Seoul Bound: A Fresh Look at Korean Air's Business Class Experience

Korean Air has been making waves with its new corporate identity and bold strategy to become the world's most beloved airline. Their recent unveiling of a sparkling new Boeing 787-10 in Seoul marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter. But what's it like to actually fly with them? First things first, let's talk about the journey. Flying from Sydney to Seoul, the experience started smoothly with priority check-in at Sydney Airport. The Prestige (business class) line was a breeze, thanks to a helpful Korean Air staff member who whisked me to an empty counter. However, the immigration area was a different story. It was overcrowded and lacked enough self-serve gates, leading to some chaos. But don't worry, the Skyteam lounge and efficient boarding process made up for it. The aircraft itself was a Boeing 777-300ER, first flying in 2009. It's configured in a three-class layout with 291 seats, including 56 in Prestige class. The cabin layout is a bit dated, with a 2-3-2 configuration, but the seats are comfortable with plenty of space. The service was exceptional, with a friendly and attentive crew who kept the cabin spotlessly clean. The food was a highlight. The five-course meal featured a mix of Korean and Western dishes, all fresh and well-prepared. The second meal, served around eight hours into the flight, was surprisingly fresh and tasty. The wine selection was impressive, too, with a variety of high-quality options. However, there were a few downsides. The lack of personal storage features in the seats was noticeable, and the absence of WiFi was a bummer. But overall, the experience was top-notch. The crew's dedication and the quality of the food and beverage service made the flight enjoyable, despite the age of the aircraft. Korean Air is working on refreshing its fleet, with new Airbus A350s already in service on some routes. But for now, the 777-300ER is still a solid choice for a comfortable and enjoyable flight.