Asiana Club - FRA-ICN F service?

Do you get an amenity kit and PJ's even though the flight is FRA-ICN, and not ICN-FRA?

Will they have a korean meal option from FRA or do I need to pre-order?

Any lounge escort or boarding escort at FRA?

What about in Seoul?

I have a connection - will I get an escort from my arriving F flight to my departing C flight also on Asiana? (1 have a 1 hour connection...any time for lounge?)

thanks

Interesting questions altogether, I'm also wondering about some of them, but am ready for a surprise.
Anyway, by this time next month, I should be able to tell you first hand, of noone else has answered it so far...

I travelled FRA-ICN in 2010 in F. I received an amenity kit, pyjamas and all-round excellent service on-board. Can't remember the food options but I recall there were about eight different courses. Used a Senator Lounge nearest the gate - it was as disappointing as ever and I wasn't escorted anywhere. When we arrived at Seoul I don't recall anything special except being first off.

Do you get an amenity kit and PJ's even though the flight is FRA-ICN, and not ICN-FRA?

Will they have a korean meal option from FRA or do I need to pre-order?

Any lounge escort or boarding escort at FRA?

What about in Seoul?

I have a connection - will I get an escort from my arriving F flight to my departing C flight also on Asiana? (1 have a 1 hour connection...any time for lounge?)

thanks

Flew OZ F last year twice. You will get an amenity kit and a funky looking PJ (I would recommend at least one size larger than you would usually wear because they run extremely small).

There is always a Korean dinner option on board.

OZ does not have any escorts on arrival IIRC, but I dont think that you would need one either. ICN is a very easy airport to transfer and 1 hour should be enough (even for a short lounge visit).

There is always a Korean dinner option on board.



That wasn't my experience. I was told that I should have orderd the Korean option in advance so had to have the Western...

There is always a Korean dinner option on board.



Flights out of ICN in F do NOT have a korean option onboard, that has been the case for all long haul F routes for the past 5+ years.


That wasn't my experience. I was told that I should have orderd the Korean option in advance so had to have the Western...

That's correct if you fly out of ICN in F, anything Korean or Chinese must pre-ordered. Flights into ICN will have Korean option on the menus though.

Flights out of ICN in F do NOT have a korean option onboard, that has been the case for all long haul F routes for the past 5+ years.


True, but NOT the OP's question - he specifically asked for FRA to ICN and that flight has a Korean dinner option (without pre-ordering)

Do you get an amenity kit and PJ's even though the flight is FRA-ICN, and not ICN-FRA?

Will they have a korean meal option from FRA or do I need to pre-order?

Any lounge escort or boarding escort at FRA?

What about in Seoul?

I have a connection - will I get an escort from my arriving F flight to my departing C flight also on Asiana? (1 have a 1 hour connection...any time for lounge?)

thanks

I took the same flight last year - regarding your questions:

You get an anemity kit and a PJ - but as another poster already mentioned: Get a bigger size - they are quite small...
As far as i know they always have the korean option ex-FRA only ex-ICN you have to pre-order.
There is neither an escort at FRA nor at ICN - but especially at ICN you don`t really need one - the airport is really easy to navigate - so even with a 1 hour connection you may be able to visit a lounge.

For more information about that flight (food etc.) just have a look at my TR from last year:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1210584-asiana-lufthansa-f-asia-back-how-spoil-first-time-long-haul-flyers.html

Flights out of ICN in F do NOT have a korean option onboard, that has been the case for all long haul F routes for the past 5+ years. ... That's correct if you fly out of ICN in F, anything Korean or Chinese must pre-ordered. Flights into ICN will have Korean option on the menus though.

That's certainly the stated policy. However, on my last OZ 222 ICN-JFK in F, the full Royal Service was one of the options not only on the printed menu, but actually available. (I had the toothfish, -- yummy.) Maybe it was just a one-off.

