Review: Asiana Airlines A380 – First Class

Updated May 31, 2024
Fact checked by
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien, President and Founder of Milesopedia, is a recognized expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel in Canada and France. Approaching forty and a father of two, he has travelled to over 100 countries, half of them with his children and his wife, Audrey. Specializing in top loyalty programs like Aeroplan, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, he guides travellers to maximize their benefits across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Note
9/10
asiana airlines business class lounge icn 26
Flight Carrier Asiana
Departing Airport Incheon International Airport
Arrival Airport John F. Kennedy International Airport
Flight Number OZ222
Duration 14:15
Aircraft Airbus A380
Cabin Class First class
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The longest flight of my trip to Japan is the one that brings me back to North America from Seoul. Although I am not unknown to Asiana Airlines, I took this flight on purpose: first because it is in First Class and Asiana has a good reputation and finally it is a very long flight, we have time to enjoy the comfort of the First Class.

The Asiana Airlines First Class Lounge in Seoul Incheon

The transfer from our flight from Tokyo took a few minutes. We then arrive in the departure area and the location of the First Class lounge is clearly indicated, it is located a little before the one reserved for the Business Class.

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Access to the Asiana Airlines First Class Lounge from the terminal
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Asiana Airlines First Class Lounge Entrance
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Asiana Airlines First Class Lounge Entrance
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Asiana Airlines First Class Lounge Entrance

The welcome is cordial, unlike the Lufthansa First Class lounge, no agent offers a tour, anyway given the size, it does not seem necessary. The lounge is composed of a large room with relatively isolated sub-parts. We sat around a table with two chairs.

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Asiana Airlines First Class Lounge in Incheon

 

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Seats in the Asiana Airlines First Class lounge in Incheon

The food offer is slightly better than in the Business Class lounge, but not exceptional. On the drink side, there are more alcohols including Moët & Chandon champagne.

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Buffet in the Asiana Airlines First Class lounge in Incheon
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Alcoholic beverages in the Asiana Airlines First Class lounge in Incheon
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Dining area in the Asiana Airlines First Class lounge in Incheon
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Food buffet in the Asiana Airlines First Class lounge in Incheon

The decor is very “woody”, in a style that can be found in some American hotel chains. Usually I find this style of decoration a bit heavy but the living room is still nice.

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Relaxation area in the Asiana Airlines First Class lounge in Incheon

The toilets are very clean.

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Toilets in the Asiana Airlines First Class lounge in Incheon

I receive a notification from Kayak that our flight will be delayed by 40 minutes at departure, but no announcement is made in the lounge. As is becoming increasingly common, Kayak seems to be ahead of airport displays. We thus take advantage of it to take another small cut. After that we head to the boarding gate which is 5 minutes away from the lounge.

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Delays in a First Class lounge are tough

So we see that the First Class lounge may not be one of Asiana Airlines’ strengths. Like its business class lounge, it has the essentials but nothing more.

Flight from Seoul Incheon to New York JFK

The boarding has already started when we arrive at the gate. There are not many people in the First Class line 🙂

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Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines
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Entry in Airbus A380-800

When you get on board, what surprises is the space of the cabin because it has no upper storage space. A stewardess will approach me to take my carry-on suitcase to stow it out of my sight.

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First Class cabin in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines

The name “Suite” may be a bit of an exaggeration, but the seat is definitely huge! Whether it’s the TV, legroom or width, the seat is incredibly comfortable. I could sit in a lotus position without any problem. The dimensions are 64 cm wide for a bed length of 2 meters. The cabin has 12 seats.

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First class seat in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines

We took the two seats side by side, ideal for a couple.

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First class seat in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines
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First class seat in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines

In terms of storage, we are not outdone with a special mention for the small closet to put a jacket.

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First Class seat stowage in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines
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First Class seat stowage in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines
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Small closet in the First Class seat in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines

The comfort kit is well supplied but what is nice is the pajamas even if the size available was slightly too big. Another bag was also present.

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Bag offered with the comfort kit – First Class on Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines
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The comfort kit – First class in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines
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The comfort kit – First class in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines

The welcome glass was a Baron de Rothschild Blanc de Blanc champagne, unfortunately there were only two bottles left… So we switched to Laurent Perrier for the rest of the flight (#veryfirstworldproblem).

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The welcome drink – First class in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines

The captain then speaks to tell us that turbulences are to be expected on the way and that the flight time will be slightly less than 14 hours to try to make up for the delay due to the traffic jam in Incheon at this time. It will be a smooth takeoff as usual with an Airbus A380.

The meal starts and we both take the Korean tasting menu. This is where the word “Suite” takes on its full meaning, as the ottoman of the seat is equipped with its own belt and therefore it is possible to eat face to face on the same table! It was the first time we had the opportunity and we loved it.

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Dining for Two – First Class in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines

The dinner starts with Italian caviar followed by an appetizer, oyster, soup and then the tasting meal consisting of Korean specialties. During all the meal the flight attendant will serve us champagne and the service will be impeccable.

I change after the meal, in the toilets which have nothing exceptional except their large size and a porthole.

 

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Pyjamas – First class in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines
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Pyjamas – First class in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines
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Asiana Airlines Airbus A380 First Class Toilets

After two good hours spent eating it is time to take a nap… But first, why not make a little moisturizing mask?

 

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Your servant takes unimaginable risks for you.

I think I have never slept so much on a plane, 8 hours later I wake up.

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The seat in bed mode – First class in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines
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There is plenty of room! – First class in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines

We are above the United States. I then have breakfast with a beef soup followed by a small fruit salad and a coffee.

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IFE – First Class in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines
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Lunch – First Class in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines
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Lunch – First Class in the Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines

After a small tour in zigzag around New York, there was a lot of storms that day, we landed at noon.

A last look at the whale that brought us here.

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Airbus A380-800 Asiana Airlines

Bottom line

A fantastic flight in short. Even if the design of the cabin is a bit old-fashioned, its comfort is really great. The service is attentive without being intrusive. Flying requires a significant amount of points, but it’s an experience to know.

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Earning Rate
  • Dining and Food delivery2Membership Rewards
  • Travel2Membership Rewards
  • Air Canada2Membership Rewards
Value
  • Year 1 $2,170
  • Year 2+ $470
Best For
Transfer Partners
  • AeroplanAsia MilesBritish Airways ClubEtihad GuestFlying BlueHilton HonorsMarriott BonvoyAmerican Express Membership Rewards

Advantages

  • Annual Credit
  • VIP Lounges
  • Concierge
  • Wifi
  • Travel credit

Travel Insurance

Insurance Name
Included
Amount
Duration
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance up to 54 years old
$5,000,000
15 day(s)
Travel medical insurance up to 64 years old
$5,000,000
15 day(s)
Travel medical insurance 65+
Trip Cancellation Insurance
$2,500
Trip Interruption Insurance
$2,500
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000
Flight Delay Insurance
$1,000
Delayed Baggage Insurance
$1,000
Lost/Stolen Baggage Insurance
$1,000
Auto Rental Loss/Insurance
$85,000
48 day(s)
Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance
$1,000
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Matthieu Guyonnet-Duluc
Matthieu Guyonnet-Duluc
Matthieu, a luxury travel enthusiast with a deep love for Asia, is an expert in the Aeroplan, Flying Blue, and Marriott Bonvoy programs. Originally from France and residing in Canada for over 20 years, he shares insights for high-end stays and unique experiences, helping travelers make the most of their points and perks.
All posts by Matthieu Guyonnet-Duluc
Flights
Region
South Korea, Seoul
4.3 Milesopedia Rating

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