The SkyTeam partners KLM & Air France have launched a good deal for flights to South Korea: Business class from Luxembourg and Brussels to Seoul and back start at €1,549. It is particularly interesting that you can sometimes fly with Korean Air.
Our availability calendar highlights all available flight dates for trips of 3 to 21 days. All you have to do is select the departure airport on the left and then the desired travel dates in the calendar. Another click forwards you to the airlines’ websites. Air France will show you slightly different options than KLM, so it’s worth checking out both sites.
When selecting the inbound leg, KLM’s website sometimes switches to Economy fares. These are only €100 cheaper than the business class fares. Make sure you select a business class inbound!
You can fly via Amsterdam or Paris. Should your route be from Brussels, the segments between Brussels and Paris will be operated by train instead of by plane.
The aircraft on the long-haul flight varies. KLM and Korean Air are most likely to use a Boeing 777, while Air France should fly you onboard an Airbus A350.
Let’s start with the negatives: Not only is Air France’s service usually below average (especially between meals), but their Business Light fare makes things even worse. Only 1 piece of luggage is included, and lounge access costs extra (except on flights to the US). On a positive note, almost all of their planes are equipped with a modern 1-2-1 business class by now.
By now, modern seats have also become the norm at KLM. Its business class is definitely not a bad choice, also thanks to the good service. Like many other airlines, the Boeing 787 always has the newest business class seats installed.
On cannot speak of a single Korean Air business class, as there are 4 versions. The newest version has mainly been installed in the Boeing 747-8 and the A330. There, you’ll fly in a modern and comfortable seat. The special part: Even though the seats are aligned in a 2-2-2 formation, everyone still has direct access to the aisle. The seats are not right next to each other, thus creating a corridor to the window seat – a great idea for wide planes like the Jumbo! In the A380’s upper deck, you’d fly in an older business class version, but Korean Air has a bar area where you can comfortably sit on the couch drinking a cocktail. The worst business class version is still being used on less prominent routes on some older Boeing 777 planes – with a row of three in the middle and angled seats.
Search & Book
According to the fare rules, the flights can be booked up until August 11, 2022. The minimum stay requirement is five days or one night from Saturday to Sunday, and according to the fare rules, you can spend a maximum of 3 months at the destination. While the tickets are non-refundable, they can be rebooked for €300 + the price difference.
You can find suitable dates quickly and easily with the help of Google Flights (instructions). You can then book the flights directly on KLM’s website.
Mileage
The long-haul tickets are issued in booking class O, while the short flights to Paris are issued in booking class J. To give you an example, flying from Luxembourg with KLM would roughly get you:
- 12,628 Points on SAS EuroBonus
- 12,128 Miles on Aerolíneas Argentinas AerolíneasPlus
- 12,128 Miles on GOL Aéreos Smiles
- 11,412 RDM + 2,282 MQD on Delta SkyMiles
- 11,314 Award Miles on Etihad Guest
- 11,216 Miles on MEA Cedar Miles
- 11,216 Miles on Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles
- 11,118 Points on Malaysia Airlines Enrich
- 11,118 Miles on Korean Air Skypass
- 6,080 Award Miles + 102 XP on Flying Blue
- 4,800 Award Miles + 80 Tier Points on Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- 2,500 Miles on Aeromexico Club Premier
- 686 Miles on Saudia Alfursan
- 490 Miles on Garuda Indonesia GarudaMiles
- 490 Miles on Air Europa Suma
- Customize Calculation
Most airlines will online credit miles for the J short-haul flights. If they are operated by Luxair or trains, you won’t get any miles for these segments.
Destination
Hotel prices in Seoul usually start at roughly €55, depending on the hotel category. Whichever category and hotel you opt for, make sure to get the best price! Our recommendation is to search on booking.com, or even on our own Travel-Dealz hotel search:
Information & Tips for Seoul
Seoul, South Korea’s vibrant capital, offers a mix of modern and traditional attractions, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and shopping districts like Myeongdong. The local currency is the South Korean won (KRW), and credit cards are widely accepted. The cost of living is moderate, with affordable street food and both budget and high-end dining options. Seoul experiences four distinct seasons: hot and humid summers, cold winters with snow, and mild spring and autumn, making spring and fall ideal times to visit.
→ All Dealz for Seoul
Cover Picture: © KLM Royal Dutch Airlines