Nation

Epic Adventure: First Class on Korean Air to Hong Kong

2025-05-10

Author: Lok

Buckle up for a thrilling ride through my recent globe-trotting escapade! After seven long years of anticipation, I finally realized my dream of flying in first class on Korean Air. This epic journey took me from Atlanta to Hong Kong, connecting through Incheon, marking a monumental return to a city I hadn’t visited since before the pandemic.

Booking the Dream Flight

Utilizing 80,000 Korean Air Skypass points, I snagged a coveted one-way ticket from Atlanta (ATL) to Incheon (ICN). This not only clinched me a spot on the longest 747 flight in the world but also included a smooth connection in business class to Hong Kong (HKG). The ICN-HKG leg was a delightful bonus, especially since I was initially eyeing an A350-900 flight to Osaka!

A Quick Detour in Los Angeles

Before embarking on this journey, I booked a red-eye flight from Los Angeles to Atlanta for just $165 in economy class. Once I arrived in Hong Kong, I stayed at the Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour—a budget-friendly choice that surprised me with its comfort, though the Grand Hyatt remains a top-tier option.

Return Journey: Options Galore

For the return trip, I had a plethora of choices. Initially tempted to fly in Qatar Pacific's luxurious first class to Doha, I reconsidered due to limited onward connections. Ultimately, I secured a Cathay Pacific business class ticket to Amsterdam on the A350-1000, followed by a connection to Helsinki and then a misconnection back to Los Angeles via New York. It was a whirlwind but a delightful experience overall!

Navigating My Itinerary: A Snapshot

Here’s a glimpse into the segments of my incredible trip that I'll be covering: - Delta Air Lines A321neo Economy Class (LAX-ATL) - Visiting All 9 Delta Sky Clubs in Atlanta in Just 3 Hours! - Korean Air 747-8 First Class (ATL-ICN) - Highlights of Hong Kong including the MTR smooth airport transit and a stay at Hyatt Centric - Luxurious lounges like Cathay Pacific’s The Wing and The Deck at HKG - Cathay Pacific A350-1000 Business Class (HKG-AMS) - Finnair and American Airlines segments back home.

Join My Journey!

This journey was brief yet filled with unforgettable moments. If you’re itching for more details or have specific aspects you’d like me to focus on in my upcoming posts, don’t hesitate to reach out!