United Airlines’ bed seats

By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff reporter

The United States-based United Airlines (UA) has introduced lie-flat seats in its first and business class sections on flights connecting Incheon and San Francisco.

The ``bed seats'' in business class can be reclined 180 degrees, providing comfort equivalent to a bed. Passengers can watch movies and television shows, play video games and connect their iPod or iPhone through adjustable video screens. An AC power source is provided for their convenience.

The guests of first and business class will be served with gourmet dishes devised by Chef Charlie Trotter paired with wines recommended by sommelier Doug Frost.

Currently, the carrier provides lie-flat business seats on all Boeing 747 planes serving Asia. It also has Economy Plus seats, which offers 13-centimeter extra space for economy class passengers.

The global carrier also supports cultural exchange between Korea and the U.S. As a part of this, the UA donated 30 million won to the Korean Symphony Orchestra as a sponsor its U.S. tour planned in June.

"In 2007, we worked together with the U.S. State Department and the American Chamber of Commerce to host the 'Flights of Fantasy' exhibition introducing some of America's most renowned craft artists to Korea," said David Ruch, the airline's country manager in Korea and chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM Korea). "This year, it is our turn to help introduce some of Korea's most gifted musical artists to America."