ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8258 posts, RR: 56 Posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 11441 times:
Hello dear A.Netters, welcome part two of my latest installment of my recent travels.
Some months ago Korean Air took delivery of their first A380, initially it was operated to NRT however additional aircraft quickly entered service to JFK, LAX and soon after HKG & CDG were added to the list, though CDG has since reverted back to a 747.
Once the schedules were loaded, it became clear you could fly from LAX to HKG via ICN with KE for about £450, given the distance this was a no brainier, a conversation with Brewox indicated he was interesting in the idea, so following a discussion on dates the trip was booked!
Part 1 has already been posted, you can read that here:-
After a day and a half of excellent spotting from the In and Out Burger and hotel room, departure day arrived.
We decided to beat the rush and head over to check-in early in order to see what the options were seating wise.
Between Brewox and I, we had A & C seats allocated, if B could be blocked off that would be great.
Being some 3 hours plus ahead of the flight the check-in area was nice and quiet, we rocked up to the premium/Skyteam Gold check-in area, nobody else ahead of us. It seemed the flight was going to be almost 100% full in economy and the middle seat between us was indeed occupied, however being early not all of the emergency exit seats were allocated yet, so we took these though I had to make do with a middle seat, I told myself the legroom would be worth it!
I can’t remember the last time I sat in a middle seat on a longhaul flight, anyone else?
Boarding passes were issued for both sectors, so with these in hand we headed upstairs for few more aircraft registrations, then decided to clear security to access the lounge, I still had a few work e-mails to catch up on, pls a little food and drink would go down well.
Security was relatively painless though as always the TSA guys have to talk constantly at everybody, remove your shoes, nothing in your pocket do this do that etc etc.
Security cleared we followed the not too clear signs to the Korean Air lounge, this being located on the 4th floor of the terminal, access is via an elevator.
A friendly greeting by the lounge warden upon arrival, our Skyteam Gold cards need to be produced to prove access was allowed with an economy ticket, even though the boarding passes indicated the gold status on them!
The lounge has two sections, one for First class and the other for all other passengers, we entered the latter section.
The lounge is ok, nothing to get excited about, I think the Oneworld lounge is better, it has better food and beverage options but this lounge has views,ok somewhat limited but at least it has some, something the Oneworld lounge lacks.
View from the lounge, you can clearly see the building works taking place.
Quick lounge shot
Food and Beverages
No decent beer, just Budweiser
At least they have decent Gin!
Snack time.
After consuming several drinks, nibbling on many snacks and managing to spot a few more planes with the help of the Planefinder app on my iPad
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8258 posts, RR: 56 Reply 1, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 11653 times:
KE18 would be boarding from gate 123 today, this being an A380 equipped gate, upon arrival there were quite a few people milling around the area, many looking at the boarding layout, which I must admit was a little confusing, it turned out some of the info was in the wrong place, certainly not going to help avoid any confusion!
27-10-2011
KE18
LAX-ICN
A380-861 HL7614
Seat 52B Economy
1st Flight on this aircraft, 7th A380 flight flight
Sch Dep 12:30 Sch Arr 18:30
Act Dep 12:27 Act Arr 17:37
Boarding commenced 11:52, this was a priority boarding call for Korean Air elite members and ST Gold etc etc, not sure how but Brewox and I managed to be right at the front and were one of the first to board, I stopped en-route to take a couple of pictures of the plane, one of the ground crew came over to direct me where to go,she thought I was going the wrong way, when I showed her the camera she understood.
Welcomed at the door by two smiling and smartly dressed FA’s who directed us in the direction of ours seats, being a seasoned traveller this is not required
A few pictures taken en-route to my seat.
As you can see, the cabin sections were divided up with different coloured seats, I quite like this as it breaks up the interior.
Each seat has a blanket, pillow and small amenity kit
Passing the galley
Here’s my row, emergency exit, mine is the middle seat…..
However decent legroom
Bulkhead monitor
Just to confirm the aircraft type
Passengers just kept coming, the flight was indeed going to be nearly full, have to be honest, during my walks around later I don’t recall seeing a single empty seat in economy.
View outside
Looking around the plane was in great shape, as you would expect, clean and bright cabins, smartly dressed crew, the latest technology.
