After a short layover at Seoul Incheon Airport, I connected to Hong Kong on a Korean Airlines 777-300ER in “Prestige” business class. The flight was pleasant, though sadly my meal was not.
Korean Airlines 777-300ER Prestige Class (Business Class) – My First Impressions
Although this plane has a first class cabin, first class is not sold on this flight. I requested a first class seat while in Atlanta on the Seoul – Hong Kong portion and was told there were several available and to check in Seoul. However, by the time I reached Seoul, I was told that all seats were assigned. It appears that these seats are given to top-tier members of the Korean Air SKYPASS program…
Korean uses the B/E Aerospace Apex seat in business class, branding it as a “Prestige Suite.” I booked a window seat in the mini-cabin behind first class, which includes only a single row of seats (staggered 2-2-2, all with direct aisle access). The turquoise seats have been recovered in dark gray.
While this seat lacks storage, it is like a mini-first class seat with three windows and a small ottoman for your feet. It’s nice that there is no footwell, which constrains space, but I do prefer the Super Diamond reverse herringbone seat to this one.
Dinner was served after takeoff. I wanted to try the bibimbap, but it appears this is only available on inbound flights to Seoul, not outbound flights. However, I did pre-order the Korean dish for dinner, which was a stir-fried octopus in hot spicy sauce.
Folks, I tried. I really tried. While the dish was not too spicy for me, the flavors and textures did not work for me (I don’t know how else to say it) and I only ate about half of it. Ordinarily, I love octopus but this was so rubbery and chewy and the soup was far too salty. A flight attendant graciously offered to bring me another dish on the menu when she saw I did not finish, but I was full…I had enjoyed a nice meal in the first class lounge.
This flight did have Wi-Fi, with a flight pass costing 11.95 USD (or a messaging pass 4.95 USD). I was not tired and passed the time after dinner watching a movie (Juror #2…directed by Clint Eastwood and very well done) and listening to Andrea Bocelli.
We landed on time in Hong Kong and I was quickly off the plane and onboard a train heading for passport control.
Overall, it was a pleasant flight with good service. I probably should have stuck to the Western menu over the Korean dish, but that’s really on me. I’ll offer more details about the flight–including info on other menu options, amenities, lavatories, and IFE in my full review.
You have the wrong headline on this article – https://liveandletsfly.com/delta-717-200-evacuation-smoke/
What do you mean?
This is the headline – Frontier Passenger Declares Sovereignty, Demands Gate Return
When I click on the article, it’s correct but that’s what shows on the main page.
Wow, very odd.
I learned (the hard way in Thailand street food stall) that the right way to prepare an octopus so it’s not rubbery is by cooking/baking it for about 1.5 hours. So I only order it in real restaurants now.
I love octopus, but not this octopus.
Actually, it’s long cooking or quick.
I really appreciate you go beyond your confort zone by trying exotic food – Even though it eventually doesn’t match.
I really love the Apex Suite seat, you should experience the Oman Air version.
I struggle with Korean food, I love most other Asian cuisines, but Korean is my nemesis, the flavors just do not work for me.
However, I have found that Korean and Asiana both offer good Western Cuisine.
No shame in trying and not liking it. I’m proud of you.
Does this mean you (over)compensated by going to Taco Bell in HK?
I would have…if they had one!
Good on you for at least trying the local dish.
Now I want some kimchi (homemade) and please I would also like someone to drop off an order of beef bulgogi.
I live across the street from an HMART (voted Americas #1 Asian supermarket). Their kimchi is made in house. So good. Helping me with my diet too.
True story here. My brother and I spent a few days in Seoul in November, and we did one of those Korean BBQ/chicken and beer food tours. Our guide (Korean American expat) told us that after we go home, we should try the kimchi at – HMART. Never would have guessed the supermarket would be the place to go, but there’s one not far from where we live, so I’ll have to try it out.