Is Korean Air a good airline?

Korean Air holds a Skytrax 5-star rating, one of fewer than twelve airlines globally to carry that designation. Passenger reviews consistently highlight Korean cuisine, crew service and the quality of the Prestige Business Class product on 787-9 services. For East Asia routing from Europe, it is one of the strongest options available. The main caveat is that Business Class product quality varies by aircraft type, and Economy cabin density on the 777-300ER in a 3-4-3 layout is a limiting factor on long-haul comfort.

What baggage allowance does Korean Air include?

Korean Air uses a piece concept on European routes. Economy Saver fares include one checked bag of up to 23 kg. Economy Standard and Flex fares include two checked bags of up to 23 kg each. Prestige Business Class includes two checked bags of up to 32 kg each. First Class includes three checked bags of up to 32 kg. Carry-on is 10 kg total in Economy and 18 kg total in Prestige and First. Korean Air enforces the carry-on limit at check-in, and the limit applies to the combined total of bag and personal item rather than separately. SKYPASS Morning Calm Club and SkyTeam Elite Plus holders receive one additional checked piece.

What is Korean Air Prestige Business Class?

Prestige Class is Korean Air's Business Class. On Boeing 787-9 services, it uses a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout with direct aisle access from every seat, a fully flat bed and a 31-inch personal screen. Korean and international cuisine, champagne, a full bar service and lounge access at Incheon and SkyTeam airports are included. On some Boeing 777-300ER variants, the layout is a 2-2-2 configuration where not all seats have direct aisle access. Always check the seat map before purchasing a long-haul Prestige ticket to confirm the configuration.

Is Korean Air a SkyTeam member?

Yes. Korean Air is a founding member of SkyTeam, having helped establish the alliance in 2000 alongside Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico. SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus status from Air France Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, KLM or any other SkyTeam programme applies in full on Korean Air flights, covering lounge access, priority check-in, priority boarding and the additional baggage piece. Miles earned on Korean Air flights accrue across all 18 SkyTeam member airlines via SKYPASS.

Which European cities does Korean Air fly direct to Seoul?

Korean Air operates direct non-stop flights to Seoul Incheon from London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol and Madrid Barajas. Flight times range from approximately 10 hours 30 minutes from Frankfurt and Amsterdam to approximately 11 hours 30 minutes from London and Paris, and approximately 13 hours from Madrid. All services arrive at Incheon Terminal 2, Korean Air's dedicated terminal.

What did the Asiana Airlines acquisition mean for passengers?

Korean Air completed the acquisition of Asiana Airlines in December 2024. Asiana continues to operate as a separate brand while integration proceeds, with no major network cuts affecting European routes. Asiana Club members are transitioning to SKYPASS during 2026. The SKYPASS award chart has not been materially devalued. The combined network makes Seoul Incheon one of the most comprehensively connected hubs in North East Asia, with stronger frequency on Korean domestic routes and short-haul East Asian destinations.

Is Seoul a good connection hub for East Asia?

Yes. From Incheon, Tokyo takes approximately two hours, Beijing and Shanghai approximately two hours each, Hong Kong approximately three hours 30 minutes, Bangkok approximately six hours and Singapore approximately six hours 30 minutes. The airport is consistently ranked among the world's best, connections are efficient, and the minimum connection time is 60 to 90 minutes for international-to-international itineraries. For European travellers heading to East and Southeast Asia, routing via Seoul avoids Middle Eastern airspace and produces competitive total journey times compared with Gulf hub alternatives.

Korean Air Review, Routes, Baggage Allowance, SKYPASS and Why Seoul Is a Smart Hub for East Asia - Flight Alternatives

Korean Air review covering direct routes from Europe to Seoul, Prestige Business Class, baggage allowance by fare type, SKYPASS SkyTeam benefits and the Asiana Airlines merger impact.