Korean Air has fitted out the A380 with 301 economy seats in a 3-4-3 layout with a generous 34” inch pitch, something that will make a difference on any flight, particularly a long one.
In addition each seat has it’s own 10.6” LCD PTV offering what it calls state of the art AVOID, but one of the best features, IMO, is each seat has it’s own USB charging point, excellent news for ensuring your gadgets have enough juice.
Our fellow passengers continued to fill the cabin, the flow turning to a trickle and then the rear Y cabin was completely full.
My seatmate, Brewox apart, was a youngish Korean chap, seemed friendly enough and happily for me kept his arms to himself during the flight, not one of those that tend’s to poke you with their elbows, you know the type I’m sure.
The wall mounted seat pocket is packed thus making it useless to try and put a book or a magazine there, can only just managed with the airlines supplied materials!
I’ll apologies for the lack of pictures now, being in a middle seat and having the nearest window to your left and not lined up well does not bode well for picture taking.
Here is the amenity kit, rather basic but does the job and not something we expect in economy these days.
Push back occurred at 12:27.
Despite having FA’s in the crew seats opposite, they made no eye contact nor any effort to communicate, I often find this is the case when airline crew face their customers in these situations, perhaps a language or cultural thing?
Excellent view on the forward facing camera
The aircraft took a relatively short taxi to the end of the active, very few holds at this time of day, we took off @ 12:44.
Once the seatbelt signs were extinguished I took the opportunity to take a quick snap of the toilets
Not long after returning to my seat the first drinks service started, I took red wine,as you can see, it’s served in a plastic cup, not very generous portion poured from the bottle either, no choice of snack.
Time to get the IFE out and find the map
Despite the hand controller being at the side, I never once knocked it in error
How long left?
Shopping anyone? – lot’s of high end stuff on KE
As usual I really only used the IFE for the map but there seemed to be enough to keep people amused, it’s not EK’s ICE but good enough.
Meal time soon came around, no menu’s in economy, the FA serving our side of the plane spoke halting English not particularly well, as a result we ordered what we thought was Bibimbap, however that was not the case, better luck next time!
I took red wine again, this time it was served in a glass which was on the tray, the glass was tiny as a result so was the portion of wine!
Small salad
The main was ok, I’ve had better, and worse economy meals
I’m glad I had some snacks in the lounge as this meal would not have been enough
These stickers were on the meal tray, don’t recall seeing anyone use them though
The meal trays were cleared away pretty promptly and an after dinner drinks run took place, I decided to stick to the red, back on plastic cups and continuation of small measures
As you may know, KE decided to offer a duty free sales area onboard, many have derided this as an expensive waste of space and time, I decided to have a look.
The area is located between the rear staircase and the toilets and is manned by a member of staff, she decided to stand aside when I took out my camera, there was no issue with picture taking at all.
From what I observed, there were plenty of takers for the duty free, during the flight there was a seemingly endless trail of passengers going to the duty free area and then come back later with bags, in addition the crew were distributing duty free bags too, suspect these were from purchases made on outbound services.
Cabin view during the flight
View across the cabin
I had planned to catch up on work and A.NET stuff on my iPad, however I discovered that middle seat’s are not very great for this kind of thing, the restrictions your arms face with your fellow passengers around are not great, I gave up, instead spending the time reading my book, getting my drink re-filled, they got better with the portions when I kept going back so soon, and looking at the map.
Never crossed this before, something kind of special about it
Rare shout out of the window, the crew had us put the blinds down, a sneak pic!
This light kept coming on, I have to say it’s far too bright when the cabin lights are dimmed, it was quite annoying.
Another annoying thing was the seemingly constant bongs/chimes from a panel located ahead of us, you can see it to the left of the intercom instructions on the wall. Every time it made it’s noise on of the crew would come out of the galley and look at the display then disappear again, so not only does the noise annoy you, the extra light from the galley does when the crew have a look annoyed you.
That aside the emergency exit was find, the noise increase was hardly noticeable and it didn’t see as cold as other planes where I’ve sat in an equivalent seat.
Drinking, reading and sleeping really passes the time, before I knew it the second meal service commenced
This stuff is really hot – excellent!
Not my kind of salad/starter
Nice detail on the meal tray
My main, an average chicken dish
Brewox took the beef
Another meal finished, to be honest nothing special about the meals but they were fine.
