Asia has some of the world’s best first class products… and then there’s Korean Air. I’m back in the United States, as I get close to the end of my review trip to Hong Kong. I just flew Korean Air’s Airbus A380 first class, on the 12hr50min flight from Seoul Incheon (ICN) to New York (JFK). I was excited that Korean Air recently brought back awards in first class, given that I have a stash of SkyPass miles.
Well, I kind of wish I didn’t have those miles with limited good uses, because this had to be one of the most underwhelming first class flights I’ve taken in a long time. The cabin was outdated and quite unattractive (especially since being reupholstered), the service was lackluster, the amenities weren’t impressive, and the entertainment system wasn’t good. Beyond that, Korean Air seems to have given up on making the A380 anything special.
Let me of course acknowledge that all of my critiques of this product are “first world problems.” I know regular OMAAT readers know this, but ultimately I judge experiences based on what competitors are offering. Of course first class is always going to be better than economy, but on this flight I found myself wishing I was instead in a half decent business class. For example, I’d take Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite business class (which I flew on the way out) over this any day of the week.
With that out of the way, I want to share some initial thoughts on my experience, and then soon I’ll have a full trip report.
In this post:
Korean Air’s A380 first class cabin & seats are outdated
I had flown Korean Air’s A380 first class many years ago, so I knew what to expect in terms of hard product. Korean Air’s A380 has one of the more outdated first class cabins out there — there are 12 seats, spread across three rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration.
Obviously this is a far cry from something like Japan Airlines’ A350 first class, but I knew that going in. What I found interesting is that Korean Air has reupholstered the seats, so that there’s less of an emphasis on the carrier’s traditional turquoise color. However, those finishes were only partly updated, so now you have a combination of very dark seat with some turquoise cabin finishes, which just looks plain strange.
So yeah, what can I say? The seat isn’t impressive, and I knew that going in. I am surprised that the airline reportedly plans to keep these A380s around longer, and if that does in fact happen, I hope the cabins get a refresh.
Speaking of the plane looking kind of weird, does anyone know what’s going on with the weird fuselage finishes (like how the back section has different finishes)? It’s of absolutely no consequence, but I’m just curious, as I don’t recall seeing this on any other A380.
Korean Air’s A380 experience has been abandoned
One of the things that I found so disappointing about the experience is how the airline has basically given up on offering a differentiated product on the A380. For example, in front of first class there used to be a bar setup with some bottles of alcohol in display cases, and a self-serve selection of drinks and snacks. While the alcohol is still there on display, there’s no more snack bar. Instead the lights are turned off, and there’s absolutely nothing there.
Korean Air also has a business class bar at the back of the upper deck, which takes up a huge amount of real estate. There used to be a flight attendant there making cocktails. That has been abandoned as well, and now the extent of the “bar” is that there’s a tray with some pretzels and other packaged snacks. Nobody uses this space anymore… what a waste!
It’s just sad when you feel like an airline has given up, and isn’t even trying anymore. That’s very much the feeling I got on this flight, and it goes beyond the abandoned A380 amenities.
Korean Air’s A380s have bad entertainment, no Wi-Fi
Korean Air’s A380s continue to not have any Wi-Fi. Korean Air is way behind in starting to install that, and is offering it on newer planes, but there are no plans to retrofit it on A380s. Fair enough, I guess…
Unfortunately the entertainment selection doesn’t impress either, with a super outdated system that’s clunky and kind of difficult to control. The monitor isn’t touchscreen, and my controller barely worked.
The entertainment selection wasn’t great in terms of quality or quantity. I was so bored I ended up watching a random travel show about Dubai, which purported to show the side of Dubai that tourists don’t ordinarily see… and then proceeded to show the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Frame, and a desert safari.
Korean Air’s food, drinks, & amenities, are a mixed bag
Many aspects of the Korean Air first class soft product were disappointing. For example, what is this amenity kit? It’s rubber, and feels like some sort of a waterproof pouch you might take to a water park, and not a first class amenity kit on a supposedly five-star carrier’s flagship route.
Please, someone help me understand what I’m missing? Do other people find this to be a classy amenity kit case? Who approved this?
