The price of the premium seats on the passenger planes that Korean Air will introduce in mid-month is reported to be double that of economy class. Initially, Korean Air stated that the premium seat prices are about 10% more expensive than economy class and that the area is 1.5 times larger. Premium seats are an intermediate class between economy and prestige seats.
Korean Air noted that it will introduce premium seats on the Incheon-Singapore route using the B777-300ER aircraft model starting from the 17th. On the 5th, Korean Air's website displayed the premium seat prices for flights starting on October 6.
The price of the premium seats exceeded twice that of economy class. As of the 6th of next month, the price for economy class to Singapore is 472,400 won, while the premium seat price is 1,176,400 won, which is 2.5 times more expensive. As of the 9th, the prices for economy class and premium seat tickets are 300,400 won and 654,400 won, respectively, also exceeding double.
Contrary to Korean Air's claim that the area of premium seats is 1.5 times larger, a report from ChosunBiz found that it is actually about 1.3 times larger.
The criteria for normal fares are also unclear. In Singapore, the dry season from February to April is considered peak season, while the rainy season from September to November is regarded as off-peak. According to Korean Air's website, ticket prices for September, which is off-peak, are similar to those for March, which is peak season.
From the consumer's perspective, off-peak ticket prices, which should be relatively cheaper, becoming similar to peak season prices can be seen as an effective price increase.
Regarding this pricing, a representative from Korean Air said, "Airline tickets have the characteristic of not having inventory, so prices vary depending on routes, reservation times, travel periods, and seat availability. It is not a structure where the same pricing structure is maintained like general consumer goods. Many factors are reflected in the prices."