JFK to ICN in Asiana's First Class- UPDATED June 14, 2014

[Evil Penevil 7,628]

Asiana doesn't have its own lounge at JFK, so I"m sitting in the Swiss Airlines' lounge (Asiana gave me a pass for it). It is one of the smaller and more modest airline lounges I've seen, but at least it has a fast Internet connection.

 

Boarding starts in 40 minutes. Let's hope the Boeing 777-200er looks like this the whole way to Seoul:

 

 

and not like the one that crashed at SFO:

 

 

So far nothing fancy about the pre-flight stuff in First Class. No passengers were at the First Class counter, but it didn't go especially fast because the agent hassled me about not having a return flight itinerary to show her. I explained I had a multiple-entry visa to Thailand and didn't need to prove I had a return flight, but she had to call over a supervisor to get approval.

 

I got to use the fast track lane through security, which did save me some time. TSA was being very thorough and had some problems with the Korean passengers, several of whom were carrying liquids and argued about throwing them out.

 

Time to head to the gate, next update from Incheon.

 

Evil

Edited June 14, 2014 by Evil Penevil

[Evil Penevil 7,628]

I had planned to update this report from Incheon, but the cards came down otherwise. Strong headwinds added 40 minutes to the flight and there was a delay in de-planing, so 60 minutes disappeared from the time on the ground before the flight to Bangkok. It took another 30 minutes to clear the security check and by then, only 30 minutes were left until the BKK flight started boarding. I decided not to bother with the Asiana First-Class lounge and went straight to the departure gate instead.

 

The ICN-BKK flight took off on time and landed an hour ahead of schedule. The biz class on Asiana was nothing special - a bit outdated if anything - and I didn't take any pics.

 

Anyway, some pics and comments from the 14-hour, 40-minute flight from JFK to Incheon.

 

The enclosed suite was indeed comfortable. Most striking was the amount of space each first-class passengers had and the big screen for the in-flight entertainment system. I didn't notice much difference between the seat itself and other airlines' lie-flat seats. Also, the "enclosed" aspect didn't seem much to crow about. There are two small doors that can drawn together to shut the passenger off from the rest of the passengers, but they are so low that anyone walking past can see what's happening inside the "suite." I think the doors are more symbolic than anything else, a clear signal the passenger doesn't want to be disturbed.

 

The seat:

 

...

 

 

 

Entertainment screen (lots of first-run films on offer):

 

 

The storage bin under the scree, Plenty of room in it for everything needed during the flight.

 

 

The view out the window before take-off at JFK;

 

 

The in-flight amenities (you didn't get to keep the headphones). They also gave you pajamas, plus a "parting gift" of two books.

 

 

The menu:

 

 

First appetizer:

 

 

 

Second appetizer (real caviar):

 

 

 

Third appetizer:

 

 

Fourth appetizer:

 

 

Salad:

 

 

I chose the Korean main course (bibimbap), but the customary Western options were also available (beef, fish or chicken).

 

 

Cheese and fruit:

 

 

Raspberry torte, although it was more like raspberry cheesecake to me:

 

 

It's clear Asiana has a very solid product in its "first-class suites," but I wasn't blown away by the experience. It's possible that if I'd flown out of Incheon on Asiana, I would have had a more lavish experience.

 

Dawn as we flew over the North Pole:

 

 

Evil

Edited October 26, 2013 by Evil Penevil

[Evil Penevil 7,628]

A few days ago I used the return part of first class ticket JFK-BKK-JFK on Asiana. The flight went via Incheon, Seoul's international airport, and I had a three-hour stopover in which to enjoy Asiana's First Class lounge.

The overnight leg of the trip in Business Class between Swampy and Incheon departed at midnight, 40 minutes late. I slept nearly all of the five-hour flight. It didn't take long to de-plane, clear security and make my way to the First Class Lounge:





It was quite a lounge. At 7.30 am. there weren't very many people inside.







How about a grand piano?













The food was the most impressive I've ever seen in an airport lounge. It would put some breakfast buffets in five-star hotels to shame.









French toast with real maple syrup:





Seabream:



Gnocchi:





Salmon and various cheeses:



Time went very quickly in that lounge!

The first class cabin was the same as on the October flight from JFK, so I won't add any new pics. But the food was fantastic!

Pate hors d'oeuvres:



Butter and olive oil with balsamic vinegar for dipping the bread:



I wish I could get bread like this in Pattaya!



Caviar:







Salmon appetizer:





Creamy chicken soup:



Salad:



Sorbet to cleanse the palate before the main course:



Wagyu beef, some of best beef I've ever had. It's amazing that I had it on an airplane.







Cheese and fruit:





Blackberry dessert sandwich:



The mid-flight snack, cold kimchi noodles:





The pre-landing breakfast began with breads and a choice of spreads. I took honey.





Fresh fruit:



Cheese souffle (I wonder how they managed that one in an airplane galley after 13 hours of flight).





They also served yoghurt and cold cereal, but there's no reason to take pics of such familiar items.

Amazingly good food for a flight!

Evil

Edited June 14, 2014 by Evil Penevil

[Harvey 249]

Wow, really nice pics.

 

I'm a fan of the ANA First Class Suite (they call it their "square" on their 777-300.). But it's not on all their flights and not offered from here in DC (IAD). So I always route myself from DCA to ORD to catch it.

 

You picture of the little container of caviar reminds me of flying ANA. Got another trip coming in a couple of months, as soon as I can get this one project off them ground. Can't wait.

 

Thanks for the ongoing photos and reports, Evil.