Korean Air will soon stop offering its popular in-flight service, complimentary instant cup noodles, to its long-haul economy passengers, including on routes to the U.S.
The airline says the move is for the safety of passengers and crew due to the recent spike in turbulence.
Korean Air has traditionally offered free cup noodles with hot water to passengers on long routes with flight times of eight hours or more.
In economy class, the risk of burns was high as flight attendants had to move multiple cup noodles filled with hot water in a crowded space on board.
Business and First Class, on the other hand, will continue to offer the in-flight ramen. This is because the seats in these classes are not as densely packed and the tables are larger, reducing the risk of burns, Korean Air said.
“It’s hard to understand why they would stop serving cup noodles only in economy class,” said Youngha Kim, a frequent flyer between Incheon and Los Angeles. “They say it’s for safety, but from a passenger’s point of view, it could seem unfair. I wonder if there was any other way to do it.”
Following the policy change, Korean Air will instead offer other snacks such as pizza and corn dogs, which can cost up to twice as much as cup noodles.
BY BRIAN CHOI, HOONSIK WOO [choi.inseong@koreadaily.com]
