Review: Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge East Incheon Airport

Last week, I had a chance to properly review Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge at Incheon Airport as I planned a last-minute trip to Europe with Qatar Airways. The trip kicked off in Seoul, Korea all the way to Frankfurt, Germany via Doha, Qatar.

I redeemed 76,000 Qatar Airways Avios in economy class but with my Privilege Club Platinum status, I was able to be invited to the lounge prior to departure.

Qatar Airways has a code-sharing agreement with Asiana Airlines and with the late departure of the flight, the airline made a contract with Asiana Airlines Lounge for its passengers. There is Cathay Pacific Lounge at Incheon Airport but first of all, it is located at the satellite terminal now the lounge is permanently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qatar Airways Business Class Check-In

Qatar Airways check-in counter is located around K or L Area in Incheon International Airport Terminal 1. Due to high travel demand, there was a long line in the Economy and Web Check-In line but the Business Class line was fair enough.

I usually arrive at the airport after 11 PM for check-in when there are not a lot of people but the problem here is the lounge closes at the same time so I have not had a chance until now to visit and review the lounge.

Getting to Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge East

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 temporarily closed due to the pandemic.

The East lounge is located near gate 11 on the right-hand side of the airport after immigration. The lounge needs to be accessed by taking an escalator up from the main entrance only.

Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge East Operational Hours

Currently, Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge East opens from 05:30 AM to 23:00 PM in the evening. Since Qatar Airways departs around 2 AM, this is the only lounge that is open this late as the Center Wing closes at 9 PM.

Of course, Qatar Airways boarding starts around 00:30 so all passengers regardless of travel class have to wait at the gate for another hour and a half as duty-free shops close at 21:30. That’s why I usually check in really late so I have less wait time before boarding.

Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge East Entry Requirements

Asiana Airlines is a partner of Star Alliance, meaning only passengers flying with Asiana or other partners such as United and Air Canada are eligible to use the lounge on normal days. Below are the entry requirements:

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 East Layout and Seating

Asiana Airlines East Lounge newly opened four years ago after Korean Air relocated to Terminal 2. After some interior remodeling, the lounge reopened with a mixture of modern and Korean traditional atmosphere all around the lounge with warm and dark wooden tones and a neat design. In terms of design, I think the Asiana lounge surely beats Korean Air lounges.

With the East lounge accommodating up to 200 passengers, there are plenty of semi-private cubicles, workstations, dining tables for two and four, communal tables by the entrance, and single open seats. Most of the seats feature universal power sockets as well as USB ports to charge electronics.

Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge East Dining

To be honest, the dining option was really disappointing for me. Maybe it was nearing the closing time that’s why the meals were not restocked but I find food and beverage options less diverse.

The buffet stand surely is attractive looking but the contents were somehow lacking in my eyes. While at the lounge I just grabbed and had some soft drinks and instant noodles.

Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge East Bar

The bar is located in the center of the lounge with wines, spirits and a couple of traditional liquors. 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 East Restrooms and 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.

Summary

I took a flight from Seoul to Doha and had a chance to visit Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge. This is actaully my first time visiting as I always check in after the lounge close and did not have time to visit the lounge.

Overall, I really like the atmosphere of the lounge but maybe the time I visited the lounge was late? Or I am not sure but only one thing I was disappointed was the variety of dining options provided.

I spend around one hour at the lounge before it closed so I didn’t have much time to really enjoy the lounge. Hopefully, I wil have more time by taking Asiana or Star Alliance partners during daytime so I can experience the two Asiana Business Class lounges at Incheon Airport.