Still a while to go but getting there
I managed a cheeky shot whilst Brewox went to a small room, all the window shades were up now the crew had started to prepare us for arrival into ICN.
Almost there
The bulkhead monitors had the tail cam on, I have to say I like this feature
Not much to see out of the window
Wheels touched down at 17:37 local time, a long taxi to our gate followed.
Despite some 11 odd hours in the air I felt fine, though we still had a good few more hours until today’s final destination was reached.
As you can imagine, it took a while for us to disembark the aircraft, sitting in the last cabin slows things done however we were not in a hurry, that said once off the plane you have to re-clear security before getting airside, there was a huge queue and it totally lacks any formal organization, in effect it’s more like a scrum, not what I expected at ICN, thought it would be more organized.
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8258 posts, RR: 56 Reply 2, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 11556 times:
Eventually we made it airside.
Once airside we had a shade over two hours before our next flight, things to do included plane spotting and a visit to the lounge.
Spotting at ICN during the day looks like it would be pretty easy, not so good when it’s dark due to the reflections against the glass, however we made a few and headed off to find the lounge, I took a few pictures along the way
Busy evening
Lounge entrance
Views of the lounge
We decided this was a good spot to snag for our short visit
Snacks
There were more offerings but it was still quite a weak selection for the home airline, I’ve no pictures as there were lots of official looking staff there, I think they were ensuring nothing ran out.
In terms of drinks,soft drinks were fine but there was just one type of beer and one type of red wine, again, a bit of a poor showing IMO.
View outside from our seats, as you can see, reflections don’t help
After making a few more planes, some food and a freshen up it was time to head to the gate, which as gate 17,bugger,it’s the same plane we arrived on, they sure have a quick turnaround here!
I like the way the way finding signage changes
Here we go, gate 17, unfortunately no views of the aircraft, that said, I’m quite familiar with her!
In all the short layover yielded 14 new planes, not too bad.
27-10-2011
KE607
ICN-HKG
A380-861 HL7614
Seat 52K Economy
2nd Flight on this aircraft, 8th A380 flight flight
Sch Dep 20:00 Sch Arr 22:30
Act Dep 20:12 Act Arr 22:52
Boarding commenced at 19:32, the gate area was pretty busy, I suspect a busy flight ahead. The usual elites etc call, one of the reasons we hung close to the door was to get on early, I think we were something like 3 & 4 on the plane, always nice to get on early, you get your bags put away and don’t get held up in the aisle by others trying to organize themselves, or at least try!
The only view of the plane, this where the jetways divide
Long jetway
Greeted at the door again, this time crossing through the galley as we were on the other side of the aircraft tonight, same cabin and seats just opposite side.
Map in Korean
And English
Just in case you don’t know
A nostalgic look at our seats on the last sector, unoccupied at this point.
Legroom shot, a must in every decent TR!
Note the small yellow note stuck to the locker door
I thought it was amusing it was in English and not Korean
The plane filled up again, another full flight, at least down stairs, just amazing that so many people are travelling to HKG tonight, about 10 minutes before this an OZ 772 also left for HKG too.
Push back occurred a little late at 20:12, followed by some 17 minutes of taxi before wheels up, ICN is a vast place, despite peering out of the window slightly behind me there was nothing to see.
Headsets then refreshing towels were distributed after departure, it was about 20:45 so only 15 minutes after departure, no hanging around by the crew tonight!
Route so far
A drinks run was done from a tray, choices were water or OJ, along with this came another pack of nuts, the same kind as the previous flight.
Dinner was served soon afterwards, it came with your choice of beverage, I took red wine.
This would be our last shot at getting Bibimbap so we listened very carefully to make sure we go it if on offer
Here is the tray
And here is how to make it, yep, they give you instructions, cool!
Before
This is how it looks, at least mine
The tray also had a side of this red ‘stuff’ – I did try it but really not to my taste, I think it was some kind of fish thing, yuck is all I can say.
I did try the seaweed soup but again it was just to fishy and salty for me, again, yuck, bit at least I tried it.
