A Pleasant Journey with Korean Air

I never expected this. I had a really pleasant journey with Korean Air to Seoul this winter.

I did not intend to choose Korean Air, as it does not have the best safety records. However since my itinerary to Seoul was not confirmed until the very last minute, the only reasonably priced flights for me are with Korean Air. Well, fine, let’s forget the fact that a long long time ago a Korean Air jet was shot down because of a 1 degree detour. Let’s give it a try.

Things were further complicated by the fact that shortly before the our journey the North Korean leader suddenly died and the government of the South declared a state of emergency. Will history repeat itself?

We never know. But we decided to take the risk and carry on with the trip. So the first thing on the flight was my son’s curiosity on the things available on the seat: the remote control, the personal touch screen TV, the pillow, blanket etc. So while handling my son’s curiosity my body touched the “call attendant” button on my own remote control. Immediately, really immediately, an air stewardess approached me to check whether I needed any help. I was so surprised. With other airlines, budget or full fee, my “call attendant” signal had never been acknowledged within 20 minutes. And now an air steward attended to this signal right away! And when she realized it was a false alarm, she just smiled and turned it off. Nice service.

And then I found that my son’s seat does not have a headphone and so I requested one. And, again, the air stewardess immediately went to find another one and handed it to me. Although this one was a broken one, I was surprised again that the stewardess did not pretend to be busy so as to ignore my request, which had so often been the case.

And during meal time, I wanted some drinks, and after asking for what I wanted, the air stewardess followed up immediately with a cup of orange juice. Another surprise. How often have you encountered stewards in the air answered your request within 1 minute? Never for me.

So I had the best meal on air so far. The food was not outstanding, but I was truly enjoying outstanding services and this was the most pleasant airplane meal I have ever had. Previously I did not understand why people were willing to pay a premium for normal food in high class hotels. Now I understand. It is the service that makes it different.

Thumbs up, Korean Air! I hope I will be able to have another enjoyable trip back home.