Flying on Eastar Jet's Boeing 737-700 from Jeju to Seoul Gimpo!

Introduction

My original plan was to book either with Jin Air or Asiana Air from CJU to GMP had failed miserably. The latter had caused so much frustration that I decided to just give up and book myself on Eastar Jet's Boeing 737-700 instead. This aircraft type is rare in South-east Asia and to fly on it again was a no-brainer. If the flight is operated by Boeing 737-800 instead, I would have booked with someone else. Checking from flightradar24, the flights were operated by this type so, with that in mind, I went ahead and make my booking. Why can't booking process be fast and simple, Asiana Air, Jin Air (Korean language only for domestic flights), Jeju Air and Korean Air?

Check out my trip report on my Eastar Jet's Boeing 737-800 Osaka Kansai to Seoul Incheon (International flight).

Website

Website is easy to navigate, no problem making my booking. The funny part is seat selection is allowed on this short flight, not my international flight KIX-ICN. I hope to ask one of their staff about this. As usual, one has to register with the airline to get the discounted airfare. I paid around 54,000 Won which is reasonable! I chose the last flight of the day, about 2 hours after my Air Busan's arrival, that would give me some time to explore the airport.

After arriving at Jeju Airport around 1950, from the aircraft to the land side took me less than 10 minutes, photography at the airport was allowed, so I went around to snap quite a number of photos, here they are. 

Arrival Hall

I walked to the check-in counters.

Look at the number of flights to Gimpo, its insane!

This was my check-in counter.

My Boarding pass.

The Airport Mall  - Only shops inside, nothing much to see. 

There are some charging ports at the resting area. 

This is the international check-in area! 

Crowded with mostly PRCS, heading back to China. 

This is the air-side.

I had dinner over here, food was reasonably priced and was not bad.

Walking past the shops towards my gate. This airport isn't very big. 

My gate where my aircraft would be departing from. Unlike my T'way flight which took place the following day, we were to board the aircraft via aero-bridge. 

There is free wifi at this airport, so you can check your email or do some work while waiting for your flights. 

My ride for the evening, thanks to flight radar!

My ride: HL8205

Boarding started early, the queue was organised. Folks were waiting patiently and everything went smoothly. That's how boarding should be like. 

My 59th airline

Date: 21st May 2014

Airline: Eastar Jet

Aircraft: Boeing 737-700

Flight: ZE232

Route: CJU-GMP

Registration: HL8205

Ex-Easyjet's aircraft G-EZJP

Configuration: Y149

Delivered to Eastar Jet on 1st July 2009

Engines: 2 X CFM56-7B20

Line number: 1151

Gate: 6

Seat: 21A

Load: 60%

Scheduled departure: 2130

Take off: 2145

Scheduled arrival: 2240

Actual arrival: 2235

Duration: 55 mins

Departure runway: 31

Arrival runway 32L

The cabin is different from the Boeing 737-800; it has black leather seats. 

Eastar Jet's Boeing 737-800 Cabin (For international flights)

Eastar Jet's Boeing 737-700 seats (Domestic flights)

Legroom space was at 31 inches, normal for Low-Cost Carriers.

The crew didn't say a word when I took the photos, no problem at all! 

Look at how small the window is compared to the Dreamliner's. 

Did I enjoy myself on board? Yes, I did! 

Service on board was great, the crew came around to check everyone was doing ok. You hardly see them chatting even at the rear. Being professional at all times. That's how service should be like! 

What's inside the seat pocket? 

A complimentary drink was served!

I apologise for the lack of window-shot photos.

The ride was very smooth, from take-off to touch down, hardly a bump. The short 55 minutes ended very quickly and I found myself at Gimpo domestic terminal in no time. 

My rating:

Website: 7/10

On ground crew- CJU airport: 8/10 

CJU Airport experience: 7/10

In-flight service: 8/10

Cabin interior: 8/10

Cleanliness: 10/10

Seat comfort: 6/10

Punctuality: 10/10

Aircraft condition: 10/10

Rating: 82/100

Conclusion

After flying with this airline for the 2nd time, I can strongly say that you don't have to worry much about this airline. It is safe and reliable. I am satisfied with my experience with both international and domestic flights with this carrier. Very glad to have added the Boeing 737-700 to my flight logbook, it was my 2nd time. 

Website is user-friendly even though its, not the best. Just need to register in order to take advantage of the good offer, just like other Korean carriers. For me Eastar Jet is one of the top airlines in Korea, I will do another review on the airlines in Korea once I complete my joyrides with Asiana and Jin Air. 

Thank you for reading this trip report. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Cheers

Charles