Ice cream was also handed out, it was rock hard, you had to leave it for ages before it became soft enough to eat it
Despite the most direct route being across Chinese airspace we avoided it entirely
The flight went by pretty quickly and as I have come to experience with the A380 very smooth, I had another glass of wine, read my book and dozed a little, before I knew it we were touching down in HKG, I’d fallen asleep.
Unfortunately I was too tired to take any more pictures, pls it was dark so not much to see.
Given the late hour and the vast number of passengers ahead of us, we expected immigration to take quite some time, however it took about 5 minutes, very impressed!
Immigration sorted and with no bags to wait for we headed straight to the hotel, The Regal, not the cheapest but having great views if you get the right room and being at the airport makes it the ideal place to stay.
I got lucky at checkin and got upgraded to Club level, no use of the Club facilities but the room is better, so that was quite pleasing, as were the views, excellent!
Taken next day from my room
Well that brings an end to my quest for flying another A380 operator.
All in all Korean Air are pretty nice and I would have no hesitation in flying with them again, however a couple of points I would comment on, the ICN lounge is quite poor in the F&B department and the crews are quite formal, as I mentioned earlier I suspect it’s a cultural thing, don’t expect to have a good chat with them if your that way inclined.
Again apologies for lack of exterior pictures, as you can see in this picture, the window is not in the greatest place for shots, coupled with a middle seat and then a flight in darkness, pictures are no easy feat.
Regardless, I hope you enjoyed the flights and perhaps it gave you a taste of Korean Air if you’ve not had the chance yourself.
Thanks for reading and any comments are much appreciated, always nice read them.
The next report will feature the RJ milk run, HKG-BKK-AMM-LHR.
Knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1408 posts, RR: 17 Reply 3, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 11156 times:
Hi Mark
Thanks for the interesting report.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 2): I thought it was amusing it was in English and not Korean
Apart from amusing it's also a bit surprising. Judging by the pictures you took boarding the plane at LAX they even had pink stickers all over the galley for the crew. I hadn't thought about it really but in a cabin the size of the A380's I guess it's probably quite easy to forget where you've stored something.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 2): The tray also had a side of this red ‘stuff’ – I did try it but really not to my taste, I think it was some kind of fish thing, yuck is all I can say.
I believe that must be Kimchi. It's made with garlic, chillies, ginger and seafood or oyster sauce. Basically what they do is take a cabbage, smear that spicy red chilli paste on every layer and then leave the whole thing to ferment. In South Korea Kimchi is served more or less with every meal, like rice is too. Quite like it myself, especially with Bibimbap. I agree on the fish soup though, it's a bit too thin and runny for me.
Anyway, I'll be experiencing the KE B777-200 between Madrid and Amsterdam in April and I'm quite looking forward to that.
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8258 posts, RR: 56 Reply 4, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 11129 times:
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 3): Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 2):
I thought it was amusing it was in English and not Korean
Apart from amusing it's also a bit surprising
- Indeed you are correct, quite odd really.
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 3): Judging by the pictures you took boarding the plane at LAX they even had pink stickers all over the galley for the crew. I hadn't thought about it really but in a cabin the size of the A380's I guess it's probably quite easy to forget where you've stored something.
- Quite true plus the machines are still relatively new so the crews will still be getting settled in.
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 3): Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 2):
The tray also had a side of this red ‘stuff’ – I did try it but really not to my taste, I think it was some kind of fish thing, yuck is all I can say.
I believe that must be Kimchi. It's made with garlic, chillies, ginger and seafood or oyster sauce. Basically what they do is take a cabbage, smear that spicy red chilli paste on every layer and then leave the whole thing to ferment. In South Korea Kimchi is served more or less with every meal, like rice is too. Quite like it myself, especially with Bibimbap. I agree on the fish soup though, it's a bit too thin and runny for me.
- Ah, thanks for the description, now I like these ingredients, bar the seafood bit, the texture of the thing was the real off putting thing for me.
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 3): I'll be experiencing the KE B777-200 between Madrid and Amsterdam in April and I'm quite looking forward to that.
- Not long to go, looking forward to a report William.
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1748 posts, RR: 26 Reply 5, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 10769 times:
Good report, Mark!
It was very interesting to read your detailed second report of Korean Air in Economy. How great you got to be on the A380! The food looks to be a very high standard; the bibimbap looks really good, and the other meals don't look too bad for Economy either.