The contents weren’t much better. They were from Atelier Cologne, and it seems like you can buy these products for a few bucks on eBay. I mean, Korea is known for its amazing skincare products, so you’d think that Korean Air could have a collaboration with a high-end company from Korea, no?
The drink list was a mixed bag. For example, Korean Air’s first class champagne used to be Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque, while on this flight it was Deveaux Stenope.
To Korean Air’s credit, the food served during the main meal was quite good. It was certainly plentiful. The first course was a caviar service, honestly probably the most premium aspect of the Korean Air first class experience.
The next course was a chestnut cream soup, which was tasty.
That was followed by a salad.
For the main course, I chose the grilled beef rib eye steak. I almost never order steak on planes, but the alternative was chicken thigh, and the Korean dish had pork, so the beef seemed like the best of the options.
Then for dessert there was fruit and cheese.
Korean Air’s first class service makes no sense to me
I just don’t understand the service on this flight. Let me say that the flight attendants were well intentioned and kind (in a very reserved way), but I just can’t wrap my head around Korean Air’s first class service protocols. I know there are some things that can differ between cultures, but I don’t think many of the lackluster aspects of the service can be blamed on that.
I’ll have more details in the full review, but just to give an example, when the second meal was served, I was only asked if I wanted anything to drink after the second course was cleared. Like, I wasn’t served water, or asked if I wanted anything to drink. I wasn’t even given a proper napkin with the second meal, but instead just a tiny cocktail napkin.
I constantly had an empty bottle of water next to my seat (I try to stay hydrated when flying). The flight attendants frequently walked by. Did they ever once say “may I get you another water?” Nope. They only gave me one if I specifically asked.
I wouldn’t mention that in isolation, but that level of attention to detail sums up much of my service experience. I only received something if I explicitly asked for it. For example, during boarding, I unwrapped all the amenities, so I placed the plastic wrappings on the ottoman (since it’s not like you have a trash can at your seat).
On virtually any other Asian airline, they’d proactively take those away within a minute. On Korean Air, they took them away after 20 minutes, when I specifically asked.
It was a similar service experience in the Korean Air First Lounge at Incheon. I had a six hour layover. The second I arrived, before I could even sit down, the lounge attendant presented me with the menu, and stood there waiting for me to place an order. Feeling rushed, I explained that maybe I’d order some food later.
Did they check on me once over the coming hours, to see maybe if I wanted anything to drink? Nope, I had to seek them out specifically, despite the fact that the lounge was basically empty (the lounge doesn’t really have many self-serve drinks — for example, coffee is prepared in the kitchen). I just don’t get it.
Of course these are all first world problems, but when you’re competing with airlines like All Nippon, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, etc., you just can’t help but point out that this isn’t in any way comparable.
Bottom line
Of course I’m incredibly grateful that I got to fly Korean Air’s A380 first class rather than in economy. However, I have to judge each product based on how the product is being marketed, and compare it to what other airlines offer. I knew Korean Air’s A380 hard product wasn’t cutting edge, but what surprised me was the extent to which the airline has seemingly given up on the passenger experience, at least on the A380.
A cheap rubber amenity kit? An upper deck bar turned into a self-serve snack counter? No snack counter in first class, even though there’s physically space for it? Add in the lackluster service, and I was excited to get off the flight.
Let me add that this is also arguably Korean Air’s flagship route. Back when Korean Air served different kinds of champagne on different routes, New York always got the best.
I’ll simply say that I’d choose most top business class products over this first class experience any day, which really is a pretty sad state of affairs. Because typically, even a bad first class is better than business class.
What’s your take on Korean Air’s A380 first class?
Hi Ben. Loved your review. But please, don't keep apologizing for encountering "first world problems". There is no such thing as a first world problem. There are only problems of quality, not outdated problems of first, second and third "worlds". Constantly repeating the mantra of knowing how 'privileged' you are to travel in style is unnecessary, and panders to a certain political minority subset of society.
Impossible to transfer points and they have given up certain routes so don’t care
Korea is a just a provence of China.
So why do you expect more?
South Korea loves to hype themselves since they are insecure just like Turkey. But they are both very blah blah blah.
