Not the Best, But Real Good
Written: Dec 07 '07
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Timely, polite and clean
Cons: Dreadful food.
The Bottom Line: A good airline if you dodge the food. Believe me, you'll want to pack a lunch.
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| Darkmistress's Full Review: Asiana Airlines |
I've flown more in the past 2 years that the rest of my family combined has in their lives. Okay so my Mom doesn't fly if there's a connection involved, my sister has no passport and my brother's passport is expired. Still. (And after the events of this past summer, I think my brother has renewed his passport.) Anyway, many of these flights have been on Asiana. Asiana is a Star Alliance carrier so they service United Airlines flights. Until my heart was stolen by Singapore Air, I thought I was in love with Asiana, but in retrospect it was just infatuation, based on the upgrade in quality from United to Asiana. Not that United is bad, certainly not Continental bad, but Asiana is better. (And Singapore? J'adore!)
My first encounter with Asiana was a connecting flight between Narita and Incheon. We came off a 15 hour flight from Chicago to Tokyo, had an hour to stretch and were herded into steerage on Asiana. The first thing I noticed was the screen in the back of the seat in front of me. I'd never had my very own screen before. Further investigation in the in-flight magazine showed they would be airing Monk and Stargate SG-1 for our leg of the journey. On longer flights, more movies are available, and on some flights (like Incheon to Manila) there's nothing but what they show on the big screen at the front of your section. This flight had about 6 channels to choose from, plus some music options. The choices have always been varied and interesting. Keeping me (nauseous, dizzy and claustrophobic) entertained in an airplane is no mean feat so I have to applaud them for keeping me from being miserable.
The attendants in their tidy gray uniforms with tan and red trim have always been very polite and professional. Most of the ones I have encountered appear to be Korean, but they are all fluent in English. Better yet, they know all about the blizzard of paperwork you have to fill out. (Little tip: Keep your passport within easy reach or memorize the number.) They are always available if you need help and will try to fulfill any reasonable request. The only thime the really vanish is when the passengers are deplaning and I don't blame them. Koreans getting off an airplane are like wildebeasts trying to cross a croc infested river at a narrow ford. Personally I speak softly and carry a big carry-on.
The food … the food. Hmmm. The food. This is where Asiana really falls down. The best I can say is that it's mostly edible. On one flight I had a piece of fish that would have been better used to sharpen knives. They usually offer fish, beef and, if you call ahead, vegetarian. There's salad which is always iceberg lettuce with 1 cherry tomato and some really nondescript dressing. They give you real metal flatware and, in case you really hate food, a tiny tube of chilli pepper paste which will nuke your tastebuds for at least a few hours. The desserts are surprisingly good, but not worth suffering through dinner for. They also serve a snack mix of pretzels, peanuts and little crackers. It's pretty tasty, but needs salt. To be honest, my latest strategy has been to sleep through dinner service. Considering the wacky hours of the Incheon to Manila flights, it's been easy.
Overall, my experiences with Asiana have been positive if not stellar. They have always been timely, polite and clean. You may not love it, but until you fly Singapore Airlines, you'll think you do.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Darkmistress
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Location: Concepcion, Chile
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