We had been traveling for almost 2 weeks, and were eagerly anticipating our Asiana flight from ICN-LAX in First Class. I have flown most of the major *A carriers, but had heard very positive comments on Asiana's service. Having earned ATW's 'Airline of the Year, 2009' designation, we were excited about trying their award winning service.
Our previous segments on this trip included United, ANA and Thai. Asiana was entirely different than the rest, operating more like a boutique airline in my opinion, evident by more personalized service from the check-in experience to the lounge to the on-board experience.
I was a bit nervous about getting stuck on the 'One' 747 that hasn't yet been outfitted with the new First and Business Cabins, and Asiana gives no clear indication of potential aircraft swaps. Because Asiana does not pre-assign seats, there was some nervousness about getting the old configuration. We were put at ease however upon check-in (at BKK) as the ticket counter staff informed us of the 1x1 seat configuration (with the exception of the seat pair in row 4) on our ICN-LAX sector.
We flew BKK-ICN on Asiana (Business Class aboard an A330-300) and arrived ICN and 6AM. We then did a 9+ Hour layover at the Hyatt Regency Incheon Airport, a wise move for such a lengthy stop. We later proceeded to ICN 2 hours before departure, where we were kindly shown to the Asiana First Class Lounge. As others have noted on this board, the lounge was rather empty, with only a small handful of passengers awaiting flights. The lounge was more than spacious, and featured a variety of rooms including an entertainment/tv space with several flat screen televisions, a shower room, luxurious restroom, bar area, piano and several seating areas. The lounge is well serviced by Asiana staff, and is an altogether comfortable place to rest pre-flight! We were personally escorted to our gate, and the friendly Asiana staff even carried our bags (something I felt bad about, but was a nice feature nonetheless)
Asiana's First Class Lounge at ICN:
The Aircraft before Departure: (HL7423)
Seat 3K (There were 5 of us traveling; this was one of our seats)
Asiana's First Class seat product is on par with most major carriers, but certainly isn't the most cutting edge. That said, I thought the seat was extremely comfortable in all positions, including the flat bed mode. It was my opinion that the bed itself was virtually flat, but some have noted that there is a minor angle, something I failed to notice. Unlike United's new F product, Asiana's flight attendants offer to "make your bed" by laying down a small seat pad, and provide passengers with a down duvet comforter, sleeping pillow and full pajamas (which I thought were extremely comfy, some of the nicest pj's I've seen in-flight)
Once escorted on-board by Asiana's ground staff, we were immediately greeted by 3 flight attendants offering us assistance with our carry-on bags. We were quickly offered our choice of Champagne before take-off, Tattinger's Comtes de Champagne 1998 or Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve. Our Bvlgari Amenity Kits were distributed, the white leather bag design with everything you might need during flight. Toothbrushes, Evian Spritzers and a handful of other toiletries were also available in the lavatories. As a side note, flight attendants were diligent about cleaning up the lavatories after each use, a nice touch on a 10+ Hour flight.
The First Class Seat made into a Bed:
Asiana's in-flight food service was fantastic, and offered a wide variety of Western meal options as well as the traditional Korean Royal Table D'hote service (Bi-Bam-Bab Service) There were 2 Western options including 1 Beef Dish, 1 Seafood Selection (in addition to the 1st Main Course, the Gooseliver Stuffed Ravioli's). Each presentation was well plated, and presented in a truly "First Class" way, with true "silverware" and small touches such as olive oil and balsamic vinegar, table roses and cart service for selected items such as tableware setup. The wine choices were equally fantastic with 2 Champagne choices, 3 White Wine offerings, 3 Red Wine offerings and 3 Dessert Wine offerings. Fine spirits such as Johnnie Walker Blue label were also available.
Starter: Hot Canape of 'Escargot' Stuffed in Plum Tomato
First Main Course, Ravioli Stuffed With Gooseliver:
Main Course, Beef Tenderloin:
Main Course, Grilled Seabass:
Selection of Cheese & Fresh Fruit:
Dessert, Italian Ice Cream Tartufo:
Breakfast before Arrival to LAX:
Breakfast Main Course, Spinish Quiche:
Asiana is trying hard to carve a niche for itself in the heavily crowded Asian Airline market, and I think they're doing a wonderful job. Our in-flight service was truly memorable, and you can see that the crew was really working hard to deliver the very best service. I found the crew to be professional, courteous and and equivalent (and better in some respects) to their competition. I never felt that the service was scripted in any way, rather a genuine attempt to deliver stellar service in the most personalized way. The on-board entertainment was simple, provided ample movie selections and was in line with the competition. Before landing, we were all offered gifts- a nice (yet rare) touch as a thank you for flying. Versace Mugs, Asiana Duffle Bags and DVD's were among the available selections. When traveling again to Asia, Asiana will definitely be on my list when traveling in First!
Last edited by globetraveler; Jul 7, 09 at 2:51 am..
Great report, and very timely for me as it's a flight I'm considering for an upcoming trip.
Did you notice the slight incline of the seat in the bed mode? There seems to be a fair amount of concern about it by a couple posters in the Asiana forum.
Our Bvlgari Amenity Kits were distributed, the white leather bag design with everything you might need during flight.
Curious can you post a photo of the amenity kit ?
Since the bag is different color (mine from january and february are both brown suede), I wonder if the content is still the same, BLV pour homme travel size, aftershave emulsion, shampoo & shower gel, lip balm, refreshing towel, gel eye mask and tooth brush paste set in blue plastic tube ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by globetraveler
Before landing, we were all offered gifts- a nice (yet rare) touch as a thank you for flying. Versace Mugs, Asiana Duffle Bags and DVD's were among the available selections.
So what did you get ? I wonder are they giving out the same mug from earlier in the year ?
Asiana Duffle bag ? Sound interesting, probably they figure no one ever take those symphony orchestra DVD or golf DVD, they make something else. I wonder if you had taken a photo of all this gift too as well ?
ORDnHKG: They have since changed the kit, which no longer includes eyeshades & earplugs (as they distribute these separately during flight) I think the new design is quite nice. I have included photos of the kit & its contents below as well as a few other misc. photos.
Thanks to everyone for their positive comments regarding my report! I'm going to also try to upload some photos on my UA & TG experiences soon.
The Amenity Kit:
The Kit Contents:
Versace Mug Gift Option (photo of wrapped box):
Asiana Duffle Bag (in nylon handle case) Gift Option:
