September 27, 2015

Review: Asiana First Class A380 Seoul to Los Angeles

Introduction
Planning & Booking
Qantas First Class Lounge LAX
Cathay Pacific 777-300 ER First Class Los Angeles to Hong Kong
The Pier Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge
Le Meridien Bangkok
Thai Airways First Class Lounge & Spa
Thai Airways 747-400 First Class Bangkok to Hong Kong
Conrad Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge Hong Kong
Air India 787-8 Business Class Hong Kong to Seoul
Asiana A380 First Class Seoul to Los Angeles

I seemed to have lost my camera pics from the Asiana First Class Lounge and the flight home.  Good news is I have some pics of the flight home from my phone so will continue with the review.  I was in the Asiana FCL lounge last year so you can check out that review if you're interested.

After our Air India arrival and less than stellar transfer experience, we were welcomed into the lounge.  I showered and grabbed a quick bite to eat and then caught up on email.  Soon it was T-40 and we decided to go roam the terminal a bit.  We were maybe 100 feet out of the lounge when an Asiana lounge employee came running up to us.  "Mr. Berlin?"  "Yes, we both responded."  


A preview of things to come

He was our escort to the gate to ensure we were able to board first.  I knew that Asiana provided First Class passengers escort services but I'm a semi functional adult and figured I could manage the 500 foot walk to the gate by myself.  He really wouldn't take no for an answer so we "let" him escort us down to the gate and to the front of the line.  He politely informed the giant queue of passengers that we would be jumping ahead of them and there was no push back.  Now first in line to board, we had 10 minutes or so to talk about the airline, his girlfriend in LA, and how proud Asiana is to fly the A380.

Boarding was called and we said our goodbyes to our new friend.  Asiana's first class cabin contains 12 enclosed suites on the lower level of the aircraft.  We were both seated in window seats - 2A and 3A.  I've flown first class on Asiana's 777 which was a great experience.  


Time to fly - seat 3A

I toyed around with the seat for a bit as other passengers were getting settled.  Shortly thereafter, pajamas, slippers, and Ferragamo amenity kits were presented.



A380 Belfie

While the color scheme could use an update, I was really impressed with the seat.  Like the 777 the TV was enormous, (32") there was plenty of storage space for my backpack and electronics, and the closet was perfectly sized for my extra clothes.


Pre-Departure Beverage & Nuts

Menus were presented and Champagne was offered.  Asiana serves the 2002 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill which I have to say, is the best Champagne I've ever had.  On the ground and in to the air.  And they are really proud to serve it.  I can't describe the smile on the flight attendant's face when she asked if I could snap a quick picture of the bottle.


The good stuff

I kept the Champagne going through pre departure and again once airborne.  I honestly can't remember exactly what I ate other than the caviar was outstanding and I had a steak for dinner.  


Outstanding caviar setup

Beyond that, it was a couple of movies (Liam Neeson was especially awesome in Taken 3) and a phenomenal bed.  


Taken 3

We did take a quick walk up the stairs to the "lounge" at the front of business class.  There isn't much to do other than seat around and read a magazine.  It's unfortunate that Asiana didn't add a bar or some other note worthy feature to the "extra" space on the top deck. 


Turndown

We arrived almost 40 minutes early to a gorgeous morning in LA.  We went our separate ways after an awesome week in Asia together.


Thanks, Asiana!

I really love Asiana.  I'd rank Singapore and Cathay Pacific ahead but not by much.  The hard product (seat and bed) is outstanding and the service seems so genuine to me.  Seoul is a city I'd very much like to visit so hope to fly them again during my first visit to the city!

No comments:

Post a Comment