Review: Asiana Business Class (regional) Chengdu to Seoul – OZ324
Book flight on Asiana here.
Chengdu is a surprisingly modern city (if you stay somewhat in the city center) and so is the airport. The taxi way from the runway to the terminal must be 20 miles - it's like in a another town from the terminal. The Terminal1 used by Asiana is brand new and very modern.
However do';t expect clean bathrooms, modern lounges or even some heat on the cold winter nights. This would be called 'unnecessary service' in China and is just not a priority.
Check-in was quick with the agent deciphering my complicated itinerary easily. A couple of minutes later I joined the line in the single open immigration counter for a number of flights. However things moved rather quickly.
The lounge Asiana uses is shared with pretty much any other airline that flies to Chengdu (Star Alliance or not) is a collection of old chairs and sofas and Budweiser beers. There is also a shabby looking coffee maker. The WiFi is the airport WiFi which can best be described as moody.
Sitting at 50 degrees room temperature is a real challenge and the lounge attendant was prepared with multiple layers of coats and scarfs - I wasn't so lucky so I decided to go for a walk in the terminal from time to time.
Boarding was on time around midnight onto the well heated Asiana A321. The regional business class is configured the same way as Domestic First Class in the US. The seat pitch is wide and generous though the recline is minimal. There is a blanket and pillow provided for each passenger. Only one other passenger boarded the 16 seat business class cabin with me - the economy class was sold out though.
The meal was served very shortly after take off (the flight attendants took orders before take-off) and I could go to sleep maybe 20 minutes into the flight (with supper served).
I liked the salad - the beef though was pretty nasty.
The flight was short for an overnight - just 3 hours later we landed into Incheon airport and I was trying to navigate the airport without any other passengers in sight.
Book flight on Asiana here.