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SkyTeam · Seoul Incheon

Korean Air

Solid, comfortable Prestige class and a quiet, spacious Kosmo Suites first class.

Prestige Class

Prestige Suites on 777 / 787 / A380

8.3/10

10 Positives

  1. +Prestige Suites on newer aircraft give direct aisle access for every seat.
  2. +Prestige Suite 2.0 adds sliding privacy doors.
  3. +Bibimbap and Korean menu options are excellent.
  4. +Strong network from the US to Asia via Seoul.
  5. +Incheon is one of the most efficient connecting airports.
  6. +Crew are polite, polished and attentive.
  7. +Cabins are clean and well maintained.
  8. +Comfortable beds with good pillows.
  9. +Good on-time performance.
  10. +Generous baggage allowance.

10 Negatives

  1. −Older 2-2-2 Prestige Sleeper seats are still flying.
  2. −Skypass award prices have risen sharply.
  3. −Partner award options are limited.
  4. −Western meal options are unremarkable.
  5. −Lounges at Incheon are functional but not exceptional.
  6. −Wi-Fi is missing or paid on most aircraft.
  7. −Amenity kits are basic.
  8. −Entertainment library is smaller than Gulf rivals.
  9. −Cash fares from the US are often high.
  10. −Product consistency varies by aircraft.

Book with points?

Fair via Skypass or Delta SkyMiles, but surcharges and rising prices reduce value.

Book with cash?

Average — look for sales to Asia via Seoul.

First Class (Kosmo Suites)

A380 / 777 Kosmo Suites 2.0

8.5/10

10 Positives

  1. +Kosmo Suites 2.0 offer a door and a very private seat.
  2. +Low-density cabin with very few seats.
  3. +Calm, quiet atmosphere.
  4. +Fine Korean dining with premium wines.
  5. +Wide, comfortable bed.
  6. +Large screen and noise-cancelling headphones.
  7. +Dedicated first check-in at Incheon.
  8. +Attentive, personal service.
  9. +Pyjamas and quality bedding provided.
  10. +A380 adds a small onboard bar area.

10 Negatives

  1. −First is being cut back on many routes.
  2. −Design looks plain next to Gulf carriers.
  3. −Skypass award availability is limited.
  4. −Hard to book with partner miles.
  5. −Cash fares are very high.
  6. −First lounge at Incheon is modest.
  7. −Wi-Fi is poor or absent.
  8. −Few routes still offer first.
  9. −Amenities are less lavish than rivals.
  10. −Food presentation is simpler than top-tier first.

Book with points?

Decent only with Skypass; partner access is rare.

Book with cash?

Not worth cash — Prestige gives most of the comfort for far less.