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.
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.
Bu hikaye Business Traveller UK dergisinin June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Business Traveller UK dergisinin June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
BACKGROUND This biophilic property opened in June 2023 and is the second Pan Pacific hotel in the city, the other being the Pan Pacific Singapore. The hotel is a member of the Green Collection within the GHA Discovery loyalty programme. It is BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified for its sustainability credentials.
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
BACKGROUND The Hoxton brand debuted in London's Shoreditch in 2006 and is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. The brand has 16 properties across Europe and North America, including two in Amsterdam - the first opened in 2015 in the city centre, followed by this property in the Eastern Docklands in August 2023.
Ruby Zoe, London
BACKGROUND Germany's Ruby Hotels launched in 2013, and operates 17 properties in locations including Amsterdam, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Zurich.
London Hilton on Park Lane
BACKGROUND The London Hilton on Park Lane opened in 1963 - the first Hilton property in the UK. To celebrate its 60th anniversary last year, the hotel embarked on an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment led by the GA Group.
Philippine Airlines A321 business class SINGAPORE-MANILA
BACKGROUND Philippine Airlines operates flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, using A321ceo aircraft, which stands for 'current engine option, indicating an older aircraft than the A321neo. My flight (PR502) was a morning departure at 1035, arriving 1425 local time in Manila.
Lima
Peru's coastal capital boasts colourful public parks, striking street art and generous plates of ceviche
The inside scoop
We chat to the president of luxury hotel and restaurant association Relais & Châteaux, which marks its 70th anniversary this month
Why business isn't better
Our 'columnist' this month explains why they believe economy class reigns supreme over business class
Here be dragons
For a city known for its densely packed streets and hectic pace of life, Hong Kong has a truly remarkable countryside
Provincial Provence
As Terre Blanche marks its 20th anniversary, we experience the resort's golfing and spa facilities as well as Michelin-starred food and blush rosé