Full amenities in both directions even though ICN-FRA is a day flight: PJs and kit. Plus gift at the end of the flight. (As noted by others, definitely take a size larger in PJs.) Korean/Asian food option must be ordered in advance ex-ICN.

Flown OZ FRA-ICN in F a couple of weeks ago, so I guess I could give most up-to-date info...

1. Korean meal option: Yes, but not pre-ordered 'complete' Korean meal (which has, I heard, Korean salad and dessert). Such meal is only served on ICN-departing flights, regardless pre-ordering.

2. PJs and Amenity kit: Yes. As mentioned by others, the size runs very small (which is because clothing size chart in Korea is different from that of US: I wear S or M in US but L in Korea). Bvlgari amenity kit and appreciation gift(this time, either a namecard case or a newly released CD of young Korean pianist Yeol-eum Son was offered) were also given.

3. Lounge access in FRA: I flew intra-europe in LH C then connected to OZ F, so not allowed to enter LH F lounge. Ended up in LH senator lounge.
One interesting thing was, when I picked up my luggage in ICN, it came out first with vinyl-covered very well with large "OZ FIRST CLASS" print.

4. Lounge access in ICN: Don't know, ICN was the final destination for all 2 passengers in F (including me).

Do you get an amenity kit and PJ's even though the flight is FRA-ICN, and not ICN-FRA?

Will they have a korean meal option from FRA or do I need to pre-order?

Any lounge escort or boarding escort at FRA?

What about in Seoul?

I have a connection - will I get an escort from my arriving F flight to my departing C flight also on Asiana? (1 have a 1 hour connection...any time for lounge?)

thanks

If I were you I would have made more time in ICN if it were possible to enjoy the lounge.
Getting more Korean ppt stamps is also fun.

Please follow the discussion in the existing thread with the link provided above.

l'etoile
sr. moderator

I just got home.
Had a FANTASTIC time in OZ F on this route
I was the ONLY passenger in the whole F cabin, which was superb.

I made my connection in ICN with a no joke 15 minute connection, and didnt even need to rush - my bag also made it, this was personally confirmed by the ground staff at ICN.

Cabin was a bit old fashioned, seat is just like old UA F seat (but in better repair), TV ok, but not great - fine for an overnight flight
Slept 5 hours, good turn down service - GREAT food and champagne
I had the 1999 Sir Winston Churchill and 2000 Tattinger Comtes de Champagne.
Food was great, went with Korean dish - SO good. Caviar service, lobster service - maybe too much food? thats a good thing.
Enjoyed fresh hot ramen in the night and a nice breakfast with hot entree before landing.
Service was flawless. I had 4 staff to myself. Loved the PJ's and Slippers.
Enjoyed the bose noise cancelling headsets and the clean and well stocked bathroom (my private toilet!)
Amenity kit was ok, Bvulgari stuff - I prefer la prarie, but it did the job.
All in all I LOVED it and give it 8/10
However, if F was packed. I would not like it as it is SO quiet you would hear the neighbor snoring and would also not feel pampered being able to physically see so many people (I also find the seats a little close together), but from what I read it is rarely full to capacity, so maybe 1 or 2 others would not be bad.
All in all, proper First class service, treatment and food.
Senator lounge at FRA was fine, if not First class.
Had a shower and soup and cheese and a beer - dont need to eat too much before the 8 course meal on board!

Cabin was a bit old fashioned, seat is just like old UA F seat (but in better repair)


No lie down flat seat? I would be quite disappointed.

Enjoyed fresh hot ramen in the night and a nice breakfast with hot entree before landing.

Those are not fresh, it is the instant one pour hot water but serve in a real bowl.


Enjoyed the bose noise cancelling headsets and the clean and well stocked bathroom (my private toilet!)

Boise ? Did they change it from Y style Senninser ?


No lie down flat seat? I would be quite disappointed.

Old UA F seat is horizontal flat, don't understand why you assume it is not ? :confused:

I think OP referred old UA F seat as lack of privacy and lack of storage around the seat.

