Review: Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge Central Incheon Airport

You can check out the review of the Asiana Airlines East Lounge here.

In early February, I flew Cathay Pacific from Seoul/Incheon to Hong Kong and had a chance to visit the Asiana Airlines lounge at Incheon Airport. While I have frequently visited the lounge on the east side when using Qatar Airways, this was my first time visiting the central lounge.

Cathay Pacific Check-In Incheon Airport

On my flight review from Incheon to Hong Kong, I briefly wrote about my check-in experience with Cathy Pacific. Check-in formalities were quick however it took some time for me as the agents were confused about regulations when transiting in Hong Kong.

Nonetheless, there were no other issues aside from interlining my checked baggage to Doha on Qatar Airways. As I finished my check-in, I received a lounge invitation card to the Asiana Airlines Business Class lounge at Incheon Airport Terminal 1.

Now, before the pandemic Cathay Pacific used to have its own lounge in Incheon at the midfield concourse however, the lounge is now permanently closed and Cathay passengers are now entitled to use Asiana’s lounge.

Getting To Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge Central

At Incheon Airport Terminal 1, there are three Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge. Out of the three, only two (Center and East Wing) are now operating. The West lounge is still closed and I have no clue when it will reopen.

The central lounge is located near Gate 26 which, on my flight, it was quite far from my gate (40).

Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge Central Operational Hours

Unlike the east lounge, the central lounge operates from 7:00 AM in the morning to 9 PM in the evening. This is one of the reasons why whenever I flew Qatar Airways in the past, I wasn’t able to review this specific lounge.

Since Qatar Airways check-in opens after 9 PM, the lounge was always closed when I reach there.

Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge Central Entry Requirements

Like all other Asian Airlines lounges, the entry requirements are pretty much the same. This includes Oneworld codeshare partners such as American Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific and Sri Lankan.

Asiana Airlines /Star Alliance members departing on regular flights:

• Business Class passengers
• Economy Class Asiana Club Diamond Plus members (with 24-month membership) plus one guest
• Asiana Club Diamond members plus one guest
• Star Alliance Gold members plus one guest

Departing on Asiana Airlines operated flights :

• Economy Smartium passengers taking an Asiana Airlines A350 long-distance flight (to the U.S., Europe or Australia)
• Priority Pass Cardholder on Asiana Airlines/Star Alliance Member carrier operated flight(please direct any inquiries regarding entry requirements and costs to the card issuer.)

Oneworld Airline entry requirements are as follows:

• Eligible American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airlines and Sri Lankan Airlines passengers are able to use Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounges
• Except for Japan Airlines and Malaysian Airlines which has a codesharing agreement with Korean Air, they are allowed to use Korean Air Lounge at Terminal 1.

Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge Central Layout and Seating

The central lounge also offers a similar layout as the east lounge. Since both lounges are similar to each other, I will not go on into that much detail. The entryway features a few communal tables with power outlets. And further inwards, a table with a seating of four is located opposite the restroom and showers.

In the main bar area, there are mixtures of tables and seats as well as sofas. Eight semi-private cubicles are furnished with one of them having a massage chair. The cubicles are occupied most of the time that includes the massage chair.

Behind the bar area, a row of single seats is placed. Each seat comes with charging ports and power sockets.

Further in, there is the dining area with proper dining tables with seats of either two or fours. The dining area gets crowded during peak departure hours so I would recommend getting a single seat first.

Adjacent to the buffet bar, a long work desk with a laptop and a printer are available to use. There is no separate business center inside the lounge but a laptop on one end of this desk for passengers to use or print documents.

This desk, facing the window has a good apron view and also offers power sockets.

Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge Central Dining

When it comes to dining, Asiana Airlines lounge catering is always disappointing to me. On my last flight from Incheon to Doha in January, a stone-cold fried chicken was served in a buffet bar. Even on my visit this time, the buffet still needed improvements.

Soft drinks and tea/coffee were available from the dispensers opposite the buffet stand. The only plus point for the lounge was presumably the wide drink options.

Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge Central Bar

The lounge has a large bar area at the center of the lounge with wines, spirits and a couple of traditional liquors. There is also a beer dispenser which is always broken but surprisingly, it was working this time when I visited.

Just behind the bar has a small coffee machine and tea stations. Asiana lounge surely does great presentation-wise with eye-catching white marble and lighting at the bar.

Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge Central Restrooms & Showers

Restrooms and showers are located at the entrance area on the right along the hallway. There are a total of four shower rooms available on a first come first serve basis. Passengers can also reserve if all the showers are occupied during peak hours.

Summary

I took a flight from Seoul to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific and had a chance to visit the Asiana Airlines business class lounge at Incheon Airport. This is the central lounge and it was my first time visiting this lounge.

The lounge itself was nearly identical to the west lounge which I usually visit.