Hello from Seoul Incheon, as I’m in the middle of my current review trip! After flying from Frankfurt to Ulaanbaatar in MIAT Mongolian’s Boeing 787-9 business class, I connected from Ulaanbaatar to Seoul Incheon in MIAT Mongolian’s Boeing 737 MAX 8 business class. In this post I wanted to share my initial impressions of this 2hr40min flight, and then soon I’ll have a full trip report.
While I thought MIAT Mongolian’s 787 business class was very “meh” (not very competitive in terms of passenger experience, but a good value), the carrier’s short haul 737 business class product was much better, in my opinion. Let me share some initial thoughts, and in a separate post I’ll cover my single favorite thing about this flight, which had nothing to do with the passenger experience.
In this post:
MIAT Mongolian’s Blue Sky Lounge is cool & strange
Okay, before I even get into talking about the flight, I should mention that this was my first time visiting the new Chinggis Khaan International Airport, which only opened in 2021. It’s a super charming and modern little hub, and MIAT Mongolian has its Blue Sky Lounge here.
This lounge is… kind of cool, kind of weird? MIAT Mongolian doesn’t seem to get many premium passengers, so there was no one else in the lounge, which is unusual prior to a morning bank of flights. The lounge has a modern design, with chairs in the lounge having pillows advertising Mongolian vodka. Alrighty then…
The food selection ranged from instant noodles, to some decent-looking freshly prepared items, ranging from sandwiches to cake.
It’s a nice lounge, yet somehow it doesn’t even have bathrooms, let alone showers? I don’t know, it’s all very strange!
MIAT Mongolian’s 737 business class cabin is swanky
I’m lucky that my flight ended up being operated by MIAT Mongolian’s sole Boeing 737 MAX 8, as this is a bit more modern than the carrier’s 737-800s (and the airline seems to constantly swap plane types). The cabin of this jet was gorgeous, with 12 business class seats, spread across three rows in a 2-2 configuration.
The legroom was excellent, and there were all the features you’d hope for, from power ports, to foot rests, to seat back entertainment. The cabin also had a bit of personality, thanks to the rear bulkhead and the seat finishes.
Now, while there was seat back entertainment, the selection was the same as on the 787 — all the entertainment was Mongolian, so you can catch up on all the latest episodes of Shark Tank Mongolia and The Voice Mongolia.
Meanwhile if you wanted any entertainment in English, you could use the streaming service to play movies and TV shows on your own device. I did enjoy having a map feature on this route, though, since it’s one of the more interesting routes…
MIAT Mongolian’s 737 business class soft product is decent
The soft product on the short haul flight was almost identical to the one on the long haul flight. While I was disappointed by the carrier’s long haul experience, my standards are usually a bit lower for short haul flights, so I was much more pleased on this sector.
Each business class passenger was offered a pillow and blanket, the same as on the long haul flight.
There was even a small amenity kit, containing slippers, eyeshades, and earplugs.
The meal was a bit strange, no doubt. MIAT Mongolian doesn’t have menus, and by the time the flight attendant came to my seat, there was only one option left, despite the cabin only being half full.
So I was served salmon. Mind you, this flight was departing at 7:45AM. I got the impression that the other meal option was more of a breakfast-type dish (since it had a side of fruit), while my salmon came with veggies and potatoes au gratin. Then there was a chicken caesar salad appetizer, plus… jelly?!
You’d think the airline could have a little more Mongolian-centric food when departing the country, since Mongolia isn’t exactly known for its fish. But hey, it wasn’t bad.
Once the tray was cleared, a blueberry cheesecake was offered, as well as some coffee.
MIAT Mongolian’s business class sparkling wine is Kupferberg, from Germany. At first I was confused why the airline was serving German sparkling wine, and wondered if it had to do with Frankfurt being the carrier’s “flagship” long haul destination. Well, I think I figured it out — this retails for ~$4!
Goodness, the St. Regis Deer Valley could learn a thing or two from MIAT Mongolian on cost cutting, as that $11.88 service recovery sparkling wine I was offered was way too generous!
Bottom line
MIAT Mongolian’s short haul 737 MAX business class experience is quite good, comparatively better than the carrier’s long haul 787 business class, in my opinion. The cabin is modern and spacious, significantly more so than you’ll find on US airlines. The food was decent enough, but nothing memorable.
I’m happy I had the chance to fly a more modern version of MIAT Mongolian, with a new hub airport, and new airplanes. I wouldn’t hesitate to fly with the airline again if visiting Mongolia or if the price is right, but I also wouldn’t seek out the airline.
What’s your take on MIAT Mongolian’s 737 business class?
Some of the best airline food I ever had was on the old Frontier Airlines. Great sandwiches, even a great salmon bagel.
Thanks Ben. Its great to see some reviews like this back on the site! Keep them coming.
Ben, it might too late but if you haven't boarded on Zipair flight from ICN to NRT, please try "Smart Pass."
https://www.airport.kr/ap_lp/en/dep/process/smart/smart.do
You need an app to register it but if you do it once, you'll be able to save a significant amount time at the security screening line.
If you fly Korean Air or Asiana next time, I'd recommend Seoul City Airport Terminal in Seoul Train Station. Checking-in at this terminal lets you...
Ben, it might too late but if you haven't boarded on Zipair flight from ICN to NRT, please try "Smart Pass."
https://www.airport.kr/ap_lp/en/dep/process/smart/smart.do
You need an app to register it but if you do it once, you'll be able to save a significant amount time at the security screening line.
If you fly Korean Air or Asiana next time, I'd recommend Seoul City Airport Terminal in Seoul Train Station. Checking-in at this terminal lets you bypass the general screening at ICN and take the screening facility dedicated to crews and government officials. Not many non-Koreans know about this trick.
https://www.airport.kr/ap_lp/en/dep/process/cityseoul/cityseoul.do
The main dish from your meal from the photo looks as appetizing as the disgusting photos previously posted for United/American business class sandwich meal!
You get what you paid for. Simple as that
I know it's weird to say, but I really like their logo! It's the perfect combo of their history and aviation. Interestingly it sounds like the food we got in the back was better than the front! But that was in the summer, and I'm sure everything sourced in the summer is more plentiful than what they have in winter. Gorgeous views!
Did you get to take the salt and pepper pots home with you? They’re cool.
I love it when third world airlines try to serve Western stuff by just randomly combining ingredients that they think will feel Western. Of course you will want strawberry jam with your salmon, just like you will want, say, grated carrots and shrimp as an appetizer.
The jelly is for the bread roll, no? I don't know about Finland, but it's quite common to smear jelly on bread in many cultures.
Take a step back. Even serving strawberry jam with salmon doesn't justify the degrading comment of "third world airlines" trying to be Western. C'mon, if you think about it, how is serving lingonberry jam with meatballs any different?
@Daniel: Sure, it's about as amusing as Western airlines drowning dried out chicken breast in a brown sugary syrup they call "teriyaki sauce" and claiming that it's Asian
These two MIAT reviews were really fun
Thanks
I’m surprised you’ve never done a review of the “lie flat” on air Asia x (or maybe I missed it)
I was so intrigued by it when I flew them. It was like flying a no frills airline where every thing had a cost but it was so cheap.