My friend and I decided to choose the only two seats together in the 747 Asiana first class cabin, 4E and 4F. We were flying the older Asian first class set up instead of the new Asiana first class suites. Since I live in Los Angeles, I wasn’t willing to fly to New York first just to try the new first class suite. Nonetheless, a direct flight from Los Angeles to Seoul on Asiana First Class is a great opportunity.
Asiana 747 – Clear Skies Today
We were welcomed to our seats with the amenity kits and blankets placed at our footrest. A departure drink was served right away and the plane departed on time. The first class cabin had some signs of wear and tear, but the seat itself was quite comfortable. The IFE screen was probably a 19-23 inch screen vs. the new 32 inch screen in first class suites. Nonetheless, it’s still an awesome opportunity to fly first class for only 70,000 (now 120,000) United miles and $11.
Seats 4E and 4F
Love being in the 747 nose. Nice and open!
IFE Screen. Not too fancy, but can’t complain.
The part that attracted me the most about Asiana first class was the great things I’ve seen and heard about the food. It’s a multicourse meal whether you choose the western or Korean option. About an hour after takeoff, our meal service started. My friend and I both chose the Korean menu.
A few minutes later, the flight attendent apologized profusely for running out of the Korean option for my friend. She offered my friend the opportunity to have both the steak and lobster entree from the western menu. Steak and lobster on a plane is a hard offer to refuse! I’m glad he chose that option because I secretly wanted to try those options as well :).
Here’s some pictures of the food and drink menus.
Dinner started with the amuse buche…
Amuse Buche 8/10
Might as well try some champagne. It was quite good, not too sweet and not too bitter.
Champagne
Nice Table Set Up
The caviar came next, which I enjoyed a lot more than the Japan Airlines first class flight I had. It came with a fancy spoon from Beverley Hills. However, I’m still not that fond of caviar.
Fancy Caviar Stuff 8/10
After the 2 appetizers, came the soup and then salad. Wow, usually when I go out to eat I just order a main entree and sometimes an appetizer. Two appetizers, soup, and salad is already over the top for me.
Korean Pumpkin Soup 7/10
Shrimp “Salad” 7/10
Finally came the main entree. The bibimbap came with several banchan (korean sides) and some kalbi. Even though the kalbi wasn’t sizzling, it was still good and not dry. I would totally order this meal at a restaurant. This meal was hands down the best meal I’ve ever had on an airplane. I know that bibimbap isn’t fancy food, but it was delicious.
Bibimbap and Banchan! 10/10
Meanwhile, I had some of my friend’s steak and lobster. I wasn’t able to take pictures of his other appetizers and sides because he inhaled them. The steak was nice and juicy and the lobster was great! I just had a few bites, so I can’t judge the meal too accurately.
Steak 9/10
Lobster! 9/10
Dessert – Fruit and Coffee
Dessert #2 – JW Blue (might as well because it’s free…)
After dinner, I watched Gravity while finishing up my dinner (great movie), I changed into pajamas, and then asked the flight attendant to make my bed. I took a nap for only about 2 hours because we wanted to stay up to avoid jet lag as we were arriving to Hong Kong late at night.
Champagne and Gravity
Asiana pajamas are quite tacky, but comfy.
Good night!
After waking up, I decided to watch Disney’s Frozen. I thought it was an entertaining movie for all ages, but Olaf was a bit annoying and didn’t add much necessity to the movie (forgive me if you disagree).
Wake up everyone!
Almost there…
Afterwards, the cabin lights turned on and it was time for lunch. My friend and I both chose the Korean Gomtang. Again, the meal came with a nice set of banchan. I’ve never had gomtang, but had a similar soup called suh lung tang. Not sure what the difference is, but it’s a great soup. I was surprised that the meal tasted so good! Can’t tell if I liked this meal better than the first one.
Gomtang with Banchan 10/10!
We soon landed in Incheon International airport right on time and I would have to say that this was one of my favorite flights. The service on Asiana First Class was great and the food was top notch. I went ahead and claimed Asiana as the world’s best airline food in my previous post. The hard product was comfortable, but it falls behind its competitors. However, now the Asiana suites is up to par with the competition or even leading the competition. The 13 hours did not seem too long with great service, food, and movie selection. I wouldn’t hesitate to fly Asiana again if I had the chance. How can you go wrong with Bibimbap, steak, and lobster?
