What It’s Like to Fly First Class on Korean Air

A first time flyer on Korean Air will find a configuration of 6 First Class seats arranged in three rows of two seats per row. The seats are about 26 inches wide, giving you plenty of room for a wide body. Experienced flyers say that if you can get seat 1A you should, as it offers 3 windows that can be electronically dimmed, giving you a tad extra of an outside view yet more inside privacy than the other seats. If you are someone who is above average in height you will find there is still plenty of room to stretch out. Finally, you will have a 23 inch display to watch movies and have other entertainment options to choose from.

The pull out tables have a wood grain finish – a nice touch to the roomy seat area. The seat and entertainment controls are found in the arm rest, making for convenient access. One minor drawback to the seating arrangement is that it is rather narrow, so if you are someone who prefers to get out of their seat more often than the average passenger, this is something you might take into consideration.

Upon boarding you will be given a set of pajamas and noise cancelling headphones, a standard perk for First Class passengers. When you are steeled in you will be given a bowl of warm nuts and be offered champagne – or a choice of beverages. Depending on the flight you take your food menu will differ, though generally you will be able to choose from canape, caviar, soup, salad, and dessert for the lunch and dinner menus.

One thing you need to pay attention to as a First Class flyer is you are given a lot of food, so whatever you do make sure you save room for dessert! You usually are offered a cheese plate right before dessert, so think twice before indulging. But there is a reason for this order of foods – you will want to take a nap.

A flight attendant will come by and offer to make up your bed. The pillow and comforter are nice touches to ensure a comfortable sleep. Remember to change into your pajamas – an experience not available in the Economy Class. Many people find a 90 minute nap is the best rest time, so unless you are on a 12 hour flight that should be just about right.

Your entertainment options will be a selection of movies, many of them new releases. There are enough choices to suit anyone’s favorite genre. The 23 inch viewing area is ideal for you to sit back in your seat and watch as you stretch out your legs in a reclined position. Though no remote control was available, the armrest controls do the job quite well.

Service is of paramount importance when you are paying the premium for flying First Class, and the Korean Air Flight Attendants are some of the best in the skies. They will be there when you need them, particularly at the meal times, but not so often as to disturb you at the wrong times. You are greeted by name at boarding, and that is the first sign of a great First Class passenger experience.

The lavatories are nothing exceptional, particularly when compared to other international airlines, but unless you expect to be spending a lot of time in there, this is not a big deal. What is a big deal is the comfort of the seats and the privacy level you can get. The seats of Korean Air have individual privacy dividers that can be raised and lowered to allow for socializing or just to be left alone. However, Flight Attendants may not pay attention if it is meal time or something pressing needs to be addressed.

The estimated cost of a round-trip flight in Business Class between Toronto, Canada and Seoul, South Korea will is about $3,400, while First Class is $9,000. That difference of 265% is over the top, and trying to justify paying that much extra for First Class on Korean Air is virtually impossible.

There are some people who prefer flying first Class as a matter of status or because they prefer more cabin room compared to Business Class. This is one of the questions you will have to answer, since there isn’t a considerable difference between the two when flying Korean Air. If there is a reason it is the more personalized service and attention you will get, something that in many ways does not have a price attached to it.