Asiana Airlines - First Class - Seoul to Frankfurt [big photos]

[Alanslegal]

I wish I had experienced the whole Asiana Airlines First Class experience in a more different travel situation. You see, after travelling for 28 hours since departing my home in Sydney and still making my way to the unexpectedly cold winters of Europe, I was getting a bit tired, a bit bored, maybe a bit too full with good food and good drink but maybe more importantly just wishing I had gone to Europe the conventional way, the quickest way.

The Asiana experience was the third of four continuous sectors being flown, being Sydney-Bangkok-Seoul-Frankfurt-Amsterdam, and after enjoying too much hospitality and not enough rest in the last 28 hours, I think I needed a good night’s sleep.

Having received my Asiana boarding pass some 27 hours ago I arrived at their First Lounge only to be slightly disappointed that my quest to find a nice lounge chair to rest my weary body would have to be delayed by 45 minutes, the sign on the glass doors clearing indicating the opening time of 08:00. Nothing else in the terminal appeared open or at least were preparing to open so I found a convenient spot adjacent to the lounge entrance and set up camp, discreetly enough I hope.

At 08:00 Asiana First Lounge switched to life. I packed up my possessions and commenced that final 70 or so metre walk to the lounge and that is when I noticed him. The intently looking man appeared to be 40 years of age, short dark brown hair being parted heavily to one side, he was wearing a blue collared shirt and darker blue jeans. One hand held what appeared to be a boarding pass and passport, whilst the other hand was dragging along his black coloured roll-on luggage. In that moment I sensed his brisk movement as he overtook me, straight into the First Lounge and winning the prized medal of gold colour, he was the first lounge guest that morning, the 21[SUP]st[/SUP] of February 2012.

In my mind I entered the Asiana Lounge as the ‘runner-up’ but that feeling was immediately expelled when the warm lounge agent welcomed me inside and wished me a pleasant stay. I made my own way inside. There were no personal assistant to escort me as they sometimes like to do (or show) at the Lufthansa First Class Terminal, the Thai Airways Royal First Lounge or the Singapore Airlines’ The Private Room, however making my own way into the lounge was on par with that are offered at the Qantas First Lounge or British Airways’ Galleries First. Personally I was not fussed at all however I think at that time I was more relieved to be finally inside the warmth and cosiness of the lounge, my sanctuary for the next four hours.

 

[Alanslegal]

First things first and a quick shower was a must, my third in 29 hours. It is an easy way to freshen up but more importantly a good excuse to explore the bathroom facilities (and take some photos). There were four full sized private bathrooms available for use and one was already taken, Mr. Speedy Pants a.k.a the Gold Medal Winner was already inside one. The bathroom was spacious and modern and had all the essential bath products one would need for a shower, cleanse and moisturise however the only downside was the offering of only Body Shop products. For an airline that is rated at 5 stars by Skytraxx, this was a letdown. I usually try not to be a product snob but luckily one carries their own set of cleansers and moisturisers, probably the L’occitane products that were gathered from their last visit to the Thai Airways Royal First bathrooms.

It is surprising what a quick shower can do when one is travelling. My energy levels are up two fold and I can now relax for the next three and a bit hours. Unfortunately I never learnt to play the piano otherwise I would have jumped onto the inviting baby grand and played some notes, or maybe not, engaging South Korean security services is not my idea of fun. I found a comfortable lounge chaise and rested myself there, albeit without a view, any view. I was a bit sad that the lounge offered limited views of the outside as I quite enjoy watching the activity of the airport and what happens on the outside, maybe I just get bored easily? This time I face a window and a wall.

 

[Alanslegal]

Breakfast buffet offered a limited range of selection consisting of the usual fare; cold meat platter, freshly cut fruits, cereals, variety of breads, muffins and selection of Asian type breakfast choices. Beverages on offer were also quite expected; coffees, teas, juice, sodas and alcohol. It was a small buffet range but quite sufficient nonetheless, after all, there is that optional on-board Korean degustation that awaits F passengers.

The lounge was spacious; electric massage chairs, private entertainment areas for watching TV, relaxation area for general chilling, a business centre, dining area, and VIP room. However I was comfortable with my lounge chaise and beached myself for most of the time.

