You might get assigned a single window-side seat. The major consideration here is that I actually have good odds of clearing an upgrade on American given my higher status, unlike on Delta. However, most trains (and especially those to Busan) will depart from Seoul Station. Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. If you are interested in purchasing Korail passes or checking out what activities there are to do in Busan and Seoul, feel free to check out the banner below! You can either buy the standard seats or the first class seat. Wanting to sleep on the flight so you're reasonably rested when you arrival also influences whether to buy J or not. How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2023? Most seats wouldn't be sold, but rather would go to people upgrading. 14 years ago Save There is no KTX service to Gyeongju at the moment. High-speed rail line was constructed in order to alleviate urban traffic pressure, especially to unload the burden of main roads to and from the capital. In general I find that Delta does the best job with its first class pricing, at least based on my willingness to pay. The wait time in TSA, which can feel like a lifetime to economy passengers, is practically non-existent. Fewer rows. Would I pay an extra $200 to essentially sit in a first class seat for well over three hours? My $ rate per hour is higher; most likely because Im older and value my comfort more than when I was younger. You are free: to share - to copy, distribute and transmit the work; to remix - to adapt the work; Under the following conditions: attribution - You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. Most seats wouldnt be sold, but rather would go to people upgrading. However, it still uses the same ticketing system and operates almost exactly the same for customers. With PE now on all wide bodies, Ill gladly take a coach-priced, MCE marked, PE seat over paying extra for a lie-flat. Generally a Dallas to Los Angeles upgrade will be more competitive than an Austin to Tampa upgrade, How many extra legroom economy and exit row seats are occupied at the time of booking? When she's not flying, you'll usually find her in a Priority Pass lounge somewhere, sipping tea and cursing slow Wi-Fi. Of course, buses do have their place, and they are better for travellers on a budget. I couple other factors include The plus point waitlist confirmed or priority is another great point. 4. On the ground, first class tickets can come with: Airport lounge access. For more information, please refer to my affiliate disclaimer. If they arent served by high-speed trains such as the KTX, there is likely a slower train that reaches the destination. This can seem overwhelming at times, but if you follow the direction boards you should have no problem finding the right platform. 1. The KTX is a bullet train that can reach speeds exceeding 300km/h. Articles may contain affiliate links. I have used the KTX many times and I have never had my ticket checked. For example, I have SkyMiles Silver Medallion status with Delta, so upgrades rarely clear. These may be similar to reclining leather chairs but can also move to lie down to a fully flat bed. If I didn't need checked bags, I would have taken the former. Yes, you are getting something extra in return for your spending, but you are still very much out the $$ it took to make that purchase. BUSAN TO SEOUL KTX First Class Review | Train ride in South Korea I'm not as young as I used to be, so I prefer sitting at the front of the plane. While this can seem very confusing and frustrating, it is commonplace in Korea. You could also factor in if youd otherwise pay for extra legroom economy seats, priority boarding, etc. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. . KTX Bullet Train 1st Class or Standard Seats? - Tripadvisor The hotel, a long-planned jewel of . 1. KTX tickets can only be booked one month in advance. The only difference was free water and the aisles were wider with seat configuration of 2 and 1. The only route that BA try to guarantee the new club suite is on the LHR-JFK. There are usually three types of trains available KTX, ITX and Mugunghwa. Bones that I didnt know existed have started to hurt, and if I can avoid this experience at a reasonable cost, then I do. Free shipping on domestic orders over $150, Conclusion KTX, Koreas Best Form of Transport. Out of the blue I decided to checkout the Busan train station so I won't be trying to figure things out b4 I left the next day. Extra free checked luggage. I was traveling with family-3 of us and we booked only 1 day ahead and were not able to sit together. There are five main KTX lines the Gyeongbu line, Honam line, Gyeongjeon line, Jeolla line, and Gyeonggang line. In the late 1970s, on widebodies, airlines started seating full-fare economy passengers in an in-between class which eventually became a bookable business class. KTX first class had a LOT of leg room and free water/tiny goodie bag. You