Self Check-in

This is Asiana Airlines' self check-in kiosk at Narita Airport Terminal 1. Even before the check-in counters open, you can issue your boarding pass at the kiosk if you don't have any checked baggage.

Thai Airways Check-in Counter

Many passengers are lined up at the Thai Airways check-in counter. I arrived early at the Asiana Airlines counter, but it seems this was the check-in time slot for Thai Airways.

Departure Gate

Heading toward the security check and immigration area.

Star Alliance Gold Track

This is the Star Alliance fast track lane for expedited security screening. It is available to Star Alliance Gold members, as well as first and business class passengers.

Aircraft Parking Area

After clearing security and immigration, I looked out at the aircraft parking area and saw an Austrian Airlines plane. It must have arrived from Vienna.

ANA Suite Lounge

This is the entrance to ANA’s Suite Lounge.

Shower Room

I used the shower room in the lounge. This is the entrance to the shower area.

Shower Room Amenities

Inside the shower room. A variety of amenities are provided so you can enjoy a relaxing shower.

Shower Booth

This is the shower booth itself.

Shower Toiletries

Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap provided in the shower room.

Seating Area

After the shower, I returned to the lounge seating area.

View of the Apron Area

From here, you get a clear view of the aircraft parking area.

Apron View

This is the view of the apron from the lounge.

The ANA aircraft right in front appears to be boarding.

In the distance are ANA’s Airbus A380 “FLYING HONU” aircrafts — the blue (Unit 1) and the orange (Unit 3) liveries.

Desk Area

A desk space in the lounge where you can work on your computer.

Single Seat

A single-seater in the lounge.

Seating Area (1)

Seating area within the lounge.

Seating Area (2)

A view of the seating area from a different angle. Possibly due to COVID-19, there are hardly any other guests.

Salads, Sandwiches, Side Dishes

A corner with salads, sandwiches, and side dishes:

(Salad ingredients) cucumber, carrot, cherry tomatoes, corn, purple cabbage, lettuce

(Sandwiches) ham and cheese, tomato

Rice Balls and More

The chocolate baguette is my favorite.

Snacks

Snack section:

Alcohol Corner

This is the alcohol section:

Refrigerated Alcohol

Refrigerated section for alcoholic beverages.

There were three types of sake. I tasted all of them, but the EMISHIKI Sensation stood out with its fresh, matured flavor. The modern English label was also memorable.

This section also had champagne and white wine.

Three Types of Sake (1)

Three kinds of sake:

Three Types of Sake (2)

I tried all three types of sake. After tasting a bit of each, the EMISHIKI Sensation on the far right was by far the best for me, so I refilled that one.

Sensation has a deep color — rare for sake — perhaps due to its aging.

My Selected Dishes (1)

The dishes I selected:

In the front is sake; in the back, champagne and sparkling water.

My Selected Dishes (2)

Next round of dishes:

Apron View

While relaxing in the lounge, the Austrian Airlines plane seen earlier was preparing for departure.

Leaving the Lounge

I left the lounge.

Aircraft on the Apron

While heading to the boarding gate, I looked out at the apron and saw four aircraft parked:

Boarding Gate

This is the scene at the boarding gate on the day. Everyone was taking photos of the Boeing 747.

Boeing 747-400

This is the Boeing 747-400 that I’m boarding today. Since this “Jumbo Jet” was commonly seen in Japan from the 1970s to the 2000s, seeing it again brings a wave of nostalgia. In the background, a Spring Japan aircraft is taking off — a low-cost airline co-founded by JAL and China’s Spring Airlines.

Waiting to Board

Boarding will begin shortly.

Boarding Pass

This is my boarding pass. Today I’ll be sitting in seat 12J on the upper deck of the business class cabin.

Boarding Bridge

The boarding bridge has now been connected to the aircraft. It’s finally time to board.

Stairs to the Upper Deck (1)

Boarded the aircraft. These are the stairs leading up to the upper deck.

The staircase to the second floor of the Boeing 747 is truly nostalgic. I remember seeing these stairs on ANA and JAL flights in the past. Now it feels like a rare sight.

Stairs to the Upper Deck (2)

Climbing up the steps to the upper deck, one step at a time.

Upper Deck Galley

This is the galley area on the upper deck. Such a spacious galley is a unique feature of the 747.

