OZ F ICN-HKG new 777 + new lounge pic link December 2008
Dec 29, 2008, 12:59 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: New York
Posts: 7,348
OZ F ICN-HKG new 777 + new lounge pic link December 2008
Asiana F trip report December 2008
Dear all,
Hopefully this is just a short report on my onward flight from Incheon to Hong Kong on Asiana First Class. This is a fairly typical short haul flight, but since I get the chance to fly on the new three-class Boeing 777 flight, I decide to give you a short report! I have also noticed that the meal service has been simplified and maybe worthwhile to report on!
December 5, 2008
OZ 721 ICN-HKG Lv0920 Arr1200 Boeing 777-200ER HL7775
Photo link:
OZ F Lounge: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8QbNHDNy5bqLyY
OZ HL7775 F cabin pictures:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8QbNHDNy5bqLvo
OZ HL7775 & meal: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8QbNHDNy5bqMMY
I have already checked in the day before at LAX and received my onward boarding pass to Hong Kong, and my bags were also checked through. I proceeded to the immigration once arriving at the airport. Incheon was quite busy at this early morning hours, as many flights are heading to various Asian cities. Custom was busy, as well as immigration, and it took about twenty minutes to go through various queues. There was unfortunately no premium lane for first and business class passengers.
I immediately headed towards the brand new Asiana First Class lounge located near the 40s gate, a new pier for Asiana. Not sure why Korean Air and Asiana decided to switch areas! The new F lounge was definitely massively better than before, and the whole lounge reminds me of an antique living room with antique furniture – armchair, sofa, coffee tables, and even book shelves with Classic English literature. The lounge was very quiet this morning as most OZ intra-Asian flights are two-class, and I took the opportunities to take pictures. The food selection is very nice with Chinese dim sum, Korean abalone porridge, scrambled egg, bacons, and a nice selection of cold food, such as cheese, cold cuts, breads, fruits, yogurt, and cereals. There is a dining room attached to the buffet area. And around boarding time, a concierge will approach you and bring you to the gate personally. The concierge tried to make small talks with her limited English, and was polite and making eye contacts. Definitely five-star service! But I think I will appreciate a concierge bring me to the lounge from the check-in area, and then from the lounge to the gate.
We used gate 40 this morning, and the flight was not particularly busy in all three classes. First class had two passengers including me. I was at 1A, while the other passenger was at 2K. The new Boeing 777-200 features a slight different first class solo seat, but business class features the same angled sleeper seats. Someone remarks how the seat is similar to Korean Air. Unfortunately I have not flown KE’s new Kosomo first class sleeper seat, so I can’t really compare. The window seats however are slightly in a herringbone configuration, so there is a large flat area on the window seats. 1A and 1K have a larger table area next to the seat, but less direct access to window. So you can’t really take pictures while in the plane or taxiing. Seat 2A and 2K are more sensible, still with a large table area for newspapers, but more direct access to the window. Compared to the Boeing 747, the seat has some different designs, the armrest will go down on the 777, which allows direct access to the aisle during meals or when table is used, but the width seems slightly less on 777. The tray table is more flexible and can push forward more to allow access to aisle when table is out. The entertainment console is concealed in the armrest, and the seat control design is a bit simpler. The lumbar positions are more varied. But I find the seat to be less comfortable during takeoff and landing, but better in recline position. There is no side shoe storage bin, but a real shoe storage box underneath the foot stool, which can also served as a seat for a companion during meal service. But that seat looks rather uncomfortable to sit on. There are also a few more magazine storage area on the side of the seat, too. One more note, the personal TV system is AVOD (on demand), but not touch screen like Boeing 747. Fundamentally, the new solo seat is almost identical on the 747s as well as 777s, so don’t worry if you get the 777 or 747, as long as you get the new first class seat.
Boarding commenced on 8:50am, and two F/As were in charge of first class, while the purser helped out in the back. My coat was immediately hang and my first beverage order were taken. A bowl of warmed mixed nuts was offered with my glass of ice water. A pair of slippers and headsets is pre-placed in the seat. Eyeshades and earplugs were handed out later in flight. Menus were than passed out, as well as hot towel. Door was closed early at 9:18am, and we pushed back from gate 40 at 9:23am. We taxied towards R/W34 and took off at 9:33am. Flying time was three hours and thirty-seven minutes, which was longer than average due to strong headwind. We stayed at 38,000feet throughout the flight, and the routing took us over Gunsan, Gwangju, Jeju, Taipei, and Makung.
