Asiana Business Class: Book the A350 Before the Star Alliance Exit

Hi there! I’m Eden Thomson. If you’ve followed my journey, you know I’ve spent the last decade crisscrossing the globe, from the bustling streets of Seoul to the hidden corners of the American West. These days, I’m all about "slow travel"—finding that perfect balance between luxury and value.

Right now, there is one specific travel opportunity that has a ticking clock attached to it: Asiana Airlines Business Class. Specifically, their flagship A350-900. With Asiana’s impending merger with Korean Air and its subsequent exit from the Star Alliance, the window to experience this world-class product using your hard-earned points and alliance perks is closing fast.

If you are ready to secure your seat on one of the finest long-haul products in the sky, call +1-833-894-5333 for expert booking assistance and fare deals.

Quick Answer: Is Asiana A350 Business Class Worth It?

Asiana Airlines Business Class on the A350 offers one of Star Alliance’s most comfortable and spacious seats. With Asiana existing Star Alliance due to its merger with Korean Air, travelers should book A350-operated routes now to secure alliance benefits, partner mileage redemptions, and the airline’s best business class experience before these options vanish.

What Is Asiana Airlines Business Class?

Asiana Airlines has long been the "quiet overachiever" of Asian aviation. While bigger names often grab the headlines, Asiana has consistently maintained a 5-star Skytrax rating. Their Business Class philosophy centers on "Uncompromising Service"—a blend of traditional Korean hospitality and modern hardware.

In the world of premium travel, Asiana is known for its soft product. This refers to the things you can’t bolt down: the quality of the bibimbap, the warmth of the cabin crew, and the meticulous attention to detail. However, as the fleet has aged, the hard product (the seat) varies wildly depending on which plane you step onto.

Asiana Smartium Class Explained

When you browse Asiana’s website, you’ll see the term "Business Smartium." This is Asiana’s branding for its top-tier, staggered lie-flat configuration.

Unlike older "angled-flat" seats that feel like a slide, Smartium seats offer:

• Direct Aisle Access: No climbing over a neighbor’s legs in the middle of the night.
• A Staggered Layout: Every seat is slightly offset to maximize privacy and shoulder room.
• Full 180-Degree Flat Bed: A truly horizontal sleeping surface.

Why the A350 Is the Aircraft You MUST Book

If you are booking a long-haul flight to Seoul, the aircraft type is the single most important factor. While Asiana flies the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A380, the Airbus A350-900 is the crown jewel.

1. Cabin Humidity & Pressure: The A350 is built with carbon composites, allowing for higher humidity and lower cabin altitude pressure. You land feeling significantly less jet-lagged.
2. Modern Interiors: The A350s are the newest planes in Asiana’s fleet. The seats are fresher, the screens are crisper, and the storage bins are larger.
3. Quietness: It is remarkably quieter than the Boeing 777, making it much easier to sleep without noise-canceling headphones.

Best Asiana A350 Business Class Seats

The A350 Business Smartium cabin is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. To maximize your experience, follow this seat-position logic:

• For the Solo Traveler: Choose the "True Window" seats. These are the rows where the seat is flush against the window and the console is on the aisle side (usually even-numbered rows). They offer incredible privacy.
• For Couples: The center "Honeymoon" seats are ideal. You sit close together in the middle section, making it easy to share a conversation (or a celebratory glass of champagne).
• Seats to Avoid: Stay away from the very last row of Business Class. It is located directly in front of the Economy Smartium bulkhead and close to the galleys, which can be noisy during meal prep.

Aircraft to Avoid: The "Seat Roulette"

Not all Asiana Business Class seats are created equal. To avoid disappointment:

• The 777-200ER Warning: Some older 777s still feature 2-3-2 or 2-2-2 configurations with angled-flat seats. These are a massive downgrade from the A350.
• The A330 Factor: Generally used for shorter regional hops within Asia, these seats often do not lie fully flat.