Entire Upper Deck Business Class Cabin

This is the regular business class cabin on the upper deck. While it doesn’t have the salon-like feel of the Royal Business Class on the lower deck, it still offers a generous sense of space.

The "Upper Deck" on the Boeing 747 brings a special charm all its own.

Window Seat

View of the window seat. The seats by the window come with a personal storage box.

View from the Seat – Stairwell

View of the stairs and stairwell as seen from my seat.

Top of the Stairs

The area just at the top of the stairs leading to the upper deck.

Space Above the Stairs

The upper portion of the stairwell as seen from the seat. These stairs lead down to the main deck.

My Neighbor’s Window Seat

View of the window seat next to mine. The seat has thick cushioning on the backrest, looking quite comfortable.

Upper Deck Aisle

A wide aisle running through the upper deck.

Hot Towel

A hot towel was offered.

Lavatory Amenities

Amenities inside the lavatory:

Inside of Lavatory Door

Interior view of the lavatory door.

Arrival Card

Arrival card for entering South Korea.

Front Monitor Screen

The front screen display.

Route Map: Narita to Incheon

Flight route map from Narita to Incheon.

Galley Curtain Mid-Ascent

Post-takeoff galley view. The curtain is slightly tilted, likely due to the aircraft’s ascent.

Upper Deck Ceiling

Ceiling area of the upper deck.

Stairs Down to Main Deck

Staircase from the upper deck down to the main deck. In the background, a flight attendant is taking meal orders.

Crew Work Area

A space next to the top of the stairs, seemingly for flight attendant tasks.

Space Opposite Crew Work Area

An open area across from the flight attendant work space on the upper deck.

Menu

This is the menu. It includes a message in both Korean and English, expressing appreciation for flying with them.

Drink Menu

This is the drink menu, featuring alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Meal Menu

You can choose between Western and Korean cuisine. I chose the Western option, which featured cheese-flavored sautéed chicken as the main dish.

Service Begins

The meal service has begun. The flight attendants, wearing aprons, are going around to each seat.

Champagne

This is the bottle of champagne I was served:
Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top Brut
[(Editor’s note) Heidsieck was founded in 1785, making it one of the oldest champagne houses.]

Bread

The bread service. I tried one of each type, and they were all incredibly delicious.

Western Meal

I had the Western meal. The bread was especially outstanding—so good that if I fly Asiana again, I might just ask for the bread alone.

Extra Bread

I asked for an additional plate of bread and received more.

Main Dish

This is the main dish: cheese-flavored sautéed chicken. The chicken was a bit firm, but the flavor was excellent. The honey lemon sauce, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables were also delicious.

Cake and Red Wine

I enjoyed some red wine with dessert.

Almost There

While enjoying the in-flight meal and drinks, we were soon approaching Incheon.

Terminal Guide on the Screen

A map of the terminal at Incheon Airport was displayed on the screen, likely intended for connecting passengers.

Airbus A350-900

We arrived at Incheon Airport. Looking out the window, I saw other Asiana Airlines aircraft parked at the tarmac. This one is an Airbus A350-900.

Airbus A380 (1)

Here is an Airbus A380 aircraft.

Airbus A380 (2)

I was able to see that Airbus A380 from the front.

Airbus A321

This aircraft appears to be an Airbus A321.

From Upper to Lower Deck

Heading downstairs from the upper deck to the main deck via the staircase.

Aircraft Door

View of the aircraft door on the main deck.

Arrival on the Tarmac

Now disembarking from the aircraft.

Welcome Decoration

Inside Incheon Airport, there was a welcome decoration made of flowers. The vibrant colors and elegant arrangement were truly impressive.

Arrival Exit Guide Board

I passed through Korean immigration. This is the guide board for the arrivals exit.

Escalator to the Subway

I’m heading into Incheon city by subway. This is the escalator leading to the subway platform.

To the Subway Station

Going down the escalator toward the subway station.

Subway Platform

I’ve arrived at the subway platform. Now boarding the train.

Subway Transfer

I got off at the transfer station and switched to a different line.

Restaurant at Transfer Station

There was a small eatery inside the transfer station. They served items like kimbap, udon, and ramen.

Another Subway Transfer

Transferred to another subway line.

Arrival in Seoul

I’ve arrived at my destination in Incheon city.