Big planes aren't supposed to exist anymore. At least, that's what the industry "experts" have been shouting for the last five years while they fall in love with fuel-efficient twin jets. But if you walk through Terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport right now, you’ll see something that defies that logic: the Asiana Airlines Airbus A380.
It’s massive. It’s slightly dated. And honestly? It’s still one of the best ways to cross the Pacific.
Most people think the A380 is a relic of the past, especially with the Korean Air merger hitting its final stages this year. But Asiana's "Superjumbo" isn't dead yet. In fact, it's currently holding down the fort on some of the carrier's most high-profile routes, including the daily OZ201/202 service between Seoul and Los Angeles. If you’ve never flown it, or if you’re trying to figure out if it’s worth the points before the fleet inevitably gets repainted in Korean Air blue, there are a few things you really need to know.
The Weird Logic of the "Business Suite"
Here is where it gets interesting. Back in 2019, Asiana did something kinda bold—they officially eliminated First Class. But they didn't actually remove the seats.
They rebranded them as the Business Suite.
This is essentially a "First Class Lite" experience. You’re sitting in the exact same physical seat that used to cost $10,000—a massive 25.2-inch wide throne with 81 inches of bed length—but you’re paying a Business Class fare (plus maybe a little extra depending on your booking class).
The catch? You get Business Class food and service.
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Is it a downgrade? Technically, yes, since you aren't getting the caviar or the top-shelf vintage champagne of yesteryear. But for most of us, having a literal room with sliding doors and a 32-inch high-definition monitor for the price of a standard business seat is a massive win. You still get access to the First Class Lounge at Incheon, which, let's be real, is half the reason to book the suite anyway.
Cabin Layout and Where to Sit
The Asiana Airlines Airbus A380 is a beast, carrying 495 passengers. It's split across two decks, and where you end up determines whether you have a "standard" flight or a legendary one.
- Main Deck (Lower): This is where the 12 Business Suites live (Rows 1-3). Behind them is a massive sea of Economy seats.
- Upper Deck: This is the premium sanctuary. You'll find 66 Business Smartium seats here in a 1-2-1 staggered layout. Behind them is a smaller, quieter Economy cabin.
If you’re in the Business Smartium (the "standard" business class), try to snag an "A" or "K" seat. Because of the staggered layout, these seats are flush against the window with the side console protecting you from the aisle. It feels way more private.
Why the Asiana Airlines Airbus A380 is a "Limited Time Only" Experience
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: the merger.
As of January 2026, Asiana Airlines is effectively being folded into Korean Air. The brand is sunsetting. CEO Walter Cho has been pretty transparent about the fact that while the A380s are still flying due to delays in new aircraft deliveries (looking at you, Boeing 777X), they aren't the long-term future.
Currently, the Asiana A380 is a workhorse for the following 2026 schedule:
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- Seoul (ICN) – Los Angeles (LAX): The primary long-haul home for this jet.
- Seoul (ICN) – Bangkok (BKK): Frequently sees the A380 during peak seasons for high-capacity regional hops.
- Seoul (ICN) – Tokyo (NRT) / Taipei (TPE): These "short" flights are basically used to keep the planes moving between long-haul rotations.
Flying an A380 on a two-hour flight to Tokyo is hilarious. It’s like using a semi-truck to go get a loaf of bread. But for passengers, it’s a total luxury because you get a wide-body experience on a route that usually sees cramped A321s.
The "Starlight" Ceiling and the Little Details
One thing Asiana got right that often gets overlooked is the cabin atmosphere. When the lights go down on a 12-hour flight to LA, the ceiling of the A380 transforms into a "starlight" display. It sounds cheesy, but when you wake up at 3 AM over the Pacific, it’s genuinely soothing.
The lavatories on the A380 are also weirdly large. There’s a bench in the forward bathroom on the upper deck where you can actually sit down to change into your pajamas without doing a Cirque du Soleil routine over a toilet.
Is it Better Than the A350?
This is the big debate. Asiana also flies the Airbus A350-900, which is objectively a "better" plane. It’s quieter, the air pressure is better for your skin and lungs, and it’s way more fuel-efficient.
But the A350 doesn't have the Business Suite.
If you want the absolute best seat—the most space, the most privacy—you pick the Asiana Airlines Airbus A380. If you want a more modern cabin and slightly better "feel" when you land, you go for the A350. Personally? I’ll take the extra 10 inches of legroom on the A380 every single time.
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Practical Tips for Your Next Booking
If you're looking to book this before it's gone, here's the reality.
1. Watch the Flight Numbers
On the LAX route, OZ201 is the A380. OZ203 is usually a Boeing 777. Don't accidentally book the 777 if you're specifically hunting for the double-decker experience. The 777 is fine, but it’s not the Superjumbo.
2. Use Your Miles Now
Since Asiana is leaving Star Alliance to join SkyTeam (via the Korean Air merger), your United, Air Canada, or Lufthansa miles won't be able to book these seats much longer. If you have a stash of Aeroplan points, 2026 is your "last call" to use them for an Asiana A380 redemption.
3. The Upper Deck Secret
Even if you're flying Economy, try to book the "Duo Seats" on the upper deck. Because the upper deck is narrower than the main deck, the window seats in Economy have extra storage bins between the seat and the wall. It’s basically a free side table.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a trip to Korea or Southeast Asia this year:
- Check the Tail Number: Use a site like FlightRadar24 to see if HL7625, HL7626, or one of the other six A380s is actually assigned to your flight. Aircraft swaps happen, especially as these older birds require more maintenance.
- Book Business, Request the Suite: If you’ve booked a "J" class business ticket, check the seat map immediately. If Rows 1-3 are open, you might be able to snag a "Business Suite" for a relatively small upgrade fee or even for free if you have high-tier status in Asiana Club.
- Prepare for the Lounge Change: Remember that Asiana passengers are moving to Terminal 2 at Incheon to co-locate with Korean Air. This means better lounges, but also a different airport flow than you might be used to if you haven't been to Seoul in a few years.
The Asiana Airlines Airbus A380 is a giant living on borrowed time. It’s a relic of an era where bigger was always better. While it might not be the most economical plane for the airline, for the passenger, it remains a spacious, quiet, and nostalgic way to travel. Get on it before the paint dries on that new Korean Air livery.