Vancouverscape, a Vancouver based blog covering travel, tech, and lifestyle

Vancouver International Airport’s recently revamped SkyTeam Lounge near Gate 53 is your first point of entry aboard a Korean Air business class flight.

Open to passengers flying on Aeromexico, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Delta Airlines, KLM, Korean Air, and Xiamen Airlines, the fourth-floor lounge boasts two wings with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic runway views.

Free Wifi, charging outlets, showers, and a seasonal menu (including a made-to-order cold and hot noodle bar) in the dining area set the tone for passengers once through security.

A selection of craft beers and Pacific Northwest wines are available near the lounge entrance.

Korean Air

Korean Air, one of the world’s top 20 airlines, has a global network that spans 116 cities in 39 countries. The multi-award-winning airline was chosen as this year’s Airline of the Year by Airline Ratings and has a 5-star Skytrax rating for five years running.

Under recent agreements, Korean and Delta have committed to acquiring independent equity stakes totaling 25% in WestJet. While Delta will invest US $330 million for a 15% stake, Korean Air has invested US $220 million in exchange for a 10% stake.

Industry partners since June 2012, Korean Air and WestJet have steadily expanded their transpacific connectivity. Through their codeshare agreement, travellers on both sides of the Pacific can access flights between Seoul Incheon and Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary, with onward connections to WestJet’s domestic Canadian and U.S. routes, as well as within Korean Air’s extensive Asian network.

[Vegetarian morning meal ahead of arrival]

And on the culinary front, Chef Saekyeong Kim has partnered with the airline to create a new upgraded in-flight meal service featuring a variety of selections (including Korean dishes) for a taste of Korea in the sky. Korean Air has additionally partnered with Armani Casa to create a dish and glassware collection for Prestige Class meal service (First-class passengers dine on Bernardaud china with Christofle cutlery and Riedel glassware).

Both upper class cabin passengers can pre-order meals prior to boarding (on this route, available from Seoul to Vancouver only), with seven vegetarian dishes and a Korean vegan meal, in addition to several meat and seafood options. Korean Air’s overall wine list comprises over 50 varietals, including vintage reds, rare champagnes, rich ports and notable whites.

Cabin Layout

Korean Air’s newly revamped Prestige suites include upgraded tech, suede finishes, brass storage compartments (with interior lighting), and deep blue upholstery for a touch of elegance. The 787-10 contains 289 economy class seats and 36 Prestige Class 2.0 suites. The suites have fully lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 staggered configuration, making for easy aisle access from each seat.

Middle seats are positioned side-by-side so that couples/small families travelling together can convert their seats to a double bed. The center divider can be lowered so that you’re sleeping next to one other.

A row of illuminated seat controls to my left allow for easy adjustments in-flight, and the tray table pops out with the push of a button. A smart feature of Prestige Class seats are the storage units and slots for stowing travel essentials, including a latched box at the rear with lighting, mirror, and headphones hook.

There’s even a wireless charging pad and a pair of 60W USB-C outlets to charge your tech while making your way across the 8,200 km route.

Entertainment

Pair your own wireless headphones using Korean’s integrated Bluetooth connectivity, or make use of the provided noise-cancelling headphones placed at each seat.

The well-designed in-flight entertainment system features wireless charging, a 24” ultra-high-definition monitor, plus a wide range of current movies, TV shows, music, and magazines to cater to all tastes. And yes, there’s K-pop tunes too!

Comfort

Seats transform into 78” length fully lie-flat beds. A thick Frette blanket and comfy pillow add to the comfort of a long-haul flight, and window lighting can be adjusted via a touch panel.

[Korean Air’s Graff amenity kits are made using eco-friendly materials]

At each Prestige class seat is a navy blue Graff zippered pouch containing miniature bottles of the Italian brand’s hand cream and eau de toilette, plus lip balm, dental kit, eye mask, and earplugs. The bag itself is designed with two elastic interior pockets, making this amenity kit very reusable.

Dining

Shortly after takeoff, lunch service begins with a choice of beverage, served with a solo shrimp in a flavourful mango sauce followed by a small cured salmon salad.

