Why is Korean Air Removing Instant Noodles from Economy Class?23 August 2024 By Johnber  NewsTogether
Starting August 15, 2024, Korean Air will no longer serve instant noodles to economy class passengers, ending a 25-year tradition. This decision arises from heightened safety concerns linked to increased turbulence, which poses a risk of burns to passengers, particularly in the crowded and narrow aisles of economy class.
Instant noodles, especially the popular Nongshim Shin Ramyun, have been a hallmark of Korean Air's in-flight service. Passengers have long appreciated the availability of these noodles, which were offered free of charge on longer routes. However, the airline has noted a significant rise in turbulence incidents since 2019, with the frequency of such events doubling over the past few years. This has led to an increased risk of burns, as multiple cups of hot noodles are typically served simultaneously in the densely packed economy class cabin.
In contrast, business and first-class passengers will still have access to instant noodles. The airline explains that in these premium classes, noodles are served individually, which reduces the likelihood of spills and burns even when turbulence occurs. This approach allows the airline to maintain a level of service for higher-paying passengers while addressing safety concerns in the more crowded sections of the aircraft.
To replace the instant noodles in economy class, Korean Air will introduce alternative snacks, including sandwiches, corn dogs, pizza, and "Hot Pockets" — a type of turnover filled with cheese, meat, and vegetables. These items are considered safer and less likely to cause injuries during turbulent periods.
The decision has sparked considerable debate on social media. Some users have expressed relief, citing concerns about being burned or discomfort with the strong smell of instant noodles in a confined space. Others, however, have pointed out that other hot items, such as coffee and tea, remain on the menu despite posing similar risks. One commenter questioned the consistency of the policy, asking, "Aren't coffee and tea hot?"
Despite the mixed reactions, some passengers support the move, recognizing the potential dangers associated with serving hot liquids during flights. One user described it as "a very good decision," reflecting their past anxiety about the possibility of being scalded during turbulence. Another user noted that they had hoped the noodles would be removed specifically due to their strong odor, which can be overwhelming in an enclosed cabin.
Korean Air has emphasized that passenger safety is its top priority and that it will continue to explore and implement service methods that enhance both safety and customer satisfaction. This decision is part of a broader industry trend toward more cautious in-flight service practices, particularly in response to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and the rising incidence of severe turbulence linked to climate change.
Earlier this year, Singapore Airlines implemented a similar policy, announcing that it would stop serving hot drinks and meals during turbulence as part of a "more cautious approach." This decision followed a serious incident on flight SQ 321, where severe turbulence over Myanmar led to the death of a 73-year-old British passenger and injuries to several others. The incident underscored the dangers posed by turbulence, prompting airlines to reassess their in-flight service protocols.
Turbulence remains one of the most unpredictable and challenging aspects of air travel. With the likelihood of encountering severe turbulence expected to increase due to climate change, airlines are taking proactive steps to mitigate risks and protect passengers. Korean Air’s decision to remove instant noodles from economy class reflects these evolving challenges and the airline's commitment to ensuring the well-being of its passengers.
The carrier has reassured customers that it will continue to evaluate and adjust its services to balance safety with a high-quality in-flight experience. While the removal of instant noodles may disappoint some, the airline remains dedicated to finding new ways to enhance passenger comfort and satisfaction while prioritizing safety.
Keywords
turbulence: irregular and unpredictable air movements that can cause a plane to shake or move suddenly
carrier: an airline or company that provides transportation services
economy class: the cheapest and most basic class of service on an airplane
passengers: people who are traveling in a vehicle, such as an airplane
risk: the possibility of something bad happening
burn: an injury caused by heat
incident: an event or occurrence, often one that is unexpected or unpleasant
business class: a higher class of service on an airplane, offering more comfort and amenities than economy class
treat: something special that is enjoyed, often as a reward or pleasure
praised: expressed approval or admiration for something
statement: an official or formal announcement
doubled: increased by two times
likelihood: the chance or probability of something happening
spillage: the act of spilling or the amount of liquid that is spilled
individually: one at a time; separately
crusty: having a hard outer layer or surface
turnovers: a type of pastry filled with ingredients such as cheese, meat, or fruit
sparked: caused to begin; triggered
social media: websites and applications that allow users to create and share content or participate in social networking
relieved: feeling relaxed or happy because something unpleasant has not happened or is no longer happening
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