can usually board the KTX very early. The most popular fast trains are called KTX and KTX Sancheon which are operated by Korail. The seat has a pretty sturdy big table as well so you can actually do some work on a laptop too. I checked my reservation and I showed them my confirmation and it wasn't there. Actually, all trains have WIFI I've never NOT been able to pick a MCE seat 4. The typical East Coast to Europe flight is roughly 4,000 miles, so you're looking at a $400 premium for business class over economy. Travel class : First Line used : Gyeongbu HSR Line Origin : Busan Station (dep. While the train is quite likely to be empty, you can simply walk straight on and take your seat! I would rather spend more for F, and downgrade the hotel. The prices will fluctuate depending on factors such as the day (weekends are more expensive as are holiday dates), when you purchase your tickets (last minute tickets are naturally significantly more expensive than pre-booked tickets), and the final destination. They're likely prioritizing the widebodies for transatlantic flights. The interior of the carriages look very similar to what you would expect from a plane. This has been a fantastic slight-of-hand by the airlines over the last 20 years. Fewer rows. It makes my trip more enjoyable. This is a great value when compared with cash, and you can acquire Lifemiles by transferring your credit card points from American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou points and Capital One Miles. Not the case. They were ranked and literally are the worst carriers in the world. The KTX serves many cities in South Korea. Well, it depends on where you initially depart from, but if you stay near central Seoul city, then the KTX might be a better option as it doesn't take much time to get to the station. As mentioned previously, KTX are the fastest and most expensive while the Muganghwa trains are the cheapest and slowest. I consider whether I want the amenity that J offers and whether I am prepared to forego it on any given flight and then I apply a 'you've got to be joking' filter to the J fare on offer. For me domestic first class is purely about the space. While theres still significant variance, in general you can expect that a domestic first class ticket includes the following: One thing to be on the lookout for is that sometimes airlines fly wide body aircraft with fully flat beds on domestic routes, so it could be worth going out of your way (or paying a premium) for these flights. 84 130 First Class vs Economy Review of KTX (Korea Train Express) Reviewed 2 May 2014 I have traveled on the KTX on a Korail Pass. The agent rebooked and even got my same sitting assignment, whew! You will soon be met with the above screen. If Im by myself, then Ill pay more for a transcon flight with a lie flat seat. 3. Although the foot space is a bit more than most large aeroplanes, it is definitely less than you will find on the intercity buses in Korea. First Class vs Economy - KTX (Korea Train Express) - Tripadvisor Welcome to the Korea forums. Korea Train Express | Book KTX Tickets Online Published: January 1, 2023 Updated: February 21, 2023 45 Over the past decade we've seen airlines in the United States do a better job of monetizing first class. Originally airlines had just one class, then a first class was invented. In theory that entitles me to unlimited domestic upgrades, but thats subject to availability. There is wifi on board. I generally travel with a staff member who sits in economy, so I'm well aware of the difference. Usually, it will sit between 250km/h and 300km/h. Answer 1 of 7: We're taking the KTX Seoul to Gyeongju and were wondering if first class seats are worth it as to standard seats? US to Europe or US to Asia. And while domestic first class is hardly anything to get excited about, it is a comfortable place from which to work, and can double as an office. Or are you confusing international first with domestic fort seating and sizing? Length of flight On others, youll have an entire cabin to yourself, featuring a chair and your own separate bed. This post is dedicated to your run of the mill domestic first class experience within the United States were not talking about Emirates A380 first class with shower suites. Premium economy, meanwhile, functions similarly to domestic first class on long-haul international flights. What puts it above other transport methods such as slow trains, buses, planes, or even hiring a car and using that ? Korean Train Classes Explained - Korea Trains There are no seatbelts, and there is no time when you must sit down (like there is in a plane). What are their differences?? My $ rate per hour is higher; most likely because Im older and value my comfort more than when I was younger. I'm lowly Gold so was shocked but realized it was a one chance opportunity. Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. Under what circumstances do you consider paying for first class? It's faulty math, like someone buying something for 50% that they wouldn't have bought otherwise. Seoul - Busan Timetable Check current Seoul to Busan KTX schedule All About Seoul to Busan Route HOW LONG IS THE KTX RIDE FROM SEOUL TO BUSAN? This is a bit confusing I mean why should I use my transport card to look for my ktx platform? Try reading and flying a bit before commenting. It comes in handy if you are a big shopper like me :p. Copyright 2012-2022 Beautmia. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. Currently, you can purchase the ticket for 3 or 5 consecutive days, or 2 or 4 flexible days. Value for money and super fast! Only 1 hour-per device. Now that the first phase is complete, we are starting to see business class ticket prices soar through the roof. Overall, KTX isnt the cheapest option but it is the fastest. Date of experience: October 2011 Ask november3038 about KTX (Korea Train Express) 2 Thank november3038 I'm always happy to get my free upgrade but I certainly don't need it. However, there is one exception which is the Korail App. Rail Report: First Class on the KTX from Busan to Seoul, South Korea Here is a list of our partners. KTX, which stands for K orea T rain e X press, is Korea's Bullet Train. It's a step up from standard economy and can feature different food, better alcohol and amenity kits. Ben - Dont forget about the AA - Hyatt reciprocal earningsyou earn 1 Hyatt point per dollar spent on AA. My man and I've been eating Phad Thai noodles that we got before boarding, watching YouTube videos and doing work on our tablet and laptop. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. Another factor that can change the price of the KTX is the train that you take. It is more comfortable, but it doesnt include much beyond free booze or a light meal worth $10. Meanwhile, I WILL pay more not to fly Spirit or Allegiant. Worth it! While I would have loved to have seen power sockets on every seat, having a charging station is the next best thing. I'm very tall (6'7", with long legs and a rather short upper body). Not only is it extremely efficient, cheap and convenient, but its also very fast! The only difference was free water and the aisles were wider with seat configuration of 2 and 1. The only difference was free water and the aisles were wider with seat configuration of 2 and 1. South Korea is not a big country so driving between even the two furthest points won't take more than a few hours, but if you're not interested in driving or sitting on a bus (traffic in Korea can be a real nightmare), the train is an inexpensive and convenient option. Some might appreciate the food or drinks, but the food is rarely good, and Im not really looking to get drunk just because (well, unless Im flying international first class on a top airline, in which case thats a good enough occasion for me). The cheapest KTX tickets usually go for 10,000KRW to 15,000KRW. I think it's only an extra w20,000. American Airlines is the airline I fly most (given that I live in Miami), and I have Executive Platinum status in the AAdvantage program. The KTX is not the fastest method of travel in South Korea that title belongs to planes. On another note, there are tons Ben, I'm always curious as to why you view your points return on purchases as lowering your "out of pocket" costs. However, it can reach speeds in excess of 300km/h. It is curious that Americans refer to their premium domestic class as 'First' whereas most other jurisdictions use the term 'business' for the same or similar product. Personally I value first class at ~$50 per hour over economy, and thats largely because I can work productively in first class, while its a struggle in economy. These tickets cost around 20,000KRW more normally, and may or may not be worth it depending on your needs. First Class vs Economy - Review of KTX (Korea Train - Tripadvisor There are also pull-up tables and foot-rests that can be deployed for anyone in need. This comes out to well more than an extra $50/hr. Kawasaki KLX 250. Note, however, that there are several classes of trains, so if you don't want to have to stand or deal with potential discomfort, be sure that it's a KTX ticket you're getting and not something else. I can be uncomfortable at home for free. Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. The leg room was sufficient in economy. There is also more foot-room available, although not that much more. Who needs tier status? Everyone values first class differently, so theres no consistent formula for calculating how much of a premium its worth paying, especially given how many variables there are. Purchase the Korea Rail Pass one of the best ways to save money on the KTX! Surprisingly neither of us got any motion sickness like we do in cars, which was a relief. The leg room was sufficient in economy. Once it does, walk-off. Last I checked UA didnt offer lounge access on transcon. