Korean Air is currently investing quite a bit in its passenger experience, seemingly finally realizing that the carrier has been sort of second rate among its Asian peers. Along those lines, the airline is refreshing in its lounge network. While this includes a full overhaul of lounges at Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN), we’re also seeing…
Continue reading: New Korean Air Lounge LAX Opens, And… It’s Actually Nice, Finally?!?
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You miss the China Eastern lounge at ICN to be the wordy outstation lounge. That’s the worst and dirtiest lounge. I don’t know why they open and operate such an outstation lounge, and it’s the only outstation lounge operated by any Chinese airlines.
And AF is not going to have a lounge at the new JFK T1? If so the new KE lounge may get quite crowded, unless AF is contracting with Plaza Premium?
Who gets access to the Miler Lounge? Is that better or worse than the prestige?
Existing T1 AF lounge is decent (and Priority Pass access, at times); however, true J on AF should have D1 access at T4. I’m surprised if AF didn’t plan for anything at the new T1, though, might it make sense for them to move-in with the rest of SkyTeam at T4, and maybe non-SkyTeam should move to the new T1? Eh, I don’t make the rules, clearly…
@ Mike -- Sorry, I added mention of that to the post. The Miler Club is for specific elite members in Korean Air's loyalty program, so it's not as good as the first class lounge, but better than the business class lounge.
SkyTeam probably has the best lounges overall at LAX now.
Qantas' First Class lounge use to be what's up, but I've read lots of reports that it's gone very downhill, not as good as it's used to be.
AF will have a large brand new lounge at the new JFK T1 (shared of course with KL and SK)
The problem with the Qantas first class lounge at LAX is its sterile, post-industrial decor. The food is acceptable.
I really miss the Priority Pass days at this lounge (especially before the time-of-day restrictions). Even with those lousy triangle sandwiches and upholstery desperately in need of a cleaning it was a nice treat. Great sitting out on the terrace.
A significant proportion of traffic to ICN is sent by Chinese airlines, with most departing from the satellite terminal where the lounge is located. It is hardly surprising that they use a separate lounge for their passengers (in order to save money).
You must have visited the LH lounge at CDG or the Copa one at BOG, and I'm baffled as to how the KE ones in the USA could've been any worse.
It seems this KE lounge and the AF lounge are two lounges that non-US skyteam elite plus holders will be able to access on US domestic itineraries...am i correct?
Only China Eastern uses that lounge, and China Southen and Air China send their passengers to other lounges. The MU lounge is so bad and everyone have access can also enter the KE lounge nearby, which is still much better... There are many popular posts on chinese social app Rednote sharing how awful the lounge is and how everyone shall go to the KE lounge. I don't think they save much money.
I agree, but the literally unwashed masses is what made the place absolutely filthy. I see they still stuck with the "easy to spot dirt" color scheme; I'm hoping they maintain this lounge better.
Confirmed, Lee: the windows and furniture is dusty. The bathrooms and shower is dated. The table service feels like a fairly mid diner. It needs a refurb.
Just an interesting FYI- I'm flying skyteam business class (delta/air france) and I tried to enter the completely empty Korean Air lounge when they opened at 730pm and they wouldn't let me in. They said "we are directing air france customers to the air france lounge, thanks for understanding". Which was very disappointing since we are skyteam lounge hopping today - delta one, Virgin, and air france let us in (obviously).