The entertainment was activated after takeoff and the new Asiana entertainment system is much better than before, however still lack reasonable short television programs, like sitcoms and dramas from the UK and US. It is still a long way from SQ KrisWorld or CX, but much better than JAL’s really poor selection of movies and televisions. There is a lunch service on this flight. The wine list is the same as the long haul flight from LAX to Seoul.
Food wise – cutbacks are evidenced on this flight. The meal has been simplified from a full international eight-course to five-course. There is no longer a canapé service, but replaced by an amuse bouche though. There is no longer a soup and a salad course. There is also no more petits fours/pralines service. The entrée size has gone down a bit, which bothers me the most here. The soup and salad course may be a bit rush, so it is understandable. The lobster entrée on OZ is no longer as good as before, but the Korean meal looks very nice though. The two F/As served the meal in a good pace, and were very attentive. They patrolled the cabin throughout the flight and I was asked if I wanted a beverage after a short nap on the really comfortable seat. The service is really excellent.
Here is the wine list and menu transcript:
Seoul to Hong Kong
Asiana Bar
Apertifs
Sweet Vermouth
Dry Vermouth
Campari
Medium Dry Sherry Sandeman
Spirits
Scotch Whiskey Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Bourbon Whiskey Jack Daniel
Canadian Whiskey Canadian Club
Vodka Smirnoff
Gin Beefeaters
Rum Bacardi
Korean Traditional Liqueurs
“HWARANG” Made from Rice and Herbs
“MAE CHUY SOON” Made from Plum
Champagnes
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 1998
Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve
White Wines
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2004
Artesa Chardonnay Carneros Estate 2004
Gewurztraminer Herrenweg de Turckheim 2004
Red Wines
Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Grand Cru Classe, Graves 2004
Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru 2004
Ridgeline Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2003
Dessert Wines
Blandy’s 10 Years Old Maimsey Madeira
Port Sanderman 20 Years Old Tawny Porto
Jackson-Triggs Vidal VQA Ice Wine 2006
Cognac & Liqueurs
Hennessy XO
Drambuie
Conitreau
Baileys Irish Cream
Brunch
Starter
Egg Custard with Abalone and Prawn
Black Forest Ham with Artichoke
Main Course
Beef Frank Steak 328kcal
Served with Roasted garlic and whole grain mustard sauce
Or
Lobster Thermidor (344kcal)
Served with Tomato Sauce
Accompanied by Pimento and Pasta
Or
Korean “Crabmeat” Porridge (217 kcal)
A Famous Korean Healthy Porridge
Accompanied by Assorted Side Dishes
Selection of Cheese
Fresh Fruit
Dessert
Apple Tart
Coffee & Tea
Descent soon began at 11:36am local Hong Kong time (which is an hour behind from Seoul), and we landed on R/W7L at 12:10pm. We parked at gate 22 five minutes later. My bags were labeled first class and arrived among the first number of bags. However my box (filled with wines… mother’s order) did not come down from the chute but from the back. The agent (Jardine) and the OZ supervisor immediately asked if I were from LA and my box would come out from the back. It was very good service and the OZ supervisor was polite.
I hope you enjoy this report!
Happy Holidays!
Carfield
Dear all,
Hopefully this is just a short report on my onward flight from Incheon to Hong Kong on Asiana First Class. This is a fairly typical short haul flight, but since I get the chance to fly on the new three-class Boeing 777 flight, I decide to give you a short report! I have also noticed that the meal service has been simplified and maybe worthwhile to report on!
December 5, 2008
OZ 721 ICN-HKG Lv0920 Arr1200 Boeing 777-200ER HL7775
Photo link:
OZ F Lounge: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8QbNHDNy5bqLyY
OZ HL7775 F cabin pictures:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8QbNHDNy5bqLvo
OZ HL7775 & meal: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8QbNHDNy5bqMMY
I have already checked in the day before at LAX and received my onward boarding pass to Hong Kong, and my bags were also checked through. I proceeded to the immigration once arriving at the airport. Incheon was quite busy at this early morning hours, as many flights are heading to various Asian cities. Custom was busy, as well as immigration, and it took about twenty minutes to go through various queues. There was unfortunately no premium lane for first and business class passengers.
