Korean Air Business Class

Is it worth it?
We just flew Seoul to Bangkok in business class it was very disappointing. With the exception of the gracious welcoming bow at the beginning of our 6 hour flight it was barely remarkable.
Our seats were the old style with padded metal, manual footrests. The real bete noire was in the lav--"Sky Man" toiletries. (stinky, too!)
Service was minimal--I had to repeatedly get up (I hate to ring the FA call button--it's very annoying to other pax) to get refills--water, wine, soda, etc.
The beautiful china and crystal they show on the commercials inundating some markets is only in first class, I guess. We had nice dinnerware but small wine glasses--demi-tasse size. The linens were generic--not the pretty aqua ones they show on the ads.
The food was not particularly good--they offered Korean and western food, but not competitive with other carriers.

KE has a very well-appointed "Prestige" lounge at Incheon airport. They offered very good food and beverages--excellent facilities and service. I would guess that the First class lounge is even nicer, but I'm not sure what could make it better--more ambience?

The sister lounge in Bangkok's new mega-airport was totally the opposite. I felt like we were in a cafeteria with a few ethernet cables. Food was barely edible but they did have decent German Sekt. The lounge was operated by Air France and they should be ashamed. It was sad. The only assets were free beverages and internet plus baggage storage.

I'm pleased that we had confirmed seats using minimal FF miles, but the benefits would not be worth a paid business class ticket.

PS--it was 777 300 aircraft (thanks for asking Mountie). From what I have heard, Thai business class might have been a better choice, but that would have been coach-only standby. for us--then again, that might have been an improvement!)

Message Edited by kyshel on 11-17-2007 03:54 AM