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Asiana Airlines Will Stop Selling First Class After Aug. 31

May 06, 2019
4 min read
Asiana Airlines Will Stop Selling First Class After Aug. 31
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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.

Zeroed-out First Class on Asiana Airlines via ExpertFlyer
Zeroed-out First Class on Asiana Airlines via 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.

Related: The ultimate guide to earning and redeeming Asiana Club miles

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

Google Flights showing Asiana Airlines First Class availability from LA to Seoul
Google Flights showing Asiana Airlines First Class availability from LA to Seoul

Asiana First Class Suites Mileage Availability via United:

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Asiana Airlines First Class United Saver Award from LA to Seoul
Asiana Airlines First Class United Saver Award from LA to Seoul

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 image by Alberto Riva

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Why We Chose It

Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.

Pros

  • Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
  • Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
  • First checked bag free

Cons

  • Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
  • SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
  • Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
  • New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees