August 7th, 2016
Korean Air 627 Seoul (ICN) - Jakarta (CGK) Departure: 1611 Arrival: 2012 Duration: 6:01 Aircraft: Boeing 777-3B5(ER)
Registration: HL8010 Seat: 7A (Prestige/Business Class)
It was in 2015 when Korean Airlines first introduced the new Prestige Suites to B747-8s and select A333s and B773ERs.
Over the time, Korean Air substituted quite a number of old 2-3-2, 2-2-2 Prestige/Business Class seats on their B777-300ER and A330-300 fleets into the new Prestige Suites. This new staggered aisle access seats are configured in 2-2-2 which is identical to the APEX suites on Oman Air and Japan Airlines. Although there are almost 40 Boeing B777s and 29 A330s with the company, Korean Air is only introducing the new seats on some currently existing extra-range -300ERs and A333s. But I think, the company will soon implement it to the whole fleets. Boeing's -200s and -300s and Airbus' A332 are still equipped with Angle lie-flat Prestige Sleeper seats as of now.
The 2-2-2 configured seats, provides excellent privacy since it looks like a mini suite with partitions around. The size of the seats increased a lot compare to the old Sleeper seats. The new suite has two different pitch length: 75 inches of pitch on the center(D,E) and 86 inches of pitch on RH/LH(A,B,H,J) seats. At the same time, all seats have 22.5 inches of width. You will definitely have more legroom and space if you choose the window seats. All seats feature 180 degrees full-flat bed.
There are total of 277 seats(8F, 42C, 227Y) in the fleet with Prestige Suites and 291(8F,56C,227Y) without it. Also based on Korean Air's website, I found that the fleet with new suites travel 200Km more since the weight is a little lighter without 20 passengers.
The Cabin:
The cabin is divided into two section the mini(Row 7) and the main(Rows 8-14). The mini cabin is much more private which feels like a first class since there is only one row surrounded by lavatories and bulkheads. The suites really met my eyes and were truly amazing. Compared to the 2-3-2 which had open environment, the new ones were more quiet and calming since every passengers have their own personal space. And since the seat became wider, the aisle shrunk but the overhead compartment still stayed the same but with more spaces as 14 seats were eliminated.
Korean Air Prestige Suite Seats Cabin. *Photo credits to Toby Allen*
Korean Air Prestige Suite Seats Cabin. *Photo credits to Mr. Toby Allen*
The Seats:
Korean Air refuses to tell who is the manufacturer of these suites but they have done a great job. With their signature teal colored seats, each has a pretty high leather partitions around it with a huge privacy panels activated on one click, an ottoman(with no seatbelt) and a large luxurious wood themed table. A complete privacy will be guaranteed when the seat are adjusted to bed mode and the screens go up. Another best thing in terms of design is the armrest goes down with the bed providing perfectly plain bed.
There are only one storage space under the armrest, and one under the ottoman. But usually, the cabin crew will tell the passengers to not stow items under the footrest during takeoff and landing. The storage space is mainly to stow headphones, small electronics and reading materials.
Compared to Qatar Airways, Korean Air's pillow and blanket were not static-resistant. Anytime my dry skin, due to cabin altitude, contacts the blanket, static-electricity pops. Obviously, it feels uncomfortable getting a small electricity shocks.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Seat: 7A with hanger below.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Seat: Pillow and blanket.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Seat: 7A.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Seat: Footrest/Ottoman. (The reflection was really awful).
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Seat: Storage space with headphone jack.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Seat: Seat selection buttons.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Seat: Tray table.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Seat: Fully flat bed mode.
In-Flight Meals:
Being a frequent flyer of Korean Air and having their meals most of the time, I really like the menus on board. Unlike Asiana Airlines, KE's bigger competitor, it provides more abundant meals even in economy class. (Asiana has recently cutting drink and meals services on some flights).
Prior to departure, a honey roasted peanut by Fisher and a selection of beverages will be served. Korean Air uses mini-sized wine/champagne glasses which are hard to grip. This peanut is not the one which caused worldwide attention as that was macadamia nut. Only first class passengers will have their snacks served on a small bowl. For a 6 hours flight, different variety of beverages and menus were available.
The actual meals were served 2-3 hours after takeoff. There were 1 starter, 1 soup, 1 salad and 3 main choices. The quality and freshness of foods were great despite the plating, minutely not perfect. Korean Air has really good appetizer and mains especially the medium-rare tenderloin steak. Light refreshments are served before descending and usually it is either sandwich or a triangular Kimbab. (seaweed rice roll with tuna or spicy meat).
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Welcome Drink and Snack.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Menu. *In Korean*
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Tray Table.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Tray Table with table clothing.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Meals: Mushrooms and boiled cherry tomato with dipping as appetizer.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Meals: Asparagus Cream Soup.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Meals: Mozzarella cheese and tomato salad.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Meals: Steak and mashed potatoes as Main.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite Meals: Before arrival Chicken Sandwich as simple snack.
In-Flight Entertainments:
Korean Air has AVOD in-flight entertainment called Beyond Entertainment. There are large numbers of contents in it which are excellent for long-haul flights.
With 17 inch, upgraded to capacitive touch screen HD display and a wider touch screen remote controller added more comfort to passengers. The display on both monitor and remote had a clear glass and no anti-glare so the reflection was awful when sunlight or cabin lights were turned on. Also big issue regarding the location of power socket: they are still installed far away in front from reach.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite IFE.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite IFE: Touch screen remote controller.
Korean Air B777 Prestige Suite IFE: System error on the route map.
Summary:
Trying out the new Prestige Suite for the first time, I was really satisfied with product on this flight. I have not yet tried Oman air nor Japan Airlines' B/E aerospace's APEX suite but I think there's not much difference between Korean Airlines. The service quality by the cabin crews are always the best based on Korean Air's strict training system. They are always ready for any helps needed.
One important factor I always emphasize is the privacy and the Prestige Suite was a perfect example how privacy should be provided to passengers. Also, I would like to encourage you to get the seats on mini cain(row 7), as this cabin is more relaxing than the main cabin. The in-flight meals were satisfying but the portion was small, it was not enough for me. AVOD IFE had some glitch such as the route map as you can see above. I hope it has been fixed by now. Additionally, Korean air doesn't have jet lag reducing blue/purple mood lights so when lights are turned off its, completely dark and vice versa.
It was a interesting 6 hours to Jakarta with atmosphere throughout the cabin different from what it used to be before. Looking from an old 2-3-2 sleeper seats to staggered suites, I can see Korean Air is revamping its aging cabin to provide best travel experience to customers.
I am desperately waiting to try out Korean Air's Boeing 787-9s coming next year with same suits installed and a better mood light for long range destinations!