Thanks for sharing! I've heard ICN is a really nice airport to transit through too.
infodesk From Switzerland, joined exactly 7 years ago today! , 1236 posts, RR: 34 Reply 6, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 10751 times:
Hi Mark,
Thanks for part 2.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): however being early not all of the emergency exit seats were allocated yet, so we took these though I had to make do with a middle seat, I told myself the legroom would be worth it!
Snap, we've reserved the exit row (middle & aisle) for our upcoming legs on SQ and the A380. I'm sad at the lack of window, but think the comfort on these long flights is more inportant for once.
I like the sign at the gate area that mentions members of the "morning calm club", what a name and where do I get membership?
The meals didn't look overly impressive, think I would have been a bit disappointed.
The pink staircase is a bit OTT! Still, you have to love the KE uniforms, so smart and tasteful.
Happy flying
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Reply 7, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 10602 times:
Hi Mark,
great report about your KE A380 mission! KE's interior looks a bit average to me, the blue seats in particular. I definitely prefer the dark purple color tone.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter):
I can’t remember the last time I sat in a middle seat on a longhaul flight, anyone else?
Of course. 13 hours on NZ's 744, wasn't bad at all.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Korean Air has fitted out the A380 with 301 economy seats in a 3-4-3 layout with a generous 34” inch pitch, something that will make a difference on any flight, particularly a long one.
Why is there an aisle seat missing in row 46?
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Never crossed this before, something kind of special about it
I also need a "northern crossing".
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): This light kept coming on, I have to say it’s far too bright when the cabin lights are dimmed, it was quite annoying.
Reminds me of the annoying galley light on LH.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): The bulkhead monitors had the tail cam on, I have to say I like this feature
I'm relieved to see KE does have it - I remember someone here saying the opposite.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Well that brings an end to my quest for flying another A380 operator.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): it turned out some of the info was in the wrong place, certainly not going to help avoid any confusion!
How did you find out?
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): I stopped en-route to take a couple of pictures of the plane, one of the ground crew came over to direct me where to go,she thought I was going the wrong way, when I showed her the camera she understood.
Phew, I thought she would say, “Sir, it is not allowed to take pictures!” or something the like.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): Here’s my row, emergency exit, mine is the middle seat…..
Well, any seat at emergency exit row is fine. Even yours looks better than Brewox’s.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): Korean Air has fitted out the A380 with 301 economy seats in a 3-4-3 layout with a generous 34” inch pitch, something that will make a difference on any flight, particularly a long one.
KE is probably the only A380 customer offering such legroom in Y.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): but one of the best features, IMO, is each seat has it’s own USB charging point, excellent news for ensuring your gadgets have enough juice.
And an individual battery charger. Very important for us, trip reporters.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): I often find this is the case when airline crew face their customers in these situations, perhaps a language or cultural thing?
I would refer it to cultural thing. I had to learn to make an eye contact after moving to Netherlands because in Indonesia, it is considered rude to make a direct eye contact with people like customers, elderly people, and so on.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): I took the opportunity to take a quick snap of the toilets
I like the wall pattern.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): This stuff is really hot – excellent!
Quoting 767747 (Reply 5): The food looks to be a very high standard; the bibimbap looks really good, and the other meals don't look too bad for Economy either.
- The food was ok, not SQ Y standard, Bibimbap was the best meal of the three.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 5): I've heard ICN is a really nice airport to transit through too.
- Apart from the security clearance it was a nice airport from what I saw of it.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 6): Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter):
however being early not all of the emergency exit seats were allocated yet, so we took these though I had to make do with a middle seat, I told myself the legroom would be worth it!
Snap, we've reserved the exit row (middle & aisle) for our upcoming legs on SQ and the A380. I'm sad at the lack of window, but think the comfort on these long flights is more inportant for once.
- Indeed, on a long flight I think the sacrifice is worth it.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 6): The meals didn't look overly impressive, think I would have been a bit disappointed.
- No, I think SQ Y meals are better, you will be fine.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 6): you have to love the KE uniforms, so smart and tasteful.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 7): Why is there an aisle seat missing in row 46?
- Good question, no idea to be honest.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 7): Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter):
Never crossed this before, something kind of special about it
I also need a "northern crossing".
