As someone who’s 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 sits at the intersection of tradition, grace, and functionality. This review combines my direct experiences with data-driven analysis to help you understand what flying Asiana really feels like.
Unlike Western carriers where efficiency often overshadows human connection, Asiana builds its in-flight experience around Korean-style hospitality. From bowing flight attendants to warm bibimbap served at 35,000 feet, every detail is designed to create calm, respect-driven service. But does this approach hold up in today’s competitive international market?
Let’s examine it in detail.
What Makes Asiana Airlines Stand Out Among Global Carriers?
Asiana Airlines differentiates itself through its commitment to “Jeong,” a Korean cultural concept expressing empathy, affection, and respect. This is embedded into their entire customer service model.
- Cabin crew training emphasizes harmony and politeness, often expressed through gentle tones, soft eye contact, and discreet service.
- Compared to Korean Air, Asiana’s service feels more intimate and less corporate. Where Korean Air might impress with glitz, Asiana leans into quiet, structured care.
- Versus competitors like ANA or Singapore Airlines, Asiana may not always lead in fleet modernity, but it holds its own in hospitality.
This service consistency, particularly on long-haul routes, reinforces Asiana’s status as one of Skytrax’s certified 5-Star Airlines, alongside just a handful of elite carriers.
How Is the Booking Process and Customer Service Experience?
Booking an Asiana flight is straightforward, but not perfect. Here’s how it performs across key touchpoints:
- Website: Functional but dated. It lacks the intuitive UX you’d find with Emirates or Qatar Airways. Some menus, especially for multi-city bookings, require unnecessary steps.
- Mobile App: Stable on both iOS and Android, though seat selection sometimes resets if you switch devices mid-booking.
- Customer Support: Impressive multilingual support (English, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese) with an average phone wait time of 3–5 minutes for international numbers.
- Refund and Ticket Changes: Relatively efficient. I’ve successfully changed award bookings within 24 hours with no additional fee, a flexibility not always found with Asian carriers.
While not a technological leader, Asiana compensates with human-centered service and predictable responsiveness.
What Can You Expect from In-Flight Comfort and Seating?
Asiana’s cabin configuration varies by aircraft, but comfort remains consistent, particularly in long-haul Business and First.
Seat specifications:
- Economy: 32 in pitch / 18 in width / 3-3-3 or 2-4-2 layout
- Business: 58 in pitch / 21 in width / 2-2-2 or 1-2-1 layout
- First Suite: 82 in pitch / 23 in width / 1-2-1 layout
Economy Class
The seat pitch (32 inches) gives more room than the global average (30–31 inches), especially on A350s and B777s. The 18-inch width is comfortable even on 12+ hour flights. Cushioning and lumbar support exceed expectations for this class.
Business Smartium
Available on most long-haul routes, these lie-flat seats are configured in a staggered 1-2-1 layout on the A350 and A380, ensuring full aisle access. Seats include privacy partitions, massage functions, and bedding kits.
First Suite Class
This cabin exists only on the A380, offering full sliding doors, 32-inch HD monitors, and “Do Not Disturb” lighting options. While not as flashy as Etihad’s Apartment, it offers serene space with top-tier attention to detail.
Cabin cleanliness is impeccable. Crew routinely disinfect lavatories mid-flight, and I’ve consistently observed pristine tray tables and sealed amenities.
How Good Is the In-Flight Dining on Asiana Airlines?
Asiana’s culinary focus highlights traditional Korean flavors with global finesse. Their in-flight dining, particularly in Business and First, is a standout experience.
Economy Meals
- Main choices often include bibimbap, beef bulgogi, or pasta. The bibimbap comes with gochujang, sesame oil, and mixed vegetables served separately for mixing.
- Beverages: Korean barley tea and plum juice add a unique touch to the standard soda and juice offerings.
Business & First Class
- Multi-course Korean meals include ox bone soup (Seolleongtang), braised short ribs, and seasonal side dishes. The depth of flavor is extraordinary for airline food.
- Western options include tenderloin with béarnaise, grilled cod, and a curated wine list featuring Bordeaux reds and Californian whites.
- Special meals: Vegan, halal, gluten-free, and Jain meals are available with 24-hour notice.
Skytrax consistently ranks Asiana in the top 10 for in-flight dining. I’d argue their Korean dishes rival ANA’s Japanese sets in authenticity and balance.
How Does Asiana Handle In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity?
In-flight entertainment is available on most international flights, though the tech varies significantly by aircraft.
Entertainment System
- Screen sizes: 11″ in Economy, 15.6″ in Business, 32″ in First.
- Content: 60+ movies (Korean, Hollywood, Chinese, Japanese), 30+ TV shows, music albums, and games.
- Languages: English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi is available on the A350 fleet. Pricing ranges from $9.95 for 1 hour to $21.95 for the entire flight.
- Speed: Tested at 2–5 Mbps. Fine for messaging, not for video streaming.
While not a leader in IFE technology, Asiana’s content curation shows thoughtfulness. Their children’s programming and meditation music channels are particularly noteworthy.
How Is the Cabin Crew Performance Rated?
Cabin crew consistently score among the highest in Asia for professionalism and grace. In my 15+ flights with Asiana over the past decade:
- Service is non-intrusive yet attentive. Flight attendants pass through cabins frequently but don’t hover. They notice subtle cues, such as an untouched tray, without needing to be called.
- Cultural etiquette is central: deep bows during boarding, hands placed under trays when serving, and quiet language tones.
- Response time to call buttons is usually under 1 minute, even during meal service.
According to AirlineRatings and Skytrax, Asiana’s crew maintains a 5-star rating, especially for long-haul flights.
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.