Sure, instant noodles.
But my point was they tasted good, and were made FRESH for me, not sitting around.
Presentation is also key in a china bowl.
Beats the socks of United F food and presentation (Though united has the better seat and entertainment...)

Yea old UA seat is 180 degrees, as is the Asiana F seat (dont know why so many rumors that the Asiana F seat is not totally flat or is short exist??) It is FLAT and LONG and WIDE. I am 6 feet 1 and had loads of space. Like I said privacy is my only issue, but this is an old product, so I cant complain
Service more than makes up for it. (unlike UA grannys)

Old UA F seat is horizontal flat, don't understand why you assume it is not ? :confused:

I think OP referred old UA F seat as lack of privacy and lack of storage around the seat.

Maybe a misunderstanding, but I was thinking of the ( old ) UA F seats on their triple 7 going to Hawaii. Those must be the real old ones and they are no lie flat. Then I have experienced the new business seats, which are fine. So, there may have been another seat in between that I was unaware. Anyway, appreciate your clarification.

Maybe a misunderstanding, but I was thinking of the ( old ) UA F seats on their triple 7 going to Hawaii. Those must be the real old ones and they are no lie flat. Then I have experienced the new business seats, which are fine. So, there may have been another seat in between that I was unaware. Anyway, appreciate your clarification.

The UA 777 go to Hawaii (US to Hawaii and GUM to NRT only, but not NRT-HNL) are the 2 class refer as domestic 777. There are only 6 of them with fleet # 2510-2515. Those are not old, it is just simply domestic F class, not the international 3 class. You will see basically the same F seats on any UA's 319/320/757/2 class 763.

The reason UA is using those 2 class 777 to Hawaii from mainland is because Hawaii routes are low yield trunk routes, full of vacationers and not many business travelers. Those sit in F on those 2 class 777 majority of them are upgraders, very few will pay for F.

Sure, instant noodles.
But my point was they tasted good, and were made FRESH for me, not sitting around.
Presentation is also key in a china bowl.
Beats the socks of United F food and presentation (Though united has the better seat and entertainment...)

So is it really Boise for headset in F ? If so it would be a huge improvement from the Y style Sennheiser.

The UA 777 go to Hawaii (US to Hawaii and GUM to NRT only, but not NRT-HNL) are the 2 class refer as domestic 777. There are only 6 of them with fleet # 2510-2515. Those are not old, it is just simply domestic F class, not the international 3 class. You will see basically the same F seats on any UA's 319/320/757/2 class 763.

The reason UA is using those 2 class 777 to Hawaii from mainland is because Hawaii routes are low yield trunk routes, full of vacationers and not many business travelers. Those sit in F on those 2 class 777 majority of them are upgraders, very few will pay for F.

Thanks, I appreciate the info.

yes they really have BOSE headsets in F

No lie down flat seat? I would be quite disappointed.

Hard product is in much need of upgrading which is why the focus on the soft product. But I suspect OZ is going trying to decide whether to phase out F since it appears to now be limited to its 744 flight of 13 planes, and only a few 777s. I recall flying on an 777-200 last fall which did have a modern first class pod, but was being sold as business and occupied by OZ top tier elites...they wouldn't let me (a top tier STARGold in AC and UA programs) have one of those seats. However, not many of these in the fleet.

I will arrive FRA from WAW around noon and OZ leaves at 7 p.m. As far as I can remember they handle themselves at FRA, not contracting out to FAG or LH, correct? That means I cannot check in until 3 hrs before departure, no?

But I suspect OZ is going trying to decide whether to phase out F since it appears to now be limited to its 744 flight of 13 planes, and only a few 777s.

If you're talking about phasing out F on all routes, I seriously doubt that'll happen. OZ for the most part mimics KE, or tries to one-up them. I cannot see them eliminating F while KE still has it. Though certainly they'll shuffle around the flights which do have F. Remember, they're getting the A380 before long, and KE is big on promoting their F product on the A380. OZ will almost certainly do likewise.

