Korean Air to add premium economy on 11 Boeing 777s, plans lounge revamps at JFK, LAX
Fresh off a major revamp to its brand and inflight experience, Korean Air is planning to bring premium economy to its fleet for the first time — and sunset its first-class cabin on about a dozen long-haul jets in the process.
South Korea's flag carrier is also plotting a major upgrade for its two U.S. lounges.
Monday's announcement marks the latest in a series of changes at the Seoul-based airline, which recently got the green light for its acquisition of fellow South Korean carrier Asiana Airlines. Last week it even unveiled a new logo, livery and comprehensive update to its onboard service.
Adding premium economy
Later this year, Korean will begin updating nearly a dozen of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with its first premium economy accommodations.
As part of the cabin overhauls, Korean's 777s will lose their first-class cabin in favor of the mid-tier seats.
Once complete, 11 of Korean's 777s will sport a new three-cabin configuration featuring its Prestige business class — the inaugural premium economy cabin and coach.
Following an industry trend
This move comes "in response to growing market demand," and Korean is largely following in the footsteps of other global airlines.
Some airlines, like Lufthansa and Japan Airlines, have added new and swanky first-class accommodations. But a wider range of carriers have ditched their most spacious seats in favor of slightly less luxurious — but still impressive — business-class suites and pods, complemented by premium economy recliners in the middle of the plane.
Look no further than American Airlines, which is planning to sunset its Flagship First cabins in 2025 in favor of a higher total number of Flagship Business suites — that is, whenever production finally finishes.
Read more: The best credit card welcome bonuses of March 2025
Korean itself debuted an all-new "2.0" version of its Prestige business class last year, featuring the privacy doors that have become a coveted premium-cabin amenity among airlines.
More broadly, premium economy has become a critical part of many airlines' long-haul service over the past decade as a way to cater to travelers who don't want to pay top dollar (or a sizable chunk of miles) for upscale, lie-flat seats, but still want added comfort and improved dining.
Within the Asian market, Taiwan-based EVA Air announced a total reboot for its premium economy — a cabin it once pioneered late last century.
Retrofits for 11 Boeing 777s
Back to Korean: Its first retrofitted 777 sporting premium economy is expected to enter service during the second half of 2025, the airline said Monday. Retrofits on 10 additional 777s — the carrier has about three dozen total — are expected to unfold over the next year and a half or so, with cabin refits running through 2026.
It's worth noting that the 777 is just one of several widebody aircraft Korean flies, including on routes to and from the U.S. Its long-haul fleet includes the Boeing 747 and 787 Dreamliner, along with the Airbus A330, A350 and A380.
The carrier did not announce any refit plans for its other wide-body jets Monday.
'Complete redesign' for Korean Air lounges
The airline did, however, reveal plans for a lounge refresh.
On top of expanding its outposts at its Incheon International Airport (ICN) home base in Seoul, the airline announced "complete redesigns" for its facilities at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (JFK).
Those clubs will incorporate "city-themed atmospheres," the carrier said.
Travelers hoping to book flights with Korean Air can use cash, book a redemption using its Skypass loyalty program or book a partner award flight through one of its SkyTeam alliance partners like Delta Air Lines, Air France or KLM.
Related reading:
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.