Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Omkara]

I see that United often has the lowest prices, and often these are lower by a wide margine; but I recall that the Asian airline companies generally have better and more comfortable rides. What do you think?

I'm flying to the States next month.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

For trans-Pacific flights JAL is usually the best - good in-flight entertainment systems, some free drinks, and no whiney Korean children after you change flights in Japan.

[Omkara]

Thanks. I've never flown with them.

I recall that United tends to cut a lot of corners? Is my memory accurate?

[JJJ]

I flew United a few weeks ago on an international flight. It was fine. Plus I saved a ton of money that went towards my bar hopping back home. One tip, it's worth it to spend the $38 bucks or so to upgrade to Economy Plus (I believe that's what it's called). I did on my way back because regular economy is tight, baby.

Of course I would love to fly Cathay, Singapore, Emirates, Qatar (heard very good things), KLM (which I love) but at this moment in my financial life, I would rather suck it up and save the money for other things.

[Chamchiman]

I've flown across the Pacific on Singapore, Cathay Pacific, JAL, Asiana, Korean and Air Canada, and I'd rank them in that order.

Singapore always has a personal entertainment system. (I hear that's because they use 777s instead of 747s as opposed to something specific to the airline, but I've never been able to confirm whether that's the reason.) Having your own choice of movies is an absolute must. If I want to watch the same shitty program as everyone else, I'll ride a Korean bus. They also have very good service, a choice of Indian food, and are cheaper than the Korean airlines. Finally, I was three kilos over on each bag last time, and they let me through no problem. I'll always fly with them if given any choice at all.

Cathay and JAL are also excellent, but I've only flown each once, so can't be too specific about why they're good.

Asiana and Korean are (usually) very good, with extremely attractive cabin staff and good service. They're expensive though, especially Korean.

Air Canada brings up the fat, ugly rear in every category. It's the complete lack of sense of service that is most shocking - there's a palpable feeling of entitlement among the aged cabin staff that causes the old hags to treat you like they're doing you a favor by bringing you a beer. Bottom of the barrel entertainment systems and no chance of winking at the check-in staff to get your overly heavy bags through are also deal-breakers. I'll never fly with them again. Shameful, awful airline that one.

[No_hite_pls]

NWA (Delta) FF program is great, every fourth flight is free and they give
you plenty of free upgrades. I have flown first class with them on four segments and did not pay for it.

[AussieGav]

[quote="Chamchiman"]I've flown across the Pacific on Singapore, Cathay Pacific, JAL, Asiana, Korean and Air Canada, and I'd rank them in that order.

Malaysian and Thai are also very good airlines.

[victorology]

If you're flying economy, I'd actually avoid JAL because they only give 31" of seat pitch. Korean Air and Asiana both have 34". It makes a big difference.

Any of the U.S. airliners will be worse than the Asian ones. If you happen to have elite status (fly over 25,000 miles a year), United isn't that bad because of their economy plus section. It may actually be preferable to fly United in economy plus over JAL. In business or first, it's a different story.

I used to fly Star Alliance carriers (Asiana, United, ANA, Singapore) but now fly Korean Air (SkyTeam) because they serve more routes out of Seoul. Star Alliance is better than SkyTeam, though.

[Gimpokid]

+1 for Singapore Airlines. They are generally fairly well priced and that enterainment thing is pretty sweet. It has a TON of movies on it and some pretty crappy video games too. I also feel like the seats are bigger and they have those flip down foot rests that really help a lot.

Jal is OK. Air China sucks ass.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

The SE Asian airlines are all generally better, but it might be much more difficult to get a convenient flight out of Korea.

[oldtactics]

I flew Singapore Airlines from San Francisco to Seoul this time around and I loved it - I found that there was lots of leg and butt room in economy and the mid-week, mid-day flight was about half full, so most people got more than one seat to themselves. The service was excellent, the food was excellent, and the in-seat entertainment system was the best out of any flight I've ever been on. The flight attendants are also very accomodating for people who request things between cart service.

North American airlines aren't terrible most of the time, but they seem, in my experience, very bare bones, whereas I find the Asian airlines to be an experience in itself. Check-in counters at North American airlines also seem to be pretty terrible most of the time - even if the employees are nice, the system always seems disorganized.

In my experience.

[Omkara]

Thanks, all. Very helpful.

[Jeff's Cigarettes]

Thai air because there's no language barrier for me.

[tzechuk]

I fly Cathay Pacific.

[losing_touch]

I also fly Cathay Pacific often. Their service is excellent. I have lots of miles with them. I like the Hong Kong airport for the layover. The beer is free unlike many N. American carriers. Flying across the Pacific sucks when you are paying $5-$6 per beer!