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Asiana Airlines, South Korea’s second-largest airline, has stopped selling first class on all flights after Aug. 31st, 2019. This move comes as airlines worldwide cut first class from their planes in favor of larger, more premium business-class cabins. Asiana is among a growing list of airlines eliminating first class cabins; it had already eliminated first class from all aircraft with the exception of the Airbus A380s.
Effective September 1st, Asiana Airlines — which is a member of Star Alliance along with United — will no longer sell first class on any route. The last date for which you can book a seat in first class is Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. The following day, that same flight from los Angeles to Seoul on the A380 shows first class as zeroed-out on ExpertFlyer.
A popular option for travelers looking to redeem miles for trans-Pacific first class is using United MileagePlus. The last date on which United MileagePlus displays award availability for Asiana first class is August 28th. Following September 1st, the United award search engine no longer shows any Asiana first-class availability.
Asiana’s six A380s feature 12 first class suites. They are among the roomiest in the sky, featuring 83 inches of seat pitch, a massive 32-inch seatback entertainment screen, and a sliding door for privacy.
Following August 31st, the only way to fly in a dedicated first class cabin nonstop from the United States to South Korea will be aboard Korean Air. However, Korean Air recently cut first class from dozens of international routes.
Booking Asiana Airlines First Class Suites
If Asiana Airlines first class is on your bucket list, you still have a few months to try out the product. Cash fares are available nearly every day up until September 1st. One-way cash fares from the United States start at $6,160 while fares from South Korea start at $3,675. Asiana Airlines first class can be booked with miles earned with United’s MileagePlus program. One-way United first class awards on Asiana start at 120,000 miles. Flights that feature the airline’s first class suite include Seoul (ICN) to Frankfurt (FRA), Los Angeles (LAX), and New York (JFK).
Asiana First Class Suites Cash Fares
Asiana First Class Suites Mileage Availability via United:
Asiana’s decision to stop selling first class on its remaining flights featuring the premium cabin is a huge loss to the trans-Pacific market. While Asiana’s business class is by no means underwhelming, the airline’s first class suites were arguably one of the best options across the Pacific.
Featured photo of an Asiana A380 at LAX by Alberto Riva/TPG
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