Greg ‘Sparrow’ Graham is back and recently had the pleasure of flying business class on an airline he’d never even heard of! Check out his verdict (from a consumer’s perspective) on the carrier that took him on his foodie adventure in Los Angeles!

In my endeavours to visit LA with a cost-effective business class option, my travel agent and I explored many routes. Could I go via Hawaii or Fiji with a stopover? How about NZ or maybe Asia?

Asia offered plenty of value with some excellent business class availability. After tossing up Singapore, the Philippines, and Korea, my insightful travel agent sold me on Asiana Airlines. The travel agent assured me they had a great reputation, excellent service and a good value proposition.

I had never heard of them so I was a little sceptical at first. To me, Asiana sounded like a generic airline Hollywood dreams up when they are scripting a hostage/crash/lost airline plot and they don’t want to get sued by a real airline.

Anyway, after many conversations with my travel agent, I jumped in and booked Asiana Airlines via Seoul clocking up heaps of Star Alliance points. First impressions count and my arrival and check-in went brilliantly.

One small tip I have for travellers is that the airline counters at Sydney International Terminal do not go in alphabetical order, so don’t be shocked when Asiana Airlines isn’t the first check-in counter you see.

Using the Air New Zealand business lounge was a treat! While not as large or extensive as the Flying Kangaroo’s lounge, it was a better choice with a less chaotic vibe.

Boarding the A380 with heaps of room, a single window seating option, and a fully flat-bed, I was feeling positive to start my LA adventure.

Seats on Asiana’s A380 business class

While the plane wasn’t the latest remodel, it was well maintained and super spacious. The upstairs A380 bubble had a relaxed seating area with heaps of space plus two restrooms. Now one of the restrooms was actually a room, fitted out for wheelchair access with so much space it was unbelievable (doubles as a dressing room). On some remodelled aircraft, there is an upgraded business option (business suite, twin sliding doors separating the aisle to provide extra privacy).

It’s the small things that really make a difference. The friendly cabin crew anticipated your every need to ensure the flight was perfect, delivering charming, courteous, and friendly service at every chance.

The food was excellent and considering it catered to both Korean passengers as well as Western tastes, it delivered spectacular options. Breakfast was particularly good with a standout omelette stuffed with brie cheese and basil, served with ratatouille, black olive butter, grilled zucchini, potatoes, and sausage.

Omelette stuffed with brie cheese and basil, served with ratatouille, black olive butter, grilled zucchini, potatoes, and sausage.

Dinner was also top notch; succulent beef tenderloin paired with black truffle and a Madeira demi-glaze sauce sat alongside Italian black truffle, asparagus, shallots, cherry tomatoes, and crushed potato for one of the best meals ever consumed at 30,000 feet.

While it may be tough to top that, the desserts certainly did not disappoint. Delicious cheesecakes and a yummy mousse encased in white chocolate with gold sprinkles on top meant this business class flight was worth every penny.

Plus, everything was served on bone china with no plastic salt and pepper shakers and butter on a small white plate versus tricky foil packaging and the tea and coffee service from a trolley was silver service.

Tea and coffee service on Asiana

Again, it’s the small things that matter. The toilets were always clean with air freshener and fresh toilet paper folded at the end (always a nice touch).

On my return leg from LA to Seoul, I had an interesting travelling companion behind me, a small fluffy dog with its adoring owner, I’m not sure of many international airlines that have a pet-friendly policy. Anyway, the dog was well-behaved and did not complain about a lack of legroom or treats.

The only downside of Asiana I’d say is the fleet. I’ve experienced older A380s or on 1 leg an A350 with a slightly upgraded interior and Wi-Fi. The planes, although well maintained, are dated and could do with a refresh.

Now it’s difficult to not compare this business class experience with others such as Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and British Airways who I flew with earlier in the year. None of the other airlines offered the cost advantages with outstanding service and food. Asiana is up there with SIA however Singapore’s fleet seems more modern and their entertainment options are superior.

The acid test is really… Would I recommend Asiana Airlines to my family/friends and fly them again myself?

The answer is a resounding YES! The airline represents a brilliant value option with excellent service and, overall, an outstanding business class experience!

(Featured Image: Asiana Airlines Airbus A380 – iStock/Angel Di Bilio)