Korean Air Boeing 777-300ER Prestige Class SEOUL-LONDON

BACKGROUND Korean Air's route from Seoul Incheon to London Heathrow is operated daily by a Boeing 777-300ER configured with 291 seats across three cabins: first class (eight seats), Prestige (business class, 56 seats) and economy (227 seats). Korean Air also operates a 277-seater version of the aircraft, with upgraded first and business-class products.

- Hannah Brandler

The carrier recently launched a codeshare with fellow SkyTeam member Virgin Atlantic, enabling customers to book through Virgin to travel directly to Seoul.

CHECK-IN Flight KE907 departs Seoul at 1055. I completed online check-in 24 hours before the departure and received a digital boarding pass, but decided to check in my luggage.

Korean Air has a large premium check-in zone to the far right of Terminal 2 departures, with ten counters for Prestige passengers, members of the airline's Million Miler and Morning Calm Premium programmes, and SkyTeam Elite Plus members. This opens at 0530 and was very busy on the Friday morning, but the queue went quickly. First-class passengers can use a dedicated lounge, located to the right.

Security was crowded, with snaking queues. Unfortunately, Korean Air does not provide a fast-track option for premium passengers, which is a shame.

THE LOUNGE There are two lounges for Prestige passengers, located in the east and west wings of the terminal. Passengers are directed to the one closest to their gate. My flight was at gate 242 so I used the west lounge, located on the second floor opposite the food court and open from 0400 until 0000. Unsurprisingly the lounge was busy, but it's a huge space packed with various seating options so it didn't feel hectic. There are plug sockets throughout and wifi is free.

Hot and cold buffet options are provided, as well as several coffee machines and tea facilities though the cups are incredibly small, so you need about five refills for a normal mug. There's also a bar area.

On my way out I noticed a UV phone sanitiser machine, so wiped my phone of germs before heading to the aircraft.