I will arrive FRA from WAW around noon and OZ leaves at 7 p.m. As far as I can remember they handle themselves at FRA, not contracting out to FAG or LH, correct? That means I cannot check in until 3 hrs before departure, no?

Correct - i flew FRA-ICN last year and check in did only open 3 hours before departure.

If you're talking about phasing out F on all routes, I seriously doubt that'll happen. OZ for the most part mimics KE, or tries to one-up them. I cannot see them eliminating F while KE still has it. Though certainly they'll shuffle around the flights which do have F. Remember, they're getting the A380 before long, and KE is big on promoting their F product on the A380. OZ will almost certainly do likewise.

That may be the case, but there can't be much of a business case for maintaining F if observational data here can be extrapolated. Those posting about their F flights on OZ have remarked on how empty the cabins were. I flew ICN-FRA last year and there were two of us in F, and I was on award. I will fly that route again on Thursday and fully expect to be outnumbered by empty seats.

BTW anyone fly this route lately and recall what the gift selections were? I took the iPod case last time, but am hoping for the fold up travel bag since I can use one to pack items I've accumulated along the way on this trip (and I have yet to find an inexpensive such bag in any shops here in Taipei or last week in Seoul!).

I will fly that route again on Thursday and fully expect to be outnumbered by empty seats.


Slightly OT: I will be on my way to ICN as well on Thursday - unfortunately on LH... Msg me if you want to meet a fellow FT'er.

Slightly OT: I will be on my way to ICN as well on Thursday - unfortunately on LH... Msg me if you want to meet a fellow FT'er.

Flying ICN-FRA today (Thursday) so will likely cross paths at 35K feet.

F menus used to include the menu for both directions of a route including the "Royal Korean Cuisine" menu which needed to be pre-ordered for ex-ICN flights only. If you are returning ICN-FRA and the menu is still this way, you will have the menu of pre-order selections available and can call reservations if you desire this. Makes it a bit easier than having rez read all the choices to you.

...(dont know why so many rumors that the Asiana F seat is not totally flat or is short exist??) It is FLAT and LONG and WIDE. I am 6 feet 1 and had loads of space. Like I said privacy is my only issue, but this is an old product, so I cant complain
Service more than makes up for it. (unlike UA grannys)

That's probably because OZ F seat IS short.I'm 1.92m tall and I kept banging my head against it. This never happened on any other airline.

And I also find soft product to be disappointing. Yes, they try hard - but lack class true F service requires. Very plain and gray, just as their uniforms.
Very Korean trough, I must say.

Not even close to CX, SQ or even EK on my book.

Regards,

El Puerco Volante.

Service more than makes up for it. (unlike UA grannys)

Sorry, just noticed you been comparing it to UA. For sure, if this is your comparison - OZ is heaven.

Regards,

El Puerco Volante.

I am not doing the direct Europe - Asia flights very often, usually fly via the U.S. So, thank heaven, I checked yesterday, the luggage allowance are completely out of whack. Instead of three pieces at 70 lbs each as I am used to, OZ allows
only a total of 88 lbs. That is 88 lbs vs 210 lbs!!! Woow!!! I was shocked.
I understand as *G there is an extra allowance of one piece at 44 lbs, although the OZ website shows a big fat x for Star Alliance Gold. Since I am always stocking up on food before returning home to Japan I would have been royally screwed if I had not looked it up on the website. Does anyone know how strict they are at F class check in at FRA?

I am not doing the direct Europe - Asia flights very often, usually fly via the U.S. So, thank heaven, I checked yesterday, the luggage allowance are completely out of whack. Instead of three pieces at 70 lbs each as I am used to, OZ allows
only a total of 88 lbs. That is 88 lbs vs 210 lbs!!! Woow!!! I was shocked.
I understand as *G there is an extra allowance of one piece at 44 lbs, although the OZ website shows a big fat x for Star Alliance Gold. Since I am always stocking up on food before returning home to Japan I would have been royally screwed if I had not looked it up on the website. Does anyone know how strict they are at F class check in at FRA?
OZ (alongside other regional carriers such as CX and SQ) have never switched to the piece concept for non-US routes in the same way that JL, NH and many of the European airlines have.

