March 4th, 2016
Korean Air 643 Seoul (ICN) - Singapore (SIN) Departure: 1431 Arrival: 2020 Duration: 6:49 Aircraft: Boeing 747-8B5 (74H)
Registration: HL7633 Seat: 1A (First Class)
Having five Boeing 747-8is currently operating to various destinations, this was my second first class experience with Korean Air's newest fleet. I have wrote a review of the same aircraft (You can check it out here), so I will skip some of the basic descriptions about this aicraft. On this trip report, you will notice differences between medium-haul and long-haul flights. I have received more in-flight services and meals on this flight than my previous flight to Seoul.
My flight to Singapore was around 7 hours and thankfully I was the only passenger on board the first class. Compared to the full pax flight to Seoul 2 days ago, there was much more relaxation to both me and to the flight attendant.
My suite was again at 1A but I only used this seat for Takeoff, landing and during meal time. The flight attendant kindly made a bed on 1J which was right beside me to get some rest after the meal. There were two crew members in the first class section on my flight and I noticed that suite 3A was occupied as a crew rest. There is a separate crew bunk on the aircraft since I was the only one over the six seats, they probably used the last row as a crew rest.
Before the flight, the flight attendant brought a newspaper rack and asked me to choose some of it if I wanted to read. Next, the famous macadamia nut (on a plate) with some beverages were served. You can choose any beverages that is available by asking the flight attendant.
Also, amenities, pajamas and slippers will be provided on medium to ultra long-haul flights. The amenity is DAVI branded and the pajamas are made by Gianfranco Ferre, a reknowned Italian designer.
Clearer view of my suite. It is exactly the same as my previous HongKong - Seoul flight, only different departure time. Longer pitch, more storage spaces and Korean Air's uniquely designed space.
There are the three storage spaces: One for the in-fligt entertainment and the other two for personal things. As you can see there are white arrows on top of each metal buttons to open it. Seat recline buttons with different positions are by the side of the IFE remote storage.
All storage spaces opened. As I wrote it before, only small objects and books can fit into these spaces.
Picture taken from the foot rest. You can see over again how high the partition is made.
The monitor was not antiglare screen, it reflected me just like a mirror. The footrest is large enough for a person you or your companion to seat during the flight. Unfortunately, there is no seat belt unlike Air France's La Première ottoman seat.
Its dark in the picture but there is a compartment under the footrest to stow in a small bag or luggage. 100V AC power port (illuminating green light) is located under the footrest.
View of seat 1J in which it will transform into my bed after the meal. Nothing special, just same as my seat, in opposite direction.
In-Flight Meals:
Similar to all other first class services, the flight attendant came to me before takeoff and list down meals I would like to have. From appetizers to desserts, I was hoping that they could stimulate my taste cells.
Few hours later, while cruising over the East China Sea, the service kicked off. Flight attendants were continuously serving the food one after another. There was no break between each course of meal.
I had a feast for almost 2 hours in flight, served with a numerous hot/cold dishes and drinks.
First, the appetizer: Slow-roasted tomato with goat cheese spread and a honey sause. The serving was extremely small to be a appetizer. But it tasted good and had a good combination with white wines.
Cheers! The white wine tasted clean and sweet.
After the appetizer, one of the flight attendant came and set up my table with more tableware and flatware.
I guess it was still part of the appetizers. I was served with different types of breads and a dish which consist of soft shelled crab skin pancake rolls. It was pretty impressive selection.
Then a potato soup with more garlic breads.
Fresh salad was served: Savoy cabbages, red cabbages and Bok Choy (Something like Swiss Chard).
Next, the main. This was stir fried beef noodle with carrots and sprouts. Unfortunately, it tasted wierd until the flight attendant approached me and told me that she had tried this main and was also dissatisfeid with the taste.
So she brought me a Korean traditional course which was white rice, soy bean soup, garlic pickles and crispy seaweeds.
After the meal, fresh fruits were served.
As soon as I finished the last slich of fruit, there comes the vanilla ice-cream. And some more wines.
My favorite green tea after the meal. And of course, more wines.
This spicy bowl of shrimp noodle was served as snack an hour before landing at Singapore. I have had exact same noodle with more ingredients as a dinner when I used Korean Air's prestige class from Los Angeles to Seoul. Snack for first class passenges while main dinner for business class passengers.
In-Flight Entertainments:
Korean Air has its very own magazine called "Beyond." This beyond program is implemented in the AVOD entertainment system. Lots of channels you can enjoy during flight which eventually makes time fly really fast.
Screen is huge enough for you to sit back or lie down and enjoy.
Instead of reaching in front to the monitor to choose your favorite movies, you can use the touch screen remote controller to do it. More simple and comfortable.
Watching Sicario while having my desserts. You will have your own private movie room.
Extras:
In this section, I took some pictures in seat 1J which was my bed. The soft mattress and pillow made me doze off instanly in a private suite where no one disturbed.
The sliding door has one distinctive design (Fixed louvers) where you can see outside from your seat but it is impossible for others to see you sitting inside.
Front view of my own private suite with the doors closed.
Real view of the suite with the lamp and reading light turned on.
A peek of my seat (1A) seen between the sliding doors.
When all the lights are turned off, you'll be in a dreamland at once.
When you travel, try to avoid peak season because you can use the cabin all by yourself!
Summary:
I really liked this long-haul flight, as I got to receive amenity kits and more meals compared to the medium-haul from Hong Kong. Having a bed set up on a comfortable mattress for a nap was also notable on this flight. I could not notice any flaws as the cabin atmosphere and kindness of the cabin crews were all 10 out of 10. I did not mentioned above but you can actually ask for snacks if you feel hungry after the meal, flight attendants will bring you some nice things. I had a awesome flight and I would like to thank all the crews who made this possible. You will encounter it as well when you fly this carrier in the future.