In our regular Airline Check section, Susan Amos samples the business-class (Prestige class) product on Korean Air
Korean Air
London-Seoul, Seoul-London
On the ground The Morning Calm lounge in London gave me a welcome break from Heathrow’s frantic Terminal 3. It was well stocked with the usual airline drinks and nibbles. The room was divided into non-smoking and smoking sections, so passengers could enjoy a last-minute pre-flight cigarette. Business facilities included self-service fax, phone and PC. The lounge in Seoul’s Kimpo International airport was comfortable with a variety of snacks and drinks, but lacked self-service business facilities – passengers have to go next door to the first-class lounge to send a fax. There were no English newspapers, so the receptionist got me the Asian Wall Street Journal from the first-class lounge. It also had smoking and non-smoking sections. The lounge is situated before immigration and security, so guests cannot linger around right up until the last moment.
Aircraft type Boeing 747-400
Seats No complaints here – seats have footrests and recline halfway back, so I was able to get quite a few hours sleep on the outbound night flight. Each seat has a personal video screen in the armrest.
In-flight service Service was efficient and friendly. Outside meal times, stewardesses came round at regular intervals with drinks. Staff brought out a selection of free gifts – a picture frame, silk tie or travel kit. The choice of films was good. The personal video screens also allowed passengers to gen up on Korean culture – there is a choice of short documentaries. I had a slight problem changing the soundtrack to English as instructions were in Korean, but the hostesses showed me the ropes. The music selection on the audio channels was easy listening rather than contemporary.
Food There was a choice of Korean and Western dishes. The Korean menu was excellent and made a good introduction to Korean food. Snacks of Korean noodles are available throughout the flight on request.
Journey My outgoing flight, KE908, left London on time at 10pm and arrived in Seoul around 5pm the following day, taking around 10hrs flying time. My return flight, KE907, was punctual -leaving Seoul at lunchtime, it took 11hrs 10mins and was back at Heathrow at teatime the same day, due to the time difference (GMT+8hrs).
Overall impression Efficient and professional. My only complaint was at Seoul’s Kimpo Airport, my gate was marked Zurich, so I needed to double-check it was KE907 to London.