Los Angeles (LAX) to Seoul (ICN)
On the Ground: The Star Alliance lounge in Los Angeles International Airport’s Tom Bradley International Terminal sets a high bar for business travelers. The lounge offers a variety of small bites, a full-service bar, and seating that faces the terminal for people-watching. A distinctive outdoor terrace with fire pits provides genuine fresh-air space—an appreciated rarity in airport lounges. Artwork and local quotes reflect Los Angeles culture, giving the lounge a strong sense of place. The Tom Bradley Terminal also hosts a broad array of dining options, retail stores and duty-free shopping for last-minute needs.
Pre-Flight: Asiana Airlines boards its Airbus A380 efficiently through two-level boarding doors. Business-class seats on the upper deck are arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 layout that enhances privacy and storage. My window seat included multiple compartments and discreet cubbies ideal for a laptop, tablet and other personal items. Cabin crew offered juice and bottled water before takeoff, plus newspapers and a copy of Global Traveler. Departure was on time and smooth, consistent with the A380’s reputation for a gentle climb out.
In-Flight: Once at cruise, I took time to examine the seat area. The inflight entertainment system includes a large personal screen and a handheld controller, making it simple to browse a strong selection of American films and music. The seat itself felt slightly narrow but remained comfortable thanks to well-padded cushions and several preset reclining positions that transition to a fully flat, 180-degree bed for sleeping.
For lunch I selected the Korean menu. Service began with hot green tea and a warm towel, followed by appetizers served as three small plates: prosciutto atop a melon-and-ricotta-stuffed mushroom, a selection of pickled vegetables, and a smooth Korean pumpkin porridge (hobakjuk). The main course, ssambap, featured steamed rice, grilled beef and bean paste accompanied by large lettuce leaves and assorted greens for wrapping—an on-the-go take on traditional Korean barbecue. Dessert was cheesecake, paired with a small nightcap of Camus XO Cognac.
I don’t sleep easily on planes, so after a second movie and some work I explored the upper deck. The forward business-class section includes two lavatories, one of which is notably spacious—larger than most airline restrooms—and includes a small seating area. Lavatory amenities included L’Occitane toiletries and a personal amenity kit. A compact business lounge on the upper deck offers a few seats, a large screen and complimentary drinks; it was seldom used during my flight, but climbing the stairs between decks provided a welcome chance to stretch and enjoy the novelty of moving between levels at 35,000 feet.
Throughout the last hours of the flight, attentive flight attendants tidied the cabin, served breakfast and refilled green tea, maintaining consistent and friendly service until descent.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ The Korean meal stood out for its high quality and thoughtful presentation, blending traditional flavors with contemporary touches.
◆ Asiana’s cabin crew delivered professional, anticipatory service throughout the journey.
◆ The A380’s wide-body design contributed to an exceptionally smooth takeoff and landing experience.