[Tuna Bibimbap]

For the main course, I opted for Tuna Bibimbap, a Korean national staple, with fresh tuna, veggies, rice and sesame oil. On the side are portions of kimchi, pickled veggies, Gochujang sauce and seaweed to combine to your liking.

A few short videos (in English, Japanese, and Chinese) show how to best enjoy Bibimbap for those new to the dish. I learned that ingredients can change depending on the season, and the amount of gochujang can be adjusted for spice level.

Other options on our flight included Beef Tenderloin with Peppercorn Sauce and Chicken Breast with Mushroom Risotto.

[Manchego, Edam, Brie with crackers and fruit, following dinner]

[A colourful trio of small cakes]

Following this first meal, a fruit plate, cheese selection, small cakes and Mario’s gelato were served, which made for a refreshing and well-balanced sweet finish.

[Seared Cod Fish with Fusilli pasta]

Before landing, a second meal service included three options: Korean roasted chicken with spicy sauce, fried beef with black pepper sauce, and seared cod fish with fusilli. Following my delicious portion of seared cod came a small fresh fruit plate and choice of coffee or tea.

It was truly magical to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance tucked amongst the clouds while enjoying a warm meal and tunes by 80’s and 90’s Korean musicians on the airline’s noise-cancelling headphones.

Each main is paired with a recommended wine selection curated by award-winning sommelier Marc Almert. Both meals were well prepared and presented, and kept me fuelled until we landed in Seoul.

[Seoul to Vancouver first meal service: Penne pasta with seared scallops and shrimp]

Snacks are available during the flight, including cookies, mixed nuts, pizza and ramen noodles.

Service

The exemplary in-flight team come around often to check on passenger needs, while the lavatories were kept stocked and clean for an 11 hour+ flight (and 8 1/2-hour return). I really appreciated Korean Air’s attention to detail and cleanliness.

[Premium Check-in counter entrance, Incheon Airport, Seoul]

Luggage

With a Prestige Class ticket, you are entitled to check in two bags (up to 32kg/70 lbs. each), two carry-on bags (up to 22 lbs. each) and a small personal item free of charge, receive priority check-in, lounge access, preferred baggage handling as well as early boarding.

Korean’s daily scheduled 14:30 flight departs Vancouver International Airport and arrives in Seoul the next day at around 17:50, well timed for a light meal and bedtime, or perhaps to push on through for a night on the town.

[First Class Check-in Lounge space, Seoul]

Korean Air Lounges at Seoul Incheon

There are three Prestige Class Korean Air lounges to be found around Seoul’s largest international airport, several of which have been redesigned following the airline’s first phase of its lounge renewal project.

[Miler Club]

Two new Prestige Garden Lounges have opened at the far ends of the sparkling clean terminal, both featuring beautiful interiors, expanded facilities, and enhanced dining options.

If you’re headed towards gate 281, don’t miss the Prestige Garden East Lounge with its own Korean garden — a beautiful enclosed outdoor space complete with pagoda, small pond, Asian motif stone wall, and lush foliage.

[Prestige East Lounge]

The Prestige Garden West has a modern garden atmosphere; both offer a quiet retreat fused with modern simplicity.

Lounges contain designated zones for dining, relaxing, meetings, and wellness. Chefs from the Grand Hyatt Incheon prepare gourmet dishes live onsite for an interactive dining experience.

[Freshly-made dumplings inside the Miler Club dining area]

As well, the curated buffet at the new Miler Club and Prestige East Lounge will both include Korean and Western menu items, plus a bakery and salad bar. Menus will change each season to provide the freshest ingredients available. I personally go for salads before and after flights, to keep healthy as my body adjusts to a new time zone.

The new lounges also include a dedicated bartender (and in the Miler Club, an in-house barista) for crafted beverages prior to take off.

Relax in a massage chair, get some work done in the tech zone, or meet with colleagues in a meeting room that boasts a large conference screen.

Lounge interiors combine Korean design with modern luxury. A color palette of gold, charcoal, black, and ivory mirrors the Korean Air’s premium cabin aesthetics, while traditional Korean architectural elements including Hanok-inspired structures are seamlessly integrated with modern materials to create a contemporary and sophisticated ambiance.

I was a guest of Korean Air and its lounges for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, remain my own. Non-watermarked image courtesy of Korean Air.