So, unless travelling to/from the US, you have total 40kg allowance as F passenger, then an extra 20kg as Star Gold, bringing the total to 60kg. I'm not sure about the leeway they will give you as F pax.

You could of course switch to LH or LX where they have the piece system - you can bring a total of 32kg x 4 pieces as Star Gold travelling in F.

OZ (alongside other regional carriers such as CX and SQ) have never switched to the piece concept for non-US routes in the same way that JL, NH and many of the European airlines have.

So, unless travelling to/from the US, you have total 40kg allowance as F passenger, then an extra 20kg as Star Gold, bringing the total to 60kg. I'm not sure about the leeway they will give you as F pax.

You could of course switch to LH or LX where they have the piece system - you can bring a total of 32kg x 4 pieces as Star Gold travelling in F.


That's good to know for future travel. Meanwhile, I am glad I found out just in time and still can adjust. Would have looked pretty foolish if I had showed up with my 3 pieces of luggage at 210 lbs:o

Quick update after I have done the trip. Check in at FRA started at 4 p.m. by contract company with one OZ supervisor watching. F seems to be difficult, so she ( the supervisor ) had to help the contract agent with every little piece of input. They accepted two pieces of luggage, the contract agent even encouraged me to add a third piece to it, "you are in F", but the supervisor in a very friendly way asked me to remove it again from the scale and take as a carry on. After security I was able to enter the LH Senator lounge which for me turned out to be a disappointment. But as I always say, beats sitting at the gate. Seated in 2K, got offered pre boarding drinks, they have a nice choice of Champagne etc., I rarely drink alcohol, so Perrier it was for the duration of the flight. Nice to get a decent Sparkling water instead of the cans of Seagrams/Canada Dry or St.Croix on U.S. carriers. Received amentity kit with Bulgary items inside. Food was good, there was Malossol caviar available which was made in Italy, something new to me. I had the Korean meal, Bibimbap, which obviously was available without need to preorder. I got offered the pajama and upon request also an extra one to bring home to Mrs. EX. For me I asked for the XL size, which when I tried it on at home is way too small, especially the jacket. Before landing a snack was offered and a parting gift, a choice of a business card holder and a classical music CD by a Korean pianist. Service was impeccable, a sheer delight that makes one wish never have to set foot on a U.S. carrier again. No such luck, though. By the way, there was only one other pax in F. I had to transfer at ICN for my final leg to NRT and stayed at the OZ Business lounge, which is nice, very spacious and comes with decent food offerings. All in all a wonderful experience. I have already booked our next trip to HKT on OZ.

I am flying F service out of seoul next week to frankfurt, I am trying to look for F menu so I can pre order, but I really having trouble understand their english over the phone, is there any better way to find out before my flight?

I am flying F service out of seoul next week to frankfurt, I am trying to look for F menu so I can pre order, but I really having trouble understand their english over the phone, is there any better way to find out before my flight?

What are you looking for "pre order"? Vegetarian, Kosher or? I don't think you can pre-order any kind of regular food. You will have an Asian/Korean option and three or four Western dishes.

How are the FRA-ICN seats in C? Are they lie-flat?

That's probably because OZ F seat IS short.I'm 1.92m tall and I kept banging my head against it. This never happened on any other airline.

And I also find soft product to be disappointing. Yes, they try hard - but lack class true F service requires. Very plain and gray, just as their uniforms.
Very Korean trough, I must say.

Not even close to CX, SQ or even EK on my book.

Regards,

El Puerco Volante.
I've been to S Korea and most people there aren't 6'4 or taller last time I went there.

How are the FRA-ICN seats in C? Are they lie-flat?

No, they're 170 degree recline, like with LH J.