House slippers, fully reclining seats, two decks complete with a lounge…a LOUNGE!
Disclaimer: This was my first time flying in business class (and a double-decker plane), so I was easily impressed. However, experienced travelers seem to differ when compared to other airline’s business class. (Qatar is supposed to be one of the best.) If you’ve only flown economy, then you’ll be easily impressed like me.
PLANE
With our final destination being Thailand, we first flew a redeye from Los Angeles, California (LAX) to Seoul, Korea (ICN) which was about a 13 hour flight on an A380 airbus. The upper deck consisted of mostly business class and overall, everything was really clean and well kept.
The lounge is pretty basic, consisting of about 4 seats, but a great little space to mingle with other passengers or run away from that monster of a crying baby. Monopoly Deal, anyone?
BATHROOMS
Finally an airplane bathroom where you don’t have to turn sideways to enter and spin around to sit on the toilet. From what I’ve heard, Asiana doesn’t offer amenity kits for day flights anymore, but their bathroom has all the toiletries you need, which they keep restocked throughout the flight! Included are combs, toothbrushes with mini toothpaste, a scented spray, hand lotion and toner. Oh, and a full length mirror because that’s so necessary.
SEATS
Be very cautious when selecting your seats!!! Asiana business class uses a 1-2-1 configuration with only 4 seats in each row. Two seats in the middle and single seats along the windows.
Window Seats — These are arranged in two ways and alternate with each row:
Aisle – Table – Seat – Window < This is ideal for solo travelers with the most privacy.
Aisle – Seat – Table – Window < Your seat is right next to the aisle so it’s less desirable in my opinion.
Middle Seats — These are also arranged in two ways and alternate with each row:
Aisle – Table – Seat #1 – Seat #2 – Table – Aisle < (Pictured below) This arrangement is idea for couples or people that want to be close together. There is a divider in-between the seats that can be pulled up for additional privacy.
Aisle – Seat #1 – Table – Table – Seat # 2 – Aisle < If you’re a solo traveler and the window seats are unavailable, this arrangement is best because you’re not so close to your neighbor.
Take a look at the layout on the 2nd deck HERE to understand what the heck I’m trying to explain.
OK, now the best reason to fly business class…the fully reclining seats. Seats in business class are significantly more expensive than an economy ticket, but granted that this was a 13 hour flight, it was worth every penny in my book. When I say fully recline, I mean the seat can transform into a completely flat bed. Side note, my boyfriend is 6′ and can’t recline all the way without his legs being bent a little, but nonetheless, still super comfy. Zzzz
Pictured below is the “Aisle – Table – Seat #1 – Seat #2 – Table – Aisle” arrangement with two seats directly next to each other and each table on the outside (where the aisles are).
AMENITIES
Oh, you need to use the restroom? Oh, you want to hang out in the lounge? Don’t struggle putting on your shoes each time, just slip into a pair of your own slippers that await your arrival! It’s the little things that make something stressful like traveling, relaxing. At your seat, they also give you headphones, ear plugs and an eye mask.
The comforter was warm and comfortable, better than your generic, thin fleece blanket that you get in economy. The pillow was a little underwhelming, but did the job.
Be sure to stock up your iPad library because the entertainment was awful. They only offer a handful of movies, most of which have been out for awhile or we already watched. I didn’t bother checking out the music because I just listened to Alina Baraz on repeat.
There is one USB outlet and a headphone output at each seat. Standard and basic.
FOOD
They offer 2 full meal services during the flight with multiple courses. Because Asiana is a Korean carrier, naturally they offered a Korean menu to choose from or you can opt for the Western. I’m half Korean, so I was craving kimchee. It was really good! The Western, not so much.
Even after 2 meals, at one point I woke up hungry, yet again. In-between meals, you can order other food and snacks at anytime, for free! Eating instant ramen 35,000 feet in the sky was the highlight of my experience. More kimchee!
The overall service was attentive and friendly which made for a pleasant experience. I look forward to flying with them again!
Have you flown Asiana before or any other business class? I’d love to hear about your experiences and recommendations in the comments below. Hope you enjoyed my first flight review and as always, thanks for reading!
No Comments