KAL: Excellent Service, But Beware?
Written: Jan 14 '05 (Updated Feb 25 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great Service, Great Korean food (mmm bibibap...)
Cons: Safety issues
The Bottom Line: You will definately be satisfied.
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| can_of_beans's Full Review: Korean Air |
Pretext:
I wrote a review about KAL a few months ago which was done in a few keystrokes without real info in it. So before I start, I just like to apologize for it and that you read my revamped review.
KAL has had ups and downs. From crashes, to North Korean Terrorist plots, to even Soviet kidnapping (or missiling depending which theory on KL Flt. 007 mystery you believe in). But really can one judge an airline on it's history? Some say yes and some say no. But my trip back to Japan, (a few days ago I actually came back) has proven that I survived and that I found a better pick over US carriers (yes you can get better seats and more than just peanuts).
My history with KAL
Not too extensive. Once on my secret trip to Busan (don't tell my parents), and a week ago, a trip back to Japan (YVR to ICN and then ICN to KIX and then back).
Check-in
Visitors to Vancouver International Airport or even any other busy airport know that checkin can be quite hectic. And at this particular time it was hectic. But it was managable and within 15 minutes, I was at the desk (2 hr. prior to flight). At Kansai and Incheon, they were much smoother probably because these buildings are both new and spacious. All 3 locations spoke fluent English, and Japanese and probably Korean. Checkin attendant was extremely friendly and helpful.
Seating
The A320 operating Busan to Osaka was extremely comfortable for Coach. The Boeing 777 operating from Vancouver to Seoul was really good too, but tilt on the seat was a little less than complete comfort. If seating is an extreme importance to you, avoid older aircraft like 747's and older 737's (ex 737-300) of any airline. Opt for 767's, 777's, A330, A340's etc. (Note: Korean Airlines does not operate A320, A340 or Boeing 767) Thanks Munkus! (his reviews available at http://www.epinions.com/user-munkus)
Inflight Crew
This is where KAL gets it's points. KAL has excellent crew members in the cabin. Friendly, Helpful and attractive. Even better than JAL (and JAL is reknown for theirs). It seems to me that Korean Airlines and Asiana Airlines are much more professional looking and more uniformed than other airlines. Even though it makes them look proffessional, you feel sorry for the young flight attendant who has to be all suited up, taking orders from annoying passengers for 11 hours straight on a flight!
Entertainment
On short flights, there was no film or even tv. The TV just showed the progress of the airplane on a world map. But there were Korean, Japanese and English newspapers handed out on these flights. The international flights were very good. They showed fairly recent movies (Bourne Supremecy and a Korean movie called Mr Gam's Victory). All with good translation. I haven't explored the music section, but I'll leave that to you.
Food
Excellent like most Asian airlines. They offered western choice or a Korean choice. The Korean choice consisted of bibimbap with cochujan (spicy pepper paste). They even added a few maki rolls. Food was heated perfectly. One thing about KAL is that even on the shortest of flights (INC to KIX took little over an hour), they still served meals! (for pictures, visit http://www.airlinemeals.net, click browse thousands of meals, click on Korean Airlines).
Destinations
Quite extensive. KAL even has great Korea to Japan flights all over Japan. They fly to many large hubs in the US and then relys on Delta to codeshare. Skyteam helps Korean Air with connections all over the place. But a lot of flights (esp. from LAX) are red eyes! (try 12:30 AM for some!)
KAL Lounges
Haven't visited on yet. I'll update when I do.
KAL's Skypass
I only have it because I used it instead of collecting Delta miles. Skypass is really well thought out. They provide elite levels and a special program for 12 and under. Miles never expire and award levels are fairly low. They even have a visa card for North America. Only problem is that they have little airline partners other than Skyteam.
Fares
Very low compared to most mainstream airlines. I saved $200 Canadian Dollars to Japan (About $150US). But it will seem like you paid more for the great service.
Safety: added section
I added this section to clear some questions. KAL hasn't had a great safety record. The crash in Guam in 95 rehighlited that. But people must realize that a large chunk of the crashes were caused by Soviet and even North Korean agents (they bombed a flight to boycott the 88 Seoul olympics.) But then again, KAL is scutinized for bad pilot english skills and some safety issues of landings and take offs. One should though remember that the chance of dying in an airplane is extremely low. About 1 in 1,000,000 flights result in accident and even then lower ratio for deaths. This is a few hundred times safer than cars. Also Korean Air has changed it's policies for stricter safety regulations. So personally I wouldn't mind going on Korean AIr, but for the sake of people's lives, Korean Air should continue to address safety issues and resolve the scrutiny of safety. (the 4 star rating is only implemented until Korean Air has rebuilt trust of the consumer)
Overall
I just love KAL hospitality. I will fly them definately again.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
can_of_beans
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Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 1 member
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