Review: Air India 787-8 Business Class Hong Kong to Seoul

Introduction
Planning & Booking
Qantas First Class Lounge LAX
Cathay Pacific 777-300 ER First Class Los Angeles to Hong Kong
The Pier Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge
Le Meridien Bangkok
Thai Airways First Class Lounge & Spa
Thai Airways 747-400 First Class Bangkok to Hong Kong
Conrad Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge Hong Kong
Air India 787-8 Business Class Hong Kong to Seoul
Asiana First Class Lounge Seoul
Asiana A380 First Class Seoul to Los Angeles

I was excited to fly the Dreamliner again and get Jonathan's thoughts on the new plane.  We waited around for boarding to begin and it became obvious that we'd be delayed due to a late crew.  We had a 3 hour layover in Seoul so we could spare some time but not a ton.  Luckily, the crew showed up and we boarded 45 minutes late.  

Air India 787 at HKG

We were shown to our seats in the business class cabin where it would just be us and another Indian couple.  One of the pilot later joined us in the cabin to get some rest.  The business class seat is fully flat and all seats face forward in a 2-2-2 configuration.  With 3 rows, there are a total of 18 business class seats.

Dreamliner windows dimmed

The cabin was nicely appointed with the carpeting and seat coverings matching Air India's red and orange logo with plenty of gold accents.  We were welcomed (not warmly by any means) onboard and provided the menu for the 3 hour flight to Seoul.

Jonathan enjoying Air India's 787

Cabin shot

Forward cabin shot

Jonathan and I both had window seats with a free aisle so we had plenty of room to stretch out and relax once airborne.  

Beautiful views departing from HKG

Our meal orders were taken and delivered within 20 minutes.  We both went with the western option which was probably a mistake.  The Indian selection I saw looked amazing.

Air India western breakfast

Pretty cool coffee mug

Once we finished our meal and trays were taken, we had nearly 2 hours left in the flight.  I didn't see the crew in our aisle for the rest of our flight.  We certainly didn't mind but just something to note if you're interested in taking this fifth freedom flight.

Love that wing flex!

We were soon approaching Seoul's Incheon airport.  Once on the ground, the crew made an announcement about a forthcoming "spray" in the cabin.  Something I've never heard/seen before.  One of the male flight attendants came through the cabin with an aerosol can and sprayed down both aisles - presumably related to MERS which was impacting the region at the time.  Needless to say we were both very happy to get off the plane in South Korea.

All in all, it was an interesting experience to fly Air India.  They are undergoing a lot of challenges as an (state owned) airline and who knows if they'll survive.  I'm glad it was only a few hours and not 18.  On the plus side, we both got to experience the Dreamliner and the IFE was actually decent especially for such a short flight.

After a bit of transfer difficulty (we had to stop at 2 separate desks to receive boarding passes) we were in the Asiana First Class Lounge preparing for our A380 ride home.