Asiana Airlines 2025 Guide: Rating, Safety, Merger & Services

There’s a reason travelers often mention Asiana Airlines in the same breath as Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific — this South Korean full-service carrier has held a Skytrax 5-Star rating for 17 consecutive years, placing it in an exclusive group of about 10 airlines worldwide. Yet behind the glossy service awards, Asiana is navigating one of the biggest changes in its history: a merger with Korean Air.

Year Founded: 1988 ·
Skytrax Rating: 5-Star ·
IATA Code: OZ ·
Fleet Size: 82 aircraft ·
Destinations: 90 international, 14 domestic

Nine key specifications define Asiana’s operations, from its founding year to its alliance membership.

Is Asiana owned by Korean Air?

No — Asiana Airlines is not owned by Korean Air. Both carriers are full-service competitors in South Korea, but in 2019 Korean Air’s parent company, Hanjin Group, announced a deal to acquire Asiana. The merger has received regulatory approvals and is scheduled to close in December 2024, according to corporate statements. The combined entity will become one of the top 10 largest airlines globally by fleet size.

The ownership structure is clear: Asiana remains a subsidiary of Kumho Asiana Group until the deal closes. Travelers booking flights now will still fly with Asiana’s crew, fleet, and service standards. After the merger, integration of systems and loyalty programs is expected to begin in 2025.

Is Asiana Airlines a low-cost carrier or a luxury airline?

Asiana is a full-service carrier (FSC) — not a low-cost carrier (LCC). It offers First Class, Business Class, and Economy cabins with seat selection, meals, and baggage included in the fare. The airline has been certified as a 5-Star airline by Skytrax (airline rating authority), a designation that covers airport and onboard product as well as staff service.

What classifies Asiana Airlines’ service model?

• Full-service model similar to Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific.
• No basic economy or no-frills options.
• Asiana Club frequent flyer program with elite tiers.

Is Asiana Airlines a 5-star airline?

Yes. Asiana holds Skytrax’s 5-Star Airline Rating, a global benchmark of airline standards. The rating evaluates seats, amenities, food and beverages, in-flight entertainment, cleanliness, and staff service. Asiana has maintained this status for 17 consecutive years — a feat achieved by fewer than 10 carriers worldwide.

The implication: Asiana’s service model is squarely in the premium segment, with no budget options.

Is Asiana a good airline?

Independent reviews and industry benchmarks say yes. On TripAdvisor (user review platform), Asiana averages 4 out of 5 stars. Business-class passengers particularly praise lie-flat seats, premium meals, and priority boarding. The airline also ranks among the top 10 safest carriers in the world according to AirlineRatings.com (safety rating specialist).

How safe is Asiana Airlines?

• Skytrax gives Asiana a 5-Star Safety Rating.
• AirlineRatings.com ranked Asiana 10th in its 2025 list of world’s safest airlines.
• The airline says safety is its highest priority in its official overview.

The pattern: Safety records and passenger reviews consistently support Asiana’s strong reputation, though one accident remains a notable exception.

Does Asiana Airlines have free food?

Yes. Complimentary meals and beverages are served on all Asiana flights, including domestic routes. On international flights, passengers can choose between Korean and Western options. Special meals (vegetarian, halal, low-sodium) are available with 24-hour advance notice. Meal quality is a consistent highlight in traveler reviews.

What in-flight meals does Asiana serve?

• International First and Business Class: multi-course meals designed by Korean chefs.
• Economy Class: choices of hot entrees, side dishes, and desserts.
• Domestic flights: complimentary snacks and beverages.

According to Asiana Airlines (official carrier), meal service is part of the full-service offering. No additional charges apply.

What is Asiana Airlines’ contact number and other travel info?

For customer service, Asiana operates dedicated lines for each region. In the United States, call 1-800-227-4262. For international inquiries, dial +82-2-2669-8000. Check-in opens 24 hours before departure online or at airport kiosks. Baggage allowances vary by route and fare class; standard Economy includes one checked bag up to 23 kg on trans-Pacific flights.

Asiana Airlines check-in process

• Online check-in: flyasiana.com or mobile app (available 24 h before departure).
• Airport kiosks and counters open 3 hours before departure for international flights.

Asiana Airlines business class features

• Lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft like the Boeing 777 and 787.
• Priority check-in and boarding.
• Access to Asiana Business Class lounges at major hubs.

Asiana Airlines cabin crew service

Asiana has won multiple service awards for its cabin crew. The airline trains staff in both Korean and English service etiquette, and passenger reviews often highlight the crew’s attentiveness. Uniforms were redesigned in 2015 and are considered among the most elegant in the industry.

For travel within Australia, see our guide on Perth to Adelaide Flights.

Specifications

Seven core specifications define Asiana’s operational profile, from its aircraft to its worldwide reach.

For travel between Japanese cities, see our Tokyo to Osaka transport guide.

For travelers in the US or Europe considering a long-haul flight to Asia, the choice between Asiana and its competitors often comes down to route network and service preference. Asiana’s 5-Star product and safety record make it a strong contender, but the pending merger introduces a layer of uncertainty about future service consistency. The implication: if you value independent airline identity, book now while Asiana operates as its own entity. For loyalty program members, integration plans could eventually merge Asiana Club miles with Korean Air’s system, offering broader redemption options.