 

[Alanslegal]

Fast forward to T minus 20 minutes and I was getting ready to leave this lounge that enjoyed my presence for the last four hours. As a comparison to another airline named Lufthansa and at their First Class Terminal, at exactly T minus 20 minutes my personal assistant would have come to notify me of my plane being ready, then escort me to a private limousine, driven on the tarmac of course, to my awaiting plane, but here at Seoul it doesn’t get as fancy as that. Unexpectedly though the check-in manager finds me and introduces himself. He offers a personal escort, via foot, to the aircraft. It was a nice touch, though there was so much one could talk about in the five minutes or so to the entrance of OZ 541.

Reaching OZ 541, starring a Boeing 747-400, I was introduced to two First attendants and taken to my seat, seat 4E, being the only seat that is paired to another seat. 4E and 4F that is, are designed for couples, or friends, or travelling pairs, or maybe those flyers with a phobia of windows or even heights. Pre-take off drinks are offered and I decline. Then post-off drink order? Tattinger Comtes de Champagne it is, or is that a must?

And here it is, the Tattinger:-

 

[Alanslegal]

The Asiana First service as expected was of a high standard. It was typical Korean politeness, the traditional bowing, the willingness to be there and continuous attention to detail. The three First attendants were full of smiles and were always around for our needs, my glass of champagne was always full. The floating Cabin Service Manager was always popping in and out of the First cabin to make sure everything was moving like clockwork. He made time to speak with us in private, bowed, and thanked us for flying Asiana. Like Cathay Pacific First or Singapore Airlines First, Asiana Airlines is equally as good. I can really get use to this.

In the meantime, pyjamas are handed out. I select the medium sizing, very optimistic I know for my body size of 28.7BMI, but surprising the golden coloured garments fit well. Amenity packs were also handed out to me and the other three First passengers, and inside those leather-look bags were goodies by Bvlgari. Nice.

Depending how one measured time, lunch meal service commenced about an hour or so after take-off or after three glasses of champagne. As with the latter, yes I am slow, guilty as charged Your Honour.

Here are the dining and beverage menus:-

My dining setup:-

My caviar:-

 

[Alanslegal]

I elected for the Western Menu, so here they are.

Starter; Pepper Crusted Tuna w Carrot & Chive Slaw:-

Salad:-

Main Course; Roasted Veal Tenderloin w Lobster, Mushroom Ragout, Wilted Cabbage w Horseradish Cream:-

Cheese Selection; Castello Blue, Saint Andre, Camembert w Apricot & Raisin Chutney:-

Dessert; Tropezienne w Blackberry Sauce:-

If anybody is interested, here is the Korean meal option. It is highly recommended according to my companion in seat 4F:-

 

[Alanslegal]

Post meal service and we are flying somewhere over Russian airspace:-

One of the attendants offered to ‘turndown’ one of the four empty seats in Aisle A which I accepted and chose 3A being the closest to my current seat. That seat is converted to totally lay flat, a mattress overlay is placed, pillows brought out and a thick and very warm duvet neatly placed over the bed. The final touch being my slippers being placed at the entrance to 3A. Sadly no hot chocolate and warm cookies brought out but I am sure it is available upon request.

Fast forward multiple hours later, here are the ruins of bed 3A:-

 

[Alanslegal]

Under two hours prior to landing, we are offered a light dinner. I do not resist.

Ok, to be very honest, I thought two main meals I ate, barely passed. It felt slightly bland, almost tasteless and the texture was pretty rubbery. Maybe I have been watching too much My Kitchen Rules or maybe I was just expecting alot more from Asiana however regardless, it could have been better, much better. To be fair though, I haven’t had any good meat meals on board a plane yet, Qantas did come close once, in business class, but maybe I was heavily blinded by the fact it was my first ever flight on a super-jumbo A380.

Nearing our destination, Frankfurt, Germany my friendly host came around and personally thanked each and every passenger for taking their OZ flight today. To add the sweet cherry on top of the cake, she offered a little Asiana Airlines gift. What a lovely surprise! A leather passport holder maybe? An iPhone4 case? An Asiana Airlines key ring? This is where I felt bad and didn’t have that ‘box of chocolates’ to offer to them as a ‘thank you’ back.

