Experiences with Asiana Airlines

Asiana Airlines flight attendantsAhead of a trip to New York, one member is currently researching flights. They’ve flown to the United States via Los Angeles several times. This time, they’re considering flying Asiana Airlines for a change. Based in Korea, Asiana Airlines is a Star Alliance member offering daily flights from Sydney to Seoul and beyond.

Before booking the flights, our member called on the collective wisdom of the AFF community. As it happens, most travellers have had highly positive experiences with Asiana.

Thinking of booking Asiana Airlines for CBR – JFK at Christmas time – not ideal but a dear friend is getting married in NYC for a white wedding. Given we will have done a number of direct to LAX flights this year (on the next one on Monday) thinking of something different. Asiana fly A380 all the way, and seem to provide a stop over at a reasonable (or nil cost) cost.

Has anyone flown them? what’s your experience?

Our members unanimously agree that Asiana Airlines has a good product in all classes of travel. In the premium cabins, they also offer some of the best food in the sky.

Flew them in J and F, overall they’re great! J hard product ex-SYD is not fully flat (yet) but perfectly fine for day flight. Their A380s are proper fully flat. Best features about OZ are service and meals, both among the best in the air. ICN airport is one of the best in the world, a breeze to transfer through.

The Business class seats on Asiana’s Sydney flights appear to be a mix of angle-flat and newer lie-flat “Smartium” seats. But the improved seats are being seen more and more frequently. Lie-flat beds will be guaranteed while Asiana flies an A380 to Sydney over summer.

Even in Economy class, Asiana offers generous leg room.

Only ever flown them in Y but the service is good and there’s more legroom than most other airlines.

For one member, the thing that really separates Asiana is its customer service.

Asiana has my vote one of the best in a number of areas. A few years ago, when I went through some personal issues, I really stuffed up a booking and effectively had a “no show” as I was day out… OZ could not be more helpful as soon as I got there late, about to beg, etc,. Not one word about the no show, bought me out a drink, towel, as i was checking in. Got me on the plane and not one mention of payment, as they had full right to. Not sure if it would have happening in I was travelling in Y or flying with QF. They have my vote for customer service.

Asiana provides onward connections from Seoul to destinations throughout Asia, North America and Europe. As the Sydney-Seoul flight arrives in the evening, an overnight stop in Seoul is necessary before flying on to destinations including New York and London. But Asiana Airlines does provide a free hotel to transit passengers. “STPC” (Stopover Paid by Carrier) packages can be requested via Asiana’s Sydney office or through your travel agent. There are a few restrictions; for example, some blackout periods apply, certain fare classes are ineligible and you’ll need to have booked a return ticket.

Have you flown Asiana Airlines? Share your experience HERE.

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.
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