Booking My Trip to Bangkok
In late September 2022, I booked my flights for an upcoming trip to Bangkok. I purchased my tickets directly through the Korean Air website for 655,700 KRW. While budget options like Jeju Air were available at a lower price point—around the low 300,000 KRW range including baggage—I ultimately decided to stick with Korean Air. My primary motivation was to maintain my Morning Calm status and continue accumulating mileage, which made the extra cost worth it for my travel goals.
The Flight Experience: KE657 (Incheon to Bangkok)
Flying out of Incheon was an exciting experience, especially as travel restrictions were easing during that time. The flight was nearly full, but the service remained consistent with what I expected. The meal service on KE657 began shortly after takeoff. I enjoyed the meal, and a highlight was definitely the ice cream served for dessert. It was a relaxing way to start the trip while catching up on some movies.
The Return Journey: KE652 (Bangkok to Incheon)
Returning home on KE652, the flight schedule is designed to get you back early. Once the plane reached cruising altitude, the lights were dimmed to allow passengers to sleep. The meal service was provided near the end of the flight, typically around 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM. While some travelers might prefer a lighter meal like a fruit plate at that hour, I found the meal quite satisfying and finished it entirely.
Morning Calm Benefits
One of the most practical perks of maintaining my Morning Calm status is the priority baggage handling. It is always a relief to see my luggage come out early on the carousel after a long flight, making the arrival process much smoother.
Final Thoughts
Overall, choosing Korean Air for this trip was the right decision for my personal travel needs. Balancing the cost against the benefits of status maintenance and the comfort of the service provided a reliable experience for my October 2022 getaway.