Sadly, good things usually never last forever, and my Asiana experience, the whole 16 hours worth, neared its end. Parked in Terminal 1B at Frankfurt International Airport, it was sad to leave this comfortable plane and head into the wilds of the terminal. Customary, First passengers head out first and it was no different in this experience, only that I received a warm smile and a farewell bow, a polite end to an enjoyable experience. As I walk along the aerobridge, I only wonder when my next Asiana experience will be, hopefully sometime soon.

[End]

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Fantastic.
Mouth-watering.

Thank you Alan!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

thanks for the report!

nice one.

Sorry to hear the food was not up to standard. I have only flown F intra-Asia with them (on the few services they have) and it was very good. Maybe the food was fresher. The caviar looks nice - I am glad to see they offer it with a plastic spoon. I think they are the only carrier to do so now days (BA used to on Concorde with mother-of-pearl).

And one of the best champagnes I think!

 

[NDiddy]

Awesome TR - How did the on-board experience compare with Thai F. We're flying out in Dec and 6 of the 7 flights are with Thai with 4 of them being in F.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Awesome TR - How did the on-board experience compare with Thai F. We're flying out in Dec and 6 of the 7 flights are with Thai with 4 of them being in F.

you will need to take your own plastic spoon

 

[NDiddy]

you will need to take your own plastic spoon

Haha Thanks MEL!

 

[ozmille]

nice one, good pictures!

 

[haydensydney]

Great report - nice length, not too long - good pics too. Flight looked amazing, consider me jealous

 

[anat0l]

Very nice Alanslegal. Seeing as I have almost the exact same experience coming up in less than a month (i.e. the same positioning approach followed by the same airline with the same class and the same timing!), I feel I may have spoilt it by reading your TR in advance!

But we shall see. Certainly I'd like to think I'll be going for the Korean option on board; after all, have to try something from the host country, right...?

Wish I could convince one of the staff in the F Lounge if I could play that piano (hey, you don't often come across a nice grand), but my gut is probably telling me I got no chance!

 

[Flashback]

It's a tough life, but someone has to do it! Nice TR :mrgreen:

 

[Fantic125]

Oh no, you've spoilt it for me now!

Every time I step on an OZ flight and turn right those photo's will be in my mind.... :-(

Must say though, even in Y every time I've travelled with OZ I've been really happy with the service, food, attention, etc, even before obtaining OZ Diamond a few years ago....

 

[Alanslegal]

Sorry to hear the food was not up to standard. I have only flown F intra-Asia with them (on the few services they have) and it was very good. Maybe the food was fresher. The caviar looks nice - I am glad to see they offer it with a plastic spoon. I think they are the only carrier to do so now days (BA used to on Concorde with mother-of-pearl).

And one of the best champagnes I think!

Yeah I was a bit disappointed with the two main dishes. For a start, the presentation of the dish as you can see in the photo, looked pretty boring. To see it being served as plain as that didn't excite me or did it make it look appetizing. Then the actual taste wasn't there either. My Kitchen Rules says "if you can't plate it well, at least make it taste damn fantastic!" I had high expectation of their meals though, I have seen the photos floating around various trip reports of their meals and all I can say is they all looked very delicious.

Awesome TR - How did the on-board experience compare with Thai F. We're flying out in Dec and 6 of the 7 flights are with Thai with 4 of them being in F.

Both are different in style. I find the OZ crew a bit more refined (like SQ,CX) than than the TG crew however I think TG F is very good too. You will enjoy the on-ground BKK experience ie buggy, lounge, spa, fast track security etc.

 

[Alanslegal]

Very nice Alanslegal. Seeing as I have almost the exact same experience coming up in less than a month (i.e. the same positioning approach followed by the same airline with the same class and the same timing!), I feel I may have spoilt it by reading your TR in advance!

But we shall see. Certainly I'd like to think I'll be going for the Korean option on board; after all, have to try something from the host country, right...?

Just make sure all you do is sleep on the BKK-ICN sector. Our flight was delayed so our flight time was a just 4 hours and then upon touchdown its morning time. Not much rest at all for that red-eye flight + (hard to get to sleep) angled seats.

You may be able to pre-book your OZ meals. I think it's a new thing as it was mentioned on-board, or maybe I just heard it wrong.

It's a tough life, but someone has to do it! Nice TR :mrgreen:

It's tough to travel F but if someone wants to buy my ticket, I'll do it for the AFF team anytime