If that amenity kit really is a waterproof rubber bag then I might appreciate it - something I could use at the beach, rather than just another little bag for keeping stuff in.
One of the wrong decisions that Delta made was their jv with Korean. I had once booked business class trip via delta, last leg from ICN to SIN was operated by KE, two days after I made the booking, KE downgraded that leg to Economy. Many escalations with the diamond desk led to nothing but an apology email from someone higher up in Delta explaining how it wasn’t marketed correctly and that KE wasn’t cooperating...
One of the wrong decisions that Delta made was their jv with Korean. I had once booked business class trip via delta, last leg from ICN to SIN was operated by KE, two days after I made the booking, KE downgraded that leg to Economy. Many escalations with the diamond desk led to nothing but an apology email from someone higher up in Delta explaining how it wasn’t marketed correctly and that KE wasn’t cooperating and there’s nothing they can do now that all seats were booked. Instead I think they offered me some 20K miles or something!
That being said, I had good experience with their soft product both in biz and economy and I don’t mind ICN but hate their lounge. The JV itself is half baked and an after thought.
So sad to read this.
Korean First on the A380 was one of my top first class experiences (around 7 yrs ago). No, the seat wasn’t the best but the cabins were virtually empty and the service so kind a proactive. One example - there is a lighted little seat control panel that is pretty much eye level when in bed mode. I woke up at some point to find a napkin taped over the panel so that the light wouldn’t disturb my sleep…
So sad to read this review…
Very good review! I haven't flown KAL for a long time, and it was very good then. Flew economy. Excellent food, seats (good width, recline and leg space), service all wonderful. Would reconsider this airline now. Thanks, Ben.
Airline Ratings just awarded Korean Air best airline in their awards, mainly off the back of their excellent legroom in economy!
TPG had a much more positive impression of Korean Air's first class experience. Knowing as much as you do about asian airlines' hard and soft products, this 'underwhelming experience' was completely avoidable.
Why "Sorry!", Ben? Who are you apologizing to?
You're flying a DieTeam airline on that fat hippo of abject failure. What do you expect?
Same outdated A380 F product as BA, but at least the Brits know how to keep refilling your glass.
They need more competition, particularly to NYC. Once Asiana has been subsumed there's a risk they'll get even lazier. Sure, Air Premia offers economy and premium economy, but on the long non-stop haul to NY Korean will be the only first/biz game in town. Maybe United should consider running a daily 789 out of Newark. There has to be some market share they could claim.
I had the privilege of flying Korean Air in first back in 2015 from Frankfurt to Seoul and then on to Los Angeles. It’s sad to see that the catering hasn’t changed at all. I had that same chestnut soup and ribeye in 2015.
And you can thank the snowflake cancel culture for their decline.
Heather, while did act out of line, was doing what she was supposed to be doing, uphold the standards.
Their First class was much better when she was around. You can see it as spoilt nepotism or truly committed to excellence or both.
Except she acted like a methed-up version of Bette Midler's Sadie Shelton character in "Big Business" - a spoiled nepo-baby elevated way above her capabilities. Her prima donna behaviour was appalling. That is not how an executive from a major corporation should conducts themselves in public, let alone in front of paying customers. She got her ass cancelled, and she deserved to.
Ah yes, that's exactly what we need more of, people threatening flight (not just cabin) crews' jobs if the don't do what she wants. Because an airline with a spotty safety-culture history needs distracted pilots, to get its moxy back.
Genius.
In terms of service/ attention, I think Lucky may be onto something (or just chalking it up) with the cultural piece. I spent 6 days in Seoul at the Grand Hyatt and Park Hyatt a few weeks back as a Globalist and anytime dining at breakfast or dinner, I was immediately aware that you had to gain their attention for almost anything after being seated and ordering - especially any of the service folks who...
In terms of service/ attention, I think Lucky may be onto something (or just chalking it up) with the cultural piece. I spent 6 days in Seoul at the Grand Hyatt and Park Hyatt a few weeks back as a Globalist and anytime dining at breakfast or dinner, I was immediately aware that you had to gain their attention for almost anything after being seated and ordering - especially any of the service folks who were men then followed by the women and by rank (uniforms).