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. First Class Trains in South Korea - Korea Trains For the most part, though, I don't do it. South Korea Bur what's the math for long haul business class? Thanks for the quantitative analysis, Ben. Delta's first class prices are generally 3 to 4 times the price of economy on this route.. I used to fly anywhere around the world in first class for around $3000 lying flat. Unfortunately, not all seats get this benefit. I have no hesitation in saying that the KTX is the best form of transport in South Korea. KTX Train Schedule | From Seoul to Busan It serves Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, Ulsan, Gangnueng and more. Train to Busan KTX First Class KTX (First Class Flying JFK-LAX in J is a much better experience than in Y. Seating is also usually fairly limited. The short answer to this question is that youll need to decide if its worth it based on your personal situation. If first class is mostly booked way in advance, its unlikely that many upgrades will clear, and on top of that, not all planes have the same ratio of first class seats to economy class seats, How competitive are upgrades in a market? And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free. Not worth the upgrade. Interesting and makes sense for domestic. In the end, the KTX might actually be faster since it goes arrives at a central location in both cities. Review of KTX (Korea Train Express) Reviewed 1 March 2012 Very comfortable and quickest way to get to different parts of the country! KTX Train Tickets | Korea Rail | High-Speed Trains 15:10) Destination : Seoul Station (arr. Johnnie and Angela: KTX Bullet Train The seats themselves arent extremely comfortable. Some seats on the train also have access to power sockets (just make sure to have a Korean power adapter!). If Im by myself, then Ill pay more for a transcon flight with a lie flat seat. Even though there are only two train classes, you can enjoy a big variety of amenities which offer you both of them. I couple other factors include. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Metro Tourist Train KTX & KTX Sancheon Into the era of high-speed rail service With the KTX-Sancheon built with Korean technologies began operation on March 2, 2010, KORAIL is currently running two types of high-speed trains: the KTX and the KTX-Sancheon. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. I do frequent PBI-LGA round trips. Taking a flight means going to the airport. Learn more: The best first class award flights. Yes. On some carriers, this means enjoying a shower mid-flight. Conversely, if you dont have status and know youre going to be checking two bags, you can subtract the cost of that from the price difference. You don't have to worry about which train you have to . You can still take a subway to get to either Seoul station (KTX) or Gimpo airport. UA flies PBI-EWR, but this adds an extra 40 minutes travel time to and from my home in NYC. You value Hyatt points at ~1.5 cents, so that increases your return on spending to 26.5%. That doesnt even account for such things as generally being comfortable, getting a meal and free drinks, earning bonus elite qualifying miles, etc. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "acf756e14772fe49b2a6742e8e04cb01" );document.getElementById("b1b6ff86f0").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Please check out my wifes sister store - Beauty Crush Skin which specialises in Korean skincare. I fly almost every week and rarely pay under $600 round trip nowadays for economy. Meal-although that's a distant 4th considering domestic first food. Six dirty secrets to Korea Train System - Isabelles Travel Guide NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. One thing that impressed me with the KTX was how comfortable and calm the trip was. First its probably worth sharing a bit of background, so were all on the same page. While this wasnt as bad as the popping that can occur on high altitude flights, it was a similar feeling in that we would suddenly get blocked ears and experienced minor discomforts. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The configuration was 1-2 (versus 2-2 in Standard Class). If theyre an important client Ill press management to pay for the better seat. I'd love to see a route where business is only $400 more than an economy ticket! I'm not as young as I used to be, so I prefer sitting at the front of the plane. Ground experience. If you need a forward facing chair, not sure how to guarantee that. When I was young, flying coach was fine, I was just glad to travel. I used the Ulsan-Seoul route and it took 2.5hours to reach and costed 53,500 won (Adult-economy class) one way. Keep up with your favorite financial topics on NerdWallet. At least thats how I approach these situations based on my specific circumstances for others, I think its worth considering whether you have status more generally, and what value that gets you. They usually also come at a price, and sometimes even they offer less than 34". I was perfectly comfortable for that ~5 hour flight and much more happy that it didn't cost an arm and a leg. Get more smart money moves straight to your inbox. If its my wife Id prefer to treat her, and have a nice ride together. BOOKED: ITA, EgyptAir, Air France, British Airways, And Virgin Atlantic! While buses and slow trains are cheaper than KTX, they are also far slower and often less comfortable. In a search, we found an American Airlines economy class ticket from Los Angeles to Paris for $1,180. 