Airline trust profile
Asiana Airlines OZ
Star Alliance · Hub: Seoul Incheon
At a glance
Key facts about this carrier
Asiana Airlines (OZ) is a South Korean Star Alliance carrier at Seoul Incheon, known for strong service, now integrating with Korean Air.
- Star Alliance member with hub at Seoul Incheon (ICN)
- Seoul Incheon is a top-rated hub airport with efficient transfer facilities
- Strong transpacific network connecting US West Coast cities to Asia
- Leaves Star Alliance on 16 December 2026 and merges into Korean Air the next day
- Skytrax 5-star rated for service quality and cabin standards
Why this tier
Why we rate Asiana Airlines Trusted
Asiana Airlines is a Skytrax 5-star carrier operating from Seoul Incheon, but the brand will cease to exist on December 17, 2026 when it formally merges into Korean Air. Until then it remains a Star Alliance member with strong intra-Asia and transpacific service, though booking beyond late 2026 carries integration risk.
Strengths
- Skytrax 5-star certification maintained for 16 consecutive years, with consistently high marks for crew professionalism and in-flight dining
- Hub at Incheon International Airport - repeatedly ranked world's best airport for transfers, lounges, and operational efficiency
- Strong transpacific network connecting Seoul to major North American cities with competitive business class product
- Dense intra-Asia short-haul network covering Japan, China, and Southeast Asia with high frequencies
Watch-outs
- Brand disappears December 17, 2026 - all operations merge into Korean Air, moving from Star Alliance to SkyTeam
- Fleet and product investment frozen during merger transition; no major cabin upgrades expected before brand retirement
- Loyalty program (Asiana Club) transitioning to Korean Air SKYPASS - FTC initially rejected the integration plan over consumer protection concerns
Best used for
- Intra-Asia connections
- Transpacific
- Business class RTW
Consultant intelligence
Operational notes
Hub and Connections
Hub at Incheon (ICN). Minimum connection 60 minutes international at ICN. Asiana is merging with Korean Air (expected completion 2024-2025), which will reshape its network. ICN is an excellent connecting hub with modern facilities. Strong connections between North America, Southeast Asia, and Oceania via ICN. Domestic connections via Gimpo (GMP) require a 60-minute bus transfer from ICN.
Baggage
Bags check through on Star Alliance itineraries. ICN has excellent baggage handling with low mishandling rates. Transpacific flights often allow 2x23kg in economy depending on fare. Interline agreements with all Star Alliance members. Post-merger baggage policies may align with Korean Air standards.
Terminal Notes
ICN Terminal 1 for Asiana and Star Alliance partners. Asiana Lounge and Business Class Lounge at ICN T1. ICN is consistently rated among the best airports globally. Free transit tours and rest areas available. Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 transfer takes 15+ minutes via shuttle train. Post-merger, operations may consolidate.
Operational Issues
Typhoon season and summer monsoon (June-September) cause occasional delays. ICN winter operations are well-managed with effective de-icing. The Korean Air merger creates uncertainty around route continuation and schedule changes. Asiana has been reducing some routes as merger integration proceeds. On-time performance is generally strong.
Alliance change, December 2026
Asiana leaves Star Alliance at 23:59 Korea time on 16 December 2026 and merges into Korean Air, a SkyTeam carrier, the next day. Two things follow for anyone booking now. A Star Alliance round-the-world ticket cannot carry an Asiana flight dated after the exit, so a trip spanning that date needs a different carrier for those legs. And Star Alliance mileage earning on Asiana-operated flights has already stopped - it ended for travel on or after 16 October 2026 - while redemptions and elite benefits continue until the exit date.
What has changed on this profile (3)
Safety
Checked against the EU Air Safety List: not listed.
Tier change
RTW suitability raised from Limited to Good in our October review.
Alliance
Noted the Star Alliance exit dated 16 December 2026.
Asiana leaves Star Alliance at 23:59 Korea time on 16 December 2026 and merges into Korean Air, a SkyTeam carrier, the following day. Star Alliance mileage earning on Asiana-operated flights already ended for travel on or after 16 October 2026; redemptions and elite benefits run until the exit date. (source)
Round the world on Star Alliance
Asiana Airlines flies on the Star Alliance Round the World pass
One ticket, Asiana Airlines and its alliance partners, priced as a single round-the-world fare. We book it, check your route against the pass rules first, and stay on call while you travel.
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