First - breakfast buffet. Sat down by hostess 5 times, once by a hostess with a suit (mgr?). Only the manager asked if I would like a coffee or drink. The rest just sat me and left. On the occasions where I was left, I sat and waited (even timed some of them between 7-14 mins) before anyone would come so I could get a drink before food. The men only once came - and he was in a suit. The women came earlier and only once was it a regular uniformed staffer - the rest a suited employee. Maybe because this was a buffet and a little crowded, there are likely more expectations of DIY.
Very similar experience with dinner. After being seated and then checked back for my order, I never had other visits other than flagging down a waiter. The one time I was constantly checked on was the head waitress at the Park Hyatt. Also witnessed these same behaviors at some restaurants around the city.
Lastly, there is not a lot of banter at all. It's very transactional - you tell them what you want and they get it. I am not a very outgoing/ talkative person with strangers but even I noticed the cold back-and-forths.
Looking back, I think there is a combination of (cultural) do not interfere too much with the customers and a tiered job (procedural) expectation for the staff (like bus boys only pick up dishes, waiter/ waitress only taking orders and MGMT cleaning up the rest).
Not complaining and at the same time understanding these are first world problems but I did notice these differences in the Korean service industry vs. other Asian countries. In some ways I appreciated it being very transactional yet at the same time it was a learning experience for the next time.
I agree with you. As a Korean myself, I confirm Korean service is meant to be reactive, never proactive. That's why we have call buttons at restaurants in Korea. Whenever you need something, you press the button, then the staff will run to you in seconds. A proactive service is often considered "disturbing" in Korea.
For this reason, when Koreans travel to the US, they often feel disturbed by servers consistently checking in. It...
I agree with you. As a Korean myself, I confirm Korean service is meant to be reactive, never proactive. That's why we have call buttons at restaurants in Korea. Whenever you need something, you press the button, then the staff will run to you in seconds. A proactive service is often considered "disturbing" in Korea.
For this reason, when Koreans travel to the US, they often feel disturbed by servers consistently checking in. It is a cultural difference.
Korean Air is doing a typical Korean service in this way, however, Asiana was different. The FAs of Asiana knew about this difference very well, and they did a more catered service for non-Korean passengers.
Sadly, Asiana's being merged with KAL, and Asiana's service manual will be discarded.
I strongly suspect that KE will completely revamp its service and cabins as part of the merger - but they have spent years just trying to get it approved.
They are faced with integrating two airlines and growing their presence in the process even while trying to make the merger economically work even after having to make a lot of concessions.
ICN is still one of the largest hubs for TPAC travel and also the...
I strongly suspect that KE will completely revamp its service and cabins as part of the merger - but they have spent years just trying to get it approved.
They are faced with integrating two airlines and growing their presence in the process even while trying to make the merger economically work even after having to make a lot of concessions.
ICN is still one of the largest hubs for TPAC travel and also the one that has the most growth potential considering geography and market and geopolitical realities.
the A380 is only being retained not just by KE but by a number of other airlines that have relatively small fleets of them because of delivery delays and the cost of new, large aircraft.
Most airlines do not hang their reputation on the A380 so it has to be seen as a big aircraft but not the flagship as EK sees its 380s
Curious how they will handle two very different cabin styles. Will they revamp everything and streamline - or revamp either KE or OZ so it matches the other?
Why try and revamp the product to a significant degree if they'll become the only LH FSC in South Korea tho? Wouldn't such a position deter them from making product improvements?
You can’t say I didn’t warn you, Ben! You want to subject yourself to the mediocrity that’s Korean Air, just because you’re sitting on a stash of miles? REALLY?!
I’d suggested Asiana’s A350 (which will soon disappear after merging with KE), Air India’s new A350 which is flying to the US… heck, even Air Astana!!!
And before Mason comes at me once again with a pitchfork, Ben is perfectly free to choose as he pleases,...
You can’t say I didn’t warn you, Ben! You want to subject yourself to the mediocrity that’s Korean Air, just because you’re sitting on a stash of miles? REALLY?!
I’d suggested Asiana’s A350 (which will soon disappear after merging with KE), Air India’s new A350 which is flying to the US… heck, even Air Astana!!!
