Korean Air Business Suites
Origin: New York, USA (JFK)
Destination: Seoul, Korea (ICN)
Airline: Korean Air
Flight Number: KE86
Seat: 18A & 18B
Depature: 12:50AM (1:19AM)
Arrival: 05:15 AM (4:54 AM)
The Check-In
A day after a snow storm, New York City has cleared up quite well. Traveling to JFK International Airport on the road was pretty much a breeze at the late hours of the night. There were not a lot going on upon our arrival. Roughly about 4-5 departing flights left for the night and that was all. Our flight was probably among the largest departing. The Korean Air check-in area was packed especially on the Economy side. We were flying Prestige (Business Class) on their 747-8 this time around after flying their First Class on the A380 from Incheon Airport to JFK last spring. The Prestige check-in had minimal wait as they have 3 agents at the desk. The agent that helped us was very enthusiastic and explained to us in regards to our lounge option here and the priority line for clearance. The only difference I believe between the check-in processes for First vs. Prestige/Business was the complimentary luggage wrap which was nice but not a game-changer for us.
As we proceed to the security, we did spot the line for Business/First Class passengers. However, as JFK’s TSA agents were taking passengers from the regular line and alternating with the Business/First Class line, that ultimately slowed down the Business/First Class experience. Nonetheless, it was still slightly faster due to fewer people in line but not enough to enhance the experience.
KAL Prestige Class Lounge
Up the stairs, we were greeted by a long, quiet hallway enclosed in glass walls which immediately liberated us from the busy airport scene we’re accustomed to.
The lounge was split into Business Class on the right and First Class on the left. I was curious to find out how the First Class lounge was like but Business Class bound was where we headed.
The KAL Lounge is also shared with Delta and other Skyteam passengers and at our arrival there happened to just be 2 other Skyteam flights departing so the lounge was packed.
Leather seats like the one in the photo above were provided all over the lounge. While they made a comfortable spot to hunker down, there was a lack of privacy due to how closely seats were placed together.
A self-serve bar was available to offer drinks, snacks, and light meals.
Snacks included chips, fruits, trail mixes, cookies and snack bars.
Above is what we picked up to temporarily fill our stomach while we waited for departure.
Gate & Departure
We proceeded to the gate 10-15 minutes prior to boarding time. Unfortunately, the flight was delayed by 30 minutes due to icy conditions on the runway. Once the plane arrived, boarding began immediately. The order in which passengers were asked to board was as follow:
- Passengers requiring special assistance
- SkyPriority passengers (First Class, Prestige Class, Million Miler Club, Morning Calm Premium Club, Sky Team Elite Plus)
- Morning Calm Club and Sky Team Elite passengers
- Passengers with seat at and after row 47
- Passengers with seat before and at row 46
Prestige Class Cabin
As we boarded the plane we were greeted probably 3 separate times. We were booked on seat 18A & 18B which is on the second level of the Boeing 747-8 making this our first time flying on the second level of the plane.
The cabin was spacious and provided all the amenities needed to contribute to a comfortable 13-hour flight. Our flight attendant escorted us to our seats and also checked our jackets. She then proceeded to take our pre-departure drink order as well as any newspaper and magazine requests.
Also before take-off, we were given our blanket and amenity kits.
The entertainment system offered limited but sufficient number of movies, TV shows, music, and games to choose from.
The headphones provided are the ones in the photo above. The audio quality was decent but sub-par compared to the Bose headphones offered on our Korean Air First Class flight on a different trip.
Rising screens provided privacy between you and your neighbor. If sitting in the inner seat with the screen raised, the inner seat felt almost entirely enclosed and created a suite-like environment which may be preferable for anyone who appreciates a lot of privacy.
Also available to the passenger sitting in the inner seat are side bins for extra storage and can also be used as a ledge for placing drinks and such.
Having been seated in the outer seat, the only flat service available for me to put down my drinks (when tray table is not opened up) was this little nook in between two of the inner seats.
Food & Menu
Before take-off the flight attendant also guided us through our menu for food which was served a little over half an hour into the flight.
She helped us pull our our tray table and set it up for dining. Above shows where the tray table was stowed away and how it can be lifted out.
Offered for supper was soup followed by a choice of main course, fresh fruit, bread and a beverage.
Allen enjoyed the carrot cream soup paired with a garlic baguette.
For main course, Allen requested the Sauteed Cod with Angel Hair Pasta which he exclaimed as decent.
I went with the Korean Bibimbap meal served with two side dishes, hot pepper paste, and roasted seaweed. I’ve had this meal before on my other Korean Air flights and thoroughly enjoyed it each time.
We ended my meal with a plate of slices fruits and a specially requested warm Chocolate Chip cookie as dessert.
After the meal service was done, our tables were cleared and she asked if we would like to place our breakfast order in advance along with a wake-up call which Allen gladly said yes to but I opted out of to squeeze in an extra hour of sleep time.
2 hours prior to landing, Allen’s chive omelette with creamy mushroom breakfast was served. Alternatively, Korean rice porridge was also offered as a breakfast option.
Compared to A380 Korean Air First Class
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| A380 Korean Air First Class |
Comparing this booking to our Korean Air First Class experience, the biggest differentiation would have to be the service and presentation of the food.
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| A380 Korean Air First Class |
In the First Class flight, we were provided much closer attention and devoted service. For example, the Bibimbap I enjoyed on the First Class flight was identical to the one I had on this Prestige class flight with the only difference being the roasted seaweed was already unwrapped and served on porcelain dish and the meal was mixed together for me by the flight attendant in my presence.
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| A380 Korean Air First Class |
The second distinction between the two flights were the alcoholic beverages offered. The First Class flight offered several top-tier wines, champagnes and the alike (however, Dom Perignon or Krug not included) while the Prestige Class offered less exclusive beverages.
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| A380 Korean Air First Class |
The look and feel of seats in the First Class flight were similar to the Prestige Class ones. Spacing and elbow room was slightly more generous in the First Class seats. As this First Class cabin is an older one, privacy doors were not available the way Korean Air’s new First Class seats adorn.
Overall
Prior to landing, our checked coats were given back to us and the cabin crew of our cabin thanked us and wished us well.
Overall, I would say that this flight is a pleasant experience and for the run of our money (or in this case, points) I would choose Korean Air’s Prestige Class over First Class given how similar the experiences which left us little left to be desired that would have my our flight any more comfortable. Although our flight attendant did not speak fluent English, she was extremely courteous and patient with us. The only thing Allen mentioned he would do differently was probably avoid the western food option next time and stick with the Korean option as so far all the times that he has tried the non-Korean option on Korean Air, they have failed to please him.
That’s all for this post. Let us know if you’ve flown this leg before and what were your takes on the experience.
Check out our full review on A380 Korean Air First Class here.