Continuation of my Asian journey with a flight on Asiana Airlines in business class on an Airbus A330 between Hong Kong and Seoul.
Check-in
Mobile check-in is seamless on the airline’s app and I get my boarding pass in wallet on my iPhone.
I will still have a bag to check. I will nevertheless have a bag to check.
Automated police and security checks will be as smooth as silk. In less time than it takes to say it I find myself “airside”.
Having the possibility to join any lounge of a Star Alliance airline I decide for the Singapore Airlines SilverKris lounge that I already presented to you before.
Nothing to add that I have not written, so let’s go to the boarding.
Boarding
My gate is only a 3 minute walk from the lounge. Everyone waits calmly without hurrying.
This airport is pleasant, bright and airy.
When it’s time to board the plane, the queues are formed in a calm atmosphere. The boarding priorities are respected and I am the second to take the very long corridor that will lead us to the aircraft.
I can see our A330 in the distance.
We are getting closer…
The cabin
We are in Asia and for this medium-haul aircraft of 3.5 hours it is quite normal to have a twin-aisle aircraft and a cabin that we Europeans only see on long-haul aircraft.
There are 5 rows of business class in 2-2-2 configuration. That is 30 seats that will all be occupied.
The overall look is quite nice.
Aesthetically, it’s good without being amazing either.
My seat:
I’m really not a fan of 2-2-2 or 2-3-2 configurations in business class but for a “short” flight it’s fine.
No problem about fitting my 1m88
Waiting for take-off
As soon as we are installed, we are brought a hot oshibori.
It’s really hot in the cabin and there are no nozzles to orientate. Everything will return to normal once the door is closed.
Magazines and safety instructions are neatly stored in a plastic pouch.
Then a first drink.
Well..the champagne was a little young and stung a little.
The staff faces the cabin and greets the passengers before we get started.
Safety instructions are broadcast and here we go.
The low quality of the image worries me for the continuation of the flight.
The takeoff in video.
In flight
It’s time to dive into the menu and choose my dish.
I am quite impressed with the offer for a flight of this duration. I will decide to take the Korean menu.
It is original to have the choice not between dishes but menus…with the limit that one would like perhaps to mix and match by taking from both sides.
The wine and bar menu…
The starter arrives quickly. It is served by trolley.
It’s a roast beef that’s not bad at all but it lacks salt and pepper.
Then the main course. Once my starter is finished it will be cleared and the dish will arrive, no longer served on a trolley but by the tray. It’s a bit more business-like.
So to be honest I love bibimbap beef in general. There, all the ingredients arrive in individual bowls and it’s up to the customer to make their own mix. I was so impatient that I jumped on it and forgot to take a picture of the dish as it was served. There is only the end result after I have finished playing the apprentice cook.
The taste was not bad, thanks to the chili paste that spices up a rather bland whole.
On the other hand, I don’t remember ever having eaten such a hearty main course in business class! 620 calories in one go.
Very nice experience in the end.
Now comes the dessert, I’m less of a fan of fruit.
Nor the chocolate and cake that will accompany the tea.
Nice service!
Without it being a great gastronomy, it was copious and, although a little bland, it was spicy.
For lack of carbonated water, I had to turn to “soda water” of which I am less fan.
It’s time to relax and enjoy the cruise.
In cruise
A glance at the screen will reassure me about its quality. The problem was not it but the film of the safety instructions of a deplorable quality.
The remote control shows that it is an old generation device.
However, I am not convinced either by the richness or by the quality of the proposed offer. By a miracle my iPad will balance on the screen and I will be able to have a “House of Cards” session.
The seat adjustment is a bit complicated: why do designers try to make it complicated when it is possible to make it simple?
I’ll flip the seat to the bed position, watch an episode and then sleep until we arrive.
The staff
A short word about the crew before ending this flight. It’s when you almost forget to mention it that you think they did a good job. Proactive, friendly, professional, nothing to complain about. On the other hand, with 4 flight attendants for 30 passengers in the business cabin, the ratio was optimal for an efficient service.
Arrival
Shortly before arrival, we switch the cabin back to the “landing” configuration. On the other hand, they ask very early to stop using phones and iPads…really no consistency from one airline to another on the subject.
The arrival on Seoul Incheon.
We disembark and we throw a last glance at our A330.
The police controls will be fast, the luggage will be delivered very quickly since mine will arrive on the conveyor belt before my arrival and will be waiting for me separately with all the business passengers’ luggage.
Bottom line
Nice discovery for this first flight with Asiana for me. An excellent crew, a comfortable aircraft (even if I am not a fan of the configuration), and a copious and good quality catering.
Oh, I forgot: an hour’s delay for a 3.5 hour flight on arrival anyway.
For the record my routing :
- Paris-Frankfurt: Lufthansa Business (no interest, no review)
- Francfort-Hong Kong : Lufthansa First
- Hong Kong-Séoul : Asiana Business (herei)
- Seoul-Shanghai : China Eastern Business
- Shanghai-Hong Kong : China Eastern Business
- Hong Kong-Munich : Lufthansa First
- Munich-Paris: Lufthansa Business (no interest, no review)
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