And before Mason comes at me once again with a pitchfork, Ben is perfectly free to choose as he pleases, so if more people want a review to know how ordinary KE has become, power to them.
How else do you expect him to spend KE miles before they expire, if not on KE?
Any other SkyTeam partner space that KE can book is better off booked with another program most of the time.
Also why are you constantly liking your comments, as you post them?
"And before Mason comes at me once again with a pitchfork..."
Mason is what is known as a "douchebag."
That's not opinion, it's science.
now THIS is the content I come here to see! I used my one cache of KE miles for the 747-8i on ICN-ATL and it was SO much better than this seems. Service was whatever but the suites were fantastic and food & drink also excellent
It's weird but the best of Korean Air is economy class, not business/first class.
I don't get their logic either, but their economy class is too good. The largest seat in the industry(33"-34" pitch), decent food, and the FAs have more human touch than in biz/first in my experience.
It seems they're targeting Koreans for biz/first(who prioritize direct flights or who don't speak English), and connecting foreigners for economy class.
Whatever KAL...
It's weird but the best of Korean Air is economy class, not business/first class.
I don't get their logic either, but their economy class is too good. The largest seat in the industry(33"-34" pitch), decent food, and the FAs have more human touch than in biz/first in my experience.
It seems they're targeting Koreans for biz/first(who prioritize direct flights or who don't speak English), and connecting foreigners for economy class.
Whatever KAL do, those cash cow Koreans will fly KAL forever because they don't have any other option. That's how they can ignore the biz/first class..
I'm Korean as well, but I'd rather choose AA over KAL if in business class. If I'm flying economy, then KAL is the best.
This. KAL economy is the best valued cabin of the airline - Prestige Class with many 777s featuring 2-3-2 configuration, first class with no first class element... while economy has outstanding comfort level & meals in its class.
At least in the 2010s they were way better than what they are now. Hot towels in economy, better amenities (current first class kit is way worse than that of former Prestige class) in premium cabins,...
This. KAL economy is the best valued cabin of the airline - Prestige Class with many 777s featuring 2-3-2 configuration, first class with no first class element... while economy has outstanding comfort level & meals in its class.
At least in the 2010s they were way better than what they are now. Hot towels in economy, better amenities (current first class kit is way worse than that of former Prestige class) in premium cabins, cart presentation for salad & fruits. Hard to believe that this is the same airline.
KE economy seats itself are not large at all in some A/C types (in 748 and 789/10 the seatwidth is just 17.2" between armrest, because seats cannot physically be wider in 3-4-3 747 and 3-3-3 787) but yes, the pitch is one of the best in the world.
KAL-Asiana M&A was a total disaster, and this airline becoming the representative airline of Korea is just a national disgrace. Maybe they might introduce some overhauled service plan when the merger completes, but who knows...
"KAL-Asiana M&A was a total disaster"
How do you come to this conclusion, when the merger wasn't even closed until 2 months ago, and integration is only beginning to start?
I feel like you’re too harsh on the hard product when this is their old product and you’re comparing it to other airlines’ new product which aren’t on their whole fleet.
I do agree the soft product is lackluster, though I’ve had similarly inattentive FAs on other Asian airlines frequently too.
Admittedly I don't believe there's any plans to install the suites on the A380, but yeah did find it odd there wasn't even a mention that this is the far lesser of two hard products KE has for F.
Not that the full suites are groundbreaking, but I would say are certainly competitive.
I don't understand the complaint of "having to ask" for something which appears quite often on various online forums etc. Surely it's better to get what you need when you need it, instead of having to wait until someone decides to "do a round"? For me, good service is when I press the crew call button and I have someone attend to me immediately. For example, on Turkish, no one offers you a drink in...
I don't understand the complaint of "having to ask" for something which appears quite often on various online forums etc. Surely it's better to get what you need when you need it, instead of having to wait until someone decides to "do a round"? For me, good service is when I press the crew call button and I have someone attend to me immediately. For example, on Turkish, no one offers you a drink in business for 10 hours but whenever I wanted one, I got it within a minute of deciding I want to have it.
Is this because US crews are hostile about the use of crew call button and Americans are afraid to use it, or what?