Eden’s Pro Tip: Always check the seat map on a site like SeatGuru or Aerolopa before confirming your booking. If you see a 1-2-1 layout, you’re in the clear!

Routes Most Likely to Feature the A350

Asiana prioritizes its A350s on high-yield, long-haul "prestige" routes. If you are flying from the US or Europe, look for these gateways:

• USA: New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA).
• Europe: London (LHR), Paris (CDG), and Frankfurt (FRA).
• Asia: Frequent rotations to Tokyo (NRT) and Osaka (KIX) for those wanting a shorter luxury experience.

For real-time availability and route verification, call +1-833-894-5333.

The In-Flight Experience: Dining & Service

This is where Asiana truly shines. If you book this flight, you are there for the Bibimbap. Asiana’s signature Korean meal service is a ritual—warm rice, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and savory gochujang, served on fine china.

The service is "old-school" in the best way possible. The flight attendants often remember your name, offer turndown service with a smile, and ensure your wine glass is never empty. It feels more like a boutique hotel than a commercial flight.

Why the Star Alliance Exit Changes Everything

This is the most critical section for savvy travelers. Asiana is merging with Korean Air (a SkyTeam member). This means:

1. Points & Miles: Soon, you will no longer be able to book Asiana using United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, or Avianca LifeMiles.
2. Lounge Access: Once the exit is finalized, Star Alliance Gold members will lose access to the excellent Asiana lounges in Seoul Incheon (ICN).
3. The "Sweet Spot" is Vanishing: Currently, Asiana has some of the best award availability in the Star Alliance. Once they move to SkyTeam/Korean Air, those "cheap" points redemptions will likely disappear or be devalued.

How to Book Asiana Business Class NOW

Don’t wait for the merger to be finalized. Here is the strategy:

• Use Partner Miles: Air Canada Aeroplan and United MileagePlus are the easiest ways to book. A one-way from the US West Coast to Seoul typically costs between 75k–88k miles.
• Check for "I" Class: This is the fare bucket for Business Class awards.
• Direct Booking: If paying cash, Asiana often runs competitive "Early Bird" specials that are significantly cheaper than Korean Air or ANA.

Comparison: Asiana vs. Korean Air vs. ANA

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long: The merger is progressing. Every month you wait increases the risk of the Star Alliance partnership ending.
• Ignoring the Aircraft: I’ve seen travelers book a "Business Class" ticket only to end up on an old 777 with a 2-3-2 layout. Check the A350 status!
• Not using the Call Center: Sometimes online engines don't show all the "phantom" availability. Calling +1-833-894-5333 can help you find those hidden seats.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Asiana Smartium Class?
   
   It is Asiana's premium business class featuring 180-degree lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout, ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access and enhanced privacy.
   
   
2. Is Asiana leaving Star Alliance?
   
   Yes, due to its merger with Korean Air, Asiana will eventually exit Star Alliance and join SkyTeam.
   
   
3. Which Asiana plane is best?
   
   The Airbus A350-900 is the best, offering the newest seats, better cabin pressure, and a quieter flight.
4. Can I use United miles for Asiana?
   Yes, for now. You can book Asiana flights via United.com, but this will end once the alliance exit is finalized.
5. Is the food good on Asiana?
   
   Absolutely. Their traditional Korean Bibimbap is widely considered one of the best meals served in the sky.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Book Today

The A350 Business Class experience on Asiana is a "bucket list" item for a reason. It represents a specific era of aviation—one where service is personal and the flight itself is as much a part of the vacation as the destination. With the Star Alliance exit looming, 2025 and early 2026 represent your final chance to use your versatile Star Alliance points for this specific journey.

Ready to fly? Don’t leave your luxury experience to chance. Call +1-833-894-5333 today to secure your Asiana A350 Business Class seat at the best possible rate.

Would you like me to help you compare specific flight dates or check the current mileage rates for your preferred route?