- I think it's one of those must do things, glad to have ticked it off the list.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 7): Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter):
This light kept coming on, I have to say it’s far too bright when the cabin lights are dimmed, it was quite annoying.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 8): While counting down to my own long haul trip, what else could I do other than reading exciting adventure of yours with another A380?
- You are too kind!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 8): Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter):
I can’t remember the last time I sat in a middle seat on a longhaul flight, anyone else?
Mine was on 25th September 2003.
- Seems many do remember theirs.....
Quoting akhmad (Reply 8): Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter):
No decent beer, just Budweiser
It would do for me as long as it is not Heineken.
- You jest? - water has almost more flavour than Bud, give me a Heineken over a Bud anyday!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 8): Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1):
it turned out some of the info was in the wrong place, certainly not going to help avoid any confusion!
How did you find out?
- I think we stood in the wrong place and looked confused
Quoting akhmad (Reply 8): Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1):
Here’s my row, emergency exit, mine is the middle seat…..
Well, any seat at emergency exit row is fine. Even yours looks better than Brewox’s.
- It was fine, the door does get in the way a little but still ok in those window seats.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 8): Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1):
Korean Air has fitted out the A380 with 301 economy seats in a 3-4-3 layout with a generous 34” inch pitch, something that will make a difference on any flight, particularly a long one.
KE is probably the only A380 customer offering such legroom in Y.
- Indeed true.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 8): an individual battery charger. Very important for us, trip reporters.
- So right!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 8): Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1):
I often find this is the case when airline crew face their customers in these situations, perhaps a language or cultural thing?
I would refer it to cultural thing. I had to learn to make an eye contact after moving to Netherlands because in Indonesia, it is considered rude to make a direct eye contact with people like customers, elderly people, and so on.
- I suspect you are right, so many different ways different cultures do things.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 8): Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1):
there was a huge queue and it totally lacks any formal organization, in effect it’s more like a scrum,
Are you serious? What a disappointment as ICN is supposed to be among the best transit airports like HKG or SIN.
- Yes a great shame, had expected a better transit experience to be honest.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 8): Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 2):
I think they were ensuring nothing ran out.
Which is good. Did you volunteer to ask them whether it would be alright to take some pictu
- No, tend not to discuss my picture taking.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 8): Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 2):
Just in case you don’t know
Not yet updated. CI is missing there.
- Were they members in October last year?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 8): Thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed your beautiful pictures and dreamt away of flying myself.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2325 posts, RR: 53 Reply 10, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 10488 times:
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 9): - No, tend not to discuss my picture taking.
I guess you are right. Now I remember my own experience of asking permission to a KLM lounge agent about photography once to which she replied, "Well, I don't think it's allowed!"
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 9): Were they members in October last year?
CI has become a Skyteam member on 28th September 2011.
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8258 posts, RR: 56 Reply 11, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 10411 times:
Quoting akhmad (Reply 10): Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 9):
- No, tend not to discuss my picture taking.
I guess you are right. Now I remember my own experience of asking permission to a KLM lounge agent about photography once to which she replied, "Well, I don't think it's allowed!"
- Yep, just be discreet is the best option in our trade
Quoting akhmad (Reply 10): Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 9):
Were they members in October last year?
CI has become a Skyteam member on 28th September 2011.
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2202 posts, RR: 14 Reply 12, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 10109 times:
Hey Mark
Great report continuation of your trip report and achieving your goal.
KE seems to be good, slightly above it's counterparts.
The 380 seating looks comfortable as well!
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6079 posts, RR: 56 Reply 13, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 10075 times:
Hi Mark!
Thanks for a great part II of your RTW series!
As Suryo said, it's a cultural thing; I was in Korea in 1997 and while deplaning a KE 777, people were standing next to me but just looking right thru me. My friend who had lived there for a while said that if you haven't been introduced to each other, it's like you don't exist.
I'm very surprised at the routing of your Pacific crossing; it's almost unheard of to go that far south! Usually you fly along the US west coast then just south of Anchorage and then south over Kamchatka to ICN. Your cossing is usually done on an east bound crossing.
The route from ICN to HKG is normal; for some reason most routes from HKG avoid Chinese airspace when coming from points north.
Service on KE seem okay; great with the huge amount of legroom.
I've stayed at the Regal too just when it opened and had similar great views.
