Business Class Busts: When the Upgrade Isn’t Worth It

① Korean Air Prestige Class

The business class in an aircraft typically features seats that can recline to a full 180 degrees. However, not all business-class seats are the same and come in various types. The seat classes of Korean Air are divided into economy class, prestige class, and first class. The Prestige Class, which is equivalent to the business class, is divided into four types: Prestige Suite, Prestige Sleeper, Prestige Plus, and B737 Prestige.

The Prestige Suite ensures a private space for customers. It allows unrestricted access to the aisle without interference from the adjacent seats. Thanks to the ample personal space, you can have a comfortable time throughout the flight. The storage space is also spacious, making it ideal for storing personal belongings.

The seat pitch measures 75 inches, with a seat width of 21 inches and a recline angle of 180 degrees. This seat has the advantage of lying in a bed-type seat without any disturbance from the surroundings. The Prestige Suite is what most passengers know as a business-class seat.

The Prestige Sleeper seat features a 180° bed-type design with a seat pitch of 74 inches, a width of 20.1 inches, and a seat recline angle of 180˚. The Prestige Plus seat has a seat pitch of 60 inches (152cm), a width of 20.1 inches (51cm), and a seat recline angle of 170˚. While this seat does not offer a private space, it is still a convenient business class seat due to its recline angle of 170˚ and 180˚.

The B737 Prestige seats are considered the worst business class seats on Korean Air. You can see it on small aircraft flying short distances, such as to Jeju Island or Japan. Some passengers called it a premium bus seat as it is similar to a seat in a premium express bus.

It’s not a full-flat seat that reclines 180 degrees, so it’s a bit more comfortable than economy class. The seat pitch in the B737-8 Prestige Class is 52 inches, with a seat width of 21 inches and a seat recline angle of 132˚. The seat pitch and width are spacious, but there is a big difference in the seat recline angle.

The seat recline angle of the Prestige Class in B737-800s and B737-900Ds is 123˚. Most people think there is no significant difference in the recline angle compared to the economy class. The seat recline angle in economy class is 118˚. In some cases, there is no personal monitor. The price of the B737 Prestige seat is twice that of the economy class.

② Asiana Airlines Business Class

Asiana Airlines’ business class is divided into Business, Business Smartium, and Business Suite (A380).
The Business Suite seat is a full flat bed, allowing for a comfortable sleep. It is the first in Korea to be equipped with two doors, maximizing privacy. You can be assured of a private space.

There is an additional seat within the space so that you can spend time face-to-face with your companion. The Business Smartium seat has a bed-type seat that spreads horizontally to 180 degrees. It offers individual access to all seats, providing a spacious and comfortable personal space.

While Korean Air has premium bus seats, Asiana Airlines has seats called “slide.” The regular business class has narrower seats compared to Business Smartium.

The seat recline angle is 170˚; hence, it is colloquially called a slide. Slide seats can be found even on long-haul routes. Most passengers’ reviews say they feel like they are sliding down after sitting for a long time.
Although it is a business-class seat, you cannot feel perfect comfort.

③ How to Avoid Premium Bus Seats

When booking a flight ticket, it’s necessary to check the aircraft type in advance to avoid seats that are rumored to be unsuitable for the price. Despite paying the same price, you may have a disappointing experience. The aircraft types with the Prestige Class called a premium bus seat are the 737-900, 737-900ER, and 737 MAX 8. The aircraft types of Asiana Airlines with premium bus-type business class are A321-200 and A321neo. Avoid booking these types, and you can have a more satisfying flight.

However, there are cases where the airline suddenly changes the aircraft type. The aircraft type can change due to aircraft defects, maintenance, airport conditions, etc. Due to the nature of the airline industry, predicting changes in aircraft types is difficult. Seat changes due to aircraft type changes do not qualify for compensation, so you must board.