1. For a last example, lets take a look at a Miami to Houston to Puerto Vallarta itinerary on United, where (non-basic) economy costs $268, and first class costs $498. She previously worked as a reporter for The Points Guy. Does any of the OMAAT community know the origins of the naming distinction? All lines begin in Seoul, and they run down to Busan in the south-east, Gangneung in the north-east, and Mokpo in the south-west. Instead of paying more than $12,000 for the flight, you can instead choose to redeem miles. Overall, the KTX was exceptionally comfortable in regards to the ride itself. They are very small and crowded, so much so that I had a lot of difficulties getting a photograph that could actually show the room. Date of experience: October 2011 Ask november3038 about KTX (Korea Train Express) 2 Thank november3038 I've never NOT been able to pick a MCE seat Having traveled first class by train in Canada and Europe, was thinking there would be more to it, ie. This website serves as a comprehensive guide to assist you in planning your rail travel across Korea, while also providing insightful details about the different train options available. Mid-week plane tickets can be as low as $30 (or less if you are very lucky!). In the economy seats, there are two seats on each side of the aisle. Find your train and book train tickets with Rail.Ninja - an independent online reservation service agency for train tickets. One cant be sure because your post is babbly and vague. My husband was in another car, 7a. I have the opposite point of view. WIFI is available in all seats. It is important to keep in mind that as per the rules, you must have the ticket printed. These are ideal if you have larger suitcases that you are bringing with you on your journey. I derive value from first class for two simple reasons the ability to be productive and comfortable. First class amenities are not just for while you are on the plane. On newerKTX-Sancheon trains the seats on both classes are facing the direction of the travel. Must haves for a first time visit : koreatravel - Reddit So you take KTX to Dongdaegu and transfer to local line to Gyeongju. I don't think F is worth it if you can get an exit row aisle. I was in 7a too, facing forwards. At $50 an hour you'd never fly business based on that math, when business is 3-4 times more than economy. AA redid its narrow bodies and reduced the pitch in F. A reclined F seat now interfers with using your tray table and getting out of your seat. Am I traveling with someone else? This past weekend there was a single day holiday on Monday and KTX was sold out . Although I would love to give a definite answer to the question of cost, its impossible to do so. International first class products, on the other hand, are some of the most luxurious in the world. The Korea Rail Pass wont be worth it for everyone, but at the same time, it can also help you to save a LOT of money if you plan to use the KTX a few times. See more about our ethics policies here. You arent limited to just economy or first class when flying. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. It really depends on you situation. The price varies according to your chosen class. Total seats in a KTX-Sancheon train set are 363. KTX also has giant windows all along the side of the train, so you can enjoy the view as you travel. If you need to travel lots, definitely check out the Korea Rail pass. Thanks to lot of points from using a Delta AMX for as many of my bills as possible, I can swing it on a comfortable but not extravagant retirement mixing points and miles. They have effectively removed space-wasting first class altogether and replaced it with smaller, denser business class seats. KTX Guide - How To Use KTX, Cheapest Tickets & More - Seoulinspired When I fly anything over an hour or so, it is first class for domestic. I don't usually use the value of points and status credits in a cost calculation but instead treat them as a serendipitous extra. Delta's first class prices are generally 3 to 4 times the price of economy on this route.. Upgrading is further enhanced if you purchase premium. There are a few other small benefits such as free water and a few snacks, however, there are generally few benefits to upgrading your ticket to first-class. In short, these are the factors that can influence the cost of a KTX ticket: Tickets for not only the KTX, but nearly all Korail trains can be purchased on Korails website.