@PlaneHunter; the KE 380 will still be departing here from LAX for many years, most likely.
Looking forward to part III!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8258 posts, RR: 56 Reply 14, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 10013 times:
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 12): Great report continuation of your trip report and achieving your goal.
- Thanks Marc, glad tou enjoyed.
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 12): KE seems to be good, slightly above it's counterparts.
- Indeed not bad, if they could take the catering to SQ standards then they would be excellent!
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 12): The 380 seating looks comfortable as well!
- Best A380 Y seating out there.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 13): hanks for a great part II of your RTW series!
- Glad you enjoyed Lars.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 13): The route from ICN to HKG is normal; for some reason most routes from HKG avoid Chinese airspace when coming from points north.
- Is odd, the time saved and fuel too would be significant.
AlwaysOnAPlane From United Kingdom, joined Sep 2010, 299 posts, RR: 3 Reply 15, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 9954 times:
Mark, really good to get the story of part two in this trip.
Yes, I suppose on these long sectors with only ocean to look at then it is well worth it to get the emergency exit row, even it it is the middle seat.
The cabin looks nice, as you would expect for a aircraft of this young age. As you say the food portions look quite underwhelming. I always find this a real disappointment as I usually enjoy airline food. And the small offerings in the wine dept, well you can imagine my feelings, at least you got regular fill-ups.
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 16, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 9884 times:
Hi Mark,
Lovely report on the KE 380! Despite the lack of window pics, still you showed a lot of detail. KE's product defo looks good to me, but indeed the meals are a bit small as is the wine filling.
Sorry to score 7614 twice, indeed a quick turnaround. But legroom of 34", wow very generous. Currently featured on MH in the 'old' but current Y class, although they go to 32" I heard on their 380's. KE seems the way to go on future longhaul flights.
Regards
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 17, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 9804 times:
Nice to see part 2 Mark! Nice for you to have ticked off another A380 operator.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): many looking at the boarding layout, which I must admit was a little confusing
Doesn't look terribly easy to follow
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): My seatmate, Brewox apart, was a youngish Korean chap, seemed friendly enough and happily for me kept his arms to himself during the flight, not one of those that tend’s to poke you with their elbows, you know the type I’m sure.
Nice that you had a bit of elbow space, seeing as you were stuck in the middle
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): I’m glad I had some snacks in the lounge as this meal would not have been enough
Doesn't look terribly filling
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): The tray also had a side of this red ‘stuff’ – I did try it but really not to my taste, I think it was some kind of fish thing, yuck is all I can say.
Ha, yeah it can take a while to get used to all the various "things" that come along with Korean meals
signol From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2007, 2948 posts, RR: 7 Reply 18, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 9792 times:
Hi Mark,
another great report. Did you expect the same aircraft on both legs? Food looks decent enough for Y, shame about the portion size. Still, they kept the red coming!
lychemsa From United States of America, joined Oct 2009, 904 posts, RR: 3 Reply 20, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 9704 times:
ASIANA seem to be much better. If I go to Asia I will avoid Korean. Thanks.
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 951 posts, RR: 35 Reply 22, posted (1 year 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 9679 times:
Hi Mark,
A really great report - not sure why you are being apologetic, I thought all the usual details were there - except for the chicken dish, and perhaps a pretty Korean FA.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): I can’t remember the last time I sat in a middle seat on a longhaul flight, anyone else?
Argh. QR A330 but only to DXB. Very weird feeling.
Quite right. That is good to see,an OK whisky too. The fridge is arranged a bit minimalist?
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): not one of those that tend’s to poke you with their elbows, you know the type I’m sure.
ah ha! -it takes two to tango. So perhaps you are the very same person!
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): As you may know, KE decided to offer a duty free sales area onboard, many have derided this as an expensive waste of space and time, I decided to have a look.
Not overly keen, feels like a bit of a shop on the plane. Not what I would associate, but I suppose culturally, with spending power booming, alot of Asiatic customers would appreciate that.
The A380 looks brilliantly comfortable, and quite functional with KE. Meals were a little underwhelming, but presentation of the tray was quite nice, if a little sparse. Was the flybmibap dish served hot then? Not keen on the fish also.