I immediately headed towards the brand new Asiana First Class lounge located near the 40s gate, a new pier for Asiana. Not sure why Korean Air and Asiana decided to switch areas! The new F lounge was definitely massively better than before, and the whole lounge reminds me of an antique living room with antique furniture – armchair, sofa, coffee tables, and even book shelves with Classic English literature. The lounge was very quiet this morning as most OZ intra-Asian flights are two-class, and I took the opportunities to take pictures. The food selection is very nice with Chinese dim sum, Korean abalone porridge, scrambled egg, bacons, and a nice selection of cold food, such as cheese, cold cuts, breads, fruits, yogurt, and cereals. There is a dining room attached to the buffet area. And around boarding time, a concierge will approach you and bring you to the gate personally. The concierge tried to make small talks with her limited English, and was polite and making eye contacts. Definitely five-star service! But I think I will appreciate a concierge bring me to the lounge from the check-in area, and then from the lounge to the gate.
We used gate 40 this morning, and the flight was not particularly busy in all three classes. First class had two passengers including me. I was at 1A, while the other passenger was at 2K. The new Boeing 777-200 features a slight different first class solo seat, but business class features the same angled sleeper seats. Someone remarks how the seat is similar to Korean Air. Unfortunately I have not flown KE’s new Kosomo first class sleeper seat, so I can’t really compare. The window seats however are slightly in a herringbone configuration, so there is a large flat area on the window seats. 1A and 1K have a larger table area next to the seat, but less direct access to window. So you can’t really take pictures while in the plane or taxiing. Seat 2A and 2K are more sensible, still with a large table area for newspapers, but more direct access to the window. Compared to the Boeing 747, the seat has some different designs, the armrest will go down on the 777, which allows direct access to the aisle during meals or when table is used, but the width seems slightly less on 777. The tray table is more flexible and can push forward more to allow access to aisle when table is out. The entertainment console is concealed in the armrest, and the seat control design is a bit simpler. The lumbar positions are more varied. But I find the seat to be less comfortable during takeoff and landing, but better in recline position. There is no side shoe storage bin, but a real shoe storage box underneath the foot stool, which can also served as a seat for a companion during meal service. But that seat looks rather uncomfortable to sit on. There are also a few more magazine storage area on the side of the seat, too. One more note, the personal TV system is AVOD (on demand), but not touch screen like Boeing 747. Fundamentally, the new solo seat is almost identical on the 747s as well as 777s, so don’t worry if you get the 777 or 747, as long as you get the new first class seat.
Boarding commenced on 8:50am, and two F/As were in charge of first class, while the purser helped out in the back. My coat was immediately hang and my first beverage order were taken. A bowl of warmed mixed nuts was offered with my glass of ice water. A pair of slippers and headsets is pre-placed in the seat. Eyeshades and earplugs were handed out later in flight. Menus were than passed out, as well as hot towel. Door was closed early at 9:18am, and we pushed back from gate 40 at 9:23am. We taxied towards R/W34 and took off at 9:33am. Flying time was three hours and thirty-seven minutes, which was longer than average due to strong headwind. We stayed at 38,000feet throughout the flight, and the routing took us over Gunsan, Gwangju, Jeju, Taipei, and Makung.
The entertainment was activated after takeoff and the new Asiana entertainment system is much better than before, however still lack reasonable short television programs, like sitcoms and dramas from the UK and US. It is still a long way from SQ KrisWorld or CX, but much better than JAL’s really poor selection of movies and televisions. There is a lunch service on this flight. The wine list is the same as the long haul flight from LAX to Seoul.
Food wise – cutbacks are evidenced on this flight. The meal has been simplified from a full international eight-course to five-course. There is no longer a canapé service, but replaced by an amuse bouche though. There is no longer a soup and a salad course. There is also no more petits fours/pralines service. The entrée size has gone down a bit, which bothers me the most here. The soup and salad course may be a bit rush, so it is understandable. The lobster entrée on OZ is no longer as good as before, but the Korean meal looks very nice though. The two F/As served the meal in a good pace, and were very attentive. They patrolled the cabin throughout the flight and I was asked if I wanted a beverage after a short nap on the really comfortable seat. The service is really excellent.
