Burma: RGN Mistake Fare

KE 654
BKK-ICN
777-300
November 7, 2012
12:15a-7:05a (sked)
12:15a-7:15a (actual)
Seat 1J

At about T-55, I decided to head down to the gate. In order to access the gate seating areas, you check in at the podium, where an agent scans the BP. When she saw my BP, GA escorted me to the roped-off SKY PRIORITY seating area, right in front of the door to the jetway, kicking out 4 scruffy Y pax who had taken it upon themselves to sit there. While we waited for boarding to commence, an elderly monk (older Dalai Lama type) in a wheelchair was escorted to the SKY PRIORITY area by a younger escort, who knelt and bowed down to him numerous times before taking his leave.

From the good side looking at the unwashed masses.

After the monk and 4 other wheel chair pax were pre-boarded, the two F pax were welcomed to board. KE regional 773 is a very tight 2-2-2. Fortunately, were only 3/6 tonight so each of us, including the monk, had two seats to ourselves. Wouldn't want to be in a full F cabin on this sucker.

Multiple FAs and the purser welcomed me on board and generally doted on all three of us until we went to sleep.
Multiple PD glasses and refills of Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose.

A word about KE FAs. On both of my flights, all FAs were female and under the age of 30. They were all incredibly polite and accommodating, meticulously groomed and dressed. Speaking of which, and this is by no means a bad thing... is it just me or do KE FAs wear skirts one or two sizes too small? Things that make you go hmmm.

In an amazing display of protocol and uniformity, our FAs positioned themselves at the front of each aisle (and cabin presumably) before the safety briefing and on cue, bowed in unison to the cabin.

I had been forewarned about the Breakfast only meal service and so it was...

But our FA recognized that some of us might be hungry and offered the option of "breakfast" immediately after take-off.
Since I had not eaten much this today, I requested an early breakfast.
Fortunately, breakfast was quite substantial and more like supper.

The chicken in pandan leaf with pandan chili sauce was outstanding.
After I gushed about the chicken, our FA brought a double order.

The egg noodle soup with squid and vegetable was sensational.

And fresh seasonal fruit was a great way to end the meal.

KE 17
ICN-LAX
A380-800
November 7, 2012
3:10p-9:00a (sked)
3:10p-9:12a (actual)
Departed only 3/12 in First
Seat 2J

At about T-50, I headed out for the short walk to Gate 10 and my first up close look at a KE whale. Not sure about those Korean Air colors though.

At least 8 GAs were scurrying around getting everything ready for boarding at T-30. And at T-30, as is now familiar protocol, all 8 stood facing the pax and bowed in unison. Pretty cool.

Boarding was a little confused even strange, starting with both Y pax at the left of the podium before GA opened the First line to the right of the podium. Don't know when they opened the middle Business line. All of this wouldn't have been a big deal if we could have boarded directly. But no, we all had to endure the ridiculous and useless secondary bag inspection. No priority inspection here... everyone congregates at the bottom of the ramp waiting their turn. Finally, I make the left turn down the F jetway...

First impression of the cabin is a wow! Talk about spacious. Some have commented negatively about the cabin colors and decor. It is certainly different but after absorbing it for a while, I've decided that I really like it. KE is one of the few airlines that has the F cabin on the main level. This means the cabin is substantially bigger and taller than 2nd level cabins like on Bling Air.

I had the cabin to myself for 5 minutes before the other 2 pax arrived, so was able to snap pics freely.

This panoramic video shows the entire cabin, including accidental bonus footage of quite possibly the most stunningly beautiful FA I have ever seen on any flight. And yes, she was working the F cabin. http://youtu.be/z7AoOIKBDAQ

The suites have three storage areas for everything from personal effects.

The curvature of the plane has produced a strange space between the seats and the cabin wall, used as ventilation.

Electronically controlled privacy divider can be raised and lowered at the touch of button on your seat control panel.

At least three FAs and our Purser stopped by to greet me, and made sure that my glass of Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle was never empty.