Asiana is a popular airline in South Korea, with a large network across Asia and North America. It is majority owned by one of the country’s largest conglomerates, Kumho Group.
The airline launched routes to Ho Chi Minh City and Honolulu in 1991, and its Boeing 747 widebodies enabled transpacific service to Los Angeles. This expansion has contributed to its strong financial performance.
Airline Safety
While aviation accidents still occur, advances in technology and training have resulted in laudable safety improvements. Air travel is widely considered safer than driving or riding trains, and asiana has a reputation for being one of the safest airlines around.
However, a number of factors can contribute to airline incidents. These include omission or failure to act as required; willful disregard of flight procedures; and disdain for rules. These factors can also result in the loss of control of an aircraft, as was the case with Asiana Flight 214, which crashed into San Francisco’s sea wall while approaching the runway for landing.
As a result, the FAA recently approved a requirement for co-pilots to have as many flying hours as pilots. This is a step in the right direction, but it will take time to implement worldwide. Until then, fly with confidence knowing that the vast majority of airplanes are safe and reliable. However, you should always check online reviews for any particular airline before booking a ticket.
Airline Network
A South Korean airline, Asiana Airlines flies to 14 domestic and 90 international destinations throughout Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. Its main hub is located in the city of Seoul and it also operates its low-cost carrier, Air Busan.
The airline offers Business Smartium Class and Travel Class on its international flights with newly furbished cocoon seats and AVODs on board. Currently, the airline does not offer First Class.
In November 2020, Korean Air announced a plan to acquire financially-troubled rival Asiana Airlines, creating one of the world’s top 10 largest airlines. However, the deal is awaiting regulatory approval.
The European Commission is opening an in-depth investigation into the tie-up, particularly with regard to four particular connections from Seoul. The Commission is concerned that the merger will reduce or eliminate competition on routes to Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, Rome Fiumicino and Barcelona. Moreover, it believes other airlines will be unlikely to exert sufficient competitive pressure on the merged entity.
Airline Seats
Asiana has some sleight of hand up its sleeves when it comes to airline seats. Passengers in Travel Class can enjoy angled lie flat beds with a 33-inch pitch and footrests that help prevent fatigue. There’s also a personal locker to store your belongings. Kids get their own special activities that include cookie baking, balloon art and chalk-art. Then there’s the magic show, where magicians perform their tricks onboard and Tarot card readers read your future.
However, it’s worth noting that as a safety precaution following an incident in which a passenger opened an emergency exit door during flight, the airline is no longer selling the seat closest to the plane’s emergency exit on its 14 Airbus A321-200 jets. That includes window exit row seats 26A and 31A. The policy applies even if the plane is fully booked. So if you want to score that seat, be sure to check in early. And consider buying a business suite ticket instead if you can.
Airline Baggage Policy
The airline’s baggage policy differs according to the routes chosen by passengers. Passengers can carry their luggage free of charge, but the airline limits their number and weight based on the route they choose. The airline also offers special baggage guidelines for musical instruments and sports equipment.
The airline allows each passenger to carry two pieces of checked luggage. These items must be a reasonable size and fit in the space above their seat. If the baggage is too large, the airline will charge a handling fee.
The airline allows passengers to bring service animals and strollers onboard flights. However, they must pay a small extra charge for compensation if the item is damaged or lost. Passengers may also buy additional seats for their pets. However, they must be able to fit the pet in the carrier and follow the airline’s rules for pet travel. In addition, a service animal must have proper documentation. A passenger can contact the airline for more information about their pet policy.