Here is the wine list and menu transcript:
Seoul to Hong Kong
Asiana Bar
Apertifs
Sweet Vermouth
Dry Vermouth
Campari
Medium Dry Sherry Sandeman
Spirits
Scotch Whiskey Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Bourbon Whiskey Jack Daniel
Canadian Whiskey Canadian Club
Vodka Smirnoff
Gin Beefeaters
Rum Bacardi
Korean Traditional Liqueurs
“HWARANG” Made from Rice and Herbs
“MAE CHUY SOON” Made from Plum
Champagnes
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 1998
Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve
White Wines
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2004
Artesa Chardonnay Carneros Estate 2004
Gewurztraminer Herrenweg de Turckheim 2004
Red Wines
Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Grand Cru Classe, Graves 2004
Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru 2004
Ridgeline Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2003
Dessert Wines
Blandy’s 10 Years Old Maimsey Madeira
Port Sanderman 20 Years Old Tawny Porto
Jackson-Triggs Vidal VQA Ice Wine 2006
Cognac & Liqueurs
Hennessy XO
Drambuie
Conitreau
Baileys Irish Cream
Brunch
Starter
Egg Custard with Abalone and Prawn
Black Forest Ham with Artichoke
Main Course
Beef Frank Steak 328kcal
Served with Roasted garlic and whole grain mustard sauce
Or
Lobster Thermidor (344kcal)
Served with Tomato Sauce
Accompanied by Pimento and Pasta
Or
Korean “Crabmeat” Porridge (217 kcal)
A Famous Korean Healthy Porridge
Accompanied by Assorted Side Dishes
Selection of Cheese
Fresh Fruit
Dessert
Apple Tart
Coffee & Tea
Descent soon began at 11:36am local Hong Kong time (which is an hour behind from Seoul), and we landed on R/W7L at 12:10pm. We parked at gate 22 five minutes later. My bags were labeled first class and arrived among the first number of bags. However my box (filled with wines… mother’s order) did not come down from the chute but from the back. The agent (Jardine) and the OZ supervisor immediately asked if I were from LA and my box would come out from the back. It was very good service and the OZ supervisor was polite.
I hope you enjoy this report!
Happy Holidays!
Carfield
Last edited by Carfield; Dec 30, 2008 at 1:20 am
Dec 29, 2008, 2:13 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: AA Gold AAdvantage Elite, Rapids Reward
Posts: 38,331
Wow! It's unbelievable that you rode in the F class all the way from ICN-HKG. So I know that you always flew into F class all of the time. Why you don't sticky to stay where you are in the economy class. The foods are delicious for me. I think the pasta is absolutely great. So however, you can try fly on SQ sometimes in the future.
Also, I think this is really great trip reports. Next time if you want fly on DL for next year in July 2009 for LAX-SYD nonstop on operate of 777-200LR. I am looking forward to seeing more writing the trip reports. Thanks for your writing the trip reports details.
Regards
Also, I think this is really great trip reports. Next time if you want fly on DL for next year in July 2009 for LAX-SYD nonstop on operate of 777-200LR. I am looking forward to seeing more writing the trip reports. Thanks for your writing the trip reports details.
Regards
Dec 29, 2008, 1:36 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: New York
Posts: 7,348
Well the flight is a continuation of my LAX to ICN flight... so I did not buy a separate F ticket from ICN to HKG... but there are actually quite a number of promotions in the past on flying F From HKG to ICN on OZ, as well as J.
I flew SQ F and J before and they were great, but the price is not that great... so I stick with OZ rather affordable fare as well as great award inventory for F and J.
I will love to fly DL LAX to SYD, but the J fare on this route has been historically high and just not possible!
Carfield
I flew SQ F and J before and they were great, but the price is not that great... so I stick with OZ rather affordable fare as well as great award inventory for F and J.
I will love to fly DL LAX to SYD, but the J fare on this route has been historically high and just not possible!
Carfield
Dec 29, 2008, 2:16 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: ORD, HKG
Programs: UA*G, AA Emerald, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt globalist
Posts: 10,279
I can't believe the entree looks like snack to me, I will definately skip lobster, also there is no point of cutting out soup and salad. When they served those before, they are not in a rush, as ICN-HKG-ICN never get F filled up.
Did you have a chance to go to see the shower room in the new F lounge in ICN look like ? The old F lounge shower have big bottles of household bands of shampoo like Vidal Sasoon and other stuff, it was very uninspiring, hope something had changed for nicer products like UA has H2O and NH has Loccitane.
Did you have a chance to go to see the shower room in the new F lounge in ICN look like ? The old F lounge shower have big bottles of household bands of shampoo like Vidal Sasoon and other stuff, it was very uninspiring, hope something had changed for nicer products like UA has H2O and NH has Loccitane.
Last edited by ORDnHKG; Dec 29, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Dec 29, 2008, 5:19 pm
#5
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan 100K BA executive club, IC/platinum/RA
Posts: 162
Thanks Carfield. Great photos. Mrs. U & I are flying OZ F JFK-ICN in March. And ICN-SIN the Mrs. is in F and I in J. I have been quite curious about the ICN F lounge and service. You have been extremely helpful and made me very anxious for our trip in March.
Super photos and thanks again.
Useless
Super photos and thanks again.
Useless
