibimbap with beef, vegetables, sesame oil and kimchi, and a cute tube of gochujang (hot chilli paste). I decline the ice cream dessert but enjoy a decent cheese selection. I sleep through lunch service, though they find an orange juice and black coffee to see me through. On the Seoul-to-Sydney leg I start with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Millesime Champagne then choose the pork bulgogi with vegetables and rice from the menu selection of four. I ask to be woken for breakfast, and enjoy scrambled eggs with Lyonnaise potato, bacon and vegetables, followed by fresh fruit, pastries and an okay-at-best coffee.
Entertainment
Of the five international airlines I’ve flown since borders reopened, the selection of movies and TV series seems more limited than pre-Covid. This is also the case with Korean Air, though it is not difficult to find something to watch. I select Cate Blanchett’s award-winning turn in Tar and The Menu on the first leg and Manchester by the Sea on the second. There are a number of K-movies on offer. It’s worth noting K-pop girl group Blackpink does the welcome video and SuperM sings the safety message before take off.
Service
Korean Air service is exceptional. Crew are dressed in smart uniforms like something from sci-fi film The Fifth Element, and are always on-hand to meet requests. They seem to refresh the restrooms after every use.
Luggage allowance
Check-in luggage allowance is two pieces weighing up to 32kg each.
Loyalty program
Korean Air partners with Delta, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, KLM, Vietnam Airlines and others as part of the SkyTeam Airline Alliance.
On the ground
Korean Air’s lounge at Incheon airport has a huge selection of Korean and western foods.
In the know
Consider Korean Air if you are flying to Europe. If flying from Sydney to London you will need to overnight in Seoul, but flights do connect on the return leg. The airline flies daily from Sydney and has just resumed Brisbane flights.
The verdict
The food and service set this airline apart. While the seats are not as spacious and luxurious as some, they are decent. I arrive from both flights well rested – and well fed.
What it costs
From $10,373 based on airline website search, departing one month from February 2024.
Tansy Harcourt was a guest of The Walkley Foundation and Korean Air.