Overview & First Impressions
The journey began in Hong Kong with a convenient complimentary shuttle service from the Sovi M Gallery Hotel in Tong Chong to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). After a swift check-in and security screening, the pre-flight experience included a visit to the SkyBridge for some plane spotting, a customary activity when departing from HKG. The inbound Boeing 787-9, registration HL7208, from Seoul arrived, setting the stage for the flight.
Following plane spotting, a brief but pleasant stop was made at the Plaza Premium First Lounge, located near Gate 1 on the departures level. Access was included with the Korean Air Business Class ticket, a notable perk as this lounge typically requires an extra fee even for Priority Pass holders. The lounge offered a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, boasting an abundant selection of food and drinks. Highlights included a delicious Dubai chocolate gelato, refreshing Booster Sunrise for a healthy dose of Vitamin C, and a classic Hong Kong style fish ball noodle soup, all of which were highly enjoyable. After approximately an hour, it was time to proceed to Gate 24 for boarding.
Stepping onto the Korean Air 787-9, the cabin immediately presented a sense of spaciousness and privacy. While Korean Air has introduced newer Prestige 2.0 Business Class suites on its 787-10s, this aircraft features the Prestige class version 1, utilizing the popular Apex suite design. Despite technically being a 2-2-2 configuration, the clever layout ensures every passenger benefits from direct aisle access. Settling into a highly private window seat (9A), welcome drinks and pretzels were offered by the attentive crew, who promptly returned to take meal orders, signifying the start of a promising flight experience.
Seat, Cabin & IFE
The Korean Air 787-9's Prestige class version 1, featuring the Apex suite design, is a standout for its privacy and comfort. The seat, particularly the window seat (9A), feels like a private corner within the cabin, enhanced by privacy barriers that can be raised for complete seclusion. A significant advantage of these Apex suites is the generous legroom; even for a passenger of 5'7", the footrest was well out of reach when fully stretched, indicating ample space for taller individuals.
However, a minor drawback, particularly in the window seats, is the limited accessible storage. While there's a surface area by the narrow passageway and a cubby above the footrest (presumably for shoes or bags), both are out of arm's reach when seated and buckled in, limiting convenient storage for personal items. Despite this, the seat is well-appointed with amenities, including high-quality, comfortable noise-canceling headphones, a plush pillow, and a remarkably soft blanket from Italian designer Freta, perfect for lounging. Slippers are also provided, a thoughtful touch even for a relatively short flight.
The tray table, discreetly stored beneath a side flap, is versatile, allowing for rotation and sliding forwards and backwards. The lavatory was standard, clean, and stocked with a handful of amenities. The In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system offered a functional interface with decent response speed. While not the most aesthetically pleasing system, it provided a solid selection of movies, and the interactive flight map was a welcome feature. A minor inconvenience was a non-working IFE controller, necessitating the use of the touchscreen, though this was less of an issue on a shorter flight. Overall, the cabin environment and seat design contribute significantly to a comfortable and private business class experience.
Food, Drinks & Service
The in-flight service on Korean Air's Business Class was exemplary, contributing significantly to a positive overall impression. Shortly after reaching cruising altitude, the crew initiated the meal service with refreshing hand towels. Throughout the flight, the crew demonstrated attentiveness and friendliness, from offering welcome drinks and pretzels upon boarding to efficiently taking meal orders and serving each course.
The meal service commenced with an appetizer of sous vide beef paired with a ratatouille salad, which was noted for its tenderness and flavor. For the main course, there were several appealing options. The Bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish, was selected and exceeded expectations. It was served with minced meat, mushrooms, cucumbers, various vegetables, bean sprouts, radishes, carrots, Korean hot pepper paste, sesame oil, seaweed, rice, and a accompanying soup. This choice proved to be a delightful and authentic culinary experience. Another main course option, the braised beef, was served to a companion and included mushroom soup and bread rolls.
The meal concluded with a satisfying dessert of Häagen-Dazs ice cream and a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The beverage selection was also comprehensive, with welcome drinks and various options available in the lounge, such as the healthy Booster Sunrise. Despite a brief moment of turbulence during meal service, the crew managed the situation professionally. The overall dining experience, combined with the friendly and efficient service, was a highlight of the flight.
