As I boarded the San Francisco-bound Asiana A350 in Seoul a few weeks ago, I questioned whether I should bother reviewing Asiana’s business class. On one hand, it was my first time—of course I had to review it.
On the other hand, thanks to the recently finalized Asiana-Korean Air merger, the clock is now officially ticking on the Asiana brand, which will survive until 2027 at the latest. This review will be obsolete in two, three years tops.
As you can tell if you’re reading this, however, I nonetheless decided to write an Asiana business class review. I hope it’s useful for as long as it can be.
Why It Took Me So Long to Fly Asiana in Business
There are two main reasons that I didn’t fly Asiana business class until 2024. The first is practical: I was too buy flying other Asian airlines that, frankly, have better reputations From ANA and JAL, to EVA Air, China Airlines and Starlux, the reality is that airlines from Japan and Taiwan (and, in some cases, even from Southeast Asia) are more highly rated than those from Korea, particularly Asiana.
The second reason? Well, that’s practical too. I primarily use miles and points to book business class travel, and mainly use Air Canada’s Aeroplan program to do so. Aeroplan simply doesn’t release many Asiana tickets, compared to those on other airlines. As a result, even if I had been enthusiastic about reviewing Asiana, it was almost impossible for me to book a flight without paying cash.
How Asiana Business Class Measures Up
Seat
As I mentioned earlier, and as many reviewers have commented, Asiana’s so-called “Smartium” seat leaves a lot to be desired. While it does lie flat, and while all seats (at least on the A350) have aisle access, it doesn’t offer much privacy. Additionally, the cabin is adorned in unflattering brown and yellow hues.
Food
I was hoping Asiana business food would be better than what I had on Korean Air, but it really wasn’t. While it was nice to have a solid piece of beef instead of the taco meat on Korean’s bibimbap, nothing I ate on Asiana seemed elevated. Also, my “Manhattan” was served in two glasses, and at room temperature.
Service
Asiana’s flight attendant were extremely competent. They were constantly roaming the aisles, even though it was an overnight flight; they responded to the call button almost immediately. At the same time, many seemed not to have a great grasp of English; a few were downright cold.
Entertainment
As I would imagine was the case back in economy, entertainment in business class on Asiana was lackluster. Like many Asian airlines, Asiana has an extremely limited selection of English-language movies and TV series. Worse, my screen was possessed, and kept randomly turning on when I was trying to sleep.
Pricing and availability
The only silver lining about Asiana’s business class? As the elimination of the Asiana brand approaches, I’ve noticed more availability for booking flights with miles, which only cost 75,000 Aeroplan miles between North America and Korea. Cash tickets (from Japan via ICN, at least) are also cheap, often under $1,500 one-way.
Is Asiana or Korean Air Better?
I was lucky enough to fly on Korean Air’s 747-8 in business class a few years ago, back when Korean Air Skypass was a Chase Ultimate Rewards partner. While it was thrilling being on my favorite airplane, and while Korean Air uses one of my favorite business class seats (the Apex Suite), I can’t lie that I found the experience ever so slightly underwhelming, for a whole host of reasons.
Asiana, as you’ll have read here, also has a lot of shortcomings, even though it is slightly easier to redeem miles for travel on Asiana. As a result, I’m tempted to say that it’s a wash. And it certainly will be within a couple of years from another. Because of the Asiana-Korean Air merger, the Asiana brand will cease to exist sooner rather than later, even though a date has not been set.
Other FAQ About Asiana Business Class
Does Asiana have flat beds in business class?
Asiana does have flat beds in business class. However, depending on the aircraft, your bed might not have direct aisle access; or if it does, your seat may be open to the aisle with very minimal privacy. Asiana does not offer individual suites with doors, as airlines like Delta and Qatar Airways do.
Is Asiana a good airline?
Asiana is probably a better airlines, objectively speaking, than any of the major global US carriers. On the other hand, it pales in comparison to full-service airlines in Japan, Korea and most of the rest of Asia outside of mainland China, particularly in business class and first class.
Does Asiana have pajamas?
As of 2025, Asiana only offers pajamas in first class. The airline no longer offers pajamas to business class passengers, even on very long flights to North America and Europe. I don’t find this disappointing or surprising, however, as most airlines have eliminated pajamas in business class.
The Bottom Line
My Asiana business class review has an expiration date. Or it will soon, when Korean Air (which now owns Asiana) decided the official timeline for pulling the plug on the Asiana brand. Still, if you happen to be flying Asiana between now and about 2027, I hope my opinions (harsh as some of them may seem) will help give you an accurate idea of what to expect onboard, particularly if you’re flying the A350 like I did. Need personalized help planning your next trip to Korea, or to Asia more broadly? Then I do hope you’ll consider hiring me as your Travel Coach.
