As someone who has flown hundreds of times across Asia, Europe, and North America, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the subtleties that separate good airlines from exceptional ones. Asiana Airlines, Korea’s second-largest flag carrier, consistently impresses me with its balance of tradition, grace, and practicality. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experiences and a thorough, data-driven analysis to help you truly understand what flying with Asiana Airlines feels like.
Unlike many Western carriers, where efficiency tends to overshadow human connection, Asiana has built its entire in-flight experience around the warmth and respect of Korean-style hospitality. From the genuine bows of the flight attendants to the comforting aroma of fresh bibimbap at 35,000 feet, every detail on Asiana flights is thoughtfully curated. But does their traditional approach stand strong in today’s fiercely competitive international market?
Let’s explore this thoroughly, step by step.
What Makes Asiana Airlines Stand Out Among Global Carriers?
I genuinely feel that Asiana Airlines differentiates itself profoundly through its commitment to “Jeong”, the Korean cultural concept that expresses empathy, warmth, affection, and respect. This principle permeates their entire customer service model:
- Cabin crew training emphasizes harmony and politeness, demonstrated through gentle tones, soft eye contact, and discreet service.
- Compared directly with Korean Air, Asiana’s service has consistently felt more intimate and personal to me, whereas Korean Air focuses on a slightly more corporate approach with polished glamour.
- When I compare Asiana Airlines with premium competitors such as ANA or Singapore Airlines, Asiana may not lead with the newest fleet. Yet, it clearly holds its own in hospitality standards, service consistency, and personalized attention.
- This unwavering service quality on long-haul flights has been validated by Skytrax, which recognizes Asiana as a certified 5-Star Airline, an elite rating given to only a few airlines worldwide.
How Is the Booking Process and Customer Service Experience?
Booking my flights with Asiana is generally straightforward but admittedly not flawless. Here’s my experience across their booking platforms and customer service:
- Website: It’s functional, though somewhat outdated. Navigating through multi-city bookings, I’ve found some sections unintuitive, requiring unnecessary extra steps compared to platforms from Emirates or Qatar Airways.
- Mobile App: The app has been stable for me on both iOS and Android. However, I’ve noticed seat selections occasionally reset if I switch between devices during booking.
- Customer Support: Impressively, Asiana provides reliable multilingual support (English, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese). I typically experience average phone wait times of just 3–5 minutes for international calls, better than many carriers.
- Refund and Ticket Changes: I appreciate Asiana’s flexibility; I’ve successfully changed award bookings within 24 hours without additional fees, a perk not universally available among Asian carriers.
Overall, while not leading technologically, Asiana excels in reliable and human-centered customer service.
What Can You Expect from In-Flight Comfort and Seating?
Having tried all cabin classes on various aircraft, I can confirm Asiana’s consistent commitment to comfort, especially in their long-haul Business and First class.
Seat Specifications:
- Economy Class: 32 inches pitch, 18 inches width (3-3-3 or 2-4-2 layout)
- Business Smartium: 58 inches pitch, 21 inches width (staggered 1-2-1 layout on A350/A380)
- First Suite: 82 inches pitch, 23 inches width (private suite with sliding doors on the A380)
In Economy Class, I’ve appreciated that the 32-inch seat pitch provides noticeable extra space compared to the global average of 30–31 inches, particularly on the newer A350 and B777 aircraft. Even on flights exceeding 12 hours, the cushioning and lumbar support significantly improved my comfort.
In Business Smartium, I thoroughly enjoyed their fully lie-flat seats. These offer full aisle access, massage functionality, and privacy partitions, making long journeys genuinely relaxing.
In First Suite Class, though perhaps less extravagant compared to Etihad’s Apartment, Asiana still impresses me with a serene environment, sliding privacy doors, “Do Not Disturb” features, and large 32-inch HD screens.
Additionally, cleanliness aboard Asiana aircraft is impeccable. Crew members frequently disinfect restrooms and keep amenities sealed, fresh, and spotless.
How Good Is the In-Flight Dining on Asiana Airlines?
Dining on Asiana consistently ranks among my top airline food experiences, particularly thanks to their focus on traditional Korean dishes executed with authenticity.
- In Economy Class, typical main options include bibimbap, beef bulgogi, and pasta. My favorite, the bibimbap, arrives with gochujang (Korean chili paste), sesame oil, and fresh vegetables, allowing you to mix it yourself for an authentic touch.
- In Business & First Class, I’ve relished multi-course Korean meals, from savory ox bone soup (Seolleongtang) to perfectly braised short ribs and seasonal side dishes that could easily rival high-end restaurants. Western options, such as grilled cod and tenderloin steak, are similarly delightful.
