The “Secret” Asiana First Class: A Farewell Flight on the A380

• Airline: Asiana Airlines
• Class: Business & First
• Route: Beijing (PEK) to Bangkok (BKK) via Seoul (ICN)
• Aircraft: Airbus A330-300 & Airbus A380-800

There’s something inherently nostalgic about Beijing Capital Airport. I’ve logged over 60 flights through those terminals over the last decade, arriving back in 2015 with no money and no plan, just the excitement of a new chapter. Standing there today, a full-time YouTuber, it’s surreal to look back at how much life has changed.

But I wasn’t just there to reflect; I was on a mission to catch one of aviation’s final “hidden gems.”

As the industry in 2026 continues to consolidate, we’re seeing the end of some iconic brands. The merger between Asiana and Korean Air means the end of the Asiana name as we know it. I’ve always had a soft spot for Asiana, and with the airline’s fleet set to be absorbed by Korean Air by the end of the year, I wanted to experience their Airbus A380 one last time.

Here’s the thing: Asiana no longer officially sells First Class. However, they haven’t ripped out the seats. Instead, they’ve repurposed the former flagship First Class cabin as a “Business Suite” upgrade.

If you book a standard business class flight on their A380, you can pay a little extra to secure these seats. For a six-hour hop to Bangkok, it’s an absolute steal. You get the full First Class footprint, massive space, a fully flat bed, and a door for total privacy without the premium First Class price tag. It’s exactly the kind of “hack” that makes aviation fun again.

Don’t get it twisted: while the seat is First Class, the service is pure Business. You won’t find the traditional First Class frills, no specialized turndown service or extensive amenities but for the price, it’s a brilliant way to fly.

The highlight of the dining experience was genuinely unexpected: a steak that was actually cooked medium-rare. If you’ve followed my reviews, you know I have a strict rule: never trust anyone who orders a well-done steak on a plane. This one, however, passed the test.

However, I did notice a shift in the atmosphere. The crew seemed aware that the brand is fading, and that energy was noticeable. It wasn’t “bad,” but it lacked that signature, meticulous warmth I’ve experienced on Asiana in years past. It felt like a team already looking toward the horizon of the Korean Air merger.

Before the flight, I spent four hours at the Asiana/Korean Air lounge at Incheon. I’m usually not the guy who showers at an airport, but after a rushed morning and some lingering jet lag, I made an exception.

The shower cabin was, without exaggeration, the best I’ve seen in any lounge. It was massive, pristine, and exactly what I needed to reset before the next leg. It felt like stepping out as a new human.

 

The A380 remains one of the most incredible machines in the sky, and having that cabin to myself was a privilege. If you want a first-class experience for a fraction of the cost, this is the way to do it, while it lasts.

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This is it guys, wherever you’re off to, have a safe trip!