Korean Air is taking its travel experience to new heights by unveiling luxurious upgrades to its airport lounges and launching its first-ever Premium Economy Class. These enhancements are part of Korean Air’s broader strategy to elevate the passenger journey, timed perfectly with its upcoming brand refresh and integration of Asiana Airlines.

Here’s everything you need to know about the airline’s latest upgrades and what to expect on your next Korean Air flight.

Korean Air Introduces Premium Economy Class

Responding to increased demand for enhanced travel comfort at an accessible price point, Korean Air is launching its first-ever Premium Economy Class. The new Premium Economy Class will initially debut on Korean Air’s Boeing 777-300ER fleet, replacing first-class seating on select aircraft. These planes will operate with a three-class configuration: Prestige Class (Business), Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class.

Passengers in Premium Economy can expect:

  • Wider, reclining seats with increased legroom
  • Improved onboard service and amenities
  • Enhanced dining options and priority boarding

Rollout Timeline

The rollout begins in the second half of 2025, with gradual fleet-wide adoption expected through 2026.

Korean Air Lounge Upgrades at Seoul Incheon Airport

Starting this year, passengers traveling through Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) will be treated to fully renovated and brand-new airport lounges, offering an experience more akin to a five-star hotel than an airport waiting area.

New Prestige Garden Lounges

Korean Air is introducing brand-new Prestige Garden Lounges in Terminal 2’s expanded East and West Wing areas. These lounges will provide guests with spacious, quiet spaces for relaxation, productivity, and exceptional comfort.

  • Opening date: From August 2025 onwards.

Expansion and Redesign of Existing Lounges

The existing Prestige East Lounge and exclusive Miler Club Lounge will be expanded and completely refurbished, significantly increasing comfort and seating capacity.

Additionally, the First-Class Lounge and the existing Prestige Lounge (west side) will go through a complete renovation, transforming into a “retreat” similar to luxury hotel lounges.

  • Opening date: April 2026

Once renovations are completed, Korean Air will have a total of six lounges at Incheon Airport, nearly doubling the number of seats and offering 2.5 times more space for passengers.

Korean Air Renovated Lounges

Culinary Excellence: Enhanced Food and Beverage Offerings

Korean Air isn’t just expanding its lounge spaces; it’s also taking their culinary experience to a next level. Travelers can look forward to:

  • Live kitchens, where chefs prepare fresh meals on demand.
  • Signature noodle bar serving freshly-made noodle dishes.
  • Dedicated bakery and patisserie offering croissants, gourmet pizzas, and decadent desserts.
  • Professional bartenders and baristas crafting cocktails, premium wines, and specialty coffees.

These upgraded culinary experiences will also extend to major overseas hub lounges at airports like Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK).

Why is Korean Air Making These Changes?

These enhancements align strategically with Korean Air’s future plans, including its merger with Asiana Airlines, which is set to move to Terminal 2 shortly. Additionally, as Incheon International Airport undergoes its fourth expansion phase, passenger traffic is anticipated to increase significantly, making these upgrades timely and necessary.

Korean Air’s investments underscore its ambition to establish itself as a leading global airline known for reliability and exceptional passenger experiences.

Timeline of Korean Air’s Upgrades

Here’s when you can expect to see these new features:

  • August 2025: Opening new Prestige Garden Lounges at ICN.
  • Late 2025: Premium Economy Class begins operating on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
  • April 2026: Grand reopening of fully renovated First-Class and Prestige Lounges.
  • 2026 and Beyond: Continued expansion of Premium Economy seating across additional aircraft and routes.

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