I think it's an American thing. They want the server to "read their minds" without a word. They expect the service to be proactive, not just responsive.
If you have to "ask" something, it's not a good service already. You should be asked by the server before you ask for something.
I know US crews are generally not regarded the best(especially in economy class), but in business/first class, good crews are so proactive...
I think it's an American thing. They want the server to "read their minds" without a word. They expect the service to be proactive, not just responsive.
If you have to "ask" something, it's not a good service already. You should be asked by the server before you ask for something.
I know US crews are generally not regarded the best(especially in economy class), but in business/first class, good crews are so proactive that you don't need a crew call button. The crews constantly check on you and offer drink refills until you decline. I've had better experience in AA biz than in KAL.
No one proactively offering drinks in business class on Turkish Airlines is simply not true. Flew IST-IAD last month, and flight attendants offered juices and water at various points during the flight. Not to mention offering refills during the meal service.
@Gsv: Good for you. I flew IST-PTY and PTY-IST during the last few weeks and the drinks were proactively offered twice on ach flight (at the beginning of each meal service) + additional two proactive water offers (one on the starter tray, and one after conclusion of the first service). Nothing in between - but as I said, it wasn't a problem since I always got what I wanted on request.
If there's a wad of trash that has been sitting on the ottoman for 20 minutes, is that something that really requires asking to be discarded? Especially in a first class cabin?
If the trash is full in your home, do you need someone to ask you to take the trash out? Or do you just take the initiative and do it without someone having to ask you?
Speaking of the plane looking kind of weird, does anyone know what’s going on with the weird fuselage finishes (like how the back section has different finishes)?
It’s still cold in Seoul. It could just be a combination of de icing residue , frost on the fuselage , the sunlight , etc that would explain the appearance of discoloration through the camera lenses.
Yeah, seems like the typical skyteam first class.
Anyways, is that wooden thing around the seat a privacy shield like in LH F?
And true, the color mix is weird, looked better all turquoise/blue. Should’ve stocked to it or changed everything.
As if La Premiere doesn't exists.
La what?
You just sound like AeroB13a at this point.
Seems like your brain is fully committed to bash SkyTeam 24/7 yet you don't even know about the enemy.
What can I say, wise up. Don't even take a min to find that out.
@Mason -- I was hoping the humorous tone of 'La what' wouldn't need to be explained
@Mike O. -- Guten tag
@Mason @E39
Bonjour
@Mike O.
Bonjour. Comment allez-vous ?
Can't imagine how happy would Proximanova be after finding this article out.
Regardless, current KE first class is just embarassing.
Especially compared to Ben's experiece on the same plane in the same cabin about a decade ago.
Skyteam continues to deteriorate rapidly
Skyteam should go away of the dodo bird and every carrier should find a new aliance or go unaffilliated.
How many screen names do you have?
It's to the point that you're forgetting which one has which anti-Skyteam catch phrase.
The amenity kit is basically the same as the one they have in J, except the bag is a beige, neoprene pouch - I have several around the house and use them often when traveling! But they've been filling them with the Atelier Cologne products for as long as I can remember - at least the last 8 years. Their menus have also not really changed for that long, either, in F or J. As...
The amenity kit is basically the same as the one they have in J, except the bag is a beige, neoprene pouch - I have several around the house and use them often when traveling! But they've been filling them with the Atelier Cologne products for as long as I can remember - at least the last 8 years. Their menus have also not really changed for that long, either, in F or J. As much as I love SkyTeam (I know, I know, many of you do not), I've grown tired of flying KE and have shifted as much as I can through Europe on AF and KLM when flying to Asia. It's a longer route, but the flights are more pleasant.
Any Korean Air just won by best airline of 2025 beating Qatar Airways by AirlineRatings.com.
Hmmm...
I was very surprised when i read that too
Although Qatar cabin crew vary significantly.
I once had a crew who looked to be all Mongolian/Xstan who acted just like some comments here - very helpful whenever I asked for anything but utterly non pro-active.
I could understand why some people would feel disappointed, but I just switch modes - after all, management has set up a wonderful soft product offering - I just need to ask for it, and as reader of OMAAT et al, I know what to ask for.
