When it comes to flying with a 5-star airline like Korean Air, expectations are naturally high. Expecting an impeccable service and world-class experience, I boarded my long-haul economy flight with the hopes of experiencing something exceptional. Unfortunately, while there were some high points, my overall experience was far from the polished perfection I had anticipated. From an outdated aircraft to inconsistent offerings, here’s how my journey unfolded.
First Impressions: Entering a Time Machine
As I stepped onto the plane, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d been transported back in time. The aircraft looked old. Not the charming, retro kind of old, but the “we haven’t updated this plane in decades” kind of old. From the faded upholstery to the outdated overhead bins, everything seemed stuck in the past. It was hard to reconcile the 5-star status of the airline with the reality in front of me—it felt like Korean Air’s economy cabin hadn’t kept up with modern standards.
The Seat: Spacious and Comfortable
One area where Korean Air redeemed itself was the seat. There was plenty of legroom, even for someone on the taller side. The seat itself was comfortable for a long-haul flight, offering good back support and enough recline to make it through a 12 hour journey. While the surrounding cabin wasn’t visually inspiring, I appreciated the physical comfort of the seat, which is arguably one of the most important aspects of any flight.
They also gave an amenity kit, which is a bit retro too in Economy class, but I am not complaining. I am all down for free stuff! The kit contained a toothbrush, toothpaste and slippers. Not bad at all.
The Food: Good, but Not Exceptional
When it came to catering, Korean Air delivered a solid—but not spectacular—experience. Shortly after takeoff, the cabin crew served a warm meal, with two options to choose from. I went with the beef, which was tasty but not mind-blowing. For breakfast, there were again two choices, which was a pleasant surprise for an economy class meal service.
What really stood out was the variety of snacks available throughout the flight. From instant noodles to crackers and even fresh fruit, it was great to see that Korean Air caters to passengers who like to graze. This abundance of snacks definitely elevated the food experience.
Entertainment System: A Mixed Bag
Entertainment is an essential part of surviving any long-haul flight, and this is where Korean Air left me feeling disappointed. While the system offered some decent movie choices, it was plagued by issues. The interface felt clunky and outdated, and several features simply didn’t work—games, for example, were completely non-functional. To make matters worse, there was no Wi-Fi option available on the flight. In 2025, this felt like a glaring omission, especially when even budget airlines are starting to roll out in-flight internet access.
Final Thoughts
Flying Korean Air long-haul in economy was a mixed experience. The spacious and comfortable seat, as well as the impressive snack options, were definite highlights. However, the outdated aircraft, underwhelming entertainment system and lack of Wi-Fi left me questioning whether the airline’s 5-star reputation still holds up in the modern era. While I’d consider flying Korean Air again, I’d hope to find myself on one of their newer planes—and with a more consistent experience that better lives up to the high expectations.
One area where Korean Air lived up to its 5-star reputation was the service. The cabin crew were friendly, professional and attentive throughout the flight. They were quick to respond to requests and maintained a warm demeanor, even during the longest stretches of the journey. If only the rest of the experience matched the quality of the service!
