MIAT Airlines Business Class Review: 737 Incheon to Ulaanbaatar

When planning my trip to Mongolia, I chose to fly MIAT Mongolian Airlines on the outbound journey and Korean Air on the return. I’m always looking to try different airlines and the combination of these flights best fit my schedule. Let’s be clear from the get go: business class on MIAT isn't a flashy experience, but for a relatively short flight between Seoul and Ulaanbaatar, it offered a comfortable journey.

Flight Overview

Row 1 on MIAT Airlines 737 in business class

• Airline: MIAT Mongolian Airlines

• Cabin: Business Class

• Aircraft: Boeing 737-800

• Seat Configuration: 2-2 Recliner Seats

• Route: Incheon International Airport (ICN) → Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)

• Flight Time: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes

• Lounge Access: Yes

• Traveling With: Solo

First Impressions

The MIAT plane I flew from Seoul to Ulaanbaatar

One of the biggest advantages of flying business class on this route was the convenience. The business class check-in line at Incheon was noticeably shorter and lounge access gave me a comfortable place to relax before boarding.

Once onboard, I found a blanket and pillow waiting at my seat, along with a bottle of water and house slippers tucked into the seatback pocket. These aren't extravagant amenities - and I’ve seen received as much in economy before - but they were appreciated.

I also liked how MIAT incorporated its horse logo throughout the cabin. The emblem appeared on the seats, blankets, and napkins as a subtle reminder that I was flying Mongolia's national airline.

The Seats

The business class cabin features a traditional 2-2 recliner configuration rather than lie-flat seats.

Honestly, this is what I think should be the minimum standard of comfort on an airplane even in economy. The seats were plush and comfortable, and offered plenty of space to spread out, relax, and enjoy the flight. Compared to the increasingly tight seating found in many economy cabins, anything less than this starts to feel a little disrespectful.

The horse logo was a nice looking touch on the business class blanket.

That said, travelers expecting an international long-haul business class experience should adjust their expectations. This product feels closer to a very good premium economy seat than a true long-haul business class seat. For a three-and-a-half-hour flight, though, I found it perfectly comfortable. (For reference, I don’t think MIAT is flying this product long haul.)

Amenities

Amenities were fairly basic. We received a pillow, blanket, bottled water, and slippers, but there were no amenity kits, which was a bummer. It’s an international flight and I’d read a review from a guy that DID get an amenity kit going from Ulaanbaatar to Seoul.

One MAJOR disappointment for me was the lack of in-flight entertainment. There were no seatback screens, which also meant no moving flight map. As someone who enjoys following the route and watching the flight progress across the map, I definitely missed having that option.

There were also no in-seat charging ports, something we’ve come to expect even on shorter flights.

There was a QR code on the armrest to scan for in flight WIFI and entertainment, but it would not work for me.

Food & Drinks

Salmon salad and lamb chops on MIAT’s 737 in business class

I wasn't especially hungry because I had already eaten in the lounge before boarding, but I still sampled the meal options.

The smoked salmon was excellent—perfectly prepared and easily the highlight of the meal service. If it's available on your flight, I'd recommend choosing it.

I also tried the lamb, which was cooked beautifully and impressively tender. The accompanying vegetables were surprisingly good, cooked until tender and packed with flavor.

My favorite item, though, was the cranberry nut bread served with butter. I love a cranberry bread and was delighted to see more than standard roll options. I would happily eat that again.

Service throughout the entire flight was attentive and efficient, with the crew regularly checking on and refilling beverages.

Is It Worth It?

For me, yes - because I appreciate the airport conveniences that a business class ticket offers and I viewed the upgrade as paying for convenience and comfort rather than luxury.. The difference between economy and business class on my flight was only a couple hundred dollars. For that price, I appreciated the shorter check-in line at Incheon, lounge access, priority services, and the extra space onboard.

Compared to airlines short haul flights, like Korean Air or EVA Air, MIAT's business class is noticeably more basic. The seat is comfortable, but the overall experience lacks many of the amenities travelers associate with international business class - seatback entertainment, charging ports, and more substantial premium touches.

If you're expecting a full-featured international business class experience, however, MIAT may disappoint. Whether it's worth it for you will likely depend on how much value you place on airport perks and a more comfortable seat for the relatively short flight to Mongolia.