Asiana (OZ) 0201 LAX ~ ICN Upper Deck

November 9, 2014 (Sunday) -- LAX to ICN

Earlier in the year, we heard of the sale of Asiana flights to Asia on their new A380. For a little over $700 we were able to grab seats to Hong Kong in November. Originally we booked for a mid November flight from LAX to HKG, but later on, with a conference to attend in China, we changed our flight out to LAX-ICN-PVG on November 9, and paid a $200 penalty each. Oh well...We were still excited about getting on the A380 upper deck even though it was going to be in economy. Our TA already got us assigned seatings, so everything was set.

This was the second time that I have been on an A380. Flew with China Southern in July on their A380 and enjoyed the flight then. Was going to check and see if the experience would be different. The upper deck economy section on the A380 is generally quieter and less crowded. Even when I talked to the flight attendant while I was on the China Southern flight, she said, "It's much better up here, you wouldn't want to be downstairs." 

A380-800 Jet waiting for us at LAX

Boarding of the A380 is very organized, both times with the different airlines. Lines were formed depending on upper or lower deck and seat row. Upper deck passengers board the plane taking the escalator to the upper level. Much easier than climbing the stairs of the plane.

Settling down at Seat 77A, upper deck

Seats are in 2, 4, 2 configuration on the upper deck economy section. 

The extra storage bins next to the window provide good space for passengers sitting by the window.

Good leg space

I was really surprised at how good the meals were. This is the western meal with a good piece of sirloin steak, not overcooked! By the way, with real stainless steel silverware.

This was the Korean meal served, came with a cup of hot soup.

Smoked salmon (with the western meal)

salad

dessert

Sirloin steak

2nd meal, pork belly and kimchi stir-fry which was tasty.

Arriving ICN as the sun setting.

EVA Lounge, Taipei and BR 002

EVA Lounge, Taipei and EVA Business (BR 002), TPE to LAX--April 12, 2014

Time to go home. Checked out of the hotel around 11:30, then went on to look for lunch in the area. Ended up at the YMCA nearby for a nice steak lunch. We tried the food court at the department store but it was way too crowded to even get a table. A quiet sit-down lunch was what we needed before our long flight home.

After lunch, we picked up our bags and bought the airport bus tickets from the hotel counter. Then walked to Station A West two blocks away. They have a bus going every 10 minutes, very convenient. Make sure you know which airport terminal you are going so your bags can be put in the correct compartment. Bus tickets cost $150NTD pp. ($5 USD). They scheduled a couple of stops before the airport so plan your time ahead. I find that these buses are way more convenient than the high-speed train. They drop you off right outside the terminals.

Checking in was a breeze, then we headed over to the EVA Lounge on the second floor. There is the "Star" on the left side of the entrance and the "Infinity" on the right side, but you can access both from either entrance. I wanted to shower before getting on board and was told that there is no waiting on the Star side. I should have waited for the Infinity.

Shower in the Star Lounge

Unfortunately, they forgot to refill the towels in that particular room. I did complain to the counter and they apologized.

Neon lights that change colors--Infinity

Beef noodle, quite good!

Plenty of food

hallway to the Star side of the lounge

The Star Lounge

Restroom--Infinity

Entrance

The famous "I See You" commercial of EVA, right outside the lounge.

I believe that's the first class lounge on the other side.

We were so looking forward to be on this EVA flight. Knowing that US Air will soon join One World, this would probably be the last time we would be able to fly EVA using US Air mileage redemption. Boarding was quick because there were only 9 business passengers out of the 20 seats on the plane.

Rimowa amenity kit

Safety video

We had pre-ordered our meals and they turned out good even though lobster was not available on the menu.

great garlic bread

lamb

content of the amenity kit

breakfast--chicken noodle

EVA business was good in the service area. Food can be improved. Overall, we had a positive experience on this flight and hopefully, someday, we can repeat this very pleasant experience with EVA.