Rare jumbo jet’s economy class feels more like premium

There’s a USB port and power outlet. An amenity kit includes toothbrush and toothpaste, disposable slippers, 500ml water and headphones.

Baggage

Two checked suitcases, up to 23 kilograms each. Cabin allowance includes a personal item and a carry-on bag, to a total maximum 10 kilograms.

Entertainment + Tech

The 28-centimetre seatback screen offers latest-release movies (lots of K-drama), TV series, music, kids’ content and flight info. I’m surprised there’s no Wi-Fi. Korean Air is in the process of rolling it out across the entire international fleet, which will take some time. An in-flight magazine, Morning Calm, has interesting stories about South Korean culture, design and destinations Korean Air flies to. A thick catalogue of in-flight shopping deals runs to 254 pages.

Service

The flight attendants don’t have a hair out of place.

The flight attendants don’t have a hair out of place.

Impeccable. Ever-smiling and perfectly groomed, the all-female cabin crew doesn’t have a hair out of place (collectively) the entire flight. Dressed in elegant turquoise, beige and white uniforms, they exude poised professionalism.

Food

As soon as the captain turns off the seatbelt sign, the crew comes through with lunch. The attendant recommends the Korean bibimbap bowl – ground beef, carrots, mushrooms, spinach, sprouts, cucumber, pickles – with instructions to mix in rice and gochujang paste, served separately. There’s a side of kimchi, fruit and a chocolate muffin. Four hours before landing, snacks (potato chips, brownies, bananas) are offered. Two hours later, there’s another meal service. I choose stir-fried beef with potatoes, served with prawn salad, fresh watermelon and a bread roll.

Carbon emissions

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1.4 tonnes. Korean Air recently launched a program for air cargo customers to reduce their carbon footprint by choosing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with plans to establish SAF usage in the airline’s commercial passenger sector.

One more thing

Korean Air is one of only three commercial airlines around the world flying the 747-8, the last jumbo jet variant developed by Boeing. It is the largest plane ever built by Boeing.

The price

From about $820 on this route, economy class one way.*

The verdict

I can’t remember the last time I wanted a flight in economy to last a bit longer. The only thing that could have improved it for me is inflight WiFi.

Our rating out of five

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