B738FlyUIA From Switzerland, joined Dec 2009, 473 posts, RR: 0 Reply 23, posted (1 year 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 8915 times:
Hi Mark
Thanks for the great TR of your second part and really interesting to see and read it!!!! So much to enjoy!!!!! The KE A380 looks so brand new!!!
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Korean Air has fitted out the A380 with 301 economy seats in a 3-4-3 layout with a generous 34%u201D inch pitch, something that will make a difference on any flight, particularly a long one.
- what happened with 46D seat... you noticed that there was maybe a little more space??
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): I can’t remember the last time I sat in a middle seat on a longhaul flight, anyone else?
- mine was on the 5th January 2010 from KPB - ZRH on PS!!! Next to two old woman and the left (window) was sleeping all the time as the right was reading the huge news paper and talking with the neighbor on the other side!!!!
- yes.... the minimum could have some Heineken or Carlsberg!!! But I very much like the lounge!!!
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Never crossed this before, something kind of special about it
- I was never over the date line.... even been flying so much!!! Maybe should plan a trip like that!!!
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): The bulkhead monitors had the tail cam on, I have to say I like this feature
- very much like that also..... just a pity you get them on the huge and long ac's!!!! A very nice entertainment for sure!!
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Ice cream was also handed out, it was rock hard, you had to leave it for ages before it became soft enough to eat it
- I hope that you did enjoy this before your landing in HKG!!!! A shame really that there is not better preparation but very much liked the food you had even was a little fishy and salty!!!
- how do you select your rooms to have such a fantastic view.. ?? I for sure would not sleep at all...
Very much I'm looking forward to your next part that will come hopefully before I leave in one week (today)!!!! I know that a TR takes a lot of time and I already started to do mine!!!!
Have a nice day!!!
Cheers!
TR will follow; ZRH-DME SVO-HKT, HKT-SIN, SIN-KUL, KUL-HKT, HKT-SVO & DME-ZRH on LX, UN and AirAsia
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 24, posted (1 year 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 8579 times:
Hi, Mark,
really interesting to follow you´re KE A388 experience.
Also nice pictures, nothing else expected, you know.
A good comparison to my actual LH flight on the same metal.
Service looks like ok, the lounges, well nothing really special.
Looking forward to the "milk run" now.
Greetings,
Markus(FLIEGER67)
Next: A first view into Georgia.
25 sultanils: Hello Mark, Thanks for this interesting KE report and congrats on scoring another A380 operator. Too bad you had the same reg twice, but luckily you h
26 FlyingFinn76: Hi Mark, Blimey, you were trying hard to get this one finished before your next A380 hunt, didn't you? Good to read about your main objective for this
27 ronerone: Hi Mark, Excellent report my friend, with several highlights that surely caught my attention! I always enjoy reading TRs where you're flying Y class (
28 flightsimboy: Hi Mark, Nice report on the gorgeous Korean Air A380. This right now is the nicest A380 out there. Of course it was SQ for the longest time for me. Do
29 OA260: Great report Mark as expected. Nice pics and routing. When I first looked i thought the pepper sauce was toothpaste lol.. I like the duty free shop an
30 abrelosojos: Thanks for keeping us onboard with your RTW report. I thought the KE food looked better than you rated - but then again, you were there . Looking forw
31 ba319-131: - Thanks Lee. - Indeed, i'm with you! - Cheers Eric - Yes, sort the meal portions and bigger glasses for wine and they are onto a winner. - Yep, and
32 parton87: Hello Mark! Nice report of Koran Air and congratulations to catching the A380 It looks really impressive! That´s a really good price! He he cool. Qui
33 ba319-131: - Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed my KE A380 experience, all in all pretty decent! Cheers Mark
34 ordjoe: Thanks for sharing. It seems KE has a pretty good Y product, would love to fly F on their A380. KE is a true diamond in the SkyTeam rough.
35 gemuser: It's a funny thing international airlines and national airspace. About 18 months ago I flew KE VVO-ICN and the whole flight from about 5 min after ta
36 SR117: Hey Mark Shame I didn't catch this earlier.. very nice report, thanks a lot. Curiously enough, I flew the same LAX-ICN route 4 days before you did on
37 ba319-131: Hi all, a few more selected replies and comments. - No problem - So would I! - Agreed, excellent carrier, may be flying them again in November - That'
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