- Beverage choices feature Korean barley tea and refreshing plum juice, unique offerings I always enjoy alongside standard drinks.
Notably, Skytrax routinely ranks Asiana among the world’s top 10 airlines for dining, a rating I fully endorse from personal experience.
How Does Asiana Handle In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity?
Asiana’s entertainment system and connectivity vary considerably across their fleet:
- Entertainment System: Economy screens average 11 inches, Business 15.6 inches, First 32 inches. Content is thoughtfully curated, including 60+ movies in multiple languages, TV shows, music, and even games.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi is currently limited to the A350 fleet, priced reasonably ($9.95/hour or $21.95/full flight). Speeds averaging between 2–5 Mbps allow for smooth messaging, but video streaming is challenging.
Though they don’t yet lead the industry in IFE technology, Asiana’s curated content, especially their children’s programming and meditation playlists, enhances my in-flight comfort significantly.
How Is the Cabin Crew Performance Rated?
Asiana’s cabin crew performance consistently rates among Asia’s highest standards. In my 15+ flights over the past decade, I’ve found:
- The service is attentive yet never intrusive. Crew members respond swiftly (typically under 1 minute) without ever hovering.
- Cultural etiquette is impeccable. Cabin crew display refined gestures, respectful bows during boarding, and gentle language tones, creating a calm atmosphere.
Skytrax and AirlineRatings regularly recognize Asiana’s crew with top marks, matching my own experience across all cabin classes.
What Are the Pros and Cons Based on Verified Traveler Reviews?
Pros
- High cabin cleanliness standards
- Polite, responsive crew with deep cultural training
- Korean meal quality superior to many global carriers
- Consistent long-haul business class product
Cons
- Some aircraft (older B777s) still use outdated IFE systems
- Wi-Fi availability is limited to A350s
- Fewer North American routes compared to Korean Air
- Lounges at outstations are often partner-operated, not Asiana-branded
How Does Asiana Airlines Rank in Safety and Fleet Modernity?
Asiana Airlines meets all international aviation safety benchmarks and holds a 7/7 rating from AirlineRatings.com.
Fleet Overview
- 82 active aircraft (as of Q1 2025)
- Average fleet age: 10.2 years
- Primary aircraft: Airbus A350-900, A330-300, Boeing 777-200ER, Airbus A380
Safety Milestones
- IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certified
- Part of the Star Alliance, requiring adherence to strict safety protocols
- Last major incident: OZ214 at SFO (2013). Post-incident reforms led to improved pilot simulation training and fleet-wide CRM upgrades.
What Is the Experience Like at Asiana Lounges?
Seoul Incheon (ICN)
- Business Lounge: Buffet with Korean and Western options, private shower suites, fast Wi-Fi (tested at 89 Mbps), and panoramic runway views.
- First Lounge: More private, with à la carte dining and semi-private nap zones.
Lounges are less extravagant than Qatar’s Al Mourjan or Singapore’s SilverKris, but extremely functional and consistently clean.
Access is granted to:
- Business and First passengers
- Star Alliance Gold members
- OZ Mileage Club elites
Is Asiana Airlines Worth It for Frequent Flyers?
OZ Mileage Club
- 4 tiers: Silver, Gold, Diamond, Diamond Plus
- Miles valid for 10 years (longer than most U.S. carriers)
- Redemption sweet spots on Japan, SE Asia, and intra-Korea routes
Star Alliance Benefits
- Seamless transfer with partners like United, Lufthansa, ANA
- Lounge access for Gold members worldwide
For loyal travelers in Asia-Pacific, Asiana offers a rewarding elite structure, especially for flyers connecting through Incheon.
Which Routes Offer the Best Asiana Airlines Experience?
These routes offer the newest aircraft and best overall service:
- ICN → JFK: A350-900 with full lie-flat Business Smartium seats
- ICN → FRA: Daily A350 with high OTP and extensive Korean meal service
- ICN → SYD: A330 with efficient IFE, strong crew performance
- ICN → LAX: A380 with First Suite Class and flagship service design
On these routes, I’ve consistently experienced Asiana at its best, punctual, polished, and peaceful.
Final Verdict: Is Asiana Airlines a Good Choice for International Travel?
Yes, especially for travelers who value calm, polite service over flashy branding. Asiana Airlines excels in comfort, food quality, and authentic Korean service rituals. While its tech and fleet updates lag slightly behind top-tier Middle Eastern carriers, the overall value proposition remains strong, particularly on East Asia to North America routes.