Best airline of 2025? 2025 just started. Do you mean 2024?
Having taken many KE F (redemption) flights with my Korean wife between 2012 and 2019, I can tell you she got WAY better service than I did even though the FAs knew we were travelling companions. There is still a fair degree of xenophobia baked into their service. Pretty much stopped when transfers to KE became impossible.
I had the same thing happen on my ANA F flight back from Tokyo in April 2023. I've definitely noticed that it's more of an issue with older crews. The FA seemed very annoyed at the idea of serving foreigners (even if you give a little bit of grace for awkwardness given the language barrier) and gave much better service to the Japanese F passengers.
And an airline with a shady safety record. Hard pass.
I would say the country rather than the airline per se.
Shady safety record? KE hasn't had a fatal accident since the 90's (which, unbelievably, is almost 30 years...). Definitely true in the 80s, but I think their safety culture/systems improved dramatically after they brought in consultants from DL in the 90's to help fix things.
As stated above, it's not necessarily the fault of the airline, but rather the countries' pilot hierarchical culture, which is deeply embedded in the pilot community.
And while no fatalities or even injuries, their latest write-off was 2 years ago in Cebu. Don't forget OZ 214 in SFO.
"KE hasn't had a fatal accident since the 90's"
Only by extremely luck/grace, not by having a substantive culture of safety. There's definitely comparative deficiency in the Korean airlines' ops, so far as safety goes.
Then again, same thing can be said of Air France: name another western airline that's crashed 3+ longhaul aircraft hulls to the point of total loss since just 2000. Their pilots even managed to dispel the notion that the dual-feedback...
"KE hasn't had a fatal accident since the 90's"
Only by extremely luck/grace, not by having a substantive culture of safety. There's definitely comparative deficiency in the Korean airlines' ops, so far as safety goes.
Then again, same thing can be said of Air France: name another western airline that's crashed 3+ longhaul aircraft hulls to the point of total loss since just 2000. Their pilots even managed to dispel the notion that the dual-feedback yoke system in most Boeing aircraft, will alert one pilot as to what the other is doing (Air France flight 11, in 2022) nearly crashing a 777 in clear weather.
This. AF and Korean are two of the least safe modern day airlines and one of the main reasons I don’t fly with SkyTeam.
For comparison, China Airlines (Taiwan to avoid confusion) has come a long way, as they too had a notoriously sketch safety record from the 90s to early 00s. Their last major incident was in 2007 where a 737 fuel tank exploded after landing caused by a bolt puncturing the fuel tank.
Finally, someone says it out loud.
The emperor has no clothes.
I have been preaching this for years. KE has not been a good airline for a long time. I would always choose OZ over KE. But a LOT of bloggers turn a blind eye to KE's failings for some reason. Maybe because it used to be an easy F product to book? I dunno. Either way, it's a horribly lackluster product, sometimes bordering on downright bad.
I had two back-to-back flights in KE F and...
I have been preaching this for years. KE has not been a good airline for a long time. I would always choose OZ over KE. But a LOT of bloggers turn a blind eye to KE's failings for some reason. Maybe because it used to be an easy F product to book? I dunno. Either way, it's a horribly lackluster product, sometimes bordering on downright bad.
I had two back-to-back flights in KE F and both were exactly as Lucky described. And this was pre-Covid when service levels should have been high. I had to ask for everything, repeatedly. Glassware is tiny so when you finally *do* get something to drink, it's probably a good 100mL, at best. And forget proactive refills. Food was good, but service was just non-existent. I had to flag down FAs to clear one course then ask for the second. At one point I brought my own dishes to the galley because there were no FAs to be found.
To top it off, the purser and the two F FAs came by at the end of the flights to ask how everything was. I SHOULD have said it was incredibly subpar but there was a language barrier and I don't think "It was bad" would have gone over well. I'm going to miss Asiana but thankfully my work travels don't take me to Korea much anymore. And if/when they do, I'm happy to fly SQ or NH or JL.
KE and ICN have been hand in hand in riding their hype from 20 years ago and hype from being an East Asian airline/airport and thinking it still applies to them today. They were really good in the 2000s and just refused to innovate while the competition left them in the dust