Asiana Airlines B777-200 business class

Published: 19/12/2011 - Filed under: Tried & Tested » Airlines » Tried & Tested » Tried & Tested » Airlines » Asiana Airlines »

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Check-in I arrived at London Heathrow Terminal 1 at 1910 for my 2100 flight to Incheon. I proceeded to check-in area K to the right of the main terminal which was quite quiet. There were two business desks open and both had a passenger at them so I checked in at an economy desk straight away. I had been allocated a middle seat so requested to be changed to an aisle. This was not available but they managed to free up seat 1A for me.

The check-in clerk said that I could use the Bmi lounge at gate 5 but I chose to go to the Star Alliance lounge as this was nearer the departure gate. Security was slow as only one station was open at area K. It took about 25 minutes and I would probably have been better going back into the main terminal and using the fast track area there.

The lounge The Star Alliance lounge was quite busy but there was plenty of seating. Unfortunately the food was disappointing with only four items of salad, fruit and fusilli pasta with tomato/meatballs, and no snacks such as crisps, nuts or biscuits. I left the lounge at 2000 as it was a fair walk to gate 41.

Boarding I arrived at Gate 41 at 2015 and boarding started 15 minutes later with business class first. It was hard to get through the gate as everyone was trying to board but priority boarding was enforced by staff.

When I boarded I found that someone was sitting in my seat. It was a pilot who quickly moved to another spare seat. I had my jacket taken from me and was offered a drink. Amenity bags, slippers and menus were given out. The amenity kit included ear plugs, eye mask, comb, toothbrush and Biotherm body milk, lip balm and toning water.

The seat The Boeing 777-200 is fitted in a 2-3-2 configuration in the business class cabin. The seat is angled lie-flat with four presets, 110V power, reading light and drinks tray. I found that the seat was comfortable for sitting but not as comfortable as the new generation flat beds that can be found on other carrier and Asiana aircraft. In fact to sleep I found it better in a very reclined cradle position so I did not slide down the bed or have a gap by the head where the head rest had been pushed up. The external arm on the chair can be lowered for more shoulder/upper body space although this is not an option in the middle seat.

The flight The aircraft pulled away from the gate 15 minutes late at 2115 and was airborne 15 minutes later. The crew took food and drink orders - I did not want to eat so just ordered a diet coke. Immigration forms and pens were given out.

The choice of drinks were good including a choice of three whiskys, seven beers, Korean rice wine and cocktails. There was a selection of wines including Rully 2008, Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2008, Chateau La fleur De Bounard 2007, Emiliana Coyam 2008 and Artesa Pinot Noir 2007. There was also a Sandeman 20 Years old Tawny port and Sawmill Creek Vidal Ice Wine 2007. They also had a choice of six teas.

I settled in to watch a film on what I thought was AVOD IFE but instead it was a personal video system with no choice of when to start and stop programmes. As I had missed the start of the six films I decided to go to sleep.

I slept okay, but was disturbed shortly after turning in by a duty free sales announcement. I woke occasionally as I was cold under what was only a thin blanket and as my feet hurt on the footrest as I slipped down the ‘bed’.

Had I decided to eat I could have chosen from a Western or Korean menu. The Korean menu included cold shrimp with pinenut juice and broccoli shrimp porridge to start followed by Bibimbap (rice with sauted and seasoned vegetables). The western menu started with smoked salmon salad followed by carrot and orange soup and a choice of three main courses – beef tenderloin with a pepper sauce, grilled cod or penne pasta with a tomato and monk fish sauce. To finish was cheese, fruit and mango cheese cake. All main courses had calorie counts for those who are watching their weight. While I did not eat the passenger sitting next to me said that it was delicious.

Snacks of sandwiches, fruit, scones and ramen are available throughout the flight.

Two hours before landing the second meal service was offered. As many people were still sleeping I was surprised that the meal service was announced over the speakers. The meal consisted of poached prawn with tomato, sesame and basil salsa followed by a choice of mixed seafood with pasta, stir fry chicken sauce with oriental sauce or beef and vegetable porridge followed by fresh fruit. This was quite tasty, served immaculately with bread and olive oil with balsamic vinegar.

Just before landing the crew came past and gave a personal and sincere goodbye and thank you.

Arrival The flight landed early at 1641. It was a short walk to immigration where there were only a couple of people in the queue in front. On arrival at the luggage belt my bag arrived in minutes.

Verdict disappointing IFE and not the most comfortable seat but service was faultless